Apnea & C-pap machine
 

I was dx'd with sleep apnea about a month ago. It seems so inconsequential compared to the other health issues I have going on right now. I snore like a freight train so I was pretty sure I had it before I went for the sleep study.

On Friday night I went to sleep clinic to get fitted for the c-pap machine. ARGH! I can't stand the thing after only one night. It's like sleeping with a gas mask on :).

If anybody has one can you tell me if you ever get used to it? I did feel much more rested the following day so I guess it's worth the irritation.

I feel like a big whining baby, get out those violins :D.

I use a c-pap and have done so for about a year and a half.

I have a love hate relationship with the c-pap - I love how it's made me feel but I hate using it :rolleyes:

Before using the c-pap I thought I was going in the direction of SPMS because I was, or thought I was, getting worse MS wise.

After using the c-pap for awhile I started to notice the MS type symptoms decreasing. Sleep apnea was the cause for my symptom increase.

Keep trying joellelee, it is well worth it.

My mom uses the C-Pap. she did end up switching to the little tube that blows up her nose because the mask irritaed her. It is not as effective but she is at least using it now. Hopefully you get used to it. Hang in there!

Had my sleep study last week
 

Hey, I am glad you posted this thread because I forgot to update everyone here about my sleep study.

I had my study about a week ago and it was "ok". I go on Wed to get the results but I know I am headed for a c-pap machine. They told me when I went that if I stopped breathing for more than 5 seconds more than 3 times they would wake me and put the mask on me for the duration. Well, at 1am they came in and got me hooked up to the c-pap.

They showed me a mask model (goes over the nose) and also showed me "a nose pillow" which is a little bulb that goes under the nose (on the strap around your head) and is much less intrusive. I opted for the pillow for my test, and I hope to get that when I get my machine, the mask was too restricting.

So, before I derail your thread too much, did you get a mask or nose pillow?

I know it will take getting used to but all my friends/family that use it say you will get used to it. Just keep a bottle of water by your bed since you get so much dry mouth. That was the worst part of my sleep study, terrible dry mouth. I also normally sleep on my stomach and I had to sleep on my back,

I hope you will get used to it and hope I will also. I look forward to reading the rest of the replies.

I have the nose pillow and it is very liveable. In fact I can actually say it is comfortable and I have chipmunk cheeks. You just adjust the velcro straps to fit your face. I always wear it even if I take a nap in the afternoon.

CPAPer here, too. Ugh.

I wasn't all that keen on using it until I found out I quit breathing for a minute or more 11 times an hour! :eek:

Yes, it IS miserable to learn how to sleep with. I have the full mouth/nose mask and its no fun, but necessary.

Make sure you use Baby Shampoo to wash it with. Other soaps can linger and cause nasal irritation.

Keep trying, Joellelee. It takes about a month before you finally surrender to it (it did for me anyway).


Hey doydie, where you find pillowcases for those itty bitty pillows? :p

Earl, you can get them with humidifiers. Mine has that option, but I never use it.

I'll be getting the mask version that covers my nose only. The other one they showed me went up your nose like oxygen tubes...I just did not think that would be comfortable at all. Now i'm wishing I would've at least tried it.

My neuro has to write a scrip for it. I hope insurance will pay for it. The doc told me they will but I've heard that before and ended up paying anyway. Thanks for the encouragement and info guys :).

Just got home from getting my c-pap machine and having the fitting. I tried 2 different masks and three pillows, opted for the pillow, I can barely feel it's there. My pressure is low so I can get away with it, they say if you are above a 16 you have to get a mask. Twink, what's your pressure? Mine is a 9. I also have the one with the humidifier on it and they want me using it. I am looking forward to having a nice nights sleep for once.

Stay tuned to see how it goes.

Earl, you will love it! I think my setting is 9, at first I used the 'ramping' feature that allowed the C-Pap to gradually get up to the pressure that you end up with. I don't need that now. Also the one with the little pillow thingys comes of very easily if you have a bathroom emergency. My sister has that huge whole nose mask and she has to completely undo everything. But hers has a heated coil running through the supply tubing. I think that would be nice. Good luck with it. And remember to take it with you even if you go for one overnight.

Trust me, if the pressure is above 16, you can't get the thing to quit leaking air (very noisy). I know this b/c mine was set (inadvertantly) at 19 for the first half-year or so. Sheesh! Very frustrating!

I think its set at 11, but not sure.

Let us know how it goes for you, Earl. Hope you enjoy your sleep now.