CPAP setting (titration study)

[rrwa9800]

Greetings!

I had a sleep study last month and was told that I have severe apnea. During that study, I was not able to tolerate a mask (in addition to all of the wires).

I went in for a second study to determine what the CPAP setting would be. I again was not able to tolerate the mask combined with the limitations of being hooked up to all of the wires. I do suffer from claustrophobia. They have suggested that I utilize a sleeping pill, which I feel strongly against.

I am wondering if there are any other options? I am willing to try the CPAP, but do NOT want to go through with another study.

Any alternatives that might work for me?

Thank you!

[PaulaO2]

Yes. You can trial an auto-titrating CPAP, called an APAP for a month and use it at home. It is common practice. They then use the data from that to determine your pressure range or single treatment pressure.

[trish6hundred]

Hi rrwa9800,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Hang in there for more responses to your post and much success to you as you start your CPAP journey.

[robysue]

I went in for a second study to determine what the CPAP setting would be. I again was not able to tolerate the mask combined with the limitations of being hooked up to all of the wires. I do suffer from claustrophobia. They have suggested that I utilize a sleeping pill, which I feel strongly against.

I am wondering if there are any other options? I am willing to try the CPAP, but do NOT want to go through with another study.

Any alternatives that might work for me?

Thank you!

An APAP could do the titration in your own home in your own bed. But you still have to deal with the issue of the claustrophobia and the issue of tolerating the mask.

If you find that you can't tolerate the mask at home---as in you just can't seem to fall asleep with it due to the claustrophobia---then the best non-drug approach is going to be some kind of cognitive behavior therapy aimed at getting you through learning how to sleep with the mask on your nose.