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CPAP newbie can't fall/stay asleep

Posted by Luna on June 03, 2004 at 14:26:20:

I've seen on this forum that it takes time to get used to the CPAP therapy, but how much time?

I've had my new machine for over a week now and still can't sleep with it. I started with Adam's Circuit in hopes that it would be less confining and reduce some anxiety, but at full pressure of 17, the exhaust thru single hole is very loud. Also, 17 feels like lots of air and is hard to fall asleep. The ramp time of 20 minutes is not long enough and after cycling thru that 3 or 4 times each night I just take the mask off. Bad sleep is better than no sleep.

I finally called DME supplier and they lengthend the ramp time and gave me a ComfortGel Mask to try. It is much quieter so I'm actually able to fall asleep, but I can't sleep with it for more than 2 hours. If I didn't have to go to work the next day, I'd try to force myself to lie there with the mask on until I either fall back to sleep or get up, but I can't afford not to get any sleep.

I've tried a beer at bedtime. I've tried a melatonin. I've tried asking my husband to sleep in another room. I can't sleep with the TV on and I can't read with the mask on. Nothing seems to help.

Right now I feel like I'm losing more sleep than I'm gaining and I'm so tired I could cry. I almost dread going to bed anymore. From the success stories, I know that if I can just get through the learning curve, it will be worth it. But I need your help trying to figure this out. Any ideas?

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