How did you get used to CPAP?

Posted by tim1028 @tim1028, Jul 9, 2023

I have mild sleep apnea and began using a CPAP a month ago. I'm having trouble adjusting (physically and mentally) to wearing it each night. I'm one of those persons who is sensitive to tight-fitting clothing, labels on the inside of shirts, etc. I have eczema as well.

I've adjusted my mask, which fits over my mouth and has a nose pillow, to get a Goldilocks fit--not too tight, not too loose. I move around a lot when sleeping so have the CPAP headgear with the hose at the top of my head to better accommodate movement. I increased the ramp time to 45 minutes so I don't get additional air pressure until I'm asleep. I'Ve worn the mask during afternoon naps. I've done mindfulness exercise while wearing mask. Can't seem to make the mask-wearing a normal part of sleep. It still seems like a foreign object preventing a relaxing, deep sleep.

Any suggestions from your experiences to help accustom myself to CPAP use? I really want this to work for me!

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Profile picture for lk3xs @lk3xs

@johnbishop Just six days in and very disappointing I feel more tired. I always woke up refreshed before now tired all day! Joints are hurting because I think I'm not moving as much and a normal stomach sleeper.

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@lk3xs Don't give up. It has taken me a year and a half and the addition of oxygen, but I wouldn't give it up. I still have bad nights once in a while, but the good it has done for me is wonderful. I finally wake up refreshed. It has made what I lovingly called "my old lady drip" -- constant runny nose, go away. I have more energy. I think more clearly and accomplish more during the day everyday. I am 82 and walk three miles on the desert most days and do an hour of pilates and aerial yoga each week.

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