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I have just been diagnosed - saw the consultant yesterday - got the CPAP last night - just wondering if anyone else had problems trying to get used to the constant pressure?? Had a couple of fairly major freak outs last night, felt like i was being smothered!! Woke up and ripped the mask off and knocked the machine of the bed side table!! Will it get better???
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Hi Apple! Welcome to the forums!
There's no denying the first few nights can be difficult. After all, you have a mask strapped to your face and a pump sending air your way. Not actually run-of-the-mill stuff!
In general, for the fast majority of CPAP users, yes it will get better. Most within days, others take a couple of weeks to really get used to it.
Here are a few tips to get used to it even faster:
- Wear the mask without the machine for an hour or so prior to going to bed. It tends to hepl with subconscious "acceptance". Watching TV or listening to music should be OK with the mask.
- Check your machine's manual and see if "ramping" or "comfort delay" has been enabled. This is like a light dimmer, it slowly ramps up the pressure to ease you into it. Most ramp buttons are a pyrimid on its side. When you wake up in a panic, hit it to lower the pressure fast.
- If these sensations remain, ask if they can set your machine at a lower pressure and ease you upwards, perhaps by 1cm pressure per week.
Let us know how you get on! -
I got mine 4 weeks ago and i have the same problem i can't get used to it i'v layed in bed watching DVD's listen to music even sat and watched tv with it on it's doing my head in as i'm not allowed back to work till i have had 4 clear weeks of sleepOriginally posted by apple35 View Post
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Wearing it with the machine on whilst awake wouldn't do much good as there won't be any apnoea events at that time. You really need to just put it on minutes before you nod off. If you're not totally tired and fall asleep the minute you lie down in the dark, I wonder whether you actually have OSA?Comment
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panic
Hi I am also new to all this. Got my cpap on loan Monday ( for 4 weeks trial)and so far cannot get used to it. It is an autoset resmed and as soon as I put the mask(nasal) to my face I feel as though I am in a wind tunnel and it takes my breath away. When i had the test at the centre I was fine as long as I tunred the machine on first then put the mask on. It seems sooo strong. The nurse said i was at its low setting. I cant contact her for 3 days so dont know what the heck I am doing or if I have undone her settings.Does it start off strong then slow down eventually? It makes me panic. I havent slept longer than 3 hours in years and really want this to work. Any advice would be appreciatedComment
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2 weeks on!
Well i have had the machine for a fortnight, and the benefits far outweigh the wind tunnel at night!! I have been given my own machine now and it is set for me, so doesn't seem as forceful. I still need the 30 minutes ramp time to get used to the feeling of pressure. I do feel much better, more energy, no nodding off at the drop of a hat!Comment
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Thank God for this site!!
Hiya, picked up my CPAP machine yesterday and totally freaked out last night!! I feel bunged up as soon as I turn it on and I can't seem to breath through my nose!! Can as soon as I turn it off!! I will persevere as the chance of sleeping through the night is a fantastic incentive, but very reassuring to know that I am not the only one with "teething" problems!! Many Thanks for this site... May just keep me sane!!Comment
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Hi Amanda,
Welcome to the forums!
Are you using your machine's ramping feature? This really helps easing you into it.Comment
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Hi Amanda Im new to it all too, I have done 3 nights now and am finding it difficult mainly because I cant get the mask comfortable and I sleep on my side so it keeps leaking, from what Ive read it can take a while. The folks are here are really supportive though. You can message me if you want I dont know if I can help I doubt it am having trouble helping myself!! but at least we could moan about it together!!LOL
On the upside I have not been so tired in the day which is amazing as I thought I was sleeping worse at night than ever so what sleep I am getting must be better in some peverse way.Comment
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Hiya
Thanks James, I am using the ramping feature, but didn't help the first night. Was better last night tho, was advised to put tongue at roof of my mouth before I went to sleep to stop me opening my mouth (best Darth Vadar impression EVER!!) and it worked and actually got to sleep with it on last night, not for very long but its progress. Got into a good rhythm last night with my breathing so won't be so nervous tonight!!
Like you Jillybean I usually sleep on my side or my front so getting comfy is really difficult but tried my back last night with lots of pillows and that seemed to work. Probably just trial and error and sleeping with something on your face is a new feeling but will take time!! Am totally knackered but I'm optimistic it will pay off!!
thanks for your support guys!! Jilly, mayb we can get each other through and can celebrate our first full, good nights sleep soon!!
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Blocked noses!
Hi Folks
Does anyone find that sometimes they just can't get their breathing "right" with the machine on? Had been doing really well with the machine until last night, i just couldn't get in-sync with it, so took it off in disgust!!
Would it have been due to nasal congestion?? I had an allergic reaction yesterday and had been sneezing all day.
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Blocked Noses!!
Hiya Apple,
I think if you have a blocked nose then you're on a non starter!! My friend who's husband's used one for years recommended a nasal decongestant before you go to sleep, just an over the counter one, one squirt and he sleeps like a baby!! Hope that helps!! xComment
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You've probably seen me mention this "gadget" before but it really is the mother of all decongestants:
(Click "I Agree" to watch the videos)
Specific info on SinuPulse & CPAP here.
Five star Amazon reviews here (US) and here (UK).Comment
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