Hi,
A few months ago I had a sleep study and they told me that I needed a C-PAP machine.  Because I was get the usual headaches in the morning, was tired during the day (but I do not fall asleep).
The machine was set at 7 and I used a nose only mask, I then found that I was getting a dry mouth and throat so I got a humidifier.  Anyway, after five weeks this was not working and I then realized that sometimes air was being forced out through my lips (I do not sleep with my mouth open).
I got a full face mask about a week ago and have slowly reduced the setting on the humidifier, hopefully I can stop using it soon.
The advice I need is how long does it usually take to get used to the C-PAP, I have read 6-8 weeks.  Will have have to start all over again because I have started using a new mask.  Also is there a high sucess rate of people using the C-PAP, or do a lot of people fail to comfortable with it.
Any advice would be helpful, as I started out with great hopes with the C-PAP.  But as I have struggled to get used to it, and then I to change the type of mask I use, my hopes have gone down that I will get successful.

Dave Lord


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Dave Lord

Dave, I'm sorry to hear about the problems you're having, but please know that you have plenty of company here.  I believe most of us went through a period of trials and tribulations adjusting to the use of CPAP.  Persistence is the key, AND regular discussions with your sleep apnea M.D. about the problems you're having.

Whatever you do, DON'T give up!  Keep trying different mask configurations, if necessary, and keep telling yourself that this therapy WILL give you your life back.

I spent years suffering needlessly, but have been given a new lease on life now that I've become a consistent CPAP user (almost 2 years).  The configuration that worked best for me was a Remstar Pro with C-Flex and heated humidifier (which I use every night), and nasal pillows.  I started out with a ramp of five, moving to 14 after 15 minutes.  Today, I go straight to 14.

It took me about 4 - 6 weeks to become really comfortable with the therapy, and although I still wish I didn't have to use it, the fact that I'm getting a REALLY good night's sleep, and have boundless energy during the day is its own reward.

Good luck, and hang in there!

Dave Lord wrote:

Hi,
A few months ago I had a sleep study and they told me that I needed a C-PAP machine.  Because I was get the usual headaches in the morning, was tired during the day (but I do not fall asleep).
The machine was set at 7 and I used a nose only mask, I then found that I was getting a dry mouth and throat so I got a humidifier.  Anyway, after five weeks this was not working and I then realized that sometimes air was being forced out through my lips (I do not sleep with my mouth open).
I got a full face mask about a week ago and have slowly reduced the setting on the humidifier, hopefully I can stop using it soon.
The advice I need is how long does it usually take to get used to the C-PAP, I have read 6-8 weeks.  Will have have to start all over again because I have started using a new mask.  Also is there a high sucess rate of people using the C-PAP, or do a lot of people fail to comfortable with it.
Any advice would be helpful, as I started out with great hopes with the C-PAP.  But as I have struggled to get used to it, and then I to change the type of mask I use, my hopes have gone down that I will get successful.

Dave Lord

Dave,

Everyone is different. Some people take to cpap like a duck to water, others take longer. Myself (I hate to admit) took nearly 8 months...........now on it 11 years. Admittedly masks were'nt as comfortable then, full face masks did not exist and nasal pillows were only coming into vogue.

Compliance to cpap therapy varies. I can't speak for the US where it would be difficult to get true figures. In Ireland (as at 2003) compliance was in the 80/85% range, which compares favourably to asthma therapy at c.55/60%. The UK rates are estimated at c.70%. I believe that compliance rates in France and Belgium are quite high also. The main thing is don't quit. If you are having problems post the details here, contact your sleep clinic or DME and keep trying. It is well worth the small inconvenience.

Daniel


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The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!

(Anon)

Dave - I am a fairly new CPAP user (only 2 months now) but I took to it very well.  I now look forward to using it because i do know that it helps me.  I use the Nasal Pillows and have found that when i roll over on my side that air leaks out of my mouth.  I didnt have a humidifier at first (new model machine and it just wanst available) but even with it on, if my mouth opened, air rushes out and drys you up in a hurry.  I have troubles with my left shoulder (post rotator cuff surgery) and found that sleeping with a pillow proped under my arm length-wise helped that condition.  A secondary benefit to the pillow under my arm it actually prevents me from rolling over in the night.  If i lay on my back my mouth does not open.  I hear there is a chin strap available that aids in keeping your mouth from falling open (i have no experiance with it) that may be a help to you.

Good luck.


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