topic Re: First night with cpap machine in Wellness

First night with cpap machine

smoochy — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 15:03:28 GMT

Well that was some night. I'm exhausted.
Went to bed at midnight. Was awake from then until 0500.
Couldn't sleep on my back. Tried lying on my side but that dislodged the seal on the mask. Was unpleasantly aware of the feeling of the mask on my face. I have to have the full face mask because I am often times a mouth breather along with the snoring and gasping. I know, that's quite an attractive visual. 😆
At 0500 I took it off and slept about three hours. Home health rep says 90% of new customers take several weeks to adjust to this.
If you're a cpap user, what has your experience been?

Re: First night with cpap machine

RollTide2008 — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 15:07:36 GMT

I've never been a cpap user, but I did used to work for a home medical equipment company that specialized in cpap. One of the suggestions to new users is to use it for a few hours a day while you're awake to get used to it. If you can't get used to it, you might need to try a different mask or size.

Re: First night with cpap machine

colleena — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 15:14:52 GMT

@smoochy I really hate the darn thing but after using the cpap for the last 5 years I really do get a better night sleep as my apnea was off the charts. & I did find that it took me at least a week plus to get used to it, just hang in there, wear it as long as you can each night & hopefully each night will be longer, the sleeping on my back was not easy either - good luck.

Re: First night with cpap machine

kaydee50 — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 15:20:10 GMT

@smoochy I have no advice for you just my sympathy! I can't imagine sleeping with a mask on my face--I'm very claustrophobic. Hope you can adjust quickly. Good luck!

Re: First night with cpap machine

Toot1920 — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 15:24:09 GMT

@smoochy, I've been using one for a couple years now. I started out using a full face mask. I have tried many others. I thought that I breathed through my mouth but after a lot of trial and error, I now use one that is just under my nose. I don't sleep on my back, sleep on my side or stomach. I also have tried different pillows, specifically for cpap users, that help with dislodging your mask. It does take awhile to get used to, but I now notice on the very few nights that I don't use my cpap, I don't sleep or very much. I noticed that after using a mask where I breathe through my nose, I don't have to get up at night to use the bathroom. I don't know what kind of insurance you have, but, usually you're entitled to new headgear and cushion every three months. That's when I would request a different kind. There's a mask by ResMed (I think) that fits under your nose and it covers your mouth. Good luck and hang in there!

Re: First night with cpap machine

fingerlakesny — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 15:31:42 GMT

My husband tried for a good 4 months and never got used to it. He hated it. It just sat there. My daughter had to go on it and she also tried for a couple of months. Hers just sits there too.

Re: First night with cpap machine

Scooby Doo — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 16:25:42 GMT

I've been using the ResMed for the last 6 years and I can say that I haven't gone one night without it. My doctor said my oxygen levels get so low without it that I could die in my sleep. That's a good incentive to get used to it. I use the full face but not the headgear that goes around the forehead. Perhaps you need to try a different gear. My mask has foam around the edges so I don't sweat and it's really not uncomfortable. You can also buy mask liners if you choose. I find that I cannot sleep on my back with the mask on because then it will leak and I get "raspberries". I sleep on my side and adjust the mask and then bury my face down in the pillow to hold the mask in place.

You may need to have your provider lower the ramp up until you get used to it. When I'm feeling too much pressure I push the off button and then push it right back on to restart the ramp up. I believe you have 30 days to make a free change to your mask and gear.

You need to speak to your provider about your issues and make some adjustments.

The other incentive is that insurance won't pay for the machine if you're not using it consistently and for the minimum hours each week. I wore out my first machine and got a new one last summer.

I think my sleep apnea was a big contributor to my developed afib.

Re: First night with cpap machine

SandGirl — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 16:41:41 GMT

I am a proud owner of a machine that sits in my closet, I tried it for well over a month, I was EXHAUSED, I work FT and have a stressful job and get up early, I NEED to sleep at least a few hours and I was getting less than 2 hours a night and I'm one that once I'm woken up I cannot get back to sleep. I have tried it here and there on a weekend when i felt I had more time but, then I end up exhaused from not catching up on some sleep on the weekends, I finally just gave up, I wish I could wear it.

Plus, my face looked HORRID int he morning, made lines worse too, I know, I know... life or death of course I would wear it regardless of that iss.

My issue, I just cannot sleep with it, I have 5 diff. masks!! Spent so much time trying to get it figured out. I let my mom take it home, she tried it on/off for about 2 months (she is retired) she could NOT get used to it either. I think some do okay while maybe lighter sleepers just don't. I really wish I could, I'm sure it would help me a ton. GOOD LUCK I hope you get used to it.

Re: First night with cpap machine

smoochy — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 17:07:32 GMT

Just ordered a cpap pillow for side sleepers from Amazon. Will be here tomorrow. Hopefully that will allow me to get some sleep. I like the app that corresponds to my machine. It tells me about my usage, whether I had any apnea events, leaks etc. I had zero leaks so I guess I adjusted the mask correctly. Friend of mine said he couldn't tolerate exhaling against the pressure of incoming air. I didn't find that to be an issue fortunately.
tonight I'll take a Xanax like I normally do. Might help.

Re: First night with cpap machine

Suzeecat — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 19:30:03 GMT

I've been a fussy sleeper and an insomniac for most of my life. After numerous drs suggested a sleep study, I finally gave in just to be compliant in order to keep getting the sleep meds renewed. Surprise, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea and handed a cpap machine. I thought there was no way on earth that, with all my eccentricities (super dark, super quiet, super cool room, etc., etc.) that I was EVER going to get used to sleeping with this contraption attached to my face!

I tried different masks and the nasal pillow one seemed best. I could not get comfortable on my side, and started sleeping on my back. My compliance was monitored and I had to use it a minumum of 4 hrs. per night for like 80% of the nights. What helped me when I started was to sit with it on for a couple hours watching tv or reading before I went to bed. Then, I only had to lay there for 2 hrs. in bed to get my minimum time.

Almost 4 yrs later and I am good to go with it, except I live alone and would be way to self-conscious to sleep with someone or even share a room with a friend who could see me with this getup. But that's just me, most people don't feel that way.

Looking back, I think I looked at it as learning a new skill, and it took practice, practice, practice! The more you practice, the better you will get. If you have sleep apnea, there are a host of side effects, and if you can get used to the therapy, you will have better sleep and better health.

Re: First night with cpap machine

RollTide2008 — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 21:09:39 GMT

@smoochy wrote:
Just ordered a cpap pillow for side sleepers from Amazon. Will be here tomorrow. Hopefully that will allow me to get some sleep. I like the app that corresponds to my machine. It tells me about my usage, whether I had any apnea events, leaks etc. I had zero leaks so I guess I adjusted the mask correctly. Friend of mine said he couldn't tolerate exhaling against the pressure of incoming air. I didn't find that to be an issue fortunately.
tonight I'll take a Xanax like I normally do. Might help.

If that becomes an issue for you, you might want to check with your doctor about having the pressure adjusted.

Re: First night with cpap machine

RedTop — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 21:16:47 GMT

My husband adjusted to using the c-pap machine by wearing it while sitting in his recliner and watching TV for hours before trying to sleep with it. This gave him a chance to adjust to the mask, how it felt on his face along with breathing the forced air while he was awake. By bedtime he felt comfortable enough to go to sleep with it and uses it every night; probably close to 10 years now.

Anytime he has a COPD flare, he uses the c-pap for oxygen therapy.

Re: First night with cpap machine

bowlicious — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 21:46:41 GMT

I've had a cpap for 4+ ears. The first week wasn't easy but after a whille I got used to it and now wouldn't want to sleep without it. I don't know about your face mask but with mine if I pull the back down almost to my neck the face part stays covering my nose better.

Re: First night with cpap machine

smoochy — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 22:21:05 GMT

@bowlicious wrote:
I've had a cpap for 4+ ears. The first week wasn't easy but after a whille I got used to it and now wouldn't want to sleep without it. I don't know about your face mask but with mine if I pull the back down almost to my neck the face part stays covering my nose better.

That's a good tip 👍🏻

Re: First night with cpap machine

Franell — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 22:28:39 GMT

Here's an incentive to use a cpap. Before using a cpap I would get up 2x a night to pee. I didn't know that getting up at night to urinate was often related to sleep apnea. I hate using the cpap but I like the fact that I rarely have to use the bathroom at night.

Re: First night with cpap machine

conlt — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 22:52:31 GMT

I have been wearing a CPAP X 10 years and adjusted on the first night. I guess I was 1 of the lucky people. I wear nasal pillows and those work for me. I tried a mask once and did not like it at all. You could try a chin strap to hold your mouth closed an progress to a different mask. I would see how you adjust and then talk to the home health people.

I really like my CPAP, and sleep really well.

Re: First night with cpap machine

birdQ13 — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 23:30:20 GMT

My experience is inconsistent use but better than not using at all. Like building good habits- practice, and/or go back to Dr and tech for modifications. Apnea is dangerous. Good Luck!

Re: First night with cpap machine

DottieBlue — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 00:27:36 GMT

I"ve been using a Bi-Pap machine for about 7 years now. Bi-Pap means the air pressure is higher for intake and lower for exhaling. CPAP means it is at the same pressure for both inhale and exhale.

It took about 3 weeks for me to get used to wearing it at least 4 hours per night, which is the minimum requirement for insurance to pay for it. It took about 2 months until I could wear it all night, and it just became second nature.

I got my equipment from a local supply company and the young lady who worked with me was wonderful, very patient and answered all my questions. She suggested I use the "ramp" feature whenever the air pressure got too much for me until I got used to the pressure. My intake pressure is quite high and I could really feel my lungs being forced to expand. It was a strange feeling but no pain. I also had trouble with "raspberries" and she suggested using mask liners which I order online (and is my only expense, but well worth it.) The liners keep the mask from slipping on me. I also need a full facemask.

To this day, what I need to do is, after getting into bed, wait until I know for sure that I am ready to fall asleep before hooking myself up to the machine. I cannot wear it if I am wide awake. If I don't fall asleep within 20 minutes or so, I have to take it off and try again later while I watch TV in bed.

It is a matter of trial and error and adjusting.

I look absolutely ridiculous in this get-up and would also be embarrased for anyone (other than DH) to see me! Very vain, I know!

Don't give up. Go slowly at first. If you can't fall asleep after wearing it for an hour or so, take it off, and try again the next night and then each night increase the "wear time" until you can keep it on for at least 4 hours a night and be able to sleep. I think the insurance companies allow for a "break-in" time of about a month for users to reach the 4-hour per night minimum requirement to continue to pay for the equipment.

Someday, medical science will develop a much better method and these machines, masks, headgear, hoses, etc., will be so archaic!

I wish you good luck and restful sleep.

Re: First night with cpap machine

SandGirl — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 00:19:46 GMT

@DottieBlue wrote:
I"ve been using a Bi-Pap machine for about 7 years now. Bi-Pap means the air pressure is higher for intake and lower for exhaling. CPAP means it is at the same pressure for both inhale and exhale.

It took about 3 weeks for me to get used to it, and I tried it every night. I also must wear a full face mask. I got my equipment from a local supply company and the young lady who worked with me was wonderful, very patient and answered all my questions. She suggested I use the "ramp" feature whenever the air pressure got too much for me until I got used to the pressure. My intake pressure is quite high and I could really feel my lungs being forced to expand. It was a strange feeling but no pain. I also had trouble with "raspberries" and she suggested using mask liners which I order online (and is my only expense, but well worth it.) The liners keep the mask from slipping on me.

What I ended up doing was, after getting into bed, waiting until I knew for sure that I was ready to fall asleep before hooking myself up to the machine. I cannot wear it if I am wide awake. If I don't fall asleep within 20 minutes or so, I have to take it off and try again later while I watch TV in bed.

At first I had to sleep on my back, which I found very uncomfortable. But I learned to sleep on my side and position my mask against my regular pillow which actually helps to keep my mask in place against my skin and stop leaks. It is a matter of trial and error and adjusting.

I look absolutely ridiculous in this get-up and would also be embarrased for anyone (other than DH) to see me! Very vain, I know!

Don't give up!! I wish I didn't need to use it, but am so grateful that there is something that helps me with my sleep disorder (as well as eliminating the need to get up several times a night to go to the bathroom).

Someday, medical science will develop a much better method and these machines, masks, headgear, hoses, etc., will be so archaic!

I wish you good luck.

The p art about looking ridiculous is so true and I have contact derm so when something is on my skin it leaves a mark for sometimes 4-5 hours, I work FT and I leave the house at 5:30am each day, I do not have time to let the marks wear off

I might have to try some alternatives to the machine, I know I have apnea because my Fitbit shows all my tiny wake ups

Re: First night with cpap machine

DottieBlue — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 00:50:31 GMT

@SandGirl

Oh, how awful that your skin can't tolerate the straps. Is there any type of material you aren't allergic to? If so, could you make some kind of "sleeve" to go over the headgear straps that touch your skin to prevent the allergic reaction?

I must wear a full face mask and the headgear goes over the top of my head, and the strap that goes around the back of my head cuts deep into my skin along my neckline. I have to have the straps cinched very tight because my air pressure is quite high. So I wear a cotton "chemo" cap to cushion the headgear and to prevent the strap from digging into my neck. But fortunately for me, the straps along my face don't bother me, but sometimes they do leave marks. But this cap certainly adds flair to the get-up!!

There is a new device on the market. I think it is called "Watchman", but I'm not sure. From what little I know about it, it is a device implanted under your skin and uses a "shock" when it senses the person has stopped breathing. It sounds scary and too invasive for me. I've just seen some commercials for it.

Gosh, I hope you can find a good solution. Wishing you good luck!