Join Our Newsletter

New? Free Sign Up

Then check our Welcome Center to a Community Caring about Sleep Apnea diagnosis and Sleep Apnea treatment:

CPAP machines, Sleep Apnea surgery and dental appliances.

CPAP Supplies

Latest Activity

Steven B. Ronsen updated their profile
Mar 5
Dan Lyons updated their profile
Mar 7, 2022
99 replied to Mike's discussion SPO 7500 Users?
"please keep me updated about oximeters "
Dec 4, 2021
Stefan updated their profile
Sep 16, 2019
Profile IconBLev and bruce david joined SleepGuide
Aug 21, 2019

I think I finally have my coughing problem resolved by eliminating the lysinopril BP medicine and now find that I have trouble getting to sleep.  Once asleep I seem to be able to make it through the night.  I have started melatonin but the pharmacist says that it sometimes takes up to several months for that to kick in.   Been on therapy with a BiPAP device for about 3 weeks and still struggling with the discomfort from the mask (Paykel Forma full face mask).  Many have told me to just hang in there and it will eventually go away, but I am on the verge of quitting therapy so I can go back to crappy sleep rather than no sleep at all. 

 

Any suggestions out there?

 

Thanks

Views: 79

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

I'm a newbie (diagnosed June, 2011) so take these ideas for what they're worth:

 

1.  One of the challenging aspects of adapting to a CPAP is the mask. Several people have told me that it took the testing of several different masks before they found one that worked well for them. Frankly, a full-face mask sounds really unpleasant to me. I've switched to nasal pillows (from a nasal mask) and I'm much happier.

 

Everyone has a different story. Now you have YOUR story to write.

 

2.  Add good sleep hygiene habits to your evening. I'm serious. This means "dialing down" from a busy day. Get off the computer or doing anything that keeps or gets you mentally active.

 

Lower lights in the room (or rooms) that you use. Lower lights are soothing. For a while, I was even using candlelight -- and I live alone!

 

What do you find relaxing? Whatever it is -- do it.Is it listening to music? Reading? Doing crossword puzzles? Whatever it is that relaxes you is what you should do as you end your (busy) day.

 

3.  Related to #2 above: It's also a good idea to develop a nightly ritual.

 

I try to turn off the computer an hour or more before bedtime (not easy), prepare the coffee maker for the morning so that all I have to do is flip the switch. Ditto the cat food: prepare their wet food and cover it for the overnight in the fridge. You get the idea.

 

In keeping with lower lights, I brush my teeth, wash my face, etc., etc. using just the nightlight. Thus, I extend the ritual along with lower lights.

 

The ritual you develop (along with the "dialing down" and relaxing ideas) help to trigger your mind into understanding that it's time to go to bed.

 

4.  Accept that this adjustment to living with sleep apnea and sleeping wearing a mask attached to a CPAP is not going to be an overnight ('scuse the pun) success. No matter. Keep at it. That's what we ALL do: keep at it.

 

5.  Seek help. There's lots of help on this forum. Go through past discussions for those that might offer thoughts or ideas that will help you.

 

Indeed, every one of us has the same major problem but each of us has our individual wrinkles for the same problem. That's part of the challenge: figuring out your particular wrinkle (or wrinkles) and making adjustments that work for you.

 

And keep at it!

 

Good luck, Bill.

Bill, all good ideas.

I would assume you have discontinued the Lisinopril blood pressure medication w/the full knowledge and approval of your doctors???

 

Just wanted to make sure.

 

It could be the starting Ramp pressure is too low, or Ramp is set for too long, or you no longer need the Ramp feature turned on.

 

It could be that EPR or C-Flex or A-Flex are set too high or too low.

 

It could be that this mask just is NOT the mask for you.The major manufacturers: Resmed, Respironics, Fisher & Paykel; will all replace FREE to the DME providers most any of their masks that a patient has tried and been unsuccessful with if the DME provider will just fill out a form and return mask and form to the manufacturer W/IN 30 DAYS. Sometimes it is necessary to remind the local DME providers of this policy. There is not reason for them to not offer a lenient mask exchange policy. Take advantage of it.

 

I've probably been thru 20 masks to find the ones that work for me. I probably went thru a dozen masks before I found ONE that was comfortable, relatively leak free and worked for me. The MASK is the KEY to successful CPAP therapy once your pressure need has been established.

 

Hi Bill, The "forma" is clunky compared to the Resmed Mirage Quattro, less leakage lower AHI for me. Might want to try it. Cood sleep,Chris

Ps. Dark cherry juice may be helpfull....I like it.  

Reply to Discussion

RSS

© 2024   Created by The SleepGuide Crew.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service