Need Help Using CPAP Machine - Can't Fall Asleep (1 Viewer)

[b-snatchers]

Hi,
I was recently diagnosed with mild sleep apnea and I recently was given a CPAP machine with a full mask.

I have had it since Saturday but can't fall asleep. When I start to drift off, it feels like I awake right away - not sure if too much air or too little air

I have put it on while watching TV and feel like I have been acclimated to wearing it.

For all those veterans out there, any advice?

I am thinking of switching to a nasal pillow mask.

Thanks!

 

[zamboni]

I think there have been other CPAP threads out there, but I've been using one for a few years. Definitely takes some time to get adjusted to and much prefer the nasal pillows.

Even after a few years though, sometimes I have problems falling asleep even with the pillows - depends how tired I am.

 

[Dan Lambskin]

I’ve only used the pillows, maybe see if you can try those?
Also, I know when I first got mine, they offered a fitting and did a setup
I know mine is set for gradual ramp up

 

[Don Quixote]

I use the full face mask. It took me a bit of a gradual build-up over about two weeks. Started off with it on for just a couple of hours, then about four hours, then full night. Now I can’t sleep without it.

 

[soothsayer]

Here's another vote for the nasal pillows. If you have trouble keeping your mouth closed when you sleep you can use a simple mouth tape.

Whatever you do, STICK WITH IT. Using a CPAP can be life changing - it has been for me and I wish that for you as well.

 

[BassNBrew]

Here's another vote for the nasal pillows. If you have trouble keeping your mouth closed when you sleep you can use a simple mouth tape.

Whatever you do, STICK WITH IT. Using a CPAP can be life changing - it has been for me and I wish that for you as well.

What he said.

 

[B Maverick]

I use the nasal pillows, my bro in law recently got his and has the full nose mask (i think). Doesn't cover his mouth. Took me awhile to get used to it, and some nights I end up concentrating on my breathing instead of sleeping but overall it has been helpful.

As others have said, Stick with it.

 

[ThaPenguin]

I use the full mask also, I tried the nasal pillows at my fitting and could tell I would not be able to adjust to them. But if that is an option, definitely give it a whirl, much less constricting.

It took me probably 3-4 months to sleep soundly through the night without removing it (consciously or unconsciously) after a few hours. Might not be helpful advice, but like others said, just have to stick with it and train your body to adjust. Like putting contacts into your eyes for the first few times, it's a foreign object on a sensitive part of your body that your brain is trying to reject, and no other way to get around it besides conditioning. Plus your machine needs to learn when and how much to ramp still.

 

[shuke]

Here's another vote for the nasal pillows. If you have trouble keeping your mouth closed when you sleep you can use a simple mouth tape.

Whatever you do, STICK WITH IT. Using a CPAP can be life changing - it has been for me and I wish that for you as well.

Talk to me about mouth tape. I currently wear one of these to keep my mouth shut with nasal pillows. I don't love it.

 

[heckmanm]

Agree with all the points above about getting used to it. Make sure whatever mask/headgear you use works well with your usual sleeping positions. I like the headgear with the hose coming in from the top, but it helps if you can drape it over your headboard or something similar to keep it mostly out of the way.

With my setup, there's a distinction between "nasal pillows" and "nasal cushion" that I didn't realize until I ordered the wrong one once.
Nasal cushion (which I use; sits under the nose)
Nasal pillows (which I couldn't stand; jams into the nostrils)

 

[Brunell4MVP]

I had more luck with the full nasal mask than the pillows. Pop some magnesium an hour before bedtime. You'll fall asleep. My problem was waking up at like 4 am, and taking it off to go to the can. At that point the CPAP is rendered useless.

 

[b-snatchers]

Thanks all for the advice. I think I will try the face mask for a little longer and if that doesn't work might try the nasal pillow (or cushion).
I have the mask on at night while watching TV sometimes and its fine.
I read a little before in bed before I try and sleep and I am fine.
When I start to drift off I get startled and not sure if it could be too much or too little pressure? Any ideas?

 

[Corporation]

I'm also a nasal pillow user. I'm sporadic with the use because I just don't feel like I get good sleep with it. I toss and turn and it makes it a struggle. Hope you find a good solution.

 

[wlwiles]

Agree with all the points above about getting used to it. Make sure whatever mask/headgear you use works well with your usual sleeping positions. I like the headgear with the hose coming in from the top, but it helps if you can drape it over your headboard or something similar to keep it mostly out of the way.

With my setup, there's a distinction between "nasal pillows" and "nasal cushion" that I didn't realize until I ordered the wrong one once.
Nasal cushion (which I use; sits under the nose)
Nasal pillows (which I couldn't stand; jams into the nostrils)

This is why it's so important to talk to your CPAP specialist about the various options and do fittings. I use the pillows but I tried the nasal cushion for a couple nights because of chafing on the inside edge of my nostrils. I couldn't get the cushion to stay in place without leaking air everywhere, unless I cranked up the tightness on the headband to uncomfortable level.

 

[zamboni]

I use the pillows but I tried the nasal cushion for a couple nights because of chafing on the inside edge of my nostrils. I couldn't get the cushion to stay in place without leaking air everywhere, unless I cranked up the tightness on the headband to uncomfortable level.

That happens to me sometimes. When the pillows start hurting the inside of my nostrils, I know they've typically lost some of their shape and it's time to swap them out for a new one.

This whole thread is like a Seinfeld episode - lol.

 

[heckmanm]

These PILLOWS are CHAFING my NOSTRILS!!

 

[b-snatchers]

Agree with all the points above about getting used to it. Make sure whatever mask/headgear you use works well with your usual sleeping positions. I like the headgear with the hose coming in from the top, but it helps if you can drape it over your headboard or something similar to keep it mostly out of the way.

With my setup, there's a distinction between "nasal pillows" and "nasal cushion" that I didn't realize until I ordered the wrong one once.
Nasal cushion (which I use; sits under the nose)
Nasal pillows (which I couldn't stand; jams into the nostrils)

This is why it's so important to talk to your CPAP specialist about the various options and do fittings. I use the pillows but I tried the nasal cushion for a couple nights because of chafing on the inside edge of my nostrils. I couldn't get the cushion to stay in place without leaking air everywhere, unless I cranked up the tightness on the headband to uncomfortable level.

Thanks! When you say CPAP specialist are you referring to the CPAP company that fitted me and gave me the equipment or my sleep Dr.

 

[heckmanm]

Agree with all the points above about getting used to it. Make sure whatever mask/headgear you use works well with your usual sleeping positions. I like the headgear with the hose coming in from the top, but it helps if you can drape it over your headboard or something similar to keep it mostly out of the way.

With my setup, there's a distinction between "nasal pillows" and "nasal cushion" that I didn't realize until I ordered the wrong one once.
Nasal cushion (which I use; sits under the nose)
Nasal pillows (which I couldn't stand; jams into the nostrils)

This is why it's so important to talk to your CPAP specialist about the various options and do fittings. I use the pillows but I tried the nasal cushion for a couple nights because of chafing on the inside edge of my nostrils. I couldn't get the cushion to stay in place without leaking air everywhere, unless I cranked up the tightness on the headband to uncomfortable level.

Thanks! When you say CPAP specialist are you referring to the CPAP company that fitted me and gave me the equipment or my sleep Dr.

For me it was the CPAP company, although the doctor may have some input into the pressure ramp-up settings. I can't recall on that front; I know mine is set up so the Dr. can check my usage/stats.

 

[B Maverick]

These PILLOWS are CHAFING my NOSTRILS!!

I've had that on and off too. If I don't clean them weekly or change them out enough I tend to get chaffed.

 

[wlwiles]

Agree with all the points above about getting used to it. Make sure whatever mask/headgear you use works well with your usual sleeping positions. I like the headgear with the hose coming in from the top, but it helps if you can drape it over your headboard or something similar to keep it mostly out of the way.

With my setup, there's a distinction between "nasal pillows" and "nasal cushion" that I didn't realize until I ordered the wrong one once.
Nasal cushion (which I use; sits under the nose)
Nasal pillows (which I couldn't stand; jams into the nostrils)

This is why it's so important to talk to your CPAP specialist about the various options and do fittings. I use the pillows but I tried the nasal cushion for a couple nights because of chafing on the inside edge of my nostrils. I couldn't get the cushion to stay in place without leaking air everywhere, unless I cranked up the tightness on the headband to uncomfortable level.

Thanks! When you say CPAP specialist are you referring to the CPAP company that fitted me and gave me the equipment or my sleep Dr.

I go to the medical supply company to get the machine and replacement parts, and they have a CPAP specialist there. The doctor (my PCP) is who evaluated the results of my sleep study and determined what the air pressure setting should be, but the CPAP specialist is the one that did the fitting and is my go-to if I want to try a different mask/hose/pillow size/etc. If I have any concerns about the air pressure setting, I take those to her, she'll review the data, and then she'll put in a request to my doctor to evaluate the air pressure setting.

 

[wlwiles]

These PILLOWS are CHAFING my NOSTRILS!!

For a while I just thought that was part of getting used to the machine, I needed to toughen up the skin there or something...fought that for months. But @B Maverick is right, regular cleaning and replacement is the way. I wash mine weekly and religiously change the pillows piece out on the 1st and 15th of every month, and haven't had any chafing since.

 

[heckmanm]

These PILLOWS are CHAFING my NOSTRILS!!

Clearly I should have added

/Costanza

Or at least quoted the bit about the Seinfeld episode

 

[Ministry of Pain]

THC Gummies
45-90 minutes for them to work thru your system and then they last for several hours keeping you asleep
Easiest thing is to just pop a whole one as you are laying down, the purpose is to keep you sleeping more so than forcing you to fall asleep
Less waking up

 

[Judge Smails]

Kiva Midnight Blueberry sleep gummies

 

[GoBirds]

There’s an alternative to the mask that looks like torture? Have an appointment next month, not excited.

 

[GenX fan]

I think I've decided an early death might be preferrable over dealing with this sort of nonsense every night.

I heard someone else describe it as having a leaf blower attached to your face. That sounds accurate.

 

[shuke]

I think I've decided an early death might be preferrable over dealing with this sort of nonsense every night.

I heard someone else describe it as having a leaf blower attached to your face. That sounds accurate.

It's just part of my sleep routine now. I actually kind of look forward to the sensation to help me relax.

 

[B Maverick]

I may not sleep completely through the night with the CPAP, but I do know I am getting deeper sleep and am feeling better than I was without it. It also helps keeping my nasal passages clearer and helps with allergies.

I've also tried a couple of the mouth guards that claim to help but can not get comfortable with them. Will continue to try and get more comfortable with them in case they help so I don't have to travel with the machine.

Even with the benefits, I will be scheduling follow ups with the Dr to check out more alternatives. With a diagnosis of "mild" though, the options are limited.

 

[wlwiles]

I think I've decided an early death might be preferrable over dealing with this sort of nonsense every night.

I heard someone else describe it as having a leaf blower attached to your face. That sounds accurate.

It depends on what your air pressure setting is. Mine is only 4 psi so pretty low. When I put it on and turn the machine on, the only way I can tell it's blowing air is if I open my mouth (so air rushes out of my mouth) or to pull the pillows away from my nose and feel the air coming out. When it's on, it just feels like I'm breathing normally. The machine itself is silent.

I can imagine if you have >10 psi it might feel like it's shoving "too much air at once" to you...haven't tried that high of a setting though to know for sure.

 

[zamboni]

I think I've decided an early death might be preferrable over dealing with this sort of nonsense every night.

I heard someone else describe it as having a leaf blower attached to your face. That sounds accurate.

It depends on what your air pressure setting is. Mine is only 4 psi so pretty low. When I put it on and turn the machine on, the only way I can tell it's blowing air is if I open my mouth (so air rushes out of my mouth) or to pull the pillows away from my nose and feel the air coming out. When it's on, it just feels like I'm breathing normally. The machine itself is silent.

I can imagine if you have >10 psi it might feel like it's shoving "too much air at once" to you...haven't tried that high of a setting though to know for sure.

I’ve always gone with 4.0 as well - that was the initial default level by the guy that set me up with it and I haven’t changed it since. Very manageable

 

[B Maverick]

I think I've decided an early death might be preferrable over dealing with this sort of nonsense every night.

I heard someone else describe it as having a leaf blower attached to your face. That sounds accurate.

It depends on what your air pressure setting is. Mine is only 4 psi so pretty low. When I put it on and turn the machine on, the only way I can tell it's blowing air is if I open my mouth (so air rushes out of my mouth) or to pull the pillows away from my nose and feel the air coming out. When it's on, it just feels like I'm breathing normally. The machine itself is silent.

I can imagine if you have >10 psi it might feel like it's shoving "too much air at once" to you...haven't tried that high of a setting though to know for sure.

Mine modulates from 4psi to 20psi. When I first turn it on its at 4 and is like you describe. In the middle of the night, at times it can feel like GenX fan says, if something wakes me up.
The range can also be changed as needed if the higher side is causing issues.

 

[Runkle]

I'll be honest, as long as the pillows or face-mask are tight and not leaking.... I don't feel like I'm in front of a leaf-blower or anything. It's just a closed system and feels comfortable. I don't notice any pressure at all.

I have mine on auto-set for pressure if it matters.

 

[heckmanm]

I'm getting ready to get my second machine. First one is starting to make some motor/bearing squealy noises sometimes, which sucks for trying to sleep. Got almost 7 years out of it, and my insurance will cover a new one every 5. I keep a pair of earplugs by the bed for nights that it gets noisy.

 

[brun]

Here's another vote for the nasal pillows. If you have trouble keeping your mouth closed when you sleep you can use a simple mouth tape.

Whatever you do, STICK WITH IT. Using a CPAP can be life changing - it has been for me and I wish that for you as well.

Talk to me about mouth tape. I currently wear one of these to keep my mouth shut with nasal pillows. I don't love it.

I have a collection of that type of thing. Liked none of them. Oddly, what worked best for me, no longer using though, was just a stretchy thin neck gaiter.
Like this.

 

[skol asylum]

I think I've decided an early death might be preferrable over dealing with this sort of nonsense every night.

I heard someone else describe it as having a leaf blower attached to your face. That sounds accurate.

Accurate. I did a few weeks with it a few years ago and gave up. Just couldn't function with air being blown into my lungs. Feels so gross and unnatural. I should do something else and haven't. I sleep alot upright in a chair not sure if that helps or not. I recently bought a cheap mouth piece thing but haven't tried it yet. I know I need to lose alot of weight and that would help at least some.

 

[zamboni]

I'll be honest, as long as the pillows or face-mask are tight and not leaking.... I don't feel like I'm in front of a leaf-blower or anything.

For fun, you can let a little air out and talk in a Darth Vader voice. Somehow my wife isn’t amused.

 

[belljr]

For mild sleep apnea get rid of the CPAP and look in a dental devices

 

[brun]

For mild sleep apnea get rid of the CPAP and look in a dental devices

I can see how this might apply to obstructive but don't see how it would help with central sleep apnea.

 

[b-snatchers]

For mild sleep apnea get rid of the CPAP and look in a dental devices

I can see how this might apply to obstructive but don't see how it would help with central sleep apnea.

Not sure, but how do I tell which one I have?

 

[brun]

For mild sleep apnea get rid of the CPAP and look in a dental devices

I can see how this might apply to obstructive but don't see how it would help with central sleep apnea.

Not sure, but how do I tell which one I have?

I don't know that you self diagnose. It will be reported when you do a sleep study.

 

[shuke]

Here's another vote for the nasal pillows. If you have trouble keeping your mouth closed when you sleep you can use a simple mouth tape.

Whatever you do, STICK WITH IT. Using a CPAP can be life changing - it has been for me and I wish that for you as well.

Talk to me about mouth tape. I currently wear one of these to keep my mouth shut with nasal pillows. I don't love it.

I have a collection of that type of thing. Liked none of them. Oddly, what worked best for me, no longer using though, was just a stretchy thin neck gaiter.
Like this.

That didn't get too hot?

 

[jimjack]

I agree CPAP was disaster for me as well and I gave up after 6 months. Recently stumbled onto Sleep Apnea Dentist. It is just a specialized mouth piece specifcally fit to your mouth. I was doubter at first but I must say it does work and is just a simple mouth guard and SO MUCH simplier than that dang machine.

 

[belljr]

I agree CPAP was disaster for me as well and I gave up after 6 months. Recently stumbled onto Sleep Apnea Dentist. It is just a specialized mouth piece specifcally fit to your mouth. I was doubter at first but I must say it does work and is just a simple mouth guard and SO MUCH simplier than that dang machine.

That's exactly what I did

 

[b-snatchers]

For mild sleep apnea get rid of the CPAP and look in a dental devices

I can see how this might apply to obstructive but don't see how it would help with central sleep apnea.

Not sure, but how do I tell which one I have?

I don't know that you self diagnose. It will be reported when you do a sleep study.

Ok i have mild obstructive sleep apnea. Anyone try anything other than the cpap machine with success?

 

[belljr]

For mild sleep apnea get rid of the CPAP and look in a dental devices

I can see how this might apply to obstructive but don't see how it would help with central sleep apnea.

Not sure, but how do I tell which one I have?

I don't know that you self diagnose. It will be reported when you do a sleep study.

Ok i have mild obstructive sleep apnea. Anyone try anything other than the cpap machine with success?

Did you not read my post

 

[b-snatchers]

I did, looking for other success stories too. Thx!

 

[skol asylum]

For mild sleep apnea get rid of the CPAP and look in a dental devices

My concern is how bad does your jaw get messed up.

 

[belljr]

For mild sleep apnea get rid of the CPAP and look in a dental devices

My concern is how bad does your jaw get messed up.

So with mine. They give you a piece to "reset" your jaw/bite. So they molded me the device and a mold of my current bite

In the morning I put that in for like 10 minutes while I'm in the shower

 

[brun]

Here's another vote for the nasal pillows. If you have trouble keeping your mouth closed when you sleep you can use a simple mouth tape.

Whatever you do, STICK WITH IT. Using a CPAP can be life changing - it has been for me and I wish that for you as well.

Talk to me about mouth tape. I currently wear one of these to keep my mouth shut with nasal pillows. I don't love it.

I have a collection of that type of thing. Liked none of them. Oddly, what worked best for me, no longer using though, was just a stretchy thin neck gaiter.
Like this.

That didn't get too hot?

It was a little warm but not uncomfortably so.

 

[skol asylum]

For mild sleep apnea get rid of the CPAP and look in a dental devices

My concern is how bad does your jaw get messed up.

So with mine. They give you a piece to "reset" your jaw/bite. So they molded me the device and a mold of my current bite

In the morning I put that in for like 10 minutes while I'm in the shower

Interesting. I just bought a cheap OTC adjustable version. I wonder if I did the same thing but adjust it myself. I havent tried it yet