I Have Sleep Apnea

Any advice for getting use to CPAP machine (Sleep apnea)?

I am really struggling with my machine. I've actually had it for about two years but been pushing it off for a long time because I hate it. I have finally come to the point where it really is affecting my life and need to change. Does anyone have any advise for getting use to it or anything encouraging?

I have very severe sleep apnea and use the full face mask - finally got a more comfortable one but I find it hard to drift off to sleep. I just lay there with my eyes closed - super tired but nothing. And then if I do fall asleep, the next time I wake up, my mask is off on the floor.

I just took some sleeping medicine to drift off to sleep faster but know it will be off super fast. I am not aware when I take it off.

Thanks in advance to all those who answer!

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HootyTheNightOwl

How does your CPAP secure to your face??? Given your comment, it sounds like you are using a single strap and a second one might prevent you from removing the mask as you sleep. At the very least, you might wake up should the mask start flapping about on your face, indicating that you've removed one strap.

Meditation might also be a good way to get to sleep without having to resort to taking medication to sleep every night, too.

NONtoxic · 31-35, M

@HootyTheNightOwl I have the philips respironics amara view: https://www.thecpapshop.com/respironics-amara-view-full-face-mask-with-headgear

I have it some what tight but nowhere near as tight as my last two masks. I asked the sleep doctor for advice and she said "she can't give me any, you either sleep with it or you don't." While at the same time saying I'll be dead by 40 if i don't wear it. I will also have no medical come october, so I really don't know what to do.

I might look into meditation if it will help, I am just starting to get very frustrated. But thanks for your answer, sorry for ranting lol.

HootyTheNightOwl

@NONtoxic Hmm... okay... could you try a little tape or a band aid on your face at night??? If you place it over the strap, you will pull that off as well as the mask as you sleep - and that might wake you enough to stop you from tossing the mask to the floor.

i'm pretty used to frustrated men by now... i sometimes pick up on some of Sire's frustration, too. Hopefully, at least talking about it might help a little.

HerKing · 61-69, M

What is causing the apnea? The reason I ask is that my wife tried a CPAP mask for several months and had the same issues. She tried instead an adjustable gum/teeth cap set up (found online) that moved her bottom jaw slightly forward to open up the airway...which sort of worked to a degree. She went to see an orthodontist who custom made her one for the same reason, which because it was made to fit exactly worked properly. I'm not saying that is the answer, but might be worth looking into if it's an option.

Mk8155 · M

Use the nose pillow kind it’s less invasive

NONtoxic · 31-35, M

@Mk8155 Will that work for mouth breathers who have severe sleep apnea? Does the severity matter at all when deciding on a mask? My sleep doctor is very useless and won't really give me any advice.

Mk8155 · M

I will be getting mine in 2 weeks and you will have to keep your mouth closed with the nose pillows@NONtoxic

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