CPAP Users: How long to get used to it?

[Passepartout]

In the last few months, I had some health issues. My pulmonologist prescribed nighttime oxygen. My sleeping improved dramatically (note the lack of wee-hour posts from me). But in a recent visit, he suggested that using a CPAP to basically force air into my lungs at night might be preferable to naturally breathing enriched O2. So they set me up to do an overnight 'sleep study'.

Horrible experience. 25 sensors attached from the top of my head and all over my torso, two elastic bands to detect my breathing and down to sensors on my legs to detect 'restless' legs. All leading to a big ganglia of wires down my back. Then just try to sleep in a strange bed with people watching- even if it's via infrared cameras, it still feels invasive. No wonder the technician came in during the night and put a CPAP on me and tried a couple of different masks, saying that I had sleep apnea. Well, DUH!

So in a couple of days they are sending me home with a 'loaner' CPAP machine to use for a month. I don't have a good feeling about getting used to the thing. the DS uses one, and travels around the world for work and won't leave home without it.

Am I making too much of this? The mask and headgear makes me claustrophobic. I can't sleep on my back- never could.

Stay tuned for updates.

Jim

 

[DrQ]

Horrible experience. 25 sensors attached from the top of my head and all over my torso, two elastic bands to detect my breathing and down to sensors on my legs to detect 'restless' legs. All leading to a big ganglia of wires down my back. Then just try to sleep in a strange bed with people watching- even if it's via infrared cameras, it still feels invasive. No wonder the technician came in during the night and put a CPAP on me and tried a couple of different masks, saying that I had sleep apnea. Well, DUH! ...

... I can't sleep on my back- never could.

Jim

LOL, I have always thought this.

Me too, on sleeping on my back.

 

[VacationForever]

I don't have sleep apnea and don't use a CPAP. However, you will get used to sleeping on your back. CPAP is godsend for the partners.

 

[rapmarks]

For me I was fine the first night, sleep better most of the time.
For my husband, awful. He has had seven overnight tests, five different masks,acpap and a bipap machine. I cannot stop it from leaking,the noise level is incredible, and he has about thirty apnea’s an hour with it he absolutely hates it.

 

[lvkcwalker]

I have used Cpap since 2007...won't leave home without it. I don't sleep well EVER without it! that being said, I understand how you felt during the testing. But in all honesty within the first few days of starting Cpap therapy I knew it was working for me. As for sleeping on my back, I don't. I am a side sleeper. I've become accustomed to positioning my pillow so my face and mask are not blocked by the pillow. I manage to shift from side to side doing the same without difficulty. My husband began Cpap therapy 2 years after I did. He also feels the same way about it's helpfulness. But he did take a bit longer to get comfortable using it. His problem was finding the right mask for him. I do understand that Cpap is not for everyone, but you won't know that if you don't try it. Good Luck!

 

[DrQ]

I got a reclining bed, that solves my apnea problem.

 

[bbodb1]

FWIW: There is (are) more than one type of mask, so you might want to try some of the different types out to see if one allows you to sleep better than others.

 

[rapmarks]

FWIW: There is (are) more than one type of mask, so you might want to try some of the different types out to see if one allows you to sleep better than others.

Those masks cost at least two hundred dollars,and can only get a new mask every six months. The supplies are outrageously expensive

 

[Glynda]

I had a sleep study once and tried s c-pap. I hated the bother of it but it did teach me how to breathe properly. At least for awhile. I lost some weight and haven’t needed it for 19 years.

Now, I always sleep on my back. Wish I always had. Might have fewer wrinkles on my face! I had bad lower back pain and even worse sciatica which ran down my leg. We got a dual adjustable bed with a Tempur-Pedic mattress. I kind of sleep in a V position with the foot of the bed as high as it goes and head lifted some. I put a half round memory foam pillow under my knees and am two years pain free.

 

[Passepartout]

FWIW: There is (are) more than one type of mask, so you might want to try some of the different types out to see if one allows you to sleep better than others.

Yeah. Looking online, there are, like, nearly 200 different ones. At ~$200 a pop, you don't want to be changing a lot. At the test, they sent me home with a Respironics (iirc) full face (nose & mouth) and a 'pillow canula' type that were marked 'Not For Resale', so I suppose Medicare and/or insurance is paying for them. I preferred the pillow canula one, but you have to keep your mouth shut, which I found troublesome, and the full-face one leaked unless (I thought) needlessly tight- possibly due to facial hair. I don't have this type problems on the O2 with a simple canula, and
DW says I don't snore, snort, or have any of the other outward signs of apnea.

Thanks rapmarks for the comments about the time to get used to CPAP. And yes, I thought that the BIPAP was more pleasant during the test, as it backs the pressure down when you exhale, so you aren't having to overcome the incoming air pressure.

Keep the comments coming. Thanks!

 

[DaveNV]

I'd suggest working with whoever is fitting the mask to you until you find a mask setup that works best for you. There are lots of mask designs out there.

Dave

 

[rapmarks]

I sleep on my side with no problem with cpap,and I toss and turn. I have one that just covers my nose. I thought I would breath with mouth open, but haveno problem.

A funny story, more meaningful to upstate Illinois and Wisconsin residents. My husband was scheduled for a sleep study again on the opening night NFL Packer Bear game. It lasted til 11:30. I called hospital in morning as I hadn’t received a call to pick him up. He and the tech stayed up for the game!

 

[WinniWoman]

I'd suggest working with whoever is fitting the mask to you until you find a mask setup that works best for you. There are lots of mask designs out there.

Dave

Right. A good respiratory therapist can assist. I worked briefly for a respiratory company many moons ago. Some people do have a hard time adjusting but eventually do. Others never do. Give it some time.

 

[Passepartout]

Right. A good respiratory therapist can assist. I worked briefly for a respiratory company many moons ago. Some people do have a hard time adjusting but eventually do. Others never do. Give it some time.

They are giving me a month-long trial- well, 3 weeks now. I start Monday and have another 'sleepover' (Oh, the joy) in 3 weeks.

 

[b2bailey]

My sis just started using one. She can stay asleep for 5 hours at a time, whereas she used to wake almost hourly.

 

[jackio]

I have had a CPAP machine for over 10 years. It took me about a month to get used to it. I use a nasal pillow instead OD a mask, and I can sleep in any position with it.

 

[Tank]

I had a cpap, looked forward to using it worked really well. Can't be stuffed up at all with them though.
Broke on me and and had to get a loaner and all they had was a
by-pap for me to use. Same setting, but once I had the bi-pap I could never use the C-pap again. I like it much better.

Difference is a C-pap is constantly the same pressure, and you have to breath out overcoming the set pressure the mask is set at and I think this is what gives people fits getting use to them.
A bi-pap backs off when you are exhaling and you don't have to fight it breathing out. I found this much more comfortable for me. Never did get the old one fixed and just kept the one they let me borrow.
The Doctor rights a prescription and mine was for a C-pap and when I was retested they said they have to test with the C-pap since the prescription was for this.
I could not go back to the C-pap after using the Bi-pap. Had to have the doctor right a new prescription for the Bi-pap.
I was told a C-pap is a lot cheaper machine and the preferred unit to the insurance Company. Not sure.
I Also think if your Dr doesn't have experience with one of these they may not really know the difference between the two.

After my experience I would recommend pushing for the Bi-pap. It is also easier to use when your a little stuffy. If you are really stuffed up, you will be miserable with both.

I prefer the mask that just covers the nose. Some have to use the mask that covers both mouth and nose. Never had to use that one. Don't know if I would be ok with it.
Dave

 

[rapmarks]

The pressure on my husband’s bipap is set very high,in and out. He uses it because he has central apnea’s, his mind does not tell him to breath when he stops. Before he had it, I noticed he was not breathing on several occasions.

 

[SmithOp]

Those masks cost at least two hundred dollars,and can only get a new mask every six months. The supplies are outrageously expensive

I buy my supplies online for a significant discount. The durable med equipment suppliers are outrageous.


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[rapmarks]

I buy my supplies online for a significant discount. The durable med equipment suppliers are outrageous.


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Since they do not answer or return my call, I may have to do that as my tubing is in bad shape

 

[cerralee]

I have hade a c-pap for about five years. I love it. The first time I used it I woke up refreshed and rested for the first time I could remember. My husband used to make jokes about how much I snored and snorted during my sleep. I knew I did because I could feel it and woke up so many times over the course of a night. After I got it the main reason I would wake up was his snorting and snoring and leg jerks! He had a sleep study done and had one prescribed as well. We are a two c-pap couple. It makes traveling more cumbersome but it is well worth the effort.
I am a stomach sleeper and after many trials, have picked the mask for me. I like the one that has the hose that swivels from the top of my head. It lets me sleep in many different positions. The medical device company let me try several masks before I made the final decision. Oxygen is a great medicine!

 

[Passepartout]

I am a stomach sleeper and after many trials, have picked the mask for me. I like the one that has the hose that swivels from the top of my head. It lets me sleep in many different positions. The medical device company let me try several masks before I made the final decision. Oxygen is a great medicine!

Thanks. I will try that style, as I also change position quite a bit during sleep, and am up and down during the night (It's an old guy thing) I hope it doesn't take a lot of adjustment each time it is removed and put back on. My wife says I'm being dragged into this kicking and screaming. I prefer to say I'm going into it grumbling and griping but willing to 'play along'. If it results in good nights' sleep and more active days, I'm all for it.

 

[SmithOp]

Since they do not answer or return my call, I may have to do that as my tubing is in bad shape

I used to have rental equipment but they screwed up the insurance billing every month, so I just purchased my own and used HSA funds to cover it.

You just have to send a PDF of your prescription then indicate its on file when you order.

I use a Wizard 210 nasal mask and order the replacement cushions, $13 each, and replace when they get leaky. The whole mask is only $39 on sale.

https://www.cpap-supply.com/Wizard-210-Nasal-Mask-with-Headgear-p/sm010xx.htm




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[rapmarks]

I used to have rental equipment but they screwed up the insurance billing every month, so I just purchased my own and used HSA funds to cover it.

You just have to send a PDF of your prescription then indicate its on file when you order.

I use a Wizard 210 nasal mask and order the replacement cushions, $13 each, and replace when they get leaky. The whole mask is only $39 on sale.

https://www.cpap-supply.com/Wizard-210-Nasal-Mask-with-Headgear-p/sm010xx.htm




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How long do you use the pillows? I have never noticed them getting leaky but follow their directions

 

[wyannuzzi]

I’ve been on Cpap for a little over 10 years. Side sleeper. I could not get used to a full mask when I first got it so I did a little research and found a cloth nasal mask that was a Godsend. I can’t sleep without it. Google Sleep Weaver Advance to see the mask I am referring to. You can get it for $60 online and includes the headgear. Let me know if you have any other questions and I will try to help.