Connect
← Return to How did you get used to CPAP?
Discussion
Comment receiving replies
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?
Replies to "Well, I somehow did not think I'd end up with sleep apnea - or any that..."
@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.
Connect
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.