You have to have a sleep study to see if you stop breathing while you sleep. I know it's hard, but it's just one of those things you have to get used to. There are different masks. Some are comfier than others. I tried the nasal pillow first, then switched to the nose mask. Like it much better. Can't sleep without it now.
Some people say they would wear it during the day while awake to get used to it. Just keep using it. I started out for a couple of hours at a time. I used the gradual button, so it worked is way up to where it was supposed to be. Now I can't sleep without it. I notice the difference.
The doctor told me if you take it off in the middle of the night at first, don't worry about it. Just keep putting it on when you go to sleep and try to keep it on longer and longer each day. It was definitely a struggle for me because I am claustrophobic, and I am also a mouth breather, so I use a full mask.
Just keep at it you will get used to it, and then you will never want to sleep without it because it is a big difference
If you can have the hose above your head like over a headboard that helped me. Knowing I could die without it was a big motivation too. After a while, it will be hard to sleep without it. You will adjust. I use to take it off in my sleep now, no problems.
I had mine well over a year before weight loss surgery. It takes practice. It's important that your mask fits well, and it is the best type for you. I had to go back for a few fittings. I can tell you this for me, 4 hours of sleep on CPAP is better than 10 without!! I no longer wake up tired. It really has been a life-changer for me.
The first is the proper mask. This is crucial! Mine is what's call nasal pillows. It's sort of like the nasal cannula; they put up your nose for extra oxygen in the hospital, just about as light. The difference is the nasal part completely fills your nostrils. It's extremely light and straightforward to get used to.
The second thing is what's called "ramp time." This is how fast the machine reaches the flow of oxygen pressure recommended by your sleep specialist. When I first started out with mine eight years ago, I felt like I was smothering. My specialist adjusted my ramp time to about 3 minutes. Now, this takes a little getting used to because that's a lot of air pressure. But it eliminates that suffocating sensation.
Most importantly, don't give up. If you're not using your machine, it's like not taking your insulin! Go back to your sleep center and tell them you're having problems. They will work with you until you're comfortable. While I absolutely can not sleep without mine now, I'm looking forward to the day when I've lost enough weight to donate to someone else.
I tried years ago, went through 5 masks, and couldn't stand it & stopped using it. Had the sleep study done again two months ago, and the technician suggested the nasal pillows.
I thought I wouldn't be able to stand them. But they are great. I use them 7+ hours a night. The difference is amazing. My pressure is 8, ramp time 30 seconds.
I play with my phone for a few minutes after I put it on at night till my breathing is steady and I am drowsy. I wish you the best.
Answers ( 5 )
You have to have a sleep study to see if you stop breathing while you sleep. I know it's hard, but it's just one of those things you have to get used to. There are different masks. Some are comfier than others. I tried the nasal pillow first, then switched to the nose mask. Like it much better. Can't sleep without it now.
Some people say they would wear it during the day while awake to get used to it. Just keep using it. I started out for a couple of hours at a time. I used the gradual button, so it worked is way up to where it was supposed to be. Now I can't sleep without it. I notice the difference.
The doctor told me if you take it off in the middle of the night at first, don't worry about it. Just keep putting it on when you go to sleep and try to keep it on longer and longer each day. It was definitely a struggle for me because I am claustrophobic, and I am also a mouth breather, so I use a full mask.
Just keep at it you will get used to it, and then you will never want to sleep without it because it is a big difference
If you can have the hose above your head like over a headboard that helped me. Knowing I could die without it was a big motivation too. After a while, it will be hard to sleep without it. You will adjust. I use to take it off in my sleep now, no problems.
I had mine well over a year before weight loss surgery. It takes practice. It's important that your mask fits well, and it is the best type for you. I had to go back for a few fittings. I can tell you this for me, 4 hours of sleep on CPAP is better than 10 without!! I no longer wake up tired. It really has been a life-changer for me.
Two things about getting used to a CPAP machine:
The first is the proper mask. This is crucial! Mine is what's call nasal pillows. It's sort of like the nasal cannula; they put up your nose for extra oxygen in the hospital, just about as light. The difference is the nasal part completely fills your nostrils. It's extremely light and straightforward to get used to.
The second thing is what's called "ramp time." This is how fast the machine reaches the flow of oxygen pressure recommended by your sleep specialist. When I first started out with mine eight years ago, I felt like I was smothering. My specialist adjusted my ramp time to about 3 minutes. Now, this takes a little getting used to because that's a lot of air pressure. But it eliminates that suffocating sensation.
Most importantly, don't give up. If you're not using your machine, it's like not taking your insulin! Go back to your sleep center and tell them you're having problems. They will work with you until you're comfortable. While I absolutely can not sleep without mine now, I'm looking forward to the day when I've lost enough weight to donate to someone else.
I use the pillows too, but mine just lay on my nose. They don't go in my nose. I love them. My ramp time is 30 min. So I don't smother.
I tried years ago, went through 5 masks, and couldn't stand it & stopped using it. Had the sleep study done again two months ago, and the technician suggested the nasal pillows.
I thought I wouldn't be able to stand them. But they are great. I use them 7+ hours a night. The difference is amazing. My pressure is 8, ramp time 30 seconds.
I play with my phone for a few minutes after I put it on at night till my breathing is steady and I am drowsy. I wish you the best.