Hi All-

I've had my CPAP for three months- feeling much better and wearing it every night.

Has anyone experienced or heard of others having panic feelings as a result of the wearing the mask? This has only happened to me a few times (during the day) and I'm wondering if the two are related. Just wondering if effects of mask might include claustrophobia or other panic feelings.

Might be stress related too...this has been a big change in my life as well.

Thanks...Lori

I'm not sure which way to read your question.

1.  If you have had the attacks during the day, when it is not in use, then they may not be related.

2.  If you are sleeping during the day, and the panic attacks are while you are using the cpap, then yes they may be
     related.

If it is a transient thing, and ceases, then I wouldn't worry about it, as worrying can bring them on by itself.
If it continues, then you may need to have it evaluated, or have a sleeping aid prescribed for you.

Write back with further questions or problems.


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I also couldn't tell for sure what you meant,  if you were having panic attacks while you were wearing the mask,  or later in the day after you had awakened and were not wearing the mask,  but possibly associating the attacks with having worn the mask.  

I've definitely had panic attacks while wearing the mask,  I'm as claustrophobic as possible I think.  My neighbor got a CPAP machine two years before I did,  I was curious about hers and she said,  "try it on" .. I couldn't get it close to my face even.  I remember telling her,  "if I ever have to wear one of these things I'm in trouble" ..  well it came to be,  I was diagnosed two years later with Sleep Apnea and given a CPAP machine.  It was an awful month or two believe me.  I jerked that mask off my face more times than I remember gasping for breath ...  I could feel the sensation of panic run through my entire body.  You eventually get past that though,  for the last three or four years I've been using it I just keep telling myself how beneficial it is to me,  and now I have more of a fear of going to sleep without it than with it. Odd how that turned around.  

I had suffered from panic attacks for 20 years prior to my getting the CPAP though,  they're no fun I realize,  and nothing has helped me so far.  Xanax is the only thing that seems to moderate my issues and the doctors don't really like to keep someone on that long term,  but what else is there if that's the only thing that works?  I can't take sleep aids like Ambien,  that causes me to have awful nightmares for some reason,  but my doctor knew about that possibility though it doesn't affect everyone that way.  I'm lucky though,  I fall asleep when my head hits the pillow,  I couldn't when I was younger but I do now.  I remember my father was that way also,  he'd lay his head down and be gone .. lol .. I remember when I was young I was so envious of that.  It really is a gift.

Good luck,
SnowCajun

Hi I'm a new at this. I have went in for my first study and I they to me I have a sleep apnea, I'm schedule to go back on July 25. I have panic attacks normally at different time, and I'm clustrophobic. Most of my panic attacks were durning the night after I had fallen a sleep and the I would be afraid to go back to sleep. But now that I know what might be the cause of it I am excited. However, I don't know if I will be able to use the CPAP because of my claustrophobia which then start the panic attacks. Do you have and advise or suggestions for me.

Cindle....there are a lot of threads regarding this on the HELP forum.  Use the search tools to find threads...sone may be buried deep in the forum.  Use key words such as panic attack or anxiety   (I think anxiety is more commonly used)  This Late Night forum is not very active.

Not a whole lot to be claustophobic about...you receive a good delivery of air...like a fan blowing on your face.  For me it is just the opposite.

Those who understand the benefits and educate themselves on the perils of UN treated SA adjust...even if they do have anxiety issues.  There are many tricks to help you.


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