Obstructive Sleep Apnea - Sleep Disorders Message Board

FM2008 · 07-21-2008, 12:49 PM

I was diagnosed via 2 sleep studies with OSA in 2005. I was given a CPAP machine and a nasal “pillow” type mask to use. I tried to use the machine 2 or 3 times but couldn’t because I felt like I was ‘suffocating’ due to chronic stuffy nose/allergies. I went back to my pulmonologist and they switched my mask to a full-face one. I tried several times to use it and was unsuccessful because of the pressure on exhalation. Back I went and was given a BI-PAP machine with a ramp to adjust until I fell asleep. I tried using it a few times, felt claustrophobic and said forget it.

I basically learned to live with the tiredness, until about a year ago. I started having physical issues and was diagnosed this past week as having Fibromyalgia. When my Rheumatologist found out that I have OSA she told me I MUST start using the Bi-pap as I will never get restorative sleep without it and am also putting myself at risk for heart disease due to increased blood pressure from the apnea. She gave me a prescription for a steroid based nasal spray to help with the stuffiness so that maybe I can try the nasal pillows again.

I’ve keep the machine all this time so I pulled it out two nights ago, cleaned and connected it and just looked at it. I put it on last night before bed just to “practice” before falling asleep. I started to feel panicky and ripped it off and went to sleep without it again. I already take a benzodiazepine for my anxiety.

Any tips on how to get used to this? Are there any other non-surgical options for OSA?

trulee unique · 07-21-2008, 02:54 PM

Hi FM2008 ,
I have been on regular C.PA.P for almost a year now . I 'm not sure if this will help but it took me a few weeks to get used to sleeping with the machine . I tried the full face first and tried out a couple masks . I know what you mean by the suffocating feeling . the nasal spray helped me as well as secaris for dryness . Hopefully you have a humidifier attached to your unit . The anxiety will subside eventually . I found the whole experience , from diagnosis to caring for the machine very anxiety inducing . it would be best to be very patient and not expect eveything all at once . Break up the whole thing into smaller parts . Do a little at a time .
Get to know your machine , read the manual , set up a routine for cleaning it . Once you know your machine well it will feel more like a friend . While your doing this try everynight to leave the mask on as long as you can . Make sure your mask is reasonably comfortable , doesn't hurt or leak , make adjustments with help from your distributor . Ask questions and educate yourself . practice deep breathing to help relax you before you put it on . Remember you are in complete control .
I recall feeling like I was in a hospital and in a helpless state having to wear it but really that was not the case . It was just a very new situation and I needed some time to adjust . You may have to push through it and resist the urge to take it off . Learning how to relax your body and go with the flow ...practice breathing and relaxing while awake with your mask on . Do this as often as you need to get used to it . Sooner or later you feel more confident . Everyone works at their own pace . YOU can do this if you want to ...try not to allow this whole C.P.A.P experience get to you .. have a sense of humour about it .
I took a few funny pics of myself wearing the masks and it made it less serious and scary seeming . Spend enough time with your machine and it will soon feel like you never slept without it . It took me a few months before I felt that haha
One last point to remember is there are plenty of things you can do for yourself and your health and though it sucks you can choose to take responsibility for it and get a sense of pride from stepping up and achieiving your goals or you can feel like a vicitim and have nothing change for you ...It's up to you ....if you need any more help just ask ... I know how it is
take care and good luck ! it'll be okay

bethsheba · 07-21-2008, 05:47 PM

FM,

First off, I thought trulee made some very helpful, insightful suggestions so I do hope you give it a try. We've all experienced varying degrees of adjustment but eventually many of us have found that cpap or bipap can make a noticable difference in our lives.

That said, for lots of reasons, some people would prefer a treatment other than cpap. Treatments vary depending on what exactly is causing the obstruction. Some people lose weight (but readers please note that not all people with osa are overweight), some resort to surgery and others use dental devices...but again, it kind of depends on what's causing your osa.

As difficult as it is, I would hope you give your machine a serious try as it can be 100 percent effective if fitted/used properly...not all treatments can boast that kind of success rate.

Bethsheba

FM2008 · 07-22-2008, 07:55 AM

Thank you both!

I used the nasal spray last night and tried using the nasal pillows but still felt like I wasn't getting any air so I disconnected it and used the full face mask instead. I put it on about 2 hours before bed just to get used to it again. After a while it didn't bother me to have it on my face but I just couldn't fall asleep. I dozed once and then woke with a start when the pressure went up (I had set the ramp to a lower one first). I just kind of layed there for another hour and finally gave up for the night as it was midnight and I had to get some sort of sleep.

Tonight I'm going to try again for longer and see how it goes. I noticed that my sinuses and face hurt today, I suppose that is just part of the mask. It fits well and doesn't leak though on occassion I get a "fart" on my cheek that makes me giggle.

bethsheba · 07-22-2008, 07:05 PM

It was good to hear that you're serious about trying it again...keep in mind that nasal pillows and/or a full face mask might or might not be "your thing". There are lots of styles to choose from so don't let your providers dictate what you should use and what you shouldn't.

I don't have/use ramp but from what I understand setting it on a low pressure to begin with, like you are doing, can help alot.

Oh, and just for your info, I put my mask on when I'm not very tired...I've used my for several years now and so when it's on my body is kind of "conditioned" for going to sleep whether I want to or not. Only drawback is I can't read or watch tv with the old mask on...small price to pay for getting good shut eyes!

Hope you do better tonight...but remember, sometimes it's two steps forward and one step behind...at least for awhile.

Bethsheba