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When I first started therapy, this was my nightly routine:

1) Take nightly vitamins along with 2 Benadryl (or Tylenol PM, or generic equivalent) about 1/2 hour before going to bed.

2) Get in bed. Mask up. Turn machine on, without the Ramp feature, and sit up in bed and read for 30 to 45 minutes.

3) While reading, concentrate on breathing slowly and deeply and evenly, to increase relaxation and encourage sleep.

4) When naturally sleepy, turn out light, put away book, and lay down.

It felt weird at first. Now it's so very natural that I don't have to use the mask while reading. I do everything else, when I'm ready to sleep, I turn out the light, pull on my mask, and lay down and fall asleep fast.

It'll take some time to develop the habit of sleeping with the mask. But it will happen.

Good luck!
Barbara

Unfortunately, I have been trying for YEARS and still can't sleep more than 2 hours with my mask on. Unless I'm REALLY tired and almost asleep, I can't get to sleep with my machine on. I've tried many different masks and it doesn't seem to make a difference. If you find a solution, I'd love to know what it is. Good luck.

Rastakitty, sounds like you need to reevaluate your therapy with a medical professional. Get some recommendations on a good sleep doctor near you and make an appointment as soon as you can.

Good luck!
Barbara

There is no way I could sleep wearing the mask if the machine was off and I would not suggest you do that. You might try getting more use to the mask by taking short naps with it but if you are like me it is hard for my mind to settle at night.
Watching television is not a good way to settle but I have found that listening to a good hypnosis tape is actually the best way for me to fall asleep if I am having a hard time. Usually the voices are very relaxing and they usually start you with relaxation techniques. Then the more you try to concentrate on the tape the harder you find to stay awake and and listen!
Also a nice warm bath before bed helps too.