Posted by Tory on March 18, 2002 at 15:17:17:

In Reply to: Newbie posted by some guy on March 18, 2002 at 14:17:53:

Hi Newbie,

It can be very disconcerting at first. I started out very psyched (finally knowing
what was wrong), but when I started running into a lot of problems I got very
discouraged. With that discouragement came the idea that the CPAP shouldn't have to be adjusted to - it should be as easy as just going to sleep, which it can't possibly be at first.

As someone has mentioned on another post recently: try
breaking down the problems into little manageable problems rather than
one big overwhelming problem, resulting in "this ain't gonna work".

I was having trouble with taking off my mask, too, in my sleep. John Len is
right: it helps to do self talk!! As I went to sleep I started saying things to
myself like, "It's ok, you're fine. Thousands of people use this machine and
they're fine. You aren't going to suffocate...you're breeeeaaathing."

I also started using the suggestions on this list on how to acclimate: wearing
the mask while reading or watching t.v. especially helped me.

Also, someone told me to remember to direct
my thoughts to going WITH it, rather than struggling AGAINST it...hard to explain.
The poster said, "it's a zen kind of thing" and for some reason I got it.

I've been doing this only 8 weeks. The last 5 nights I've slept pretty much
all the way through. I use a handkerchief to help with leaks and air blowing
in my eyes and even last night when I woke up claustrophobic, I ripped off
the mask, took off the handkerchief....then put the mask back on! (most of this
done in half-sleep)

Hang in there. Be patient with yourself.

Tory

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