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.
I was recently diagnosed with sleep apnea and I can't sleep with a mask on and suggestions? I feel clostraphobic with the mask on and i don't want to be so restricted to something when i sleep.I tried to wear the mask to sleep for the sleep study and I couldn't wear it and sleep it was so uncomfortable and it pulls and sucks at your face and blows air in the mask it is very uncomfortable. Any more information on the mouth gard instead of the mask?
I assume that you are having a problem adjusting to a full face mask? (Full face masks are usually needed for "mouth breathers".) If so, I am not much help since I am not a mouth breather so I use what is called a "pillow mask". I had no problem adjusting to that type of mask. This Board is slow so I always recommend that SA patients go over to two other Boards that are SA specific. I would recommend that on either Board that you register as a new member making sure that you add your specific brands and types of equipment (all drop down boxes, so very easy). If you do not, you will be quickly asked to do so; may as well do it first and get it over with.
The Boards that I recommend/use are:
1. cpaptalk.com: http://www.cpaptalk.com/CPAP-Sleep-Apnea-Forum.html
2. Apnea Board Forum: http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/index.php
Sometimes the answers are kind of brutal, so do not be surprised if you get a rough answer (most SA patients are mean old folks LOL, but sadly some are very, very young even babies with questions from parents). I also recommend that you read all the different questions on the Boards that may apply to you.