Posted by BC on March 03, 2010 at 04:26:54:In Reply to: Can't Use CPAP - FRUSTRATED!!! posted by Cubsgirlfan on March 02, 2010 at 13:44:37:
I agree with D.H. that if you are not using a heated humidifier then that can make a big difference. I was wheezing during the day until I found the right humidity setting. But perhaps you are already using a heated humidifier.
I don't know if my experience will be relevant to you, but I'll share what I had to learn. I remember praying one night in frustration, saying "I know I can't sleep without the CPAP, but I'm doing even worse with it!"
I don't normally nap (except unintentionally), and when I tried to fall asleep for my sleep test, I couldn't. I finally give up and decided that I would just rest and forget about getting any sleep. Once I did that, I immediately fell asleep. I can't get to sleep by trying to sleep; I have to stop trying. Similarly, I didn't trust myself to breathe with the CPAP, and was constantly thinking about my breathing. It's only when I decided that my body knew how to breathe, and I gave up thinking about it that I could sleep with the CPAP.
Maybe you are falling asleep and this isn't your issue. If this does fit you, then trying reading a book or watching TV while on the CPAP, so that your body learns to ignore the machine. Don't simply try to feel comfortable with the CPAP; try to learn to ignore it.