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Hi
Had my third sleep test last night at the cardio center in Manhattan....It was awful. I woke twice gasping. I was full of spasms. They gave me permission to take a little diazapan . Wen to sleep around a little less than 4 hours....I tried to use the machine this winter...Could breath beautifully but not sleep...The doc. is going to insist I use it....I had sent it back...Don't know what the insurance will say about giving it to me again...How can I get used to it when I get it again? I have atrial fib. because of lack of sleep....and lousy sleep....Again, How can I get used to it....Maybe take a sleep aid at the beginning? Help.....
Views: 32
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Mary Z on
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Maybe a mild tranquilizer such as valium, or a sleeping pill would be good until you get used to the machine. Also we recommend wearing the mask before you go to sleep, while reading, or watching TV to get used to wearing the mask. You could also do this with the machine on. I think your best bet is a sleeping pill to enable you to sleep, plus some antianxiety agent (like the valium).
Good luck. I'm sure you'll get some other good ideas from other folks.
Keep us posted.
Mary Z.
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Permalink Reply by sleepycarol on
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The mask is probably the key to having success on cpap. Make sure the DME has a liberal policy on mask exchanges. They should work with you in finding one that is comfortable, has the fewest leaks, and gives you great therapy. Ask the DME what their exchange policy is. Don't settle on the first mask they bring out, especially if it doesn't "feel right".
Make sure your machine is data capable. That means it gives you useful information such as leak rate, number of apneas, AHI, etc. Not all machines are data capable and some of the cheaper ones provide only data. Do NOT let the DME trick you into taking the cheapest machine out there by telling you it provides data (only the number of hours/days used). Compliance data is NOT useful data to you and is only used by the insurance/medicare companies to ensure that you are using your machine. Come here to get a list of machines that are data capable. Do not take a machine that has PLUS in its name or ESCAPE. Neither of those machines are data capable. The data is invaluable in the beginning to get your treatment working for you.
Take baby steps if you have to. Use Mary's suggestions, which are very beneficial. If you find yourself taking the mask off after awhile, tell yourself you will leave it on a little longer next time and then follow through with that.
Try the various humidifier settings, ramp feature, and flex features to help with getting comfortable using the machine. Ask questions here on the board.
Know that in the beginning it may seem like your sleep is more disrupted, that is normal and will pass with continued use of the machine and mask. Don't give up, keep plugging away.
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Permalink Reply by Anthony on
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To MaryZ and Carol...Thank you much. You advise is essential. I never knew about the data business....I will discuss this with the sleep doctor when I see him....And, I think also discuss with him carol's thoughts on sleeping aids in order to get used to the machine...Whis me luck and thanks again...Anthony
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I hope you have success this time.
Keep a positive frame of mind going into this. Psych yourself up with positive images if necessary.
One of the things I have always told myself is that I am not a quitter. I will not let obstacles defeat me. I will come out the winner.
Getting used to this treatment for sleep apnea is not a walk in the park, but is soooo much better than many of the alternatives. It is noninvasive. Means little risk for complications due to treatment. Surgery means having your body altered with all the dangers of infection, healing, pain, meds, lose of work, etc. Not my cup of tea, although many do go this route I have never entertained it as one I want to go through. Death can happen if treatment is not sought. Sleep apnea is a dangerous condition with my health complications such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, stroke, heart disease, etc. Not a good choice to leave it untreated.
Do not be afraid to ask questions here on the forum. Many are here to help you through any rough spots you may have.
Realize that in the initial beginning you may feel worse and your sleep even more fragmented. This is natural for most and will subside once you become more accustomed to using your machine. If you have a data capapble machine you and your doctor can track your progress and can more easily make any changes needed.
There are different types of masks to try. Full face masks fit over the nose and mouth. Great for those times when you can not breathe through your nose, or if you are a mouth breather. Nasal masks fit just over the nose. Many like those and find them more comfortable than the full face masks. Nasal pillow masks fit against the nostrils and are typically the least cumbersome in my own opinion. There are nasal prong masks that actually have prongs that are inserted into the nasal passages slightly and provide therapy that way. These are not as popular as the nasal pillow masks, but are great for some. There is also an oral mask for those that need treatment that way. So do not be afraid of trying the different types of masks until you find one that feels best for your features.
When adjusting the mask, do so slowly. Do not have it so tight that it hurts or is uncomfortable to the point you cannot tolerate it. Many of the masks actually work better if they are slightly loose and the cushion will seal with the help of the air pressure. Make sure that the mask fits. You would be surprised at how often you are sent home with the wrong size. If you order online you typically get all the cushions. If you are using a DME they will typically only give you one cushion (at least that has been my experience). If you need help with sore spots/irritation ask. Many of us have had similar problems when just starting and have found ways to help ease these situations.
Good luck.
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Thank you....I guess the first time I did not look for or was not interested in finding these options....Sleep apenia is bad very bad for my health....Because I take a BetaBlocker my heart rate never goes above 70. Even while exercising at the gym..I have got to get on top of this or it's goodby for me.....I am a cancer survivor and have probems due to treatments. But I'm here....I want the same for this sleep problem....Even as a teenager when teens sleep forever...I never got 8 hours...Now I'm lucky if I get four...It's ok onec in a while but not forever.....Thanks again for your positive thoughts. It is good to know that there are others out there that have been relieved from this problem with the masks.......
Anthony
sleepycarol said:
/2549090:Topic:73897?commentId=2549090%3AComment%3A73997&xg_source=msg_com_forum#2549090Comment73997">I hope you have success this time.
Keep a positive frame of mind going into this. Psych yourself up with positive images if necessary.
One of the things I have always told myself is that I am not a quitter. I will not let obstacles defeat me. I will come out the winner.
Getting used to this treatment for sleep apnea is not a walk in the park, but is soooo much better than many of the alternatives. It is noninvasive. Means little risk for complications due to treatment. Surgery means having your body altered with all the dangers of infection, healing, pain, meds, lose of work, etc. Not my cup of tea, although many do go this route I have never entertained it as one I want to go through. Death can happen if treatment is not sought. Sleep apnea is a dangerous condition with my health complications such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, stroke, heart disease, etc. Not a good choice to leave it untreated.
Do not be afraid to ask questions here on the forum. Many are here to help you through any rough spots you may have.
Realize that in the initial beginning you may feel worse and your sleep even more fragmented. This is natural for most and will subside once you become more accustomed to using your machine. If you have a data capapble machine you and your doctor can track your progress and can more easily make any changes needed.
There are different types of masks to try. Full face masks fit over the nose and mouth. Great for those times when you can not breathe through your nose, or if you are a mouth breather. Nasal masks fit just over the nose. Many like those and find them more comfortable than the full face masks. Nasal pillow masks fit against the nostrils and are typically the least cumbersome in my own opinion. There are nasal prong masks that actually have prongs that are inserted into the nasal passages slightly and provide therapy that way. These are not as popular as the nasal pillow masks, but are great for some. There is also an oral mask for those that need treatment that way. So do not be afraid of trying the different types of masks until you find one that feels best for your features.
When adjusting the mask, do so slowly. Do not have it so tight that it hurts or is uncomfortable to the point you cannot tolerate it. Many of the masks actually work better if they are slightly loose and the cushion will seal with the help of the air pressure. Make sure that the mask fits. You would be surprised at how often you are sent home with the wrong size. If you order online you typically get all the cushions. If you are using a DME they will typically only give you one cushion (at least that has been my experience). If you need help with sore spots/irritation ask. Many of us have had similar problems when just starting and have found ways to help ease these situations.
Good luck.
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