1st time CPAP trouble

I just had my sleep test two days ago. The clinic test was positive for apnea and they tried to get me to use both a full CPAP face mask and a nasal mask. The problem is that I had a stuffed up nose that night....I often have this problem, though. The full face mask was just too claustrophobic for me. The nasal mask worked, but I just couldn't get enough air through the one good nostril.

This was my 3rd sleep test. I have had deviated septum surgery and uvulaplasty (lasered off the uvula) so I am the end of the road for options.

Any ideas from the board?

Hi Kevin,

I also have to use a FF mask due to nasal congestion and was highly claustrophobic at first.

I was fortunate that I had an RT at my second titration that really worked with me. She had me just use the mask while sitting and started it really gently.

It also depends which mask you used.

If they will allow you to borrow different FF masks, you might find that one is less claustrophobic than another.

But whichever you use, your best bet is to gently acclimate yourself to the mask by not using it right away for sleep, but by putting it on while awake and sitting for 5-10 minutes, until you feel a little bit better.

Keep trying, don't give up.

Others may have even better suggestions!