Sleep Apnea Support Group

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. People with sleep apnea partially awaken as they struggle to breathe, but in the morning they may not be aware of sleep disturbances.

984 Members
1,450 Posts
0 Online
Sleep Disorders
/ Sleep Apnea Support Group

emsgems

Liz1961
Liz1961
Hi and welcome. That diagnosis is one none of us want to get. But the good news is that the treatment for this diagnosis can change your life for the better!
Can you give us a little more info so we know better what you will be dealing with? For a start I can tell you that attitude is EVERYTHING! I understand being apprehensive, but it's truly nothing to fear. It's an adjustment to your sleeping routine. It's a matter of first accepting that you MUST use your CPAP faithfully if you wish to sleep better, and improve your health while avoiding a condition that can cause heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, depression, heart arrhythmia....and I could go on but won't LOL.
None of us want to sleep with a mask on our face attached by a hose to a machine that blows air into our throat, but it's a small thing to adjust to when you consider the alternatives.

Can you tell us what kind of machine you use and what your pressure is set at?
The first few nights will not be easy. I won't lie to you. And for some it can take a month or two. But if you have the attitude that learning to sleep with a CPAP is worth whatever you go through to get used to this, you will adjust much easier and quicker.
We will answer any questions and offer any advice we can and will gladly listen if you need to vent.
If those of us here that have been using a CPAP for the long term now can adjust then so can you!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hello Liz, thanks for your reply, apologies for delay in my reply am on UK time, I am using a Resmed Quattro FX FFM, I believe the pressure is set at 18. Have just had my second night using and my info on the machine shows that I used it for 5.8 hours, I have to admit I did take it off at about 4:30 this morning as my mouth was so dry, my neck hurt and the mask was hurting my face, mainly my nose. I am definately going to try to get used to this thing, as you know its not easy, I keep getting panicky as well but thanks to this forum have taken some great tips, I have to say that the forum is a fantastic source of help and encouragement, I am so glad I found it, my machine shows that I my mask was a smily face last night and my AHI is 2.0 as opposed to 5.0 the night before. On a positive note I am feeling quite rested this morning, apart from the cricked neck, thanks for your reply, ems
Tez62
Tez62
Ems, the next thing we ave to work on is the panicky feeling, people suggest, having the mask on while watching TV or reading to get used to it. Try to keep your proper sleep schedule, don't try to change it to make yourself tired. You need to relax prior to going to bed whether it's watching TV, reading or listen to music. When you are ready to go to sleep just put the mask on, don't starting thinking about it hours before, it is just another body part that we sleep with, nothing to be scared of. They are onlt thoughts and thoughts can't hurt us. On the cricked neck, we all go through different feeling and bodily sensations, you work on each one as they occur, buy some cream to rub on your neck, in Australia it's called deep heat and take some paracetamol if you need, eventually it will go, but you also have to weigh up these small inconviences vs the long term gain.
harry3333
harry3333
you need a humidifier with a full face mask
it helps to start using cpap with full pressure, dont use ramp and do breathe deep and slow
be very careful if moving CPaP with water in it
be patient, have positive thoughts and use CPAP for daytime naps also
deleted_user
deleted_user
have had awful few days, I am decreasing in the time I am using the mask, it seems the more I have cleaned the mask the more leaks I develop, a on the verge of giving up, just really down with it at the moment, I don't want to sound sorry for myself as I know there are people out there who are far worse off but at the moment it just sucks and I hate going to bed, it will have been a week tomorrow that I first started using the CPAP, is it normal for it not to have gotten any better? thanks, very despondent em :-(
Tez62
Tez62
Ems, was going to message you to see how you were going, it is very difficult, unfortunately nothing in life is easy. You have to keep going. If you want this, it will eventually come together. Have you tried the mask liners I suggested, also have you got the hose coming from above your head? You have to stop thinking about it before you go to bed and try to relax. The cleaning of the mask should cause leaks, it is other issues, where are the leaks coming from, top of your nose into your eyes or around your mouth. With masks some people adapt immediately and some never can get it right, you get have to keep trying and adjusting small things and thinking about the ultimate benefit, a good life. Send me a message if you want.
Liz1961
Liz1961
Emsgems, so sorry you're having a rough time. First, are you sure they gave you the right size mask? Be sure your face is oil free before putting your mask on. Keep adjusting the dial and the straps. You need to be lying down when you make the adjustments.
Here's one thing I have found I have to do even with all the correct adjustments, and that is, the strap that sits on your crown, I have to push it down to where it sits more in the middle of the back of my head. That assures a good seal all around the edges of the mask.
I know you're having a rough time, and combine that frustration with already being sleep and dream deprived from the apnea and I can imagine you just want to chuck it! But I really hope you'll keep trying. It's important for your health and your sanity.
It can take a longer adjustment period for some people, but they do eventually become adjusted. I feel sure that you can adjust too!
deleted_user
deleted_user
emsqems,
As far as your mask leaking.... You might want to check into CPAP mask liners for your particular mask. I have been using them for months now and they work great to stop leaks. I believe Tez was the person that gave me the idea. You can do a google search for CPAP mask liners. Tez also mentioned that you can make your own bu going to a fabric shop and buting the material and makek them. I have been purchasing mine and plan to uuse on for a template. I just have been putting off going to a fabric store. The website I got mine from is called Quietus. www.quietusliners.com
They are also washable so you can use wash them quite a few times. I perfer the ones that have one side that is tackey so it sticks to the mask better. Im sure using touse would help you a lot.
I believe I developed Afib from sleep apnea before I even knew that sleep Apnea can cause AFIB.
Hang in there and keep using that machine.
Take care,
Dennis
Tez62
Tez62
Dennis, good to hear from you, hope everything is going Ok, I sent Ems the details on the mask liners via a message and she is going to look into it when she has time.
deleted_user
deleted_user
hello all, just want to say a quick thank you to all for your support, you have and are getting me through a really tough time in my life, I know that sounds dramatic but I have really been struggling!

I have to report that last night I managed 5.8 hours with my mask on and my ahi was 3, I also took charge of my mask and decided that I was not going to let it panic me, we had a few stern words and we seem to be getting on a lot better lol, I am hoping that things will continue to improve, I will keep you updated, and again, I can't thank you all enough, its a tough thing getting used to sleeping with a mask on your face :-), ems
Tez62
Tez62
Ems, glad you are doing better, it just takes time. Sometimes we have to talk to our CPAPs and masks and glad you had a talk with yours and got it straightened out lol. It's interesting, I have a friend on DS but she doesn't have SA but is very interested in it and has supported me so much, much more than my family and she wants me to bring my CPAP to her place to see what its like, how quiet it is and wants to try it to see what it is like. I'm really eager to show her what we live with. I showed her the story I posted about the man in the UK that died and she has told me I am never to sleep without my CPAP because she doesn't want the slightest chance of me dying, anyway, keep it up and well done.
Tez62
Tez62
Ems, glad you are doing better, it just takes time. Sometimes we have to talk to our CPAPs and masks and glad you had a talk with yours and got it straightened out lol. It's interesting, I have a friend on DS but she doesn't have SA but is very interested in it and has supported me so much, much more than my family and she wants me to bring my CPAP to her place to see what its like, how quiet it is and wants to try it to see what it is like. I'm really eager to show her what we live with. I showed her the story I posted about the man in the UK that died and she has told me I am never to sleep without my CPAP because she doesn't want the slightest chance of me dying, anyway, keep it up and well done.
Tez62
Tez62
Ems, glad you are doing better, it just takes time. Sometimes we have to talk to our CPAPs and masks and glad you had a talk with yours and got it straightened out lol. It's interesting, I have a friend on DS but she doesn't have SA but is very interested in it and has supported me so much, much more than my family and she wants me to bring my CPAP to her place to see what its like, how quiet it is and wants to try it to see what it is like. I'm really eager to show her what we live with. I showed her the story I posted about the man in the UK that died and she has told me I am never to sleep without my CPAP because she doesn't want the slightest chance of me dying, anyway, keep it up and well done.
Tez62
Tez62
Ems, glad you are doing better, it just takes time. Sometimes we have to talk to our CPAPs and masks and glad you had a talk with yours and got it straightened out lol. It's interesting, I have a friend on DS but she doesn't have SA but is very interested in it and has supported me so much, much more than my family and she wants me to bring my CPAP to her place to see what its like, how quiet it is and wants to try it to see what it is like. I'm really eager to show her what we live with. I showed her the story I posted about the man in the UK that died and she has told me I am never to sleep without my CPAP because she doesn't want the slightest chance of me dying, anyway, keep it up and well done.
Liz1961
Liz1961
Ems, that's awesome! Yes, it's no small thing to learn to sleep with a mask on. But In another few months you will be putting your mask on and laying down to sleep without giving it a thought. You're doing great and it will get easier and easier.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi guys, I just wanted to let you all know, last night I managed to do 7.5 hours with my mask on, am amazed, I never thought that would happen, I am so glad I kept on trying and so grateful for everyone's support, I am determined to sleep right through the night without taking my mask off, will keep you posted, thanks everyone! ems :-)