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rainbowmoon · Post by **rainbowmoon** » Fri Nov 10, 2006 4:03 am

Well, I am awake now, so at least I am not apneic at the moment.

However, the prospect itself of having to use C-PAP IS taking my breath away.

About 2 years ago, I had a sleep study. I slept a total of 47 minutes and stopped breathing 26 times. I have the WORST case of claustrophobia in the Western hemisphere, and just having the study, (which has to be done over because it wasn't nearly long enough for Medicare to pay) was enough to put me in morbid fear of this Klingon contraption from hell.

I am currently seeing a sleep psychologist to deal with the issues that are preventing me from getting treatment, but I would really cherish any info and support from anyone who has dealt with claustrophobia, which, I now know more than ever, is NOT a morbid fear of Santa Claus. (I've learned sooooooooo much in 50 years

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Fri Nov 10, 2006 5:45 am

Welcome to cpaptalk!
I don't have claustropohobia but I use the hybrid mask, It only covers the bottom of your face. The top of your face is unobstructed. Maybe this type of mask would be easier for you to wear. Since it only covers your mouth and has pillows that go to your nose, your nose and eyes are not covered by anything. It might be worth a try.

Brenda

rvguy · Post by **rvguy** » Fri Nov 10, 2006 7:30 am

What is with all the "also posted as"????

Paul

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Fri Nov 10, 2006 7:35 am

What is with all the "also posted as"????

Yes, kind of looks like "rainbowmoon" is an old troll..

nomad · Post by **nomad** » Fri Nov 10, 2006 7:52 am

rvguy wrote:What is with all the "also posted as"????

Paul

There's got to be a glitch in the software somewhere. No one in there right mind would register that many times... would they? Btw, a couple of those names look vaguely familiar.

Krelvin · Post by **Krelvin** » Fri Nov 10, 2006 8:17 am

Most likely use an ISP which uses a proxy for outbound connections. Say they are the same IP of all those people.

Sneezie · Post by **Sneezie** » Fri Nov 10, 2006 8:25 am

I am not clausterphobic but as a newbie myself I will tell you the nasal pillows would definitely be better. I hated the mask. It almost took up all of my face! It is sooo much better now that I have my mirage swift. Hope that helps!

Vader · Post by **Vader** » Fri Nov 10, 2006 8:40 am

oldgearhead wrote:
What is with all the "also posted as"????
Yes, kind of looks like "rainbowmoon" is an old troll..

I think it would be very unfair to characterize this person as a "troll".

This type of incident has been discussed recently, and it appears to be some kind of glitch with anyone who has ever used AOL.

Offerocker · Post by **Offerocker** » Fri Nov 10, 2006 9:21 am

RAINBOWMOON:

I have found the ComfortLite2 SIMPLE CUSHION to be a 'mask' that is lightweight, has great visibility, and has just a small silicone piece that fits over your nose.

I don't do well with anything against my nose, don't get good seals with full-face masks, so this was an excellent solution for me.

Although I use the Activa more frequently, but I would not recommend it for you.

Please REGISTER, then fill out your PROFILE.

Others will be able to Private Message you that way, and you can list your cpap machine, etc. for further help when you begin that journey.

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Fri Nov 10, 2006 9:29 am

rainbowmoon,

First of all, disregard our "who is this" twinge reaction". We're usually a very helpful group. Honestly.

Second: See if you can get a psychologist to help you with desensitization to sleeping with the mask. Curing your claustrophobia may be a very tall order, but getting used to wearing a mask that makes you breath better may be easier.

Third: At present, your brain knows that you are being semichoked every time you fall asleep - no wonder you're feeling anxious. While you may be feeling anxious in "unreasonable" conditions, you have a physical bedrock of very good reasons for it - your nightly experience.

At this starting point, you aim should be to wear the mask - while it blows a gentle amount of air into you while you're awake, sitting, watching TV or something. And, your second aim should be to take the mask off when you choose to do it, not when forced to by anxiety. If that means bringing it close to your face, and the moving it away, that's what you do.

In other words - learning to make friends with a mask because it will help you breathe and feel better is something you are going to do at you own speed. Don't let anyone, (your "better" self included) rush you into an anxiety inducing situation. If you have to start out by holding the mask at arms' length, do it like that. Aim the blowing air at the back of your other hand. On the next day, bring just a little bit closer to your face, and the next day a tiny bit more. Make yourself a firm promise not to go to bed with the mask until you feel good enough about it.

Good luck!
O.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Fri Nov 10, 2006 10:07 am

Vader wrote:
oldgearhead wrote:
What is with all the "also posted as"????
Yes, kind of looks like "rainbowmoon" is an old troll..

I think it would be very unfair to characterize this person as a "troll".

This type of incident has been discussed recently, and it appears to be some kind of glitch with anyone who has ever used AOL.

More specifically, it is (almost) ANYONE who Guest-posts from AOL that gets this big long list of "also posted as" attached to their post.

Den

Rafe · Post by **Rafe** » Fri Nov 10, 2006 12:04 pm

Speaking for myself, my first experience with the mask during my initial split night sleep study made me think I was claustrophobic. Turns out the problem is due to a deviated septum. Nasal pillows are also much less likely to cause you to feel claustrophobic, but you can't use these if you can't breathe completely thoguth your nose.

So, have you seen an ENT?

SelfSeeker · Post by **SelfSeeker** » Sat Nov 11, 2006 9:14 am

Hello rainbow,

I do not have the worse case of clasutrophobia, but I did go into a panic attack, when I put on the activia. And still get panicy when I think about.

I totally for went the nasal mask thing and went with nasal pillow and nasal prongs anything that is not in my face. I really like the Nasal Aire II.

I even like being able to talk with it on, if I have to.

I am not waiting for a DME appointment to try on the hybrid. Not sure how I will react to that one yet.

Good Luck.

rainbowmoon wrote:Well, I am awake now, so at least I am not apneic at the moment.

However, the prospect itself of having to use C-PAP IS taking my breath away.

About 2 years ago, I had a sleep study. I slept a total of 47 minutes and stopped breathing 26 times. I have the WORST case of claustrophobia in the Western hemisphere, and just having the study, (which has to be done over because it wasn't nearly long enough for Medicare to pay) was enough to put me in morbid fear of this Klingon contraption from hell.

I am currently seeing a sleep psychologist to deal with the issues that are preventing me from getting treatment, but I would really cherish any info and support from anyone who has dealt with claustrophobia, which, I now know more than ever, is NOT a morbid fear of Santa Claus. (I've learned sooooooooo much in 50 years

Offerocker · Post by **Offerocker** » Sat Nov 11, 2006 11:07 am

SelfSeeker wrote:Hello rainbow,

I do not have the worse case of clasutrophobia, but I did go into a panic attack, when I put on the activia. And still get panicy when I think about.

Rainbow: I've only quoted "SelfSeeker" here, as an example to you that WE ALSO have different reactions to certain masks. For ME, the Activa was a Godsend after trying so many other masks (exception, CL2). I can't wait to put on that seemingly heavy bad boy, because I know I'll get a good seal, and don't have to continually adjust it. I've had uninterrupted sleep ever since. But, that's MY situation, and as I said previously, that's most likely the last mask you'd want to try.

Even without your current problem, please realize that different masks DO affect each of us differently, either due to facial construction, sleeping positions, leak factors, or just plain comfort. At times, we're willing to give up some comfort in order to get a good seal, as in my case.

You may need to start out with the least-formidable mask to you.

Please keep us informed of your progress, and continue to ask questions.
I didn't notice that you have REGISTERED yet; please do so, and fill out your profile. That will make communications much easier...and we want to know that you're "still around"!! Good luck and stamina!

Ozij's recommendations were excellent; hopefully more DMEs and RTs will practice them.

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Sat Nov 11, 2006 11:22 am

by now, rainbowmoon (guest) is rainbowpoet - the registered user, both lovely names by the way.

O.

Mask