CPAP machine, getting used to it

[NainAGP]

I have just received the machine and had a go, fairly uncomfortable so far. I'm committed to using it but can anyone tell me how long they took to get comfortable with it? All my sleep trial, diagnosis etc has been remote/on the phone and I do have a phone call booked for advice in 10 days but so far it wakes me up, can't see how I'll be able to sleep with it. Also I usually sleep on my front, how's that going to work?

You might need a different mask, the first one I had made me feel like I was suffocating but the one they exchanged it for is fine.

I found the mask surprisingly easy to wear and now find the noise of it reassuring. It's never wakened me up either.

Do you sleep with your head on its side? It might work like that. I sleep on my side and it is fine like that. One of the small nose only masks might be better for you.

I guess this post isn't going to be much use but my advice is to try and persevere till you have the appointment with the nurse.

Thanks, so far I can only manage an hour because I feel completely wired with it on as the feeling is so alien. I can see the noise would be reassuring though.

My dh also got a different mask for his and it took a wee while until he got used to it - said it made him feel like he was suffocating to begin with

It seems so strange when you start especially if you are even a tiny bit claustrophobic. It took me nearly a year to comply with a minimum of 4 hours per night, I was on the verge of them taking it off me. I would go to sleep with it on and pull it off in the night. Eventually I changed from a mask to nose cushions and never had a problem since. It is life changing when you get a full nights sleep wearing it. I sleep on the right hand side of the bed with the cpap in my bedside cabinet and sleep on my side facing it. It's just a case of finding a position you are comfortable with and persevering, but it will be worth it in the end.

Try the nose cushions, DH found those much easier to deal with.

My mum has one and she says it took six months. She still dislikes it but sleeps so much better - huge improvement in her well-being.

Thanks for all the advice, have managed 40 minutes so far! And have also eventually fallen asleep, half woken up and removed the mask before sleeping again. But less snoring so it is helping.

Just to let you know there's a fantastic support group on facebook run by the sleep apnoea charity 'hope 2 sleep'
If you're not on facebook you can contact them for help and advice.

Dh ended up with one like this so it doesn't fully cover his nose. He didn't get on with the one that went over his nose bridge so he was sent a different one to try

Thanks, I'll look up the Facebook page. I have a call booked with the clinic tomorrow so will try and describe the situation as I can't show them. Most people seem to find it a challenge!