ON AND OFF????

I have been on the cpap about 3 weeks. I use it for the most part, but sometimes I just don't. I might wake at night and throw it to the side. I usually use it, and get about 5 hours sleep. Is this normal for newbies??

Completely normal.

The time frame is different for each of us. But it was about 3 months before I was able to keep the mask on from the time I went to bed until time to get up. I would take it off in my sleep. So IMHO if you are averaging 5 hrs a night with mask this early in the game you are doing excellent.

Oh and welcome on board and good luck!!

Unfortunately it is far TOO common.

You have to become mentally ready.

I did the same thing as you are doing and others reportable do. At least I did the first few months.

My Doctor matter of factly said, "Get over it" "Keep the mask on". He made it sound like I was an idiot. From that night on I have kept it on. (mostly) Whenever I do take it off, it is because it has become uncomfortable. I feel guilty. I know I have done it to myself. No one else to blame.

Since comfort has become the criteria for using it, I have gotten many masks and change during the night if need be.

Money or Life? Figure it out. What is the most important thing. You or your money. Your family with you present, or your money. Feeling better or your money. I can go on and on. For the money that you spent on the tests, machines and assorted stuff why would you take it off. Think about it.

You need sleep to function daily. You need rest to think straight. Keep the mask on, get some rest and do to yourself, the right thing. Help yourself. No one else will. They say they care, but they can't do it for you.

It made sense to me. I keep it on

Sounds like me in the beginning, except the 5 hours were only 1-2. Hang in there, because it sounds like you are doing pretty well. It takes a little time to get used to, but the benefits are worth your effort!
Best of luck!

MartiniLover wrote:Unfortunately it is far TOO common.

You have to become mentally ready.

I did the same thing as you are doing and others reportable do. At least I did the first few months.

My Doctor matter of factly said, "Get over it" "Keep the mask on". He made it sound like I was an idiot. From that night on I have kept it on. (mostly) Whenever I do take it off, it is because it has become uncomfortable. I feel guilty. I know I have done it to myself. No one else to blame.

Since comfort has become the criteria for using it, I have gotten many masks and change during the night if need be.

Money or Life? Figure it out. What is the most important thing. You or your money. Your family with you present, or your money. Feeling better or your money. I can go on and on. For the money that you spent on the tests, machines and assorted stuff why would you take it off. Think about it.

You need sleep to function daily. You need rest to think straight. Keep the mask on, get some rest and do to yourself, the right thing. Help yourself. No one else will. They say they care, but they can't do it for you.

It made sense to me. I keep it on

That's a terrific post, and sums it up perfectly. I'm coming to realize that I'm actually in a tiny minority here in that I never had a problem with tolerating the mask, literally from night one. I've been able to keep it on my face all night long, each and every night. I've come to believe that I am not blessed with any special powers of accomodation. What's unusual is that I was fortunate to get the right mask fitted correctly by my sleep clinic the first time, so there was nothing for the DME to screw up. The correct pressure and the RIGHT mask will make all the difference.

I hate hate hate hate any doc who tries to make you (or anyone, for that matter) feel stupid or incompetent or bad, just because you're having an issue with your treatment. But you do have to take the bull by the horns, get the combination that works for you, and then resolve that you are GOING to make it work, no excuses. This is your life, and nothing's more important, right?

This is what is so great about this board. The doctor is gone, the DME is gone and it is 3AM and you have thrown your mask across the room thinking that this xpap thing will never work. Well, as you can see from the responses, you are not alone. We have all gone though what you describe (I still find my mask on the floor once in a while). But you are not struggling alone. Just keep checking in with this board and ask the silliest questions and you find a whole community ready to give you support.

Hang in there and keep on keeping on
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dsg wrote:I hate hate hate hate any doc who tries to make you (or anyone, for that matter) feel stupid or incompetent or bad, just because you're having an issue with your treatment.

Oh, don't get me started on that topic.

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