1. < Sleep Health

Cpap and getting better sleep: What's your experience?

Posted by steve1948 @steve1948, Feb 24, 2017

I was in the hospital for pneumonia and while I was getting a nebulizer treatment the therapist asked if I use a Cpap at home, at the time I didn't have one. Now mind you I was only sleeping for 2 hrs a night during my pneumonia bout (2 weeks) and the therapist asked if I were open to using a BPAP (what they call it in a hospital) it was a large machine and I said of course. Upon using it I still only slept for 2 hours but it was a very restful 2 hours of sleep and was welcomed. I told my Pulmonologist and got set up for a sleep study, and it is all history. I sleep more restful (have much less visits to the bathroom at night) and use it religiously. Medicare covered my testing and machine. After my test my doc told me I stopped breathing x amount of times a minute, and was restless (tossed and turned) an ungodly amount of time during my test. On the follow up test (with the Cpap) the number decreased significantly. My sister snores like a constant thunder storm and she went for a test and got her Cpap, and now she doesn't snore at all and tells me she sleeps much better.
There are two ways to use the machine, with a nostril mask (so to speak) and a full mask (you usually see on TV movies). The latter is what I use, I couldn't get use to the nostril application, and if you were to catch a cold, I don't know how well it would work, but I use the mask never the less. Hope this helps, and do read the instructions about your machine.

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johnhans | @johnhans | Aug 21, 2018

I tried the suggestion on the video about tucking the hose under the pillow to keep from having the hose tug on the mask and dislodging it. It worked fine for about three hours, no red frowning face no problems with the tube being in the way. Then I woke up to the tube being out from under the pillow and down between the mattress and headboard where it was caught and would not move. So then I left it out and woke up different times with the red frowning face on my CPAP screen. Maybe I will get one of the hose holders mentioned on here.

REPLY
3 replies
thankful | @thankful | Aug 21, 2018
In reply to @johnhans "I tried the suggestion on the video about tucking the hose under the pillow to keep..." + (show)
@johnhans

I tried the suggestion on the video about tucking the hose under the pillow to keep from having the hose tug on the mask and dislodging it. It worked fine for about three hours, no red frowning face no problems with the tube being in the way. Then I woke up to the tube being out from under the pillow and down between the mattress and headboard where it was caught and would not move. So then I left it out and woke up different times with the red frowning face on my CPAP screen. Maybe I will get one of the hose holders mentioned on here.

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@johnhans- Several of my friends have gone to a anchor point either high on the headboard or on the wall for those C-paps that have the main hose with the narrower short hose to the mask that is a bit more flexible. I have always used the nasal mask which the same main hose is attached to the mask. What I have done is weave it up behind the mattress and the headboard and since the connection point to my mask is above my head it seems to move easily as I move my head from side to side. I never slept on my back, but seem to always start out that way ( I call it my zen position) so I become one with my mask. I like sleeping on my side so I seem to move throughout the night into side positions and rarely have that nasty red frowning face in the morning. I love hearing all your stories and we can all help each other whether with equipement we found that works well or simply to be that added encouragement we need as we enter the C-pap phase of our lives. Happy Rem sleep for all! Jim @thankful.

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johnhans | @johnhans | Aug 21, 2018
In reply to @johnhans "I tried the suggestion on the video about tucking the hose under the pillow to keep..." + (show)
@johnhans

I tried the suggestion on the video about tucking the hose under the pillow to keep from having the hose tug on the mask and dislodging it. It worked fine for about three hours, no red frowning face no problems with the tube being in the way. Then I woke up to the tube being out from under the pillow and down between the mattress and headboard where it was caught and would not move. So then I left it out and woke up different times with the red frowning face on my CPAP screen. Maybe I will get one of the hose holders mentioned on here.

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I am wondering how high your CPAP is set for. Is it up to 20 and does it go there? If it does, then what kind of mask do you use? I am open to suggestions. My machine is set for 15-20 so it as high as the machine goes. I live in an apartment so could not put a hook on the wall. I looked at the headboard and others and they keep the hose up high. When I am on my one side the hose is stretched all the way out so something that caused extra use would not work. As noted before, my doctor says that the machine is working as it is now, so I am not overly concerned that I do get that red frowning face.

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1 reply
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Aug 21, 2018

Here is part 2 of the series by @DrDonaLocke:
- Behavioral Strategies for Adjusting to a CPAP After a Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea https://connect.mayoclinic.org/newsfeed-post/behavioral-strategies-for-adjusting-to-a-cpap-after-a-diagnosis-of-sleep-apnea/

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Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Aug 21, 2018
In reply to @johnhans "I tried the suggestion on the video about tucking the hose under the pillow to keep..." + (show)
@johnhans

I tried the suggestion on the video about tucking the hose under the pillow to keep from having the hose tug on the mask and dislodging it. It worked fine for about three hours, no red frowning face no problems with the tube being in the way. Then I woke up to the tube being out from under the pillow and down between the mattress and headboard where it was caught and would not move. So then I left it out and woke up different times with the red frowning face on my CPAP screen. Maybe I will get one of the hose holders mentioned on here.

Jump to this post

I think the doctor gives his recommendation for the CPAP settings. Mine was set to 8 to 18 with a ramp up feature set to 4. When I turn it on it starts at 8 and if it's bothersome I press the ramp up button and it drops to 4 for 15 minutes to give me time to get used to it or fall asleep ☺ I woke once and saw the pressure at 17.1 but normally I don't think it gets that high on mine. Last night the numbers for mine were - Min Pressure: 8.0cmH2O, Max Pressure: 18.0cmH2O, 90% Pressure: 10.5cmH2O.

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Dawn, Alumni Mentor | @dawn_giacabazi | Aug 22, 2018

I have been using my CPAP machine longer than I can remember. I have had all the same fun you have shared. After a few discussions with my respiratory therapist we found my best results. So I am a mouth breather and hate the nasal pillow and the crazy chin strap. My first full mask put a lot of pressure on my sinus cavities. So finally found a mask I love that fits over my mouth but under my nose. No more waking up with a terrible bloated stomach. My pressures are set 12-20. My ramp is set for 20min. So fast forward months of trial and error finally concluded, my humidifier was to high, mask to tight, and my hose is like a snake that wants to kill me in my sleep. Quick switch to the other side of the bed and now I’ve tamed the snake.

REPLY
2 replies
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Aug 22, 2018
In reply to @dawn_giacabazi "I have been using my CPAP machine longer than I can remember. I have had all..." + (show)
@dawn_giacabazi

I have been using my CPAP machine longer than I can remember. I have had all the same fun you have shared. After a few discussions with my respiratory therapist we found my best results. So I am a mouth breather and hate the nasal pillow and the crazy chin strap. My first full mask put a lot of pressure on my sinus cavities. So finally found a mask I love that fits over my mouth but under my nose. No more waking up with a terrible bloated stomach. My pressures are set 12-20. My ramp is set for 20min. So fast forward months of trial and error finally concluded, my humidifier was to high, mask to tight, and my hose is like a snake that wants to kill me in my sleep. Quick switch to the other side of the bed and now I’ve tamed the snake.

Jump to this post

Hi Dawn @dawn_giacabazi , Thank you for sharing your experience. It's good to hear you have tamed the snake!

It is pretty close to mine except I gave up the first week on the over the nose full face mask. Since it was within 7 days of getting the CPAP machine and the initial mask they let me get another mask. I opted for the Dreamware full face mask that is similar to yours - fits under and up against the nose and covers the mouth. The head frame has the air tubes coming from the top around the sides of your head and it works good to have the tube connecting at the top of the head. I have the stand that fits under the mattress and elevates the hose above the bed to keep it off the floor and away from the pillow. I have my humidifier at 2 and the hose at 1 but I've been thinking of dropping it to 1 and 1 or 1 and 0 as an experiment because it always feels to warm when I first start out.

I'm also going to see if I can find a mask liner that fits my mask cushion due to some chaffing of my upper lip and under my nose with the mask snug but not really tight.

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Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Aug 22, 2018
In reply to @johnhans "I think it is important to note that sleep apnea patients who sleep on their side..." + (show)
@johnhans

I think it is important to note that sleep apnea patients who sleep on their side need to have their face half off of the pillow. Otherwise the pillow will move a full face mask over and cause it to leak. There are also special pillows that are available to buy for those who want something just for sleep apnea patients, but I have always used the sleep halfway off technique. I do not know how many of us sleep on their side, but it was recommended to me when I first started on CPAP therapy years ago. I was told that it lessens the incidence of sleep apnea. When I did my sleep study I was told to sleep on my back so as not to disturb the electrode placements. Before the study, I always slept on my back.

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Well RATS! (Really Am Trying Stuff!) -- went from 4.9 AHI on Monday night to 7.2 last night. Think I tried the same tips with sleeping with the face half off of the pillow on my side most of the night. It's still better than some of the previous nights so will just keep working on it. Thanks for everyone sharing tips. It really is helpful and appreciated.

REPLY
thankful | @thankful | Aug 23, 2018
In reply to @dawn_giacabazi "I have been using my CPAP machine longer than I can remember. I have had all..." + (show)
@dawn_giacabazi

I have been using my CPAP machine longer than I can remember. I have had all the same fun you have shared. After a few discussions with my respiratory therapist we found my best results. So I am a mouth breather and hate the nasal pillow and the crazy chin strap. My first full mask put a lot of pressure on my sinus cavities. So finally found a mask I love that fits over my mouth but under my nose. No more waking up with a terrible bloated stomach. My pressures are set 12-20. My ramp is set for 20min. So fast forward months of trial and error finally concluded, my humidifier was to high, mask to tight, and my hose is like a snake that wants to kill me in my sleep. Quick switch to the other side of the bed and now I’ve tamed the snake.

Jump to this post

@dawn_giacabazi - So Dawn, your newest mask covers your mouth & not your nose? I guess I never heard of that type? What brand is it? I have always been a mouth breather, but could not find a full face mask that would fit and have used a chin strap which I do not like at all! Glad to hear you got things working for you! Jim @thankful

REPLY
thankful | @thankful | Aug 23, 2018
In reply to @johnhans "I think it is important to note that sleep apnea patients who sleep on their side..." + (show)
@johnhans

I think it is important to note that sleep apnea patients who sleep on their side need to have their face half off of the pillow. Otherwise the pillow will move a full face mask over and cause it to leak. There are also special pillows that are available to buy for those who want something just for sleep apnea patients, but I have always used the sleep halfway off technique. I do not know how many of us sleep on their side, but it was recommended to me when I first started on CPAP therapy years ago. I was told that it lessens the incidence of sleep apnea. When I did my sleep study I was told to sleep on my back so as not to disturb the electrode placements. Before the study, I always slept on my back.

Jump to this post

@johnbishop- RATS, I love that John! You are doing great! Trial & error is the name of the game when it comes to C-pap. Also having friends like all of us makes a big difference! Hang in there and please know every night when you use your C-pap is another night that you eliminate apnea episodes which stops the cortisol from being pumped into our systems that creates real havoc for our overall health. Happy Rem sleep to all! Jim @thankful

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