Comment

Comment by PaulaO on September 21, 2011 at 9:46am

Here's a good article on how to fit a mask:
http://s7.zetaboards.com/Apnea_Board/topic/8469114/1/

Patty, as others have said, getting used to it varies. Some adjust immediately, some never do. The thing is to keep using it. Think of it as a medication because, really, it is. We would never hesitate to not take our diabetes meds yet many people use their CPAP so sporadically, it's not doing them any good.

I wore mine during the day while watching television. Just wore the mask with the CPAP on to get used to the feel and stuff.

Comment by Will on September 21, 2011 at 9:21am

I ordered Ventus Provent nasal valves as a backup plan if my CPAP stops working, electricity goes out, or if I find myself separated from the CPAP. Will give you a report on them once I have used a few times. They glue onto the nostril opening for the night and their special valve helps keep the air passage open. they are being marketed as an alternative to CPAP for those who cannot tolerate CPAP.

Think of them as plan B. Or, in your case, plan C. Just in your backup unit does not work.

Comment by Ox Drover on September 21, 2011 at 8:26am

Well, the machine that they "fixed" (read: changed out another part on) has started giving problems again.

It shuts off suddenly, or turns on by itself during the day. They changed out the humidifier unit and the power cord (with the box in it) but it started the occasional shut off almost immediately when I got it home after the power cord replacement....then the other night it woke me up cutting on and off on and off....I have been feeling very sleepy in the day time lately and I think it is because it has been doing it and I haven't waked up enough to "catch it" at what it was doing like I did this time.

I had an O-2 test all night a while back and apparently it didn't do it the night I had the monitor on my finger...but I don't think it is doing it EVERY night just some nights. Of course it is out of warranty now (3 yrs) and Medicare won't buy another one for 2 more years...may have to pull out the back up unit and see if it can be set to work. I'm not even sure it is working.

Comment by Ox Drover on September 21, 2011 at 8:21am

Welcome Patty, getting used to the machine can be difficult for some folks, but the PAY OFF for doing so is that you will FEEL MUCH BETTER. I suggest that you wear the mask some time during the day, just put it on and adjust the straps so that it is secure and wear it for an hour and then increase it.

If your machine has a ramp setting (where it starts out slow and then gets stronger as you fall asleep) use that, your provider can set it for you. It will make you feel less like you have a fire hose of air blowing in your face while you fall asleep.

If your doctor has provided or will provide some sleeping pills that might also help. Do not take the pills until you are almost IN BED because they can come on "suddenly" and cause falls.

Sometimes the noise of the machhine may irritate some folks, so some soft music or a fan in the room might cover up the noise of the machine.

Most of all DO NOT GIVE UP! The benefits are a feeling a lot better and less chance of a stroke or heart attack.

Comment by patty on September 21, 2011 at 6:39am

I just got mine and I can't seem to get used to it. How do get used to wearing it??

Comment by Emmy on September 17, 2011 at 10:31pm

They gave me a brand new machine, but the exact same model name as the previous one which I bought only a few months ago.

Comment by PaulaO on September 17, 2011 at 12:33am

What machine did you get?

Comment by Emmy on September 16, 2011 at 10:16pm

@ Ox Driver, sleeping on my back is impossible for me because of injuries and the pain level it causes, plus I can't even breath on my back. I sleep on my side, and still have severe apnea. At least the CPAP is working. I even get apnea when I fall asleep in my Lazyboy chair, upright.

Comment by Emmy on September 16, 2011 at 10:13pm

I picked up my new machine today. Just washing the water tank and hose, otherwise the new plastic smell will give me a sore throat and nose, and a headache. I'm hoping it will work properly and without problems. They sent me a new machine to replace a defective one, but they forgot to send back my humidifier, so the store had to give me a new one off the shelf from another set.

Broke a tooth while having my snack tonight, and a filling came out, so I'm not sure how that's going to be affected by the CPAP pressure. Can't get to a dentist until Monday or later. :(

Comment by Emmy on September 16, 2011 at 10:13pm

I picked up my new machine today. Just washing the water tank and hose, otherwise the new plastic smell will give me a sore throat and nose, and a headache. I'm hoping it will work properly and without problems. They sent me a new machine to replace a defective one, but they forgot to send back my humidifier, so the store had to give me a new one off the shelf from another set.

Broke a tooth while having my snack tonight, and a filling came out, so I'm not sure how that's going to be affected by the CPAP pressure. Can't get to a dentist until Monday or later. :(

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