APAP 1 Sleep 0

Last night was my first on any of these machines and I can safely say that I didn't manage to get any sleep at all. It wouldn't be the first time though.

At first it seemed difficult to breath in part that was because the machine hadn't ramped up, but also I would think because the whole thing was so new. I thought about changing the ramp setting, but since I didn't know how to how and couldn’t see the display without taking everything off and putting on my glasses I waited for it to ramp up.

I started off checking every five minutes to see if I had any leaks and in the beginning I didn't. Eventually the machine ramped up and my poor little cheeks were puffed out. That's where my problems started. The mask started to get uncomfortable. I think the mask I got was too small. The lower head strap felt like it was cutting into my neck and the Velcro irritated me. I'm going to try padding for that.

I couldn't get the mask to fit it was either to high on my face and wouldn't allow me to open my mouth properly or to swallow without a leak, but it was comfortable on my nose. If I moved the mask down it hurt and cut into my nose (the bridge and the sides), but it fit was nice over the mouth.

Does this sound like the mask is too small? Is it normal for your cheeks to blow out? I'm on an auto machine so don't know the titration it was set for although the recommended beginning setting for a cpap was a 10.

I managed to keep the mask on for 7 hours with no sleep and I'm hoping it will get better. I couldn't even sleep once I took the mask off. Do you think it's worth taking something to help me sleep tonight till I get more used to the equipment. I'm one of those people that can't sleep unless all conditions are right. I only managed 240 minutes sleep in my sleep test.

Any recommendation, words of wisdom, or support would be appreciated.

Thanks
Liz

Do you think it's worth taking something to help me sleep tonight till I get more used to the equipment.

I'm no doctor, but I'd say...yes.