Any CPAP machine users out here?

[tibbiit]

Ive just used it second nite, and wonder how the f do you get used to this thing hanging on your nose?
In my sleepover test I had 63 apneas/hyponeas in one hour of rem sleep. When placed on the machine, apneas and hypnoeas went to zero... so i really need it.

I took the thing off so many times last nite it wasnt funny. I also woke up with a sore nose. I think I have the wrong nose thingy, but worry that another kind wont help, its the strap get up and nose thing all combined that I cant tolerate.(or is it too soon to make this judgment?)

Does it get easier to use?
(This was sleeping with a full ambien too, still woke up over and over)
Any help, encouragement would be appreciated.
tib

[Lex]

1. My dad uses one. It gave him a hard time the first 3 or 4 nights

and he was sure he wouldn't be able to use it, but then he adjusted to it.

It made a huge difference for him. He wouldn't sleep without it now.

He went to a couple of CPAP messageboards and read some tips and whatnot. I can't recall which ones but he probably just googled some up to visit.

Good luck and give it a few more nights!

[SPKrazy]

2. I do

couldn't tolerate nasal masks...

so I found nasal pillows. Now there is a headgear for nasal pillows that is very comfortable and easy to use.

It's called "The Breeze" http://www.thecpapshop.com/product_page.asp?flag=manuf&...

Charming I know, but much more comfortable than straps and all.

Humidifier, make sure you have a heated humidifier, it helps the nasal membranes not get so dried out.

Also, I use the nasal pillows because the masks caused my skin to start breaking down. (allergy?)

At any rate, sometimes it is a pain in the ass, but for the most part it helps my sleep tremendously to use it.

It does take getting used to it though.

[Missy Vixen]

3. If there are Velcro straps on your mask

you might try loosening them or otherwise adjusting. As everyone else here has said, it takes a few days to get used to it. In my case, it was over a week. You can do this. I was initially panicky because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to breathe, and getting used to sleeping on my back took a few weeks. When I breathed deeply and persuaded myself to relax, I got used to the mask.

I had a similar number of apneas and hypopneas in my testing as you do, so to say that I feel better after sleeping with my CPAP for almost a year now is an understatement. You will not believe how rested you'll feel when you're finally able to spend a night asleep with the mask.

Julie

[Catshrink]

4. My BIL uses one...

he bitched and moaned about it but my sister is the one who dragged him to the doc and insisted he get the machine and she "made" him use it. He finally admitted that he sleeps better and has more energy during the day. It's worth the hassle of getting used to it, according to him.

[Wapsie B]

5. I do and love it.

If you have a sore nose you could either have the mask on too tight or have the wrong mask for your face. Is this the same kind of mask you used during your sleep study? I'd go back to your DME and get refitted for a different mask.

PM me if you'd like some professional advice.

[tibbiit]

6. thanks everyone for your help

i will go back to the sleep center and look at the other diff. masks.
the breeze looks interesting since on mine the hose comes off the bottom of the mask and gets tangled when i move onto my side.

I am hopefull this will work out, I just dont like having it not work perfectly in the first moment... lol.
tib

found this forum
http://www.cpaptalk.com/CPAP-Sleep-Apnea-Forum.html

[Keefer]

7. The best mask on the market, bar none.

This mask is THE BEST on the market.

http://www.thecpapshop.com/product_page_detail.asp?Prod...

[Kali]

8. for almost everyone it gets easier

Great forum here: http://www.apneasupport.org/index.php

I was HIGHLY motivated and had been in a test for 6 months (unfortunatly I ended up in the placebo group, so no real preassure) and when I finally got my machine set at the right pressure it still took a while - at least two weeks to learn the mouth/throat control to be able to speak on occasion -

Give yourself at least two weeks to adjust. One bit of advice is do NOT overtighten the mask - that may seem counterintuitive, but too tight may deform them and cause leaks. Another tip I got off that site is to use a wet wipe on the mask and my face - it seems to help the seal. I use Wet Ones citrus, and the perfume isn't too bad.

If you keep with it you will be amazed at the difference in your health and energy level. Sleep is at least as important to life as nutrition. The thing is NOT romantic, that is for sure, but if you are dead from the side effects of apnea how romantic is that?

[Bombero1956]

9. been using mine for 11 years and I'm

now on my second machine. It'll get better as time goes on. As to the mask hurting your nose, it must be too small. One thing to watch out for is jaw pain. I tended to clench my jaws when I was learning to sleep with my mouth closed. Good luck.

[tibbiit]

10. thanks so much everyone who replied

and thanks for the links.
tib