[AngelaVella]

I have a type of sleep apnea caused my scarring to my windpipe due to previous trachiotomy, and neurological problems ,have been experiencing poor sleep, nightmare, night panic attacks etc for 10 years. Had my CPAP for 1 week (via Papworth) and really struggling, can't fall asleep with the mask on
getting claustrophobic and find the mask really heavy. I've read through posts and everyone seems to say persevere and it's worth it in the long term, anymore suggestions please

[James @ Intus]

Hi and welcome!

Being at Papworth, you're arguably at the best possible clinic. So if the mask is an issue for you, ask for something lighter. Most nasal pillow masks are very light, for example the ResMed Swift FX. I think it weighs just 67 grams. Or the SleepWeaver Advance, that's just 35 grams. It doesn't come much lighter than those two.

[ElleCee]

Hi Angela,
Welcome to the forum!
As James says, ask to try another mask. I am using the sleepweaver advance it is lovely and light.
However, if you feel claustrophobic wearing your mask try wearing it for a while during the day, say while watching the tv. That way, when you need to have it on you are more used to it. It is all a matter of trusting it and when it is new to you it can take a while. I know where you are coming from with those comments. I too have been there, in fact we all have!

Take care and good luck
Lorraine

[AngelaVella]

Thanks for your replies, I phoned Papworth with my problems and they were excellent, went the following day and had a humidifier and a different mask fitted (just mouth and nasal prongs) it feels much more comfortable. I still can't sleep all night with it on but it's getting better, managed 4 hours last night so improving slowly,
Thanks Angela

[Berneta]

Hi, There are so many choices of masks that it can be confusing, It was not at all confusing to me. I had to take an emergency helicopter ride to the hospital once, and they could not get me to wear the face mask for oxygen, They put it on--I ripped it off. Just couldn't stand my face covered. So several months later, when I discovered in a sleep study that I had sleep apnea, they wanted to use a full face mask. I refused. Now I have the nose pillows and don't seem to have all the problems that full face masks give some people. It did not seem strange to me--and I was comfortable in it from the very first night in the sleep study. There is a period of adjustment for any facial device--but you can and will get through it. Problems do arise, and this is a good place to get some answers. I am getting help right now with backaches that I had been getting--stretches helped out a lot. I managed to sleep a full 8 hours last night. What Bliss. Good Luck, Berneta

[AngelaVella]

Improving each night now, managed 4 hours actual sleep with it on, woke up with a fright, took it off for 15 mins, then put it back on and slept for a further 3 hours, no bad dreams at all, no other panic attacks, the best night I;ve had for quite a while -feel quite perky this morning
Angela