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Anyone else using a CPAP? (self.Health)

submitted ago by TheKidd

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I just started and they prescribed Nasal Pillows. I have a hard time getting them to fit right, and when I finally do I'm only averaging 2 - 2.5 hours per night before I take it off. Not sure I'll ever get used to it!

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[–]bephillips 2 points3 points ago

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You may find an over the nose mask more comfortable than nasal pillows. I use the Zest mask and find it pretty comfortable. Keep working with your respiratory therapist on finding a system that works for you. Successfully treating OSA has been life changing in many good ways for me.

[–]synn89 1 point2 points ago

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Yes, I started up CPAP last month. I first used a nasal mask and then switched to the nasal pillows as they were more comfortable for me.

The key is knowing that you're very unique in your therapy. I'd recommend trying a lot of different masks until you find one that works for you: http://www.cpaplibrary.com/mask-trials.html

I took to using CPAP pretty well. I'll usually wake up a few times each night to adjust but I'm waking up during my light sleep cycle to do that instead of "OMG, I can't breath, wake up 10 times an hour no matter what". I still think there's some things I can tweak to help myself with that though. I'm probably going to try to hang my hose so when I turn over during the night I don't have to fight with it.

Anyway, I love my CPAP. I can now enjoy my days without my brain feeling all fuzzy. I have I drives again, as in I want to do things instead of just go home and lay down after work and lay down all weekend.

[–]spacedebris 0 points1 point ago

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I have been using CPAP since I was tested in 1996. It took a long time to adjust and some nights I still want to throw my mask at the wall. Hose support is important there are a couple of systems available that will hold the hose and allow more freedom of movement. You might also try some moisturizer in your nostrils before putting on the mask. I use Vaseline or lanolin but there are specific products for CPAP if you don't like the other options. You are using humidity? Hang in there and check out some of the forums at places like CPAP.com for more info and support. Good luck.

[–]TheKidd[S] 0 points1 point ago

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I use moisturizer in my nose already and it helps. The hose doesn't seem to be a problem as I place it over my headboard and the machine sits on my night stand. I do use the humidity as well. I think the problem is just getting used to breathing through my nose all night. I guess I should give it more time, it's only been 2 weeks.

[–]synn89 0 points1 point ago

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Try different masks. Also, does your machine have a ramp up feature? My pressure is 8 with a ramp start of 4 and I had to bump that up to 6 otherwise I felt like I was suffocating with the pillows on.

Are you having problems breathing out? There are machines with EPR that'll help with that.

I found my nasal mask very comfortable to breath through. It just tended to irritate slightly around where the mask fit(as in I got a zit and it rubbed it), so I switched to swift FX pillows. The pillows have their own issues to work through though :)

Also, if you don't "breath through your nose" normally, just try a full face. Do NOT expect your DME to help you with this stuff, take complete control over your therapy. Find out what works for you. If you do some mask trials and find one you like, insist on getting one of those from your DME. If they don't want to do that, fire them, buy direct and submit the claim to your insurance yourself.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point ago

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I use it. It makes a huge difference. It was tough to get used to for the first 2 weeks.

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