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Topic: RE: This IS Hell.
Does your CPAP have a humidifier? Mine has one which helps with the dry throat. I have had one for 6 years now. I started with a 3 setting and am now at an 11. I am ready to call to have the pressure reduced since my surgery. My fear is that once they tell me I no longer need it I won't be able to sleep. Anytime I have been somewhere and didn't have my machine with me, I tossed and turned all night. Try wearing it as you watch tv and relax in the evening. That seemed to help me get used to wearing it. I think my biggest issues were getting wrapped up in the hose (that did happen a few times) and the fact that it ain't sexy. I learned not to turn in my sleep so that the hose would get tangled. Also, I live alone so the sexy concern is moot.
Keep trying. It does help.
Aime
Topic: RE: This IS Hell.
HI Angela,
Sorry you're having such a rough time with your CPAP, rest (LOL) assured you're not alone. Personally, when I'm able to get off mine, I will first drive over it with my car, then take it to the target range and shoot it full of bullets!!!
My sleep doc gave me an RX for Restoril to help me sleep with. It comes in generic, so it's less expensive, and I sleep like a rock, even with my mask on. I don't think I could ever have gotten used to it with out some sort of sleep aid.
Good luck to you
Susan
Topic: RE: This IS Hell.
Angela, I made a mistake on the website in my last post. It's apneasupport.ORG.
Sorry. And the C-flex setting is where the machine goes to a lower setting when you exhale. (BiPAP??) Anyway, I know it made a world of difference for me. Stay with it and good luck.
lisa
Sorry. And the C-flex setting is where the machine goes to a lower setting when you exhale. (BiPAP??) Anyway, I know it made a world of difference for me. Stay with it and good luck.
lisa 
Topic: RE: This IS Hell.
Thanks for the response! Yea it has something called a 'Settling' stage that I think is the same thing your talking about, it starts at pressure 4 and I can make it stay on that setting from anywhere between 10-45 minutes. I have been using that and its set on 45 and Im still awake when it starts going up so I have to shut it off, and restart it. But Ive noticed the past day or so Im getting used to falling asleep with it on BUT when I wake up my heart is pounding scarily fast and I have the WORST sore throat for the rest of the night/day - I still cant sleep for longer than 1 1/2 hours with it on. I am going to call them monday and tell them my problems and see what they say. I've been learning tons online and I wish I started my research sooner!
Topic: RE: This IS Hell.
Is your machine set with a ramp feature? Generally starts out really low then builds up to your normal pressure (usually once you fall asleep.) I don't know what the lowest ramp setting would be though, four might be where it would have started anyway. I have been using mine for over six years now. It does take some getting used to that is for sure. But once I woke up the next day and felt the difference I had huge incentive to keep using it (and have every night.) I hope you are able to adjust to it okay or perhaps try the bi pap if the cpap doesn't work out. Good luck!
Topic: Playing a didgeridoo proven to correct conditions that cause sleep apnea
The british medical journal published a study by Swiss experts that clinically showed significant improvement to daytime sleepiness for 25 people who played an Austrailian Aboriginal wind instrument called a didgeridoo for four months. Playing the didgeridoo requires a controlled breathing pattern, and researchers believe it helps to train the upper airways to combat the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. October's issue of men's health magazine published a website that has information on obtaining one of these musical instruments. At last, exercise can be fun.
Topic: RE: This IS Hell.
Yeah I just did some research on the bipap and I think that it would work a lot better for me. Im going to talk to my insurance company about it because I know that they are generally more expensive than the CPAP and they already didn't wanna give me a full face mask because that was slightly more expensive, but we shall see. If I absolutely cant tolerate the one I have then there should be no other choice, i dont want to die in my sleep. Anyone else on here use a bipap?
Topic: RE: Something iteresting you may not know.....
You are so right Carole! I had sleep apnea for years and didn't get it treated. In 1999, I had a mild stroke and they traced it to having had untreated sleep apnea for years. Not fun.
- Bobby
Topic: RE: ~ Setting the pressure & masks ~
The people who supply my machine are the ones that set the pressure for me Dawn. They usually call the doc for me to find out the pressure to set. They can probably get through to him easier than I would be able to.
As far as the masks, I've tried a few different types but they all seem to wear out over time....and I don't mean a long time. Mine usually last 6 months.
Hope things get better for you!
- Bobby
Topic: RE: Mild Sleep apnea
Hi Carole, the headgear is the same for a bipap machine. So you still have to eventually find one you're comfortable with. I can't stand the full mask. I use the nasal pillows. The particular mask I use also lets me wear my glasses so I can read in bed. As far as the humidifier? I only use it in the winter when we have the heat on and the air is very dry. Different strokes for different people though.
Ask your doctor about a bipap. I'm sure he's referring to several different types of masks that they normally have for you to try. Good luck!!
- Bobby
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What would be signs I don?t need CPAP anymore? Pressure on APAP now 5.5cm
Pinksultana · 1 replies · 1343 views
Pinksultana · 1 replies · 1343 views
