Love my CPAP!

mickeymammoth · Post by **mickeymammoth** » Wed May 28, 2008 4:17 pm

I've been CPAPing for a few weeks now, and at first, it was really hard to get used to the mask and feeling suffocated. One night I remember I woke up and I felt like I couldn't breathe, even though I was breathing fine. Now, I feel very comfortable in the mask, I actually like the air blowing on my face. I have to really crank the mask straps tight and wake up with marks on my face, but it's all good! For the first time in like 10 years, I can actually sleep on my back! I still feel like I have years of lost sleep to make up, but I think I'm sleeping much better. No more waking up at 3am and being awake for hours. My card data shows it's working too. So hooray!!!!

sleepycarol · Post by **sleepycarol** » Wed May 28, 2008 4:44 pm

Congratulations!!!

Isn't it wonderful to join the living???

Looking back on it I now know what they mean by the "living dead". I was existing not living before cpap!! I NEVER want to go back to that feeling ever again!!

Keep up the good work!! Your doing great!!!

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Wed May 28, 2008 5:11 pm

Congrats!!!

Keep in mind that sometimes this is harder than others. If (when) you have a problem be sure to post so we can help. If (when) you find something that works great for you...post...it may help others.

Brenda

mickeymammoth · Post by **mickeymammoth** » Wed May 28, 2008 5:22 pm

I have had good luck with the full face mask. I tried a nasal mask for a brief stint, and found it very hard to deal with. For example, when I would breathe through my mouth, it felt like a wind tunnel in my head. Eek! And I'm too congested to deal with taping my mouth closed. I am an occasional mouth breather, and that's what it is.

I also keep the humidity low (1); I don't like it too humid.

I haven't tried any other face masks yet, but I like the Fisher & Paykel 431, the way it goes under the chin. I might try the 432 to see if that's more comfortable.

For side sleeping, I have to sleep way at the edge of the pillow so there's minimal mask contact. A leaking mask = no sleep/worry.

BTW, my host got a hole in it last night, so I used electrical tape on it. Apria says they'll send me a new one. What a racket that made pre-taping.

Ramona

oakmont · Post by **oakmont** » Fri May 30, 2008 8:03 am

I know exactly what you mean! I actually look forward to going to be because I know that I will actually get sleep for once! I've only been on CPAP for about a month but its made a noticable difference. I'm on a 17 pressure and recently switched to a BiPap Auto from a CPAP C/Flex model... the funny thing is, I became so accustomed to the high pressure, the BiPap is taking some getting use to.

Fredman · Post by **Fredman** » Fri May 30, 2008 9:41 pm

Hey mickeymammoth, I love my CPAP, just because like you said. You feel so much better. I don't really totally enjoy it, but love the benefits of use. I had posted a poll about this and most felt that they were appreciated. Some of us stated we loved our CPAPs!

Anyways, sometime you should try a nasal Mirage Activa by Resmed or their Quattro Mirage (full face mask), these masks are designed to actually not be strapped tightly. Check them out at cpap.com.

I have used the Mirage Activa for over a year and love the way it moves slightly against pillow pressure and doesn't create a leak.