First night

I am a newbie in this forum and also using cpap. I've just had my first night with the device. Is it really hard to get used to it ? If so...for how long ?
I must say that I didn't sleep very well, but I woke up much less tired. I'm feeling an annoying ear pressure...Is it normal? thanx in advance

Everyone is different. Some adjust quickly, some take a very long time. Most will adjust in 6 - 8 weeks. If you woke less tired, you are already feeling positive effects. That's a positive sign! You will find that each night you sleep a bit better and soon you'll sleep through the whole night!
I never noticed any ear pressure, but I would just wait a few nights to see if it continues. If it does a call to your RT or MD may be in order.

Brenda

rdabra wrote:I am a newbie in this forum and also using cpap. I've just had my first night with the device. Is it really hard to get used to it ? If so...for how long ?
I must say that I didn't sleep very well, but I woke up much less tired. I'm feeling an annoying ear pressure...Is it normal? thanx in advance

Just don't give up, it does take time getting used to "The Face Hugger".. And welcome to the forum.. Click the yellow light bulb at top of screen for a bunch of helpfull info..
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It does take time to get used to sleeping in all the gear. The right mask is the Holy Grail of CPAP-dom -- once you find the right one for you, almost any other issues can be dealt with.

I had a bit of pressure in my ear once or twice, but when I started using a nasal wash, that cleared the Eustachian tubes and allowed the pressure to normalize more easily.

rdabra wrote:I am a newbie in this forum and also using cpap. I've just had my first night with the device. Is it really hard to get used to it ? If so...for how long ?
I must say that I didn't sleep very well, but I woke up much less tired. I'm feeling an annoying ear pressure...Is it normal? thanx in advance

rdabra,

Some people adapt to cpap therapy very quickly, others may take up to three months before it begins to feel like a natural thing to put on the mask and turn on the machine. In the beginning it takes commitment and perseverance to continually use the cpap every night while dealing with issues of mask leaks or adjusting to pressure issues and humidification etc.

I am assuming you are probably at a high pressure if your ears are feeling the pressure. When I had my cpap at a higher than normal pressure it bothered my ears. I found that when I tied a scarf around my head to cover my ears, it helped some. Being at lower pressure doesn't bother my ears.

If you are on straight cpap machine and have a prescribed high pressure you may need a different type machine. With an auto cpap you can set machine so that it only goes to the prescribed high as needed but will stay lower in between. That way your ears won't feel the constant air pressure.

If the ear pressure continues ask your doctor to prescribe an apap or auto cpap for you.

What pressure are you on and what type of machine do you have?

Keep coming to the forum as this is where you will get help and support and encouragement. There is no one like other apneans who can understand your frustrations or answer your questions, give great tips and encourage you along the journey.

Welcome to the forum,

Anne