Can't tolerate cpap

I've been using cpap with full mask for 6 weeks and just cannot tolerate it any longer. I find it extremely irratating and claustrophobic.I have tried other masks and nothing works, I do understand the risks involved in not using this, but what about the risks of getting no sleep with this machine? I want to stop, but the docs just keep putting more pressure on to use it. Some people just can't tolerate cpap, and I'm convienced I'm one of those people. How do I convince my doctor of this without feeling like I'm just not being compliant? Tried and tired in Wisconsin.

Which masks have you tried?
It took me twnty before I found one that REALLY worked for me.
The fist two masks the damn DME shoved off on me HURT.

Most people don't WANT to tolerate cpap. The issue with most masks is probably in your mind. Wear the mask & machine while watching tv to get used to it. Use a liner to make the mask more comfortable and decide you want to save your life.

For the last week I have had electricians working in my house. Since they were opening old walls where mice once lived, they wore a full face mask with canisters ALL day long. No air pumping in at all. They weren't sleeping, they were climbing ladders and hauling cable.

ddries4352 wrote:I've been using cpap with full mask for 6 weeks and just cannot tolerate it any longer. I find it extremely irratating and claustrophobic.I have tried other masks and nothing works, I do understand the risks involved in not using this, but what about the risks of getting no sleep with this machine? I want to stop, but the docs just keep putting more pressure on to use it. Some people just can't tolerate cpap, and I'm convienced I'm one of those people. How do I convince my doctor of this without feeling like I'm just not being compliant? Tried and tired in Wisconsin.

Go back and read your first thread.

viewtopic/t112095/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1 ... 9#p1071339

Are you still using the same settings you were then?
If so, you were set up to fail. Pressure range settings of 5 - 20 are NOT effective and NOT therapeutic. For many of us, it would surely cause claustrophobia.
Have you downloaded and started using Sleepyhead software? If not, get it and start using it.
You've just barely scratched the surface of "using" your therapy. You NEED to find out what settings work better and make some attempts to desensitize yourself with using this therapy.
Have you even TRIED doing some of the things that have been recommended......like using it when you're watching TV or reading?

Don't be a "quitter" before you even start.


Den

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ddries4352 wrote:I've been using cpap with full mask for 6 weeks and just cannot tolerate it any longer. I find it extremely irratating and claustrophobic.I have tried other masks and nothing works, I do understand the risks involved in not using this, but what about the risks of getting no sleep with this machine? I want to stop, but the docs just keep putting more pressure on to use it. Some people just can't tolerate cpap, and I'm convienced I'm one of those people. How do I convince my doctor of this without feeling like I'm just not being compliant? Tried and tired in Wisconsin.

Hi ddries4352,

Have you just tried full face masks or having you also looked into nasal/nasal pillow masks as usually they are alot less claustrophobic? You do have to be able to breath through your nose to use them.

Please also follow Den's advice regarding downloading sleepyhead software and optimizing your pressure settings. I can definitely vouch for the fact that low pressures can contribute to claustrophobia.

Hang in there, we'll help you get through this.

49er