Cpap - Sleep Disorders Message Board

Bardda1 · 04-27-2006, 01:35 PM

Hi
I was recently diagnosed with sleep apnea with critical oxygen desaturation during a home sleep study. So last night I want to the sleep institute for another study using the CPAP. Ordinarily I fall asleep within minutes, I guess because I'm always so tired, but with the mask on and all the other gear, I guess it took me a couple of hours to fall asleep, which I guess is pretty common.
My problem was that they gave me a nasal mask and whenever I tried to open my mouth, it felt like I was getting no oxygen at all and it was a very scary feeling. She would ask me questions and I couldn't talk either. At one point she came in and woke me up to put a chin strap on me because she said I was "mouth breathing", although I can't figure out how I could have been doing that when I couldn't breath through my mouth at all. When I woke up, before I was fully awake, my mouth felt very dry and I kept trying to open my mouth and I completely freaked out and ripped the mask off because I could get a breath. Is this something I will get used to? She said I did very well with the CPAP and that she believes the doctor is going to order it for me, but is a full face mask better for someone who "mouth breathes"?
I just don't know if I can get used to that feeling of not being able to breath. Of course all I had to do was breath through my nose, but when you are half asleep, it's hard to be rational.
I do feel a bit less tired today even though I probably only slept for 5 hours or so, so I really want it to work.
Thanks for any responses.

Kathie

chaser3968 · 04-28-2006, 12:39 AM

I have been on cpap since Oct. and i have to wear a chin strap due to mouth breathing. it took me about 2 weeks to get used to wearing the machines mask. i felt suffocating in it. it scared me and i dreaded using the mask. now i love it and cant sleep without it. please just stick with it and you will find you sleep sooooooooooooooo good. good luck to you.

cathy

kee4u · 04-28-2006, 01:40 AM

Hi kathie,

I know what you mean about opening your mouth while using the cpap. When i was fitted with my cpap in 2000 the tech didn't tell me to keep my mouth shut so when he turn on the machine i thought i was going to die. I ripped the head gear off and i thought my eyes was going to pop out. then i went home with it and tried using it for a little while then i gave up and didn't use it for about a year i think.

When you fall asleep and your mouth opens you should be able to breath even if you have the cpap on. Your breathing changes while you sleep and you don't choke like you would if your awake. I know that don't make sence but it does. At least for me it does.

Well now it's been 6 years and i can't live without it. I have a new cpap machine that is really quiet all you hear is the air from the mask leaking out. I have the RemStar Plus i just love it.

Give it sometime to get use too. And someday you'll feel the same way as i do. You'll get up all rested.

Good luck!

Ken