For those with sleep apnea, how hard is it getting accustomed to sleeping with the mask?

2016-03-29T21:55:10-04:00

I've just been found to have this from a VA doc in Germany. How hard is it to sleep with this? I usually find myself turning over a lot during the night.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2016 9:57 PM

2016-03-29T21:57:50-04:00

I had a very had time getting used to it. I ended up having to have the surgery to correct mine because I could not get used to the mask. But I know A lot of people that got used to theirs. I guess I just had to find the most difficult route..lol

Response by TSgt David L. made Mar 29 at 2016 10:07 PM

2016-03-29T22:07:11-04:00

SGM Mikel Dawson It sucks. Actually it blows. Seriously it depends on which mask you get. I prefer what they call "nose pillows" over the ambu bag looking mask. Don't try to get it all the first week or so. Get used to it slow or you'll hate it. Or maybe it was just me! LMAO :D

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Mar 29 at 2016 10:19 PM

2016-03-29T22:19:11-04:00

SGM Mikel Dawson It takes a while to adapt to a mask. I recently learned to use a Chin Strap to keep my mouth closed and avoid dryness. In two years, I have only tossed enough to drag the machine onto the floor three times. "Hose Head", please, get a supple hose: TUB006SS, Slim Tube, .625 in diameter not the 11/16" they try you on. The slimline is much more flexible. metric convert is on you at this time of evening! I can tell you more! There is a Sleep Apnea Forum! It is worth the mask's discomfort!
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Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 30 at 2016 12:04 AM

2016-03-30T00:04:47-04:00

Well, for me, I could not... and just stopped... But, I know I need to wear it...

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Mar 30 at 2016 2:14 AM

2016-03-30T02:14:21-04:00

SGM in my experience it requires two things, time and trying out the different models of masks that are offered. It will deffinitley improve your sleep.

Response by SGT Robert R. made Mar 30 at 2016 6:12 AM

2016-03-30T06:12:10-04:00

I agree with TSgt David L. . It depends on the mask. I have one of the newer types. This one has a pillow that covers just the nose and goes over the top of my head where the hose connects. The device has a full 360 swivel. It took a couple of weeks to get used to.

Good luck.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Mar 30 at 2016 9:25 AM

2016-03-30T09:25:14-04:00

I simply couldn't get used to it; which doesn't lead to restful sleep, so what's the point?

I know some guys who managed, and their sleep improved, but not me, and I've tried a couple different masks. I just can't deal with this thing sitting on my face and the hose it drags behind it when I move around (I'm a side sleeper). I'm banking on medical advances to provide me better options...I guess we'll see.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Mar 30 at 2016 9:35 AM

2016-03-30T09:35:24-04:00

It took me about 4 weeks before I got a really good night's sleep w/o tossing and turning, As others have said the type of mask does make a difference. I started with the full face mask and I just forced myself to get used to it. Now I have a less restrictive mask and it works just as well.

To those having a tough time, Try to stick with it as untreated sleep apnea can lead to worse things. I had a seizure which is how I found out I had sleep apnea. Talk to the medical supply company that provides your CPAP/BIPAP see what other masks they offer. Sometimes your doctor will recommend the mask they know w/o checking other options. Also if your Dr has not recommended it, seek out a sleep specialist and see them annually the air flow/pressure may need to be adjusted if the apnea lessens or gets worse.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Mar 30 at 2016 11:13 AM

2016-03-30T11:13:40-04:00

I started out with the nose pillows and got over it within 3 days. I do have a full mask for when the nose is plugged up. My wife, the respiratory therapist who should know better, fought her's for almost a year before doing OK. So if you tried it for a week or two and gave up, not a good idea because you just agreed to shaving 8-18 years off your life. Interesting enough 2-3% of kids have it so that probably creates the 18 number. The 8 is if you develop it shy of 50. I've been on mine for 8 years. I can dream again....

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Mar 30 at 2016 11:18 AM

2016-03-30T11:18:52-04:00

I want to thank everyone for their reply. Weighing it out and will keep you posted. First I want to see if the VA is going to help foot the bill for one.

Response by 1SG Brian Adams made Mar 30 at 2016 11:19 AM

2016-03-30T11:19:45-04:00

SGM,
It took me a good 6 months to get used to the Bi PAP mask that I wear every evening. I have been wearing my mask for a year and a half now. It will take you some time. It is just a mind over matter situation. Just remember, the results are great, and it is a small price to pay getting used to this civilian gas mask...!
Good Luck SGM !

Response by PO1 Robert Teague made Mar 30 at 2016 2:01 PM

2016-03-30T14:01:12-04:00

I tried the mask. Can't get use to the constant wind in my face. I now use the nose pillows and don't even know the air in going into my nose unless I open my mouth.

Response by SSgt Donnavon Smith made Mar 30 at 2016 2:38 PM

2016-03-30T14:38:52-04:00

I was a Maintainer on C-17s, and used to sleep on trips a lot, so when the plane flew above a certain level, O2 masks were advised, so I just slept with it on. So fast forward several years, CPAP on sleep on, it was conditioned.

My Doc said Military pilots, scuba divers and firemen do well because they are conditioned to use a pressure fed mask. my $0.02

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Mar 30 at 2016 4:25 PM

2016-03-30T16:25:35-04:00

Tried the mask for a while and couldn't do it. Went to the nose cup and it took a while for me to get used to wearing it in a certain way as to not rub my nose raw. Now I can't sleep without it...4 years later. I suggest you go back to your sleep doctor and get it "titrated" to make sure the fit its right, the pressures are good, and you are comfortable. May require another sleep study but without looking like pinhead...just you and the machine. I can definitely tell when I haven't slept with it and so can my wife.

Response by SGT Christopher Premore made Mar 30 at 2016 6:15 PM

2016-03-30T18:15:48-04:00

I never did get comfortable with the mask so I just gave up I was loosing even more sleep that I already was.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Mar 31 at 2016 1:23 AM

2016-03-31T01:23:40-04:00

A machine that gives you an 'AHI' score in the AM is super cool! Then you have an excuse to hit it or sluff off! I say again: Hose diameter of .70 inches is good and flexible, the other one of ? .87 inches diameter is harder for me to handle. The CPAP forum had an offer for free, 1 week trials of different masks. There are many masks, a low cost method of selection and information is invaluable. A friend recommended a ? mask, No way, not for me. There are "templates" you can print and trim by hand, available on-line to determine the proper mask size. I used a small, recommended was a large? Go figure. The machine furnished by my insurance had a humidity chamber. There was too much moisture for me, I tried baby powder and cornstarch, but now just whip it on. The chinstrap has helped immensely. 'We' we're out of town, did a RON @ Ft Tuthill, AZ, awakened with dry crevices in my mouth. Luckily, Flagstaff, AZ had a health supply store that would sell me a replacement for the chinstrap I left at home. Some of those health supply stores want a prescription to sell you an air filter for the CPAP machine; therefore, I travel w/ a spare mask. One hose broke when I dragged the machine off the nightstand, I was able to field expedient a repair w/ duct tape. The new chin strap I bought in Flagstaff is not as comfortable as the one I had left at home. Caveat Emptor, proper, well fitted equipment will provide a better nights sleep. Test and inquire as much as you are able to. Please contact me if needed. I save the 'wrappers' the equipment comes in for a valid reference - good or bad! Chuck

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Mar 31 at 2016 1:28 AM

2016-03-31T01:28:58-04:00

It took me about a month to get use to it and in the beginning, took it off about 2-3 hours after retiring. Now, I can't sleep without it...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2016 1:46 AM

2016-03-31T01:46:46-04:00

I've set up over a thousand patients on Positive Airway Pressure treatment for all forms of sleep apnea. I found that pressure comfort is more important than mask comfort. The PAP titration study has margin for error, lots of it. My most compliant patients were setup with an AUTO PAP @ 4-20 cwp. The pressure stays low until it detects your AHI increasing. The machine increases the pressure to maintain an AHI of <5. The higher pressures are only needed in during certain phases of the sleep cycle. The remaining time, the pressure drops back down to the minimum set. I only had a few patients not able to tolerate the AUTO option, and it was more unwilling to vs unable to. You can message me if you have question or need further assistance changing settings, getting a machine capable of those settings, or help choosing a mask.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Mar 31 at 2016 10:36 AM

2016-03-31T10:36:47-04:00

I'm newly diagnosed and have been trying to adjust to the mask myself. For me, there are 2 main isuses: 1) I am naturally a belly sleeper so not being able to roll to my stomach makes sleeping with it difficult 2) I get leaks as the night progresses which wake me up. Plus the mask is just downright uncomfortable.

Response by SGM Frederic Smith made Mar 31 at 2016 11:12 AM

2016-03-31T11:12:07-04:00

How many have been deployed to high altitudes (over 7,000'), were Reservists/NGs that were told they had "Sleep Apnea/Obstructive Sleep Disorder by the VA and were told by the VA that you didn't get it while you were deployed?

Response by Cpl Chad Perry made Apr 2 at 2016 1:43 AM

2016-04-02T01:43:38-04:00

I got my first CPAP about 10-12 years ago from a civilian doctor. I tried for a long time to get used to it, but never could. It was like trying to breathe with a leaf blower right in my face. Then a couple years ago I got a new one from the VA with a full face mask and I love it. I never feel like I'm getting too much air and the mask is very comfortable.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Apr 22 at 2016 9:08 PM

2016-04-22T21:08:48-04:00

SGM Mikel Dawson They have a new mask everyone is talking about. It is a Philips respironics dream nasal mask. I am not due one but will buy one from Amazon because of price. Good luck!

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made May 26 at 2016 6:55 AM

2016-05-26T06:55:49-04:00

Interesting question! When I finally went in for a sleep study (after years of being kicked out of bed, waking up cause mty throat closed off from being dry, etc, I finally went in and was diagnosed with serious sleep apnea! (they said I woke up about 130 times an hour! ) I had absolutely no problems adjusting to the mask and machine. I literally fell sound asleep perfectly the first night. Now I cannot really sleep without it, I just sort of do this gray-out thing and wake up with a sore throat. Use your machine!

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Apr 14 at 2017 12:37 AM

2017-04-14T00:37:26-04:00

It took me the better part of a year. At first, I could only wear it for an hour or so. Now I can go all night. I recommend that if you have room, place the unit near the head of your bed as possible even on the top of the headboard if you have one. Take the hose and secure it with thin zip ties to the head strap so it is routed over the top of your head. This will make for more comfotable and ease of movement during the night.

Response by MSgt John Moors made Apr 20 at 2017 5:22 PM

2017-04-20T17:22:14-04:00

It took me a little over a year to really get comfortable with it. One of the issues I had was that everytime I went to bed if my nose was not completely clear I felt as if I was having a hard time breathing. So I bought a NAVAGE to flush out my nose and sinus. So now before I go to bed I use the NAVAGE and have no more issues. I actually do sleep better with the CPAP now that I feel I can breath through the mask. I also agree with Jim Gilmore as far as placement.