New to cpap and can't seem to adapt

[Susan1962]

Hello. I just started using a cpap machine and am not adapting very well. It feels suffocating and claustrophobic and I am not happy about having to use a machine. Any replies would be great. 
Thx,
Susan

[Walla Walla]

The best advice I can give is to practice wearing it during the day while your awake. You can set it up by your TV and watch shows while getting use to the feel of it. If your not using the EPR setting than I'd turn that on also. The EPR will give you some pressure relief when trying to exhale. Like any new lifestyle change it takes time but you'll adapt.

[Crimson Nape]

Hi Susan1962 -

You aren't alone. Getting accustomed to CPAP therapy takes time and patience. Your "suffocating" feeling is typically caused by having too low a starting pressure. Please download #SleepyHead software.. The download link is in its name and at the top of the forum's pages. #SleepyHead will allow you to obtain far more detailed information of your sleep sessions. Just so you know, MyAir doesn't begin to provide the sleep detail that #SleepyHead does. Also, not all A10's are being shipped with an SD card. If you need to acquire one, any SD card 2Gb or larger will work. They may be obtained just about anywhere.

You post would be better suited in the Main forum. I will put in a request to have it moved.

Good luck!

[OpalRose]

Hi Susan, Welcome to Apnea Board!

Adapting to Cpap therapy takes time.  Having a feeling of suffocation and claustrophobia is something many of us have experienced.  Most of the time a feeling of suffocation or what we call being “air starved” is usually from pressure settings that are too low.  

The trick is to use your mask and machine an hour or so before going to bed.  Try moving the machine out to a living room and use it while watching TV or reading a book.  In no time, you don’t notice the air pressure when your mind is occupied with something else.

May I ask why you are starting out with a full face mask?  I believe the easiest to adapt to is a nasal pillow mask or a nasal mask.  The ResMed P10 nasal pillow mask is the most minimalistic mask out there and it’s pretty hard to feel claustrophobic with it.

Believe me when I say that none of us would choose to have sleep apnea and use a machine, but once you use it and realize how much better you feel, you don’t want to do without.

We can help you adapt and get your pressure set optimal for you. Download the free #SleepyHead software and start looking at your data.

[gwc2795]

Susan hang in there. You will begin to benefit from the therapy. As soon as you can post a chart we will be able to direct you into helping yourself.
WELCOME!!!

[Apnea Infant]

Hello Susan

Welcome to the forum. It is not easy to start with for most of us. I too was given a full face mask at the sleep study and also for home use. The leaks were horrific and my titrated pressure was too high to deal with. The nasal pillows suit me more and I prefer it.

I did feel suffocated too but persevered but it was not in the least bit easy. No, most of us would really prefer NOT to sleep with this hose stuck to our faces but it is the life it gives us back which makes it worth while to persevere. Now I would not sleep without it as I know how bad I feel on the nights without.

Hang on in there. Others have given great suggestions to download sleepyhead, posting data and letting us help with dialling in.

[zonk]

Hello. I just started using a cpap machine and am not adapting very well. It feels suffocating and claustrophobic and I am not happy about having to use a machine. Any replies would be great. 
Thx,
Susan

Hi Susan

Every thing take time to get used to, once you get used to wearing it, become a thing that you cannot sleep without

For most people, mask is number one issue, try a different mask, some full face masks are lighter and more comfortable than others
Full face masks, can be difficult for newbies to handle and control leaks, higher leak rates can affect the quality of treatment and sleep

Try other type of masks, nasal or nasal pillows, less contact on the face and more comfortable, you must be comfortable
I use a nasal mask with a chinstrap (helps keep mouth closed and prevent mouth breathing)
Talk to your DME and the doctor, you'll need their support, if no such support coming from them, be in charge and learn the facts 

Machine choice is also important, an auto data capable machine, is preferred choice to fixed CPAP (especially for pressure above 10, in my experience) shows you how the treatment is working and if required, the doctor or experienced user to make some adjustment based on data 
Without data, they've nothing to ascertain whether the treatment is working or effective

Above all, the will to succeed is paramount ... giving up is not an option 
Often said, a journey of thousands miles, begins with a single step

Best of luck

[Thelgow]

Similar to how I started. The starting pressure was too low, a 4. I noticed when I would wake up and check, it would be on a 10. Thats how I found this site, to try and set or override the beginning pressure. I tried to start at 10 and that did not work at all. I went for the middle, 7 and left it like that for 4 years.

[TBonz]

I've found that using something to take the edge off of my claustrophobia/panic when using it helps. The doctor prescribed it for me as I couldn't stick it without it.

[Ron AKA]

Hello. I just started using a cpap machine and am not adapting very well. It feels suffocating and claustrophobic and I am not happy about having to use a machine. Any replies would be great. 

Can you tell us a little more about the machine? Is it the AutoSet model of the AirSense 10? Are you using the Ramp setting? If so what is the Ramp Start pressure? Getting the ramp and ramp start pressure right can go a long way to addressing the claustrophobic feeling.