I am just starting a CPAP mask for the first time tonight and I am having a considerable amount of anxiety from the mask feeling like I can not get enough air to breath. I am a person who always gets stopped up in the nasal airways at night. I used to use Vicks vapor rub in my nostrils and on my chest every night. OR use a Vicks inhaler a couple of times in each nostril before going to sleep. What are the recommendations from you that have similar situations? Any trouble using Vicks vapor rub? or Inhaler?
Thank You for your info, David

David -

When I first started on CPAP, I had the fear of not getting enough oxygen.  If you are using the ramp feature of your CPAP and you really feel like you can't get enough air, I think you can change the beginning ramp pressure (I did on my Puritan Bennet 420S).  After a few months, I don't use the ramp feature at all (my pressure is set at 13 cpm).  

At first, I had to use a few "mind tricks" to get past the initial fear.  I would play some very soft music when I first got into bed.  I would try to concentrate on the music instead of the mask.  If that didn't work, I would take a tennis ball and use it to massage the area of my chest between and slightly below the breasts. (My massage therapist says this is where we store most of our tension).

As for congestion - do you have a heated humidifier?  This will help considerably with congestion, drying out, etc.  I know others will disagree with me here (and they'll just have to get over it!), but I put a few drops of Vick's Vapo-Steam in my humidifier chamber (my DME's suggestion) and that helps me out a lot!

It does get easier as time goes on.  Good luck to you!

I agree with Merlin (though I'm a CPAP newbie with less than a week of use).  I feel uncomfortable at the beginning of ramp up, but once I get past that, I'm really good.

And I've noticed that I feel remarkably non-congested all day after using the machine.  Like the air pressure blew out the cob webs in my nose.  (Ok that sounds gross, but it's as close a description as I can get).

Thank you Merlin & Pickles for your response's, It Helps me out a lot.

Today was the first day after using CPAP. Was not near as tired but felt extremely agitated and severe anxiety like I  could not breath on my own all day. I would have to close my eyes and settle myself down to not totally freak out. I have never had anxiety in my life until 6-8 months ago after coming off of Lexapro. I thought it was the Lexapro that was making me freak out. Does not make any sense that finally after I get my best night of sleep in probably years that I have higher anxiety this day. Anyone closely similar results?
Thank you guys for your info, David

Hi-

  Using the C-pap has not been easy for me either.  Hopefully with time - we'll both do better.   Good Luck - John

This is day 6 of  using the cpap.  I have the ResMed 7; I set my ramp for 45 minutes.  I use nasal pillows.

When I had to use the mask, I felt anxious (that was what I had to use for the titration sleep study.)  I hated it.  I am claustrophobic, so the mask did not help me.  My rep brought me nasal pillows to use.  I love the nasal pillows, my breathing is great.

Also, it helps A LOT if you make the time before you actually have to go to bed to just "meditate" (or you can call it what you want) but just to clear your mind, and reinforce belly breathing.  Breathing is key.  And during panic-regardless of what you FEEL, your body will ALWAYS do everything in its power to keep you alive.  In other words, regardless of stress or mental exhaustion-your body will go the extra mile for you, it will not just shut down.  Remember that the next time you feel anxious and everything will fall into place.

I am obsessive compulsive personality, so I am no stranger to anxiety.  However, I have learned to tame the beast.

My Dr. prescribed Rhinocort Aqua (32mcg) nasal spray.  Works great.  Two shots up each nostril and it really opens everything up.  Works great.  It doesn't cause nose bleeds or drys out you nose like other sprays.  Has no effect on the blood vesicles in your nose.    

It's a prescription so you have to request it from your Dr.  

Woody

David,

That you have anxiety after you best night of sleep makes perfect sense!!  You haven't felt this way (more awake, energied and alert) than you have in months.  It is a strange and scary feeling to those of us who are anxiety prone.  I would suggest you redirect your attention from your physical symtoms (after all, you really are getting lots of air while you are awake, I'll address the other in a minute) and focus your new found energy on doing something really, really, nice for yourself that you enjoy doing.

It is common to feel like you are not getting enough air while using your CPAP.  First, if you are using the ramp feature, turn it off as mentioned perviously.  Secondly, I even still sometimes feel that way, so I'll gently pull the mask away from my face so I can feel the air pouring in and then lay down, relax, and just try to breath normally and forget about it.

Vicki


_________________
That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

David,

I hear your pain. It is now Oct. and I am on my my 10th night. What has helped me with it is trying to relate it to something I know. I use to be a photojournalist for a newspaper in the mid-west. There I got to know the firefighters very well. I went with them on training exercises. Let me tell you it is a lot easier breathing out of that maching then the breathing systems for firefighters.

I hope your doing well with it now, nad everyone's advise has been great on here. Try to relate it to something in your life or in the past. I found changing positions helps with the conjestion.


_________________
Sleep Well!
Jason Connel
Chattanooga, TN
www.jasonconnel.com
boldimagery@yahoo.com

David, I too used to have very bad problems with morning congestion. I used to have repeated sneezing fits and watery eyes until almost noon every day. I tried all sorts of OTC remedies, and nothing really helped. When I complained to my doctor, he made another prescription for a BiPAP to replace my CPAP.

The variable pressure on my BiPAP, along with a built in humidifier, made all the difference in the world. Truly, in about 3 days, my nasal congestion was gone, and I said good bye to the sneezing fits.

You should check with your doctor, and see if that might help.

try saline nasal spray before bed and in morning

The heated humidifier makes a big difference.  Also do a search for Vicki's post on sinus irrigation.  It really helps.


_________________
Ramona


Determination gives you the resolve to keep going in spite of the roadblocks that lay before you. - Denis Waitley