CPAP Nightmare?!?!

[Glamgirl 63]

ughhh i just got my CPAP and I hate it!!! i feel the same way... cant sleep cant get used to it at all. :/

[Apple203 1,314]

For those having trouble, do you have an auto adjusting APAP machine, or a fixed pressure CPAP machine? And do you have the ramping option? If you dont have these features, could be why you are having trouble.

For the record, I am no expert with only one night under my belt so far, but it went pretty well. Went down from API 65.5 to 9.6. So I still have some work to do. Oh, and the heated air hit my cold bedroom and I had condensation problems until I moved the machine to the floor.

[blind unicorn 6]

Made it a whole hour and a half last night. I'm on the auto titrate from 8 to 12. Just think it's too much pressure for me.

Sent from my SM-G930V using BariatricPal mobile app

[blind unicorn 6]

I've been using a CPAP for around 6 years now, and I too had a hard time adjusting to it. The pressure felt way too high, it was harder to breathe with it than without it, and I wondered how in the world something so intrusive could help me sleep better. I don't remember how long it took me to get used to it, but I did, and it didn't take very long. I went back to the medical equipment supplier a couple of times with my equipment, and they helped me make sure it fit right, and that I was using it correctly. And I got used to the pressure within a week or less. Fast-forward to today, and I often have to double-check to make sure that my machine is on because I don't notice the air being blown into my nose anymore!
One thing that I've never gotten used to is a full face mask. I haven't been able to find a mask that doesn't leak loudly. So I use a nasal pillow mask and it works great, even when I am sick and can only breathe through one nostril.
I suggest you give it more time, and that you visit with your CPAP supplier to make sure your machine and headgear are adjusted correctly. They might also be able to adjust your machine to ramp up the pressure more gradually.

This is the exact problem I am having.

[Apple203 1,314]

On 2/3/2018 at 2:42 PM, blind unicorn said:

Made it a whole hour and a half last night. I'm on the auto titrate from 8 to 12. Just think it's too much pressure for me.

Sent from my SM-G930V using BariatricPal mobile app

Can you dial in a ramp?

[Walter.Sobchak 978]

Have you tried Nasal Pillows? That is what I use and I don’t mind them.

[Kimbero 167]

I also just got the call, i have to get the machine next week. I believe i have to have 2 weeks of monitoring at least 4 hours a night. I had a terrible night the night of my sleep study, pray its easier at home. Just another step [emoji16] hope we all survive the machines

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using BariatricPal mobile app

[Apple203 1,314]

Who knows -- we may all grow to appreciate our little machines!!

[sinead 19]

Who knows -- we may all grow to appreciate our little machines!!

I am almost 3 months post surgery and have stopped using the cpap as it made me so dehydrated and I kept getting eye infections from the air leaking out! I was using a full mask but even with mask covers it kept marking my face really badly. I have lost almost 50 lbs including pre op loss and feel I don’t need it but specialist wants me to go back for another consult!!

[Brina1980 24]

I have soo many struggles keeping the cpap on. I have the nasal pillows which should be more comfortable. I’ve been using it for 2 months. I got to sleep with it on and wake up with it off every morning. #thestruggleisreal

[blind unicorn 6]

Update: the pulmonary Dr called and reviewed my download from my CPAP machine and determined that they need to decrease the pressure again. Lord I hope this works!

[Apple203 1,314]

I got feedback today, too -- use auto-adjust for the humidity setting instead of a fixed rate -- no more condensation in the tubes. Just thought I'd share this tip if other new users are having this problem. I've made it 7+ hours for 4 days now.

[FluffyChix 17,409]

Yay!!! You guys are rockin' it!!!!

[Glamgirl 63]

i will have try to put humidity level on auto! thanks Apple203! at this point ill try anything. I am using a full mask and I feel like I am not getting enough air. So I turned the ramp off as the manual says to do if you feel you are not getting enough air. No difference to me!!!

[Apple203 1,314]

36 minutes ago, Glamgirl said:

I am using a full mask and I feel like I am not getting enough air.

Sorry to hear this, and I suspect I would feel the same way with a full mask. Have you considered nasal pillow mask, which lets you gasp away with your mouth (I've done it!) if you don't have enough air?

Edited February 6, 2018 by Apple203