MikeysWifey0316
05-26-2005, 02:07 PM
I need some help. Hopefully someone has some ideas for me. I was just diagnosed with sleep apnea about a month ago. I was actually pretty excited with this diagnosis because it could be the key to a lot of the health problems I've been having. I was then fitted with a nasal mask and sent home with my machine set at 20 cmH2O. I tried it for a few days, but felt like I was being blown away. So I called the doctor’s office. When the nurse reviewed my orders, she realized there was a mix up and my machine was supposed to only be set at 9 cmH2O. So, the next week I was able to get that fixed. But I’m still having troubles keeping my mask on at night. I go to bed with it on, everything comfortable (as much as it can be) and with a good seal. But, when I wake up, the mask is on the floor, and the machine is sometimes still on. I have no memory of taking it off. This week I called the Home Support Company where I got my mask, and they said I could try another type. So I went back in Tuesday and got the nasal pillow style. It is a little more comfortable since it doesn’t touch my face as much, but I still don’t leave it on all night. Last night my husband went back to the couch to sleep. He said I was snoring like crazy. I asked him if he tried to wake me up to put my mask back on, and he said he tried and tried, but I wouldn’t wake up. With the nasal pillow mask I am having a little bit of pain on the inside of my nostrils. I think that I will hopefully get used to it, but how do I get to that point when I’m not leaving the mask on but for a few hours at a time? I’ve read it can take up to 6 weeks, and its really only been about 2 for me since the pressure was changed. So do I just need to give it more time? Sorry this is long, but I’m getting frustrated and am pretty bummed out about all of this. Thanks for any insight you might have. :wave:
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OCTek
05-26-2005, 02:25 PM
I have the same problem, I have been on an autopap for 3 weeks now and always take my mask of in my sleep.
From what I have heard it can just take time to get used to it.
Also, do you have a heated humidifier? If not you can develop congestion during the night, mask leaks can cause you take off the mask as well.
Pain with nasal pillows is normal in the beginning, KY or Ayr gel in the nostrils and pillows will help when starting them.
If your husband finds you asleep without your mask I would suggest that he put it back on you, and not even bother trying to wake you up.
Good luck
From what I have heard it can just take time to get used to it.
Also, do you have a heated humidifier? If not you can develop congestion during the night, mask leaks can cause you take off the mask as well.
Pain with nasal pillows is normal in the beginning, KY or Ayr gel in the nostrils and pillows will help when starting them.
If your husband finds you asleep without your mask I would suggest that he put it back on you, and not even bother trying to wake you up.
Good luck
MikeysWifey0316
05-26-2005, 03:28 PM
Also, I do have a heated humidifier set on 2.0 right now. Thanks!
analog2000
05-27-2005, 01:43 AM
This happened to me when I first got my CPAP. I would wake up without the mask and have no memory of taking it off. It was so frustrating! I was so desperate for CPAP to work for me, and I was totally committed to using the machine. To not even remember taking the mask off made me feel like I just had no control.
Unfortunately, the only cure for this is time. You say that you read it can take up to six weeks? In my experience, it actually takes 4-5 months. I would say that it took me about 4 1/2 months to get to the point where I consistently left my mask on at night. I have spoken with many other people who had similar experiences. Truthfully, I don't know anyone who felt like they were comfortable with their CPAP after only six weeks.
You can try changing masks, but it might not help. It just takes time to get used to the sensation of having the mask on your face and air blowing in your nose!
I know that the initial adjustment to CPAP is like torture, but the results are INCREDIBLY worth it. I could write for hours about the virtues of CPAP. It has absolutely changed my life, and I love it. You will pry my CPAP from my cold, dead hands! In a few months, I am sure you will start to feel the same way.
Good luck.
Unfortunately, the only cure for this is time. You say that you read it can take up to six weeks? In my experience, it actually takes 4-5 months. I would say that it took me about 4 1/2 months to get to the point where I consistently left my mask on at night. I have spoken with many other people who had similar experiences. Truthfully, I don't know anyone who felt like they were comfortable with their CPAP after only six weeks.
You can try changing masks, but it might not help. It just takes time to get used to the sensation of having the mask on your face and air blowing in your nose!
I know that the initial adjustment to CPAP is like torture, but the results are INCREDIBLY worth it. I could write for hours about the virtues of CPAP. It has absolutely changed my life, and I love it. You will pry my CPAP from my cold, dead hands! In a few months, I am sure you will start to feel the same way.
Good luck.
MikeysWifey0316
05-27-2005, 10:59 AM
Analog
Thank you so much for your input. That makes me feel a lot better. I think I'm just very anxious for this to start helping me. It's been a long and hard road of helath issues for the last few years, and I really think Apnea is my main culprit. But, it is good to know that its not just me and that I will eventually get used to it! :) You have really made my day! Encouragement is always comforting. Thanks again!
Hope everyone has a great holiday weekend! Be safe!!!
Thank you so much for your input. That makes me feel a lot better. I think I'm just very anxious for this to start helping me. It's been a long and hard road of helath issues for the last few years, and I really think Apnea is my main culprit. But, it is good to know that its not just me and that I will eventually get used to it! :) You have really made my day! Encouragement is always comforting. Thanks again!
Hope everyone has a great holiday weekend! Be safe!!!
hry33
05-27-2005, 06:16 PM
it might help to hold the mask on with sticking plaster
analog2000
05-29-2005, 08:12 PM
it might help to hold the mask on with sticking plaster
Is this sarcasm? Have you actually tried this?
Is this sarcasm? Have you actually tried this?
hry33
05-29-2005, 08:47 PM
try holding the mask on with sticking plaster, if attempting to remove the mask in your sleep you will probably be wakened
MikeysWifey0316
05-31-2005, 02:54 PM
try holding the mask on with sticking plaster, if attempting to remove the mask in your sleep you will probably be wakened
I use the nasal pillow style mask. The only place it really touches my face at all is inside my nostrils. I don't know that I would want to put anything "sticky" in there. The more I try and practice, the longer I think I am wearing it. I managed to leave it on for an entire 2 hour nap on Saturday, so that is a good start. I think I'm probably wearing it for about 2 hours per night, maybe longer. I think there is a feature on my machine that shows how much time it was on the night before. I'll have to check that when I get home from work.
I use the nasal pillow style mask. The only place it really touches my face at all is inside my nostrils. I don't know that I would want to put anything "sticky" in there. The more I try and practice, the longer I think I am wearing it. I managed to leave it on for an entire 2 hour nap on Saturday, so that is a good start. I think I'm probably wearing it for about 2 hours per night, maybe longer. I think there is a feature on my machine that shows how much time it was on the night before. I'll have to check that when I get home from work.