How did you get used to CPAP?

I was a competitive runner for years, in the military, and quite fit. When I retired, I continued to run, although not nearly so often or so strenuously. I gained about 10 pounds. Suddenly, I had heart palpitations. After many diagnostics and imaging, and still no clue why I had AF, the cardiologist sent me to a sleep lab. I had severe apnea, 31 serious events...PER HOUR...!! On average. The link has been established between an irritable and excitable heart breaking off from normal sinus rhythm (NSR) and sleep apnea. Weight, while a factor, is not the factor that everyone thinks. Neck circumference has as much impact on sleep apnea as body mass index does, and those two are only loosely linked. Age has as much to do with apnea as weight does, and those two are only loosely linked (there are many apnea sufferers in their 60's who still weigh less than 160 pounds).

I just ordered some cloth covers to use with my CPAP. I don't like the feeling of the silicone on my face either.

I tried cloth covers for 3 days and I agree they made the face mask feel better but I had severe leaks every night. I just switched back to bare silicone. I may try to design my own face mask to see if I can do better than the commercial ones.

Welcome @lfserpa1, A little leakage doesn't seem to affect my AHI numbers but it definitely has an impact if I don't snug the mask a little on the tighter side. I used the CPAP Comfort Covers that were recommended by one of my first sleep medicine therapists/PAs at Rochester Mayo. She shared the link and I've been getting the cloth covers from them for the past 5 years - https://cpapcomfortcover.com/

I can't even get through the night using just the silicone mask and I've tried many different ones due to being a mouth breather. The problem I have not using a cover is that the air pressure gets really high and the mask lifts off of my face for major air leaks. I used a ResMed AirFit 20 full face mask for a few years and it worked well but at the expense of the bridge of my nose so I have finally found one that is not quite as comfortable but it works and doesn't hurt my nose as much, a F&P Simplus full face mask.

I tried making one of my own out of old t-shirt material but crafting is not one of my skillset 🙂 and I wasn't able to make one that worked for me. Can you let us know how it goes making your own face mask cover? or do you mean design your own CPAP face mask?

I definitely meant that I want to make a mask cover. I am okay with the silicon but would prefer a bit more comfort. I am thinking of using some silk that I have from a torn shirt and some velcro. I do not expect to make if for a few weeks at the earliest because I will be traveling.

I applaud your desire to make it work.
For me just pure exhaustion was the catalyst to keep trying. I do remember just yanking it off a few times in the first year.
I am now 5 years in and found getting rid of the full face mask and using the nasal pillow with slit opening was perfect! The claustrophobia feeling eased greatly! I also use the top hose head gear so i can slide the hose between my pillow and a narrow pillow or towel to keep the hose from slipping under the headboard.
Im going to look into the stand that another user advised.
I hope this helps you move forward.

I use the Resmed fit N30i ~ under the nose pillows as my headgear. I was diagnosed in 2007 with severe obstructive and central sleep apnea. I tried all of the masks early on and have the best seal and most comfort with this one. I also take Clonazapam 2 mg at night. It quiets my brain activity and helps me sleep. I religiously wear it- even in a vehicle traveling with my husband driving if on a long trip. I have always been a back sleeper and do not move much at all. Tried an oral appliance as I was in the dental field for 40 years- but cpap machines works best. Hang in there and don’t be afraid to try a different mask if needed. My medical supplier is very helpful and I do see a PA yearly who specializes in pulmonology. Take care and don’t give up!!!

Well, I somehow did not think I'd end up with sleep apnea - or any that needed to be treated anyway - but not the case, I've learned. A couple years ago I was tested, as my husband said I was making some nighttime noises, and it was mild enough to not need treatment.

Fast forward to right before the 2025 winter holidays when we drove to pick up our son from college and stayed in a hotel suite on the way back home. I slept in one queen bed with my husband, and our son slept in the other queen bed. Our son evidently got so emotionally disturbed from seeing me seemingly stop breathing and making noises during sleep that night that he finally left the bedroom and went out to the living area and slept on the couch. I promised him the next day I'd contact Sleep Medicine again to see what they had to say.

I got retested, and they said I had mild to some episodes of moderate sleep apnea. Not really what I wanted to hear, but I was willing to work on it. The sleep doctor prescribed a CPAP. I picked up my CPAP and a hybrid form of full face mask (cause I could not guarantee, with my allergies, that I never breathed with my mouth at night).

I've hardly slept since, except when I took off my mask late into the night to finally get a few hours of rest before work. It's just hard to get used to having a hunk of silicone on my face. This mask also works best if I sleep on my back and don't move (to not start leaking), and I'm really not terribly used to being a back sleeper. I guess I must be anxious. Any ideas?

Hi Lisa @lisalucier, I struggle with the mask also and have tried many different ones but finally went to the ResMed AirTouch F20 which is foam around the edges and a little more comfortable but still is a struggle for me. I use cloth comfort covers (https://cpapcomfortcover.com/) to cover the mask and feels better on my face.

I've learned that you don't need a perfect seal to get good AHI numbers. I mostly sleep on my sides which does make the mask fit a little dicey. What helps me is using a small travel pillow on top of my normal pillow. This lets me adjust it so it doesn't interfere with the mask.

@lisalucier I wince and feel strongly for people who report that they simply cannot get used to their mask, or that they can't tape but sleep with their mouths slack (which destroys the pressure therapy they need), or ....whatever it is. I almost feel guilty because my own adaptation would have been a RESMED doctor's textbook case, almost perfect. My seven-year running average AHI, according to OSCAR (see that freeware at apneaboard.com), is a deeply envious 0,5, meaning the machine only senses one event roughly ever two hours. Some would kill for that kind of treatment success.

Lisa, have you tried wearing your mask for hours at a time, but doing housework or whatever? Why not try it. And the odd 'nuther mask to see if you like one of them better....or do as John did and try other comfort add-ons. They are out there because there are hundreds like you who cannot deal with the PAP very well...or long? I followed the RT's advice when I was fitted for my machine the first time and wore the mask around the house and sitting up watching TV, or whatever. Eventually, it just becomes a 'fact'.....of life.