Cpap about be run over in “tragic” accident

G1itched wrote:I just looked at the dream wear mask and I think I’m going to be asking to switch. That mask takes the focal point and weight away from my nose and mouth. Do you mind if I ask what your issues with it were? Does it go off of severatity of apnea?

The severity of apnea doesn't really matter. All OSA should be treated.

Julie wrote:CBT - cognitive behaviour therapy. Have you been living under a rock?

thoughts

If you want your thoughts really known, use the words they taught in school, not everyone was taught language by Campbell's Soup! The alphabet was meant to make up the language, not be the language, don't be lazy. Jim

Go to Cpap.com (the sponsor of this forum) and look up the Hybrid mask... it only covers your mouth, not nose or forehead, though that might still be an issue for you. The thing is that it works well for 'mouth breathers' who otherwise would need a full face mask because they lose therapy air out of their mouths when asleep, but this mask prevents that. You might also look into a 'MAD" (mandibular advancement) device - it's radical and many people have found they end up with TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems with it but do a forum search here on it to see what you think. Be very careful however of e.g. ENT surgeons and/or others who offer various operations (like UPPP) to 'cure' you... you may cure their wallets, but not be any further ahead apnea wise once the surgeries heal.

G1itched wrote:I just looked at the dream wear mask and I think I’m going to be asking to switch. That mask takes the focal point and weight away from my nose and mouth. Do you mind if I ask what your issues with it were? Does it go off of severatity of apnea?

Almost any mask be used for any degree of apnea, mask choice/fit is the most individual and therefore sometimes the most difficult part of getting started on pap therapy. If you're looking for minimal contact to your face, look at the AirFit P10. Honestly, I sometimes have to cross my eyes and look at my nose to see if I'm wearing it!

Most of us feel we can't breathe at low pressure! It's meant to be a comfort measure (the idea is the pressure won't go up until you are sleeping) but for most of us it's NOT. So we turn this "ramp" feature off and turn the lowest pressure setting up to 6 at least. That may help you be more comfortable.

Also I second the DreamWear mask. It's soft and the part that touches your nose feels like a gentle finger under your nose.

Then lots of desensitizing practice when you are awake and in control. Start by just holding the nasal part of the mask with the machine on. Baby steps.

Re: PTSD

Something that has helped me, when waking up and believing that I am back in the traumatic situation, is to remind myself over and over again, "That was then. It is not now."

I know it sounds kind of lame, and I've probably had more therapy under my belt (and more practice), but it is what works for me. I sure didn't expect xPAP to be triggering though.

G1itched wrote:Can I push for a therapy treatment other than a cpap to treat my apnea?

It just occurs to me... wouldn't this be a good argument for getting a bilevel? That is what I have. Not sure that I could tolerate having a regular cpap with the constant pressure, having had trauma(s)/abuse involving suffocation.

luvsbluberries wrote:

G1itched wrote:Can I push for a therapy treatment other than a cpap to treat my apnea?

It just occurs to me... wouldn't this be a good argument for getting a bilevel? That is what I have. Not sure that I could tolerate having a regular cpap with the constant pressure, having had trauma(s)/abuse involving suffocation.

+1

from "outside the box"...

I like the idea of masking up and watching TV or reading a book, but that may be jumping in the deep side a little early.

How about starting off with picking up some particle masks like this.
https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Non-To ... icle+masks
Then do some dusting or vacuuming around the house. If you feel creative you can do some woodworking like helping the local Cub Scouts with their Pinewood Derby cars or something like that. Or you could pick up some fabric and cut and sew something.

The idea is to keep you a little distracted while getting use to having something on your face.

Another idea is to pick up a snorkel and go swimming in the local pool, or better yet take a vacation to a tropical beach and snorkel in the shallow water.

Starting at a lower pressure can be a comfort enhancement provided you don't start off at too low a pressure and don't extend the ramp time too long. 6, 7, or 8 are reasonable pressures to try to start from and a reasonable ramp time is 10 to 15 minutes.

When things are overwhelming it is good to have a trusted friend to talk things over with. That friend can act as an advocate for you when dealing with doctors and trying to figure out what to do next. Sometimes you are not thinking straight and having an advocate can help.

In summary, start slow and small and work your way up using baby steps.

luvsbluberries wrote:

G1itched wrote:Can I push for a therapy treatment other than a cpap to treat my apnea?

It just occurs to me... wouldn't this be a good argument for getting a bilevel? That is what I have. Not sure that I could tolerate having a regular cpap with the constant pressure, having had trauma(s)/abuse involving suffocation.

I think all modern CPAP machines provide some form of exhale relief. It can be turned off or set at a few levels. The amount of relief is a function of the setting and the inhalation parameters. A bi-pap machine enables the two pressures to be independent of each other and is capable of a greater difference.

Hi,

What part of your face is most sensitive to bad memories? Someone suggested a below-the-nose type of mask like the Amara View, which you could put on and watch TV or read with before going to sleep. It might be easier to de-sensitise if you can see well with the mask on. The main problem for you might be the expense, as I am told the Amara is easily torn and thus must be replaced more often.

Really, I think working on your phobia while fully awake may be the best way.

Best of luck to you,

Lest we forget, aromatherapy can help if smell is a trigger for anxiety.
Lavender is said to be soothing, but choose an essential oil that calms you.
Scent should go on something like a cotton ball, just next to the air intake.

I cannot imagine adding PTSD to something that can be a challenge to adjust to even without it. You might search for forum for claustrophobia and clautrophobic and see what some have said about meeting their challenges. Not exactly the same but have some similarities. Don't know that this will help, but try to adjust your perspective. Without the assistance of the machine and mask your breathing is being repeatedly cut off by the disorder. The machine and mask are your superheroes come to protect you. It would be interesting for you to list all your symptoms of PTSD and see if any of them overlap with symptoms of sleep apnea. You may find some of the blame goes to your sleep apnea, or that it exacerbates the PTSD. Just maybe meeting this challenge will help you in ways beyond your expectations.

About other options, they may not be much better in view of your sensitivities. Dental devices and neurostimulators also affect the areas where you are sensitive. The extreme measure of putting in a trach that was suggested - I'm so sorry you were even subjected to that thought considering your particular challenges. I co-sign the aromatherapy. It was helpful for me. Also co-sign to consider turning off the ramp or start it at a higher pressure. You can't relax if the air pressure being too low makes you feel like you're suffocating. It's generally speaking easier to adjust to higher pressure than too low of a pressure. Please know that in very short time most people adjust to having a lot of air coming at them. One of my 1st posts here I described a pressure of I think 10 or 11 as gale force winds. Within days I was checking to make sure the machine was still on. I encourage you to keep trying for a while. You just may surprise yourself and end up thinking of this as your security blanket. Good luck.

I, too, felt like the pressure was too much to bear at first.
It was not long before I was groovin' like a labrador with my head out the pickup window.

First off let me start by thanking everyone who responded. I decided to post on here because I felt alone and afraid and everyone here generally seems supportive. I was so frustrated and distraught yesterday with lack of sleep, anxiety, and overall in a really bad place down memory lane. Thank you to everyone who responded with their suggestions and stories. I have purchased a few of the masks that were suggested for me to try and can’t believe how many options there are my RT made it seem like I had a handful to choose from.

To answer some of the questions that have been posed:

My sensitive areas are my neck, mouth, and nose... which is why I have imagined I haven’t been able to do any desensitized practices

I had never even considered doing aroma therapy with the mask, but I will be going shopping today for some lavender.

Yes, the medication helps me to the point where I can wear the device and do a deep breathing exercise, but it becomes painful and cumbersome very shortly after than the medication begins to wear off. I think because the focal points of my trauma are my neck, mouth, and nose and the weight with the mask and hosing is right there that I’m caught in a very bad cycle. I am very much looking forward to my therapy session tomorrow.