high anxiety

stewzo · Post by **stewzo** » Mon Jan 10, 2005 3:29 pm

I was recently diagnosed with severe apnea. I received the CPAP machine last week and have been having a tough time just getting used to the idea that I have to use it. I've tried it out several times. I'll put on the mask and start breathing trying to relax--then, when I feel myself dozing I panic & rip the thing off. I have some sinus problems and almost always have a stuffy nose. I'm always paranoid that I'm going to sufficate. I haven't been able to use it more than 30 minutes before I panic, and have not been able to actually sleep with it on. I feel like I will never be able to breath freely and sleep well----this feeling leads to more anxiety and only heightens the problem. Any suggestions?

Titrator · Post by **Titrator** » Mon Jan 10, 2005 4:26 pm

Hi Stewzo,

You may want to pull the cpap out to the sofa and watch TV while wearing the mask for a couple of hours. The TV will distract you, and it will condition your mind to accept the pap. It could very well make bedtime easier.

Regards,

Ted/Titrator

Janelle · Post by **Janelle** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 12:36 am

Most doctors will also prescribe a steroid type nasal decongestant that you use at night. This will also help any stuffiness you might have when you are wearing the CPAP mask. You didn't say what kind of mask you have, but if it is one that covers the nose, you might want to try one of the nasal pillow masks as there is not as much "stuff" on the face. Sounds like your main problem might be a bit of claustrophobia.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 1:05 am

hi stew,

You mentioned:

I have some sinus problems and almost always have a stuffy nose.

If the mask you are using is a "nasal" mask (covers just your nose), you might truly not be able to breathe through your nose well enough to get enough air. You might be able to breathe more comfortable on "stuffy nose" nights by wearing a full face mask and simply breathing through your mouth.

ResMed Ultra Mirage FF (full face) mask is what I use for nights when I have a cold, or nights when I simply want to be able to relax my mouth open and breathe through my mouth. Despite the name "full face", it doesn't cover your entire face - covers the nose and mouth together. Kind of like a longer regular mask.

A poster (snork1) on the TAS message board had great difficulty with cpap, with any mask of any type, until he finally found an ENT that examined his nasal passages and sinuses thoroughly, rather than just by shining a flashlight up his snout for a minute. He had extensive sinus surgery and is now much better able to use cpap effectively.

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 7:14 am

stewzo wrote:I'm always paranoid that I'm going to sufficate...I feel like I will never be able to breath freely and sleep well.

I know it seems like you're entering a strange world, but have confidence in this therapy. Remeber it was the apnea that was causing you to "suffocate." Wearing the mask and using the machine will help you to breathe freely. Be confident in your treatment and sleep well.

Also, try out the wonderful suggestions in the posts above. They are given from caring individuals that have at times felt just like you now do.