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Just Can't Get Used to CPAP
Member writes: I've had my machine for about four years and I still can not get used to sleeping with the mask on more than a couple of hours. The noise it makes and just feeling the mask on my face keeps me awake. What else can I do, cause I do want to be able to get a good nights sleep.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Patty Tucker on
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Sleeping with something strapped to your face, blowing air up your nose is obviously not a natural thing! It is normal to find it annoying and distracting. The fact that you've had the machine for that long and still have not had the assistance or guidance to find a way to "befriend" it is concerning.
The first step is to return to your sleep specialist to determine if the pressure is in fact set correctly for you. After about 2 hours of sleep we generally have a REM period when our muscles become even more relaxed than in earlier stages of sleep. Some people need more air pressure during this time. If you suddenly have apnea at that time because your support pressure is not enough you will wake up and likely become aware of the CPAP.
If the pressure is sufficient (and also not more than you need) then the next step is to be sure the mask fits you well. There are many shapes, sizes and configurations to chose from. Some can be very small and low profile. Your durable medical equipment provider is the best source for help here.
Finally with perfect mask and pressure, there is the need for acclimation. Try white noise generators to cancel out some of the sound. Use relaxation and visualization techniques to distract from the feeling of the mask. If after a couple weeks all these in combination do not do the trick, see your doctor again. A mild sleeping aid on a very temporary basis may help get you "over the hump". Once you discover a few nights in a row of sleeping all night with it and feel the benefits during the day, it starts to get easier.
Last word -- Some people will never get used to it. You then have to talk to your sleep specialist about other options. If your sleep apnea is mild to moderate you have good choices. If it is severe you will have to make a compromise, but something is better than nothing.
Hope this helps,
Best Wishes for Peaceful Sleep
Patty
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Permalink Reply by Julia on
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The noise bothers me too, so I just turn on a fan and it masks the noise and I don't notice it at all.
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