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Re: Claustrophobia Phobia and CPAP

Posted by robs on September 26, 2001 at 18:02:01:

In Reply to: Claustrophobia Phobia and CPAP posted by Debra on September 26, 2001 at 06:33:10:

Debra,

I'm sure you cannot be more claustrophobic than I was. I couldn't keep the mask on for even a minute when they did my sleep study - it felt like I was going to suffocate. However, I now wear the CPAP all night long without any problems. How did I accomplish this?.....

Well, first I didn't beat myself up if I had a problem and had to take the mask off. For the first month or so i sometimes took the mask off after a couple of hours or so and I was OK with it. You are in this for the long-term so take some time to get use to it - probably a few months. I also put the mask on without turning on the machine until I settled down and my breathing became normal and relaxed - I usually watch the news while sitting or lying in bed - after a while you forget you have the mask on. When you are comfortable then turn the machine on - the trick for me was to set the ramp-up pressure to start very low so it is easier to breathe initially. Again, still watch TV or read - anything that causes you to concentrate on anything but the machine. Once you get comfortable then you can try to get to sleep.

The most important thing I learned is that you can adapt and you can take your time doing it. I took the mask off many times at 11:30 when I went to bed at 10:00. I kept at it and then I found myself waking up at 7:00 in the morning having slept the entire night with the mask (and I finally had some great dreams - a great side benefit). Relax, don't beat yourself up and work on a timetable that you feel comfortable with - taking several months to get use to the CPAP doesn't hurt a thing.

Take care, good luck and sweet dreams!!

robs

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