Post
by HoseCrusher » Tue Feb 20, 2018 9:25 pm
Bare with me as this is a little outside the box...
I view my relationship with xPAP from the perspective of ballroom dancing. My partner is my mask and hose. Unlike ballroom dancing my "xPAP partner" really gets into my face, buy under the circumstances, that is OK.
I sleep on my side and rotate from side to side during the night. Each maneuver is rehearsed and practiced to the point where I can do it "in my sleep."
In order to fluidly perform you need to practice. Pick a time to mask up and lay down as if you were going to take a nap. Turn your machine on and get situated on your side. Pause for a moment, then roll over to the other side using a fluid and automatic motion to keep your "partner" on your face and the hose properly situated. Now roll back over to the other side.
Pretty soon you will be able to do a spin without any disruption from your "partner."
If you have the opportunity, explore scuba diving, or fly jets. You can also take up woodworking, paint your house, or paint a car. All of these activity involve wearing masks and they will help you adjust to your xPAP mask.
With practice you will be able to adjust from side to side without knocking your mask off and may even be able to control mouth breathing. You are far enough into this journey to know that it has benefit and just need to fine tune it.
The bottom line is that you need to find a way to manage your "partner" to a point where you are very comfortable with the sleep process with xPAP equipment. My wife and I have spent a lot of time adjusting and now we spoon each night which is our preferred sleep position. We start off with me spooning her and when I roll over she spoons me. This dance goes on all night. We wake up on the morning fully rested and ready to greet the day.
Last edited by
HoseCrusher on Wed Feb 21, 2018 7:33 pm, edited 1 time in total.
SpO2 96+% and holding...
