I am so so frustrated trying to use a CPAP machine for sleep apnea - I feel like Im suffocating and getting headaches - how its going to help me sleep through the night is beyond me.... I can't even fall asleep with that on my face with all that air blowing in my nose.... and why is it mandatory prior to surgery? The respiratory therapist changed the settings but Im still having trouble...Please tell me there's hope for me and my CPAP. Anyone here have any advice? If I can't use it, does that mean I can't have surgery?

Edited October 31, 20178 yr by comtngirl

I've been using my computer, nose mask for about 3 years now. It was tough at first, it was loud, uncomfortable and didn't feel normal. I forced myself to wear it nightly, now I can't sleep without it.



Sent from my XT1650 using BariatricPal mobile app

how many hours logged on the CPAP before your insurances approved you guys?

On ‎10‎/‎31‎/‎2017 at 11:37 AM, comtngirl said:

I am so so frustrated trying to use a CPAP machine for sleep apnea - I feel like Im suffocating and getting headaches - how its going to help me sleep through the night is beyond me.... I can't even fall asleep with that on my face with all that air blowing in my nose.... and why is it mandatory prior to surgery? The respiratory therapist changed the settings but Im still having trouble...Please tell me there's hope for me and my CPAP. Anyone here have any advice? If I can't use it, does that mean I can't have surgery?

This thread is older, but I just wanted to tell you to hang in there with the CPAP. After you adjust to it, you won't be able to sleep without it. I used to be a big napper.... I could fall asleep anywhere (not overly tired all the time, but it didn't matter where I was if I wanted to take a nap). Now, the only place I sleep is in my bed with my CPAP. It was a really rough 30 days. I went through 5 different masks and saw my respiratory therapist probably a dozen times. The key for me was the right mask. As far as the plastic smell, always wash your masks, hoses, tank, ect. before you use them. I wash mine with baby shampoo and it helps tremendously. There are so many health risks for people with untreated sleep apnea. It is so important that you use the CPAP as long as you have sleep apnea. My husband also has it and he is as thin as a board. Therefore, you may always have it. It's best to embrace the CPAP. Trust me, give it time and you will love it. You will feel like million dollars. Also, as far as the headaches.... your pressure may be too high. That's what happened to my husband. Our pulmonologist said that too much pressure can cause your blood pressure to raise and when it falls it can cause a headache. Make sure that you speak with your therapist about this. One last thing, is your machine set to "ramp up"? This means that the pressure slowly increases, vs. just blowing right off the bat.

I hope you have gotten your issues fix with your mask. It took me saveral masks before I found the right one. A full mask reduces the feeling of the blowing air in your nose. Can your therapist read your daily results through MyAir ..... this app is a life saver because it can make them and you aware of problems...good luck!

4 hours ago, FluffyChix said:

how many hours logged on the CPAP before your insurances approved you guys?

For me, the insurance just requires 'being treated'. The big deal is for the surgeon and the anesthesiologist-- they want a minimum of one month. This is to safeguard the procedure and reduce complications during surgery.

Edited November 22, 20178 yr by Tess530

9 minutes ago, Tess530 said:

For me, the insurance just requires 'being treated'. The big deal is for the surgeon and the anesthesiologist-- they want a minimum of one month. This is to safeguard the procedure and reduce complications during surgery.

@Tess530 Thanks girl! I just wondered, if I'm shootin' myself in the keester, by getting a sleep study this late in the game.

Also, as a side note: When talking to my cardiologist, he recommended that he also do a stress test (Not required from insurance) as he's seen anesthesiologists turn away patients right before surgery if the patient has any heart issues. I have HBP.

17 minutes ago, Tess530 said:

Also, as a side note: When talking to my cardiologist, he recommended that he also do a stress test (Not required from insurance) as he's seen anesthesiologists turn away patients right before surgery if the patient has any heart issues. I have HBP.

Thanks for that FYI. I have HBP too. My cardiologist said that he would pass me without a stress test if I could walk up 2 flights of stairs. LOL. I told him, with a hip replacement, I probably could! LOL. So I think I will ask for a letter from them as a release?

Edited November 22, 20178 yr by FluffyChix

1 hour ago, FluffyChix said:

Thanks for that FYI. I have HBP too. My cardiologist said that he would pass me without a stress test if I could walk up 2 flights of stairs. LOL. I told him, with a hip replacement, I probably could! LOL. So I think I will ask for a letter from them as a release?

That's what I did, too! One from my primary and another from my cardiologist with a current EKG and stress test, just to be sure. Can you imagine?!? All that worked up nervous excitement just to be turned away last minute? No, thank you.

I got an auto adjusting CPAP with a range so it starts slow and then it ramps up based on my breathing. I find the over the nose mask works best unless I have a cold and cant breath through the nose. Then I use the full and some chapstick or vaseline for dry lips.