1. < Sleep Health

Sleep Apnea and adjusting to a CPAP machine: Tips?

Posted by vickiw @vickiw, Sep 24, 2016

I'm confused on what to do on CPAP. I hate it and am trying to find a dentist that will take my insurance for a dental device. What would happen if I stop using my CPAP while I'm waiting for one?

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flor | @flor | Oct 19, 2016
In reply to @dawn_giacabazi "There is a new mask that works great and you do not have to worry about..." + (show)
@dawn_giacabazi

There is a new mask that works great and you do not have to worry about your mouth opening. It is fits over your mouth but under your nose. I love it. Best mask I've ever used.

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COULD YOU GIVE ME THE NAME OF THE NEW MASK AND WHO MAKES IT

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Dawn, Alumni Mentor | @dawn_giacabazi | Oct 19, 2016
In reply to @dawn_giacabazi "There is a new mask that works great and you do not have to worry about..." + (show)
@dawn_giacabazi

There is a new mask that works great and you do not have to worry about your mouth opening. It is fits over your mouth but under your nose. I love it. Best mask I've ever used.

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HI @flor
The mask is made by Philips Respironics and it is the Amara Vuiew Mask. This particular mask rests under the nose and over the mouth.
I tagged you on my other link to a picture of the mask.

Hope this helps.
Dawn

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Dawn, Alumni Mentor | @dawn_giacabazi | Oct 19, 2016
In reply to @jimhd "I don't remember when I started using a CPAP (around 15 years ago), but it made..." + (show)
@jimhd

I don't remember when I started using a CPAP (around 15 years ago), but it made a significant difference in my life from the first night. I averaged over 12 hours of sleep every day for the first month. I was incredibly sleep deprived!

I have a full face mask from Resmed, and have learned that dealing with the leaking means 2 things to me. First, I make small adjustments, both to the mask itself and the headgear velcro. The second thing I sometimes struggle with is getting a fresh cushion every month. I have a hard time coordinating with the store hours. One thing the sleep doctor said is to use a facewash every night, as the oils in our skin cause the cushion to deteriorate quickly. Getting a new cushion every month has helped a lot with the leakage.

I have only taken my mask off a few times, when I had panic attacks. I could put it back on when the attack passed. I even wear it for naps, whether I sleep or not. I strongly recommend perseverance in getting used to your CPAP. I can attest to the fact that it could change, or even save your life.

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@jimhd One of the helpful tips my sleep specialist did for me was change my setting from straight 24 to now it is set at 12 - 30. This actually eliminated my panic attacks at night. Not sure if you have tried but worth a shot.

Thanks
Dawn

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hosta, Eve | @hosta | Oct 19, 2016
In reply to @mollyb1968 "I have used a CPAP for over three years and I love it. It may take..." + (show)
@mollyb1968

I have used a CPAP for over three years and I love it. It may take some getting used to but it helps me breathe so much better. I think it is my best friend. I know it will get me breathing again when I stop in the night. I think you need to give it a chance. It is a life support to me. Hope you keep trying until you find something you feel more comfortable with.

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I to am on CPAP treatment for a month now. I stop breathing several times a night also. I just got the prescription changed this week. I thought that this machine was suppose to help cut down on the number of episodes. I know it does get me breathing again when I stop. The first machine I had made me feel as tho I couldn't breath. This one is more comfortable to wear. I still wake up so tired. Hope this will improve intime.

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Dawn, Alumni Mentor | @dawn_giacabazi | Oct 19, 2016
In reply to @mollyb1968 "I have used a CPAP for over three years and I love it. It may take..." + (show)
@mollyb1968

I have used a CPAP for over three years and I love it. It may take some getting used to but it helps me breathe so much better. I think it is my best friend. I know it will get me breathing again when I stop in the night. I think you need to give it a chance. It is a life support to me. Hope you keep trying until you find something you feel more comfortable with.

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Hi @hosta it will get better!! Just might take alittle adjusting. I stop breathing 63 times an hour. Now my episodes are 1-2 an hour. My blood pressure is 10xs worse when I don't use the machine and I am very tired. Now I use my machine 100% of the time. So now when I have those problems we know it's not the Apnea. Hang in there.

It gets better
Dawn

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hosta, Eve | @hosta | Oct 19, 2016
In reply to @vickiw "nasal pillow an tape my mouth shut but I gave up on the cpap the other..." + (show)
@vickiw

nasal pillow an tape my mouth shut but I gave up on the cpap the other nite I just cant sleep with it on

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I have trouble with air leaks around the mask too. Does any one else have trouble with an itchy nose while using the mask? If I move the mask to rub my nose, then I start having leaks and can't seem to get it adjusted again.

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Dawn, Alumni Mentor | @dawn_giacabazi | Oct 19, 2016
In reply to @vickiw "nasal pillow an tape my mouth shut but I gave up on the cpap the other..." + (show)
@vickiw

nasal pillow an tape my mouth shut but I gave up on the cpap the other nite I just cant sleep with it on

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@hosta very familiar with leaks and itchy nose. Might need to ask your md or respiratory therapist about your adjusting your humidity setting and might need a different mask size or different mask all together.

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hosta, Eve | @hosta | Oct 19, 2016
In reply to @mollyb1968 "I have used a CPAP for over three years and I love it. It may take..." + (show)
@mollyb1968

I have used a CPAP for over three years and I love it. It may take some getting used to but it helps me breathe so much better. I think it is my best friend. I know it will get me breathing again when I stop in the night. I think you need to give it a chance. It is a life support to me. Hope you keep trying until you find something you feel more comfortable with.

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Thanks dawn I do use it every night. I'm not going to give up on it. The only thing is that my son died of sleep apnea and I can't help thinking about that. He was not on the CPAP. I think I will see about the nasal pillow to see if that helps.

REPLY
Dawn, Alumni Mentor | @dawn_giacabazi | Oct 19, 2016
In reply to @mollyb1968 "I have used a CPAP for over three years and I love it. It may take..." + (show)
@mollyb1968

I have used a CPAP for over three years and I love it. It may take some getting used to but it helps me breathe so much better. I think it is my best friend. I know it will get me breathing again when I stop in the night. I think you need to give it a chance. It is a life support to me. Hope you keep trying until you find something you feel more comfortable with.

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So sorry to here about your son. It is definitely a motivator to keep at it. Praying you can find a solution soon.

Prayers
Dawn

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hosta, Eve | @hosta | Oct 19, 2016
In reply to @mollyb1968 "I have used a CPAP for over three years and I love it. It may take..." + (show)
@mollyb1968

I have used a CPAP for over three years and I love it. It may take some getting used to but it helps me breathe so much better. I think it is my best friend. I know it will get me breathing again when I stop in the night. I think you need to give it a chance. It is a life support to me. Hope you keep trying until you find something you feel more comfortable with.

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Thanks. Me too!

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