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Re: What can I do?

Posted by ccb on May 30, 2003 at 21:19:09:

In Reply to: What can I do? posted by aclack on May 30, 2003 at 05:58:31:

About three years ago, I was in the same situation as your husband. Not sure of how to use the CPAP machine properly, I found this website and figured it out based on the recommendations of other people. Here is what worked for me:
1. It takes a month or so to get really used to the machine. You just need to relax and go with it. Don't make it a mind thing. He should know that the day will come when he looks forward to putting the mask on because it is part of his sleep routine -- I put it on now and I immediately get sleepy.

2. I tried 2-3 kinds of nasal masks (every doctor pushes the nasal mask) and they only worked when I wasn't congested -- meaning whenever the allergies kicked in or I got a cold, the nasal mask was worthless. Someone on this site recommended a full face mask. I got the Mirage FF mask and it was a miracle. I am on my 2nd one (I find they last about a year).

3. On this site, I found out about 2 things that are essential to making the FF mask work like a charm: (1) I use blinders (like the ones they give you on the airplane on overseas flight) over my eyes so that if any air ends up blowing into my eyes -- which occasionally happens -- it doesn't blow directly into my eyes; and (2) I use a headband/sweatband (from any sporting goods store) to secure the mask on my head (careful that you don't strap it over the air holes at the top of the mask). This really helps keep the mask fom leaking any air.

You will also get used to all this. Soon you will really like the white noise created by the CPAP machine.

Good luck.

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