can this possibly get better????????

yorkie,

You absolutely must keep going! This therapy is essential to your health and well being. Like others have said, keep trying for a bit more time every night, wear the mask for some time while watching TV, reading, etc. Things will get better the longer you keep with it. Best of luck to you, and keep coming back to the forum!

In reviewing my 'data', in 4 full nights of use i've only acquired 17 hours sleep........frustrating. I know one night I ripped the mask off in my sleep, so sure I stole a few hours of unrecorded sleep. Will keep trying though!

yorkiemum01 wrote:In reviewing my 'data', in 4 full nights of use i've only acquired 17 hours sleep........frustrating. I know one night I ripped the mask off in my sleep, so sure I stole a few hours of unrecorded sleep. Will keep trying though!

I had the same problem, masks that were not working. Went through four different ones until my DME said enuff!!

I started shopping for different masks, whether begging, borrowing or buying them on the cheap from cpapauction. Even neighbors had a mask to try for the night. I used lots of dish soap to clean em up.

I also left my big fancy hospital sleep store and found a tiny corner medical store. They had the time and patience to help me. I got print outs every five days and kept a diary of all masks that worked or didn't work!

So how can we help?

First, get your facial size. Different sizes on different masks. Sometimes, there are more than the three standard sizes, certain models have wide and deep (shallow) versions. Also, once you get a mask, try a different size cushion might be the answer! Get a hose clip to keep from rolling on the hose and yanking off the mask!

Second, shop around for that small DME store with a knowledgeable person.

Third, ask for help. We love success stories!

Fourth, don't quit!! Life is too short not to be awake!!!!

Fifth, you might have a thyroid problem (hypothyroidism) causing your sleep problem.


I'll be reading your comments. Keep in touch!!

Just DarnTired

I thought I was logged in. The above message was mine.

Its so helpful to have all these 'cpap experienced people' on this website.
Managed to log 17 hrs on cpap in the last 4 nights, and praying this will
get better, but remain inspired by the success stories on this site.
Cant begin to express my thanks.

over 12,000 hours of compliance here, but the first few weeks wasn't easy. For myself and two others I help I suggest this little trick. Exhaling is not done mt muscles contracting to squeeze the air out but by the inhaling muscles relaxing. Overinhale a bit until when you relax you feel like you are exhaling normally. It will seem like work to begin with but your body will kick in and start feeling natural and take over. I am at a 12 on an old CPAP and have never used the ramp, my brother is at 17 and uses the same technique and no ramp. When I fit the rack and turn on the air I feel no difference in pressure. I even have to check the exhaust in the middle of the night to verify it is still running.

One night we lost power and I didn't know it, woke up trying to suck air in through the exhaust port because I didn't feel the differncial.

I just wanted to post some success....as I've finally had my first 5 full hours
of sleep in just under 2 weeks...yippeeeeeeeee. Cant begin to tell you all how great its been to have this support/information network available. Thank you ALL!

Great Yorkie! proud of you for hangin' in there, just keep the faith, things will eventually fall into place for you, just "keep coming back " as Carol says. We are supporting you all the way!