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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Nancy | @upnorthnancy | May 7, 2017
In reply to @catrinah "I think I am pretty lucky. I started with my CPAP on Monday and got a..." + (show)
@catrinah

I think I am pretty lucky. I started with my CPAP on Monday and got a score of 100 last night, meaning good mask fit, 7+ hours of usage, less than 2 apneas per hour and only 1 mask removal, which was actually just an adjustment. I am using the nasal pillows. The first night I thought it was awful, by the second night it felt better. The last three nights I have been surprised at the comfort. Sleeping on my back for the first time in years takes a bit of adjusting, but I know it will work out. Just feeling so happy that I am embarking on what I hope will be the road to better health. My apnea level pre-CPAP was 23 events per hour, but that was at the sleep lab. They stuck a mask on me and I hated it. So glad my doctor listened to my plea for the nasal pillows instead.

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Yes I am using a new mask which goes under my nose. It is completely quiet. Very comfortable.Nancy Shermoen~

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Mentor
Jim, Volunteer Mentor | @jimhd | May 7, 2017
In reply to @catrinah "I think I am pretty lucky. I started with my CPAP on Monday and got a..." + (show)
@catrinah

I think I am pretty lucky. I started with my CPAP on Monday and got a score of 100 last night, meaning good mask fit, 7+ hours of usage, less than 2 apneas per hour and only 1 mask removal, which was actually just an adjustment. I am using the nasal pillows. The first night I thought it was awful, by the second night it felt better. The last three nights I have been surprised at the comfort. Sleeping on my back for the first time in years takes a bit of adjusting, but I know it will work out. Just feeling so happy that I am embarking on what I hope will be the road to better health. My apnea level pre-CPAP was 23 events per hour, but that was at the sleep lab. They stuck a mask on me and I hated it. So glad my doctor listened to my plea for the nasal pillows instead.

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@upnorthnancy

What's the mask called?

Jim

REPLY
Nancy | @upnorthnancy | May 8, 2017
In reply to @catrinah "I think I am pretty lucky. I started with my CPAP on Monday and got a..." + (show)
@catrinah

I think I am pretty lucky. I started with my CPAP on Monday and got a score of 100 last night, meaning good mask fit, 7+ hours of usage, less than 2 apneas per hour and only 1 mask removal, which was actually just an adjustment. I am using the nasal pillows. The first night I thought it was awful, by the second night it felt better. The last three nights I have been surprised at the comfort. Sleeping on my back for the first time in years takes a bit of adjusting, but I know it will work out. Just feeling so happy that I am embarking on what I hope will be the road to better health. My apnea level pre-CPAP was 23 events per hour, but that was at the sleep lab. They stuck a mask on me and I hated it. So glad my doctor listened to my plea for the nasal pillows instead.

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Can't remember the name of it. SorryNancy Shermoen~

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Dawn, Alumni Mentor | @dawn_giacabazi | May 8, 2017

@jimhd I use a mask that rests under my nose. 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.

Here is a link to see the mask.
http://www.easybreathe.com/Amara-View-Mask-p4423.html?gclid=CjwKEAjws5zABRDqkoOniLqfywESJACjdoiGCb7ENg7WaWBLgGLzF5o9oIhTDjnUaZbpcehfb8wNABoCsnrw_wcB

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1 reply
mzzmimm | @mzzmimm | May 8, 2017
In reply to @dawn_giacabazi "@jimhd I use a mask that rests under my nose. The mask is made by Philips..." + (show)
@dawn_giacabazi

@jimhd I use a mask that rests under my nose. 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.

Here is a link to see the mask.
http://www.easybreathe.com/Amara-View-Mask-p4423.html?gclid=CjwKEAjws5zABRDqkoOniLqfywESJACjdoiGCb7ENg7WaWBLgGLzF5o9oIhTDjnUaZbpcehfb8wNABoCsnrw_wcB

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I have this mask, it hurts the area under my nostrils. It's one of the worst masks I've had. Thank you.

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mzzmimm | @mzzmimm | May 8, 2017

Sorry, it's not the same mask. I have the Resmed mirage liberty, that's the one that hurts. I'll ask my doctor about this one. Thanks again.

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Dawn, Alumni Mentor | @dawn_giacabazi | May 8, 2017

So hard to find the right mask. Took me 11 years. I sure pray you find your perfect fit soon!!!

Thanks
Dawn

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1 reply
maureencria | @maureercria | Sep 30, 2017

I tried two different Cpap masks and they were not good for me because one would slide over and block my nostrils and both required me to unfasten every time for my urinary urgency so that made my problem worse. Also when I would roll over on the tube, it would squeal and make me wide awake. Also I have TMJ so my jaw slides and a dental device would not work well for me.

I do plan on getting surgery on a deviated septum, which is 90% closed and also getting plastic surgery on my collapsing nostrils. I hope that will help.

For now Breathe Right Strips and sleeping on my side seems to help. I also use Bio-tine spray to moisten my mouth which seems to help.

I've read that I shouldn't sleep on my back with sleep apnea. I haven't noticed a lot of symptoms from it but a few days ago I woke up from a deep sleep. I was coughing and trying to breathe as it felt I was being suffocated. When I got my throat cleared again, I could breathe. That was first time it really scared me.

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Sep 30, 2017

Hello @maureercria

It sounds as if you have a variety of physical problems that affect your sleep! I am glad to hear that you have a plan for dealing with these symptoms. I understand how frightening that "suffocating feeling" is when you sleep on your back! Another member mentioned a device that helps with sleep, it is called, "Silent Night" he got it from his dentist and as I recall he said the cost was about $600. Is this the dental device that you were referring to?

Teresa

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