high anxiety

I was recently diagnosed with severe apnea. I received the CPAP machine last week and have been having a tough time just getting used to the idea that I have to use it. I've tried it out several times. I'll put on the mask and start breathing trying to relax--then, when I feel myself dozing I panic & rip the thing off. I have some sinus problems and almost always have a stuffy nose. I'm always paranoid that I'm going to sufficate. I haven't been able to use it more than 30 minutes before I panic, and have not been able to actually sleep with it on. I feel like I will never be able to breath freely and sleep well----this feeling leads to more anxiety and only heightens the problem. Any suggestions?

stewzo tell us more. Are you using a humidifier, a good idea if you have sinus problems.

What pressure do you have? What kind machine?

Don't know if this will help, but I was very anxious for my first couple of nights with the machine, then decided to try it out during the day whilst having a daytime doze sitting up in the armchair. I fell asleep more quickly than I could lying down and it helped me get over the anxiety. Still took several weeks of perseverence to start to feel comfortable putting it on at night, but it is worth the effort, so do keep at it!

Hey Stewzo, most people relate that it takes a few weeks to learn to wear this thing. It may take you longer and you may have to take certain steps to achieve success.

The first and foremost goal is to convince yourself that this is the best thing for your overall health and wearing CPAP can be accomplished by anyone , by just putting their mind to it.

Next, do things to make the CPAP easier to tolerate. Heated humidifier, longer ramp time, nasal pillows or comfortable mask.

Remember that we're not taught how to sleep, it should be a natural thing and now you have to think of the CPAP as a sleep aid device. Think of it like getting used to glasses or wearing contacts-same type of thing.

Education is your partner here and the more you learn the better you'll understand and become a better sleeper.

You can DO IT!!!

Bob

I will take my cues from longer term wearers, I can appreciate your anxiety, I am anxious just to think I will be getting one in a few wks. so I guess the lesson we've all taken away from this great msg. board, ea. person is different w/respect to adjusting to these devices, and I look at it this way, we've probably lost precious time with poor sleep over the years (at least I know I have) and hopefully now we can gain back some of this time lost, with a better health picture. I am on insulin and never thought I'd be, don't want it, hate doing it, but to save life, MUST do it. I view this CPAP experience as one more thing to bear to feel better, with Much HOPE.
G.Good luck Stezo. Do let us know how you are doing, ok?

stewzo wrote:I was recently diagnosed with severe apnea. I received the CPAP machine last week and have been having a tough time just getting used to the idea that I have to use it. I've tried it out several times. I'll put on the mask and start breathing trying to relax--then, when I feel myself dozing I panic & rip the thing off. I have some sinus problems and almost always have a stuffy nose. I'm always paranoid that I'm going to sufficate. I haven't been able to use it more than 30 minutes before I panic, and have not been able to actually sleep with it on. I feel like I will never be able to breath freely and sleep well----this feeling leads to more anxiety and only heightens the problem. Any suggestions?