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Sleep Apnea and adjusting to a CPAP machine: Tips?

Sleep Health | Last Active: Aug 16 1:39pm | Replies (180)

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@lolaemma

I've noticed that I'm the only one who reported using a BiPap. Currently a Dream Station with an Air fit F10 full face mask. My diagnosis is obstructive sleep apnea. One nostril is obstructed with scar tissue(collagen) that's continuing to develop. I had the same issues as everyone has complained about. The head gear is flexible and easily adjustable. I replace the face cushion monthly. Before trying to sleep I adjust the whole shebang to my face around my neck and on top of my skull. I sleep with a roll neck pillow. Also take an extended release otc pill 10 mg of melatonin plus GABA and another amino acid. My sleep is affected by my level of stress. Also something that was diagnosed but never pointed out as a problem until several people mentioned it. One sleep study stated that I slept one third to half the time I thought I was asleep. Recently some stressors have refreshed and I've become aware of sometimes when I realized I wasn't dreaming but awake with my eyes closed and trying to sleep desperately. Another thing is the effect of light on the ability to sleep. Because of the headgear and the need to getup at night no eye mask is useful. So I put the covers over my face if and when the light seeps in. It takes ten to eleven hours trying to sleep to get rested if not I fall sleep sitting. Daytime sleep doesn't interfere with night sleep sometimes I can't function to eat lunch because my mind needs sleep. It really sucks! My reason for detailing my situation is to give others the opportunity to see if they relate to anything that I'm dealing with. One caution don't give up if you're unable to use your sleep aid. Kick and scream until you get the help you need. Sleep apnea can and does kill.

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Replies to "I've noticed that I'm the only one who reported using a BiPap. Currently a Dream Station..."

Hi @lolaemma, I don't use a BiPAP but I have similar breathing problems with one or both nostrils due to a deviated septum. I frequently use a nasal wash before I go to bed but it doesn't always clear my nasal passages. I've also resorted to putting some CPAP non petroleum based skin moisturizer inside both of my nostrils and found it helps keep them open. I think it's because it has some Aloe Vera and sort of acts like Vicks (that stinky stuff) my mother used to rub on the chest when I had a cold. I've thought about getting a septoplasty but at 77 I'm just not sure I want to go through the pain.