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Cpap and getting better sleep: What's your experience?
Sleep Health | Last Active: Sep 15, 2022 | Replies (356)Comment receiving replies
I started using a Cpap machine two weeks ago but I have not have too much success. I am using a nasal pillows mask and have not been able to fall asleep with it on. I have allergies which makes it difficult to breath without the mask on and I have an appointment with my provider to try other masks however I have no ideas which type of mask to try and my provider is no help. Any suggestions would be great.
Replies to "I started using a Cpap machine two weeks ago but I have not have too much..."
@alanbruce- Alan, greetings to you and glad to hear you are looking into in my opinion the most important aspect of using a C-pap system. The mask is everything because in most if not all cases when people chose to ignore their C-pap its because of the mask.
Whether it is a nasal mask such as I use or the full face mask and everything in between, unless your mask is comfortable you will discontinue using it and there goes the incredible benefits to gain back from REM sleep, not to mention a happy partner once again due to the lack of snoring! For me the 1st year seemed to be an experiment in masks and pressure. I am a mouth breather and because of that I started trying to use a full face mask. I must have tried over a dozen, but I simpley either felt claustrophobic using it or the tech told me that I had a"tweener" face meaning in-between shaped face which casusd leaking. I starting using the Fisher Paykel Zest nasal mask along with a chin strap and have found the right one for me. I went through several chin straps as well before I found one that essentially looks more like an Ace bandage with velcro and a small strap that wraps arounf the back of ny head and connects to the main strap with velcro as well. I have used a C-pap for over 18 years and I average 7+ hrs. of sleep per night and generally wake up refreshed and with 2 green happy faces. That makes me happy as well! Happy Zzzz's to you and all my C-pap friends. PS. My grand kids sure got a scare when they decided to wake up grandpa many years back. I felt like Frankenstein! Lol! Jim @thankful
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Hi @alanbruce, Does your CPAP machine have a ramp feature where you start out at a lower pressure than the prescribed setting for 15 minutes or so? That helped me fall asleep because I wasn't as focused on trying to fall asleep. I had a Dreamware full face mask and really liked it at first but I started having claustrophobia issues with it. If you breath through your nose and also your mouth it may be a good mask to try. I'm now using a ResMed AirTouch F20 full face mask which has a memory foam edge instead of the normal silicone and it's easier on the face and nose.
Who is your local provider? Maybe you could try another one? I've really had good luck with my local medical store in Rochester. They have worked with me a lot to help me get what works for me.
John