Okay....I know it is hard to get used to, but I feel like I am suffocating. I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea so I am on the full mask. (Are there other less bulky masks u can wear for severe sleep apnea?) I think I can get used to this if I know for certain that it will not harm me, so my last stupid question is....Can the CPAP possibly suffocate u? Can it make the apnea worse?
Thansk!!!
Mask Attack
6 posts
• Page 1 of 1
The kind of mask you use is not related to the severity of your apnea. If you can mostly keep your mouth closed while you're sleeping, you can probably use a nasal mask or nasal pillows. The nasal pillows are especially good for those of us with claustrophobia.
Here are some systems people who don't like much touching their face, enjoy:
Breeze Nasal Pillow System
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/1841
Aura Nasal Pillow System
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/1717
ComfortCurve Nasal Square (?) System
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/respir ... -mask.html
Breeze Nasal Pillow System
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/1841
Aura Nasal Pillow System
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/1717
ComfortCurve Nasal Square (?) System
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/respir ... -mask.html
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IWannaSleep
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Yes, whoever used the fact that you have "Severe" sleep apnea as the deciding factor to advise you to use a full face mask should be fired.
I was diagnosed as severe (ahi = 45) and I was claustophobic with a simple nasal mask, I'd go loony with a full fast mask.
I"m now using the swift nasal pillows system exclusively and it works quite well for me. But again, my AHI numbers had nothing to do with why I use it. We could probaly list many factors for you to use in considering which mask to use, but I would place overall personal "comfort" at the top. You have to be as comfortable as realistacally possibe with whatever interface you choose to use. And, what's comfortable for me may not be for you.
Think about what you don't like about your current mask. Then read as many mask reviews and postings as possible in here to get as much varied feedback on all the possible options you have for masks/interfaces. Then you may have to take a chance and purchase the one that sounds like it will work best for you. The only better option is if you have a DME or other health provider that will allow you to try on many differnt interfaces.
Ron
I was diagnosed as severe (ahi = 45) and I was claustophobic with a simple nasal mask, I'd go loony with a full fast mask.
I"m now using the swift nasal pillows system exclusively and it works quite well for me. But again, my AHI numbers had nothing to do with why I use it. We could probaly list many factors for you to use in considering which mask to use, but I would place overall personal "comfort" at the top. You have to be as comfortable as realistacally possibe with whatever interface you choose to use. And, what's comfortable for me may not be for you.
Think about what you don't like about your current mask. Then read as many mask reviews and postings as possible in here to get as much varied feedback on all the possible options you have for masks/interfaces. Then you may have to take a chance and purchase the one that sounds like it will work best for you. The only better option is if you have a DME or other health provider that will allow you to try on many differnt interfaces.
Ron
9 cm h2o
I used to get that suffocating feeling from my full face mask, which I have to wear due to sleeping with my mouth open.
What I found was the real cause of it was the pressure from trying to exhale against the cpap pressure. So it wasn't really the mask creating that feeling of suffocation.
Once I got used to the idea, and I guess my muscles got used to the idea of having to push against the pressure from the CPAP, the mask became my friend.
I just switch to an auto pap with c-flex and my feelings of being trapped inside the mask have totally disappeared. Once you differentiate between the pressure and the mask you kind of get accustomed to it.
However, like others have said - if you don't have the problem of sleeping with your mouth open, or clogged sinuses... you can switch to another type of mask or system.
Good luck to you!
What I found was the real cause of it was the pressure from trying to exhale against the cpap pressure. So it wasn't really the mask creating that feeling of suffocation.
Once I got used to the idea, and I guess my muscles got used to the idea of having to push against the pressure from the CPAP, the mask became my friend.
I just switch to an auto pap with c-flex and my feelings of being trapped inside the mask have totally disappeared. Once you differentiate between the pressure and the mask you kind of get accustomed to it.
However, like others have said - if you don't have the problem of sleeping with your mouth open, or clogged sinuses... you can switch to another type of mask or system.
Good luck to you!
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Guest
Heather,
As others have said, the severity of your apnea really has nothing to do with the type of mask that you should use. Regarding the sensation of suffocating, I had this issue when I first started cpap. I found that this was least severe if I was lying on my back. Also, you could make use of your machine's ramp feature. This will allow you to start with a reduced pressure until you fall asleep. Regarding your questions about whether cpap can suffocate you, first of all, I am NOT a doctor, but it seems unlikely that using cpap could harm you, providing you do not wrap the hose around your neck several times and pull. Also, it seems unlikely that cpap could make apnea worse, although a patient could have other conditions that should be specifically addressed. My personal experience has led me to the ResMed Activa mask. Whatever you do, please do not give up. stick with it, it is SO worth it!
Eric
As others have said, the severity of your apnea really has nothing to do with the type of mask that you should use. Regarding the sensation of suffocating, I had this issue when I first started cpap. I found that this was least severe if I was lying on my back. Also, you could make use of your machine's ramp feature. This will allow you to start with a reduced pressure until you fall asleep. Regarding your questions about whether cpap can suffocate you, first of all, I am NOT a doctor, but it seems unlikely that using cpap could harm you, providing you do not wrap the hose around your neck several times and pull. Also, it seems unlikely that cpap could make apnea worse, although a patient could have other conditions that should be specifically addressed. My personal experience has led me to the ResMed Activa mask. Whatever you do, please do not give up. stick with it, it is SO worth it!
Eric
6 posts
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