Is there help for a claustrophobic?

smurphy73 · Post by **smurphy73** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 9:12 am

I am progressively getting more claustrophobic as the nights go on. I try my hardest to keep the mask on (comfort gel nasal mask). Last night was the first night since I received my resmed cflex on May 2, that i couldn't wear the mask more than four hours. I want to try a nasal pillow, any opinions?????

RoswellGa · Post by **RoswellGa** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 9:17 am

Are you a side sleeper?

If not then a Mirage Swift Nasal Pillows System would probably be your best bet. With this mask on, your field of vision is basically unaffected, probably minimizing your feelings of claustraphobia. If you are a side sleeper you might have issues with leaking when you lay on the side with the hose.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 9:23 am

If your treatment pressure is below 11 cu/H2O, the nasal pillows are your best bet. I like my ComfortLite 2..

smurphy73 · Post by **smurphy73** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 9:24 am

I am an all over sleeper, but mostly on my left side.

smurphy73 · Post by **smurphy73** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 9:26 am

MY PRESSURE IS ONLY 6. IS THERE A SPECIFIC NASAL PILLOW THAT PEOPLE LIKE THE BEST?

smurphy73 · Post by **smurphy73** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 9:28 am

COMFORT LITE 2, ANYOTHERS?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 9:32 am

My pressure is 6 also. I have had no problems with the Swift.

RoswellGa · Post by **RoswellGa** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 9:39 am

RoswellGa wrote:Mirage Swift Nasal Pillows System would probably be your best bet. With this mask on, your field of vision is basically unaffected, probably minimizing your feelings of claustraphobia. If you are a side sleeper you might have issues with leaking when you lay on the side with the hose.

Wanted to make sure you didn't miss this since I went back and edited my post.

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 10:04 am

You can click on these links to find lots of info:

viewtopic.php?t=4319&highlight=links

But the general concensus for the best nasal pillows are:

ComfortLite 2 (make sure it's the 2)
Swift
Aura Headrest

meister · Post by **meister** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 10:19 am

Claustrophobia can be overcome. Just like fear of snakes and
elevators, etc. Need to find a super therapist and work through it.
I didn't give SCUBA diving and cave exploring a 2nd thought when
I was a teenager. Just do it!! Then came the 40s and I was scared
to death of these things after a major surgery. With therapy, I was
able to gradually work through the issues and can wear the mask,
eventhough I absolutely loathe the thing. Best of luck!!

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 10:50 am

I am progressively getting more claustrophobic as the nights go on.

Could you try to describe what is happening? Do you sleep with the mask part of the time? What happens when you wake up? Do you know what it was that woke you? What do you do then?

Does the mask bother you, physically? How does the pressure feel when you wake up?

What made it get progressively worse?

I use two nasal pillows masks:
Breeze
Aieomed Headrest (aka Aura).

I much prefer nasal pillows masks to the nasals I tried.

O.

winknblinknnod · Post by **winknblinknnod** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 11:38 am

I had a major Claustrophia thing going the night they fitted me for a mask. Ended up with the Swift nasal pillows which worked OK for me, esp. if you are one side mostly, the hose can be out on the other.

However, I am one week into my Comfortlite 2 and I am loving it, I use the 'simple cushion' which doesn't have anything at the nose, just a little soft 'cap' over the nose. Despite a biggish headgear holding it in place, it feels like there's nothing there. So actually less claustrohpic in this one, than in the Swift with the face harness straps.

Amigo · Post by **Amigo** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 2:20 pm

smurphy73, I, too, am very claustrophobic, and delayed treatment for my apnea when I was told only FFM's were available.

I have been using Breeze nasal pillows since October, 2003, at a pressure of 14, and have no problems whatsoever.

I've never felt better.

Good luck, and DON'T give up!

Is there help for a claustrophobic?

Is there help for a claustrophobic?

See a therapist!

RE: Is there help for a claustrophobic?