New CPAP user...small questions

Hi all,

I started on CPAP last week and it has been going okay. Lots of thins learned and little adjustments being made all the time. This community is amazing and I just wanted to thank all the users who take the time I have learned so much just looking through old post and questions.

Here are the questions:

1) How long do the sore spots take to heal? On night 2 I made a stupid mistake and tried to fix a mask leak that was shooting into my eye by over tightening my mask and learned the hard way that that was a mistake! Just curious with putting the mask back on every night how long to heal?

2) When did you notice CPAP making a difference? What kind of differences did you notice?

3) I seem to be having some issues with being on CPAP in that I am constantly worried my young kids will be afraid of me...that my wife is effected by the mask...they are nothing but supportive and expressed joy that I am finally getting help now...I guess I just kind of needed to say this to someone. No advice needed here.

Thanks again for creating a place like this.

I think everyone has a different story as to how long it took them to feel the benefits of CPAP. For me, it was a very slow process--taking around 8 months for me to realize that everything was "gelling" and I was really better. The learning curve is huge, so getting things just right takes time. Some people see immediate relief from their therapy, but I had to exercise a lot of patience.

I also use a Quattro FX mask, and over time, develop a sore spot on my nose. I alternate that mask with a Hybrid mask until the sore spot heals, which usually takes about 2 weeks. I must use a full face mask because of my lips not staying sealed during the night. It's nice to have a mask that doesn't ride on your nose every single night. Alternating masks has been a good idea for me.

rxg26 wrote: 3) I seem to be having some issues with being on CPAP in that I am constantly worried my young kids will be afraid of me...that my wife is effected by the mask...they are nothing but supportive and expressed joy that I am finally getting help now...I guess I just kind of needed to say this to someone. No advice needed here.

Let them see you with your mask. If they're not too young and scared, play with them. Make Darth Vader noises and say "No, I am your father." Or run around the house pretending to be a jet pilot. Put the mask on them for a minute or two, not connected to the machine.

rxg26 wrote:3) I seem to be having some issues with being on CPAP in that I am constantly worried my young kids will be afraid of me...that my wife is effected by the mask...they are nothing but supportive and expressed joy that I am finally getting help now...I guess I just kind of needed to say this to someone. No advice needed here.

Hi,

Sorry, but you are going to get some advice. Many people have a sense of loss when they first start on CPAP. It can be like a grieving processes, almost as if a small part of themselves has died. It is hard to express in words, but you suddenly realize that this is going to be a somewhat awkward reality for the rest of your life. Over time, as CPAP becomes second nature, you realize it is no big deal. The feelings of loss go away. It might be that your worry stems from this feeling, and you are feeling it in a slight different way. It is OK to have some worries, concerns, and even be a little blue about the whole situation. This is a lot of change to deal with in a short period of time. The best advice is to take it one day at a time, getting the best sleep you can on any given day, and look forward to this being the start of something that could turn out really great. I know that each year that I have been on CPAP has been the best year of my life. 2012 was amazing, but 2013 was even better. I can hardly wait for 2014 to see what it brings.

Best of luck on this journey!

-john-

rxg26 wrote: Here are the questions:

1) How long do the sore spots take to heal? On night 2 I made a stupid mistake and tried to fix a mask leak that was shooting into my eye by over tightening my mask and learned the hard way that that was a mistake! Just curious with putting the mask back on every night how long to heal?

There are mask liners available or you can make your own from an old tshirt. Play around with it.

2) When did you notice CPAP making a difference? What kind of differences did you notice?

It can be subtle at first. Also remember it may take a few weeks for your brain to trust this thing on your face and allow you to sleep deeply.

3) I seem to be having some issues with being on CPAP in that I am constantly worried my young kids will be afraid of me...that my wife is effected by the mask...they are nothing but supportive and expressed joy that I am finally getting help now...I guess I just kind of needed to say this to someone. No advice needed here.

Thanks again for creating a place like this.

Like the other poster said - play jet pilot. Once you have been on it for a few month your wife may appreciate the renewed joy you may have in your "marriage bed" .....cough cough...

Change in lifestyle is always rough and you go through ups and downs adjusting to it.

1 - Healing - This depends on quite a few things. Is it just a sore area or was the area rubbed raw. If your mask fits correctly, a sore area should go away fairly quickly and a raw area will take longer. The only time I ended up with a raw area, I had been given a mask that was too small and it didn't go away until I changed out the mask. If you can swing it, a second mask with different pressure points can help.

2 - For some people I have helped through the process, they noticed a change very quickly. For me, it was a lot longer. I was part of a sleep study and committed to use the machine for the duration of the study (6 weeks or so, I'd have to check my old posts). I then had to give up the machine and it was a week before I got set up with my new machine. I didn't notice a change when I was using the machine, however when i gave it up, it was a huge difference.

3 - Stick with it, I had fun with my kids, they were 6 and 7 at the time and I wouldn't hide the mask and had lots of laughs with them when I took it home. I involved them in the process of trying it on and they were never afraid of it. My wife was happy the snoring and lack of breathing that had been bothering her stopped.

Chris

This cream makes it heal faster. https://www.cpap.com/productpage/CPAP-M ... oEzIt.html.

Thank you all for your helpful advice. Truly amazing community.

Things are going okay so far still struggling with little things like eye leaks, occasionally waking do to mask feeling off, or pressure feels off. I am going to try use Sleepyhead to try and get an understanding of what is happening at night.

I hope to have a follow up with the sleep clinic/doc soon.

Thanks again,
Rick

Once you have a mask collection, Halloween is no longer a challenge.
Just dig out the spares and "not quite perfect"s.
You might even freak out your pets--but generally only once!
A mask is a great thing to wear while answering the door.
"Honey, did you see those Witnesses run?"