FIRST TIME USER "BLUES"
I am unable to wear my CPAP mask for longer than 10 minutes. It's been a week since I got my CPAP apparatus and it is really getting to me. The vendor said you have to wear it for a minimum of 4 hours straight. All pointers/advice is much appreciated. Thank you
Anyone have any positive experiences with other alternatives than a Cpap device?
Hi
, you are not alone. I am also new to cpap (about a month now), and it is hard to get used to all the new stuff! When I started, when the air pressure went up to the high point, it gave me such a fright, I felt like I was "drowning" in air (I had recently fallen asleep, and it shocked me awake). I was almost ready to quit then and there, but I contacted my provider and got the upper pressure number lowered, which helped a lot. Then I also upped the ramp time, because I often take a long time to fall asleep. And I made sure my machine was set to pressure relief on exhale.
See if you can get some adjustments, especially a lower "upper pressure" number might not be as overwhelming. Good wishes!
Lisa beat me to it! I can only add that you have several weeks, even months to work your way up to 4 hours, so take your time. I find that practicing counted breaths (count to 4 with an inhale, then count to 4 with an exhale) done for a few minutes can help me to relax and adjust to the incoming air pressure. If it helps at all, a friend of mine took almost a year to adjust and now she is a convert and it has really improved her life. Even just wearing it while awake during the day for a few minutes while watching TV can help you to adjust. Best wishes, Tamara Sellman, SleepApnea.Sleep-Disorders.net community advocate
Your advice is much appreciated. Thank you That incoming air pressure is quiet, overwhelming!!
Hello @javcantsleep I am sorry to hear that you are having some issues. Most people do when they first start so please, don't feel like you are alone. For a lot of people, starting with some small steps like just sitting in a chair, reading, and wearing the apparatus for a while can help them adjust. I am going to share with you an article we have with some basic tips. I am sure other's will jump in with ideas and suggestions based off their suggestions. https://sleepapnea.sleep-disorders.net/living/cpap-new-user-tips The reason your company wants to see that 4 hours use is due to insurance companies wanting proof you are using it before they will pay for the machine. Just take a deep breath and work up to getting that 4 hours in. Warmly, Lisa (SleepApnea.Sleep-Disorders.net Team Member and Advocate)
