How noticeable of a difference will there be when I use my CPAP machine?
I was diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea about a year ago. I was given a cpap machine and I tried to use it a couple of times, but gave up on it. If I start using it regularly, how much of a difference will I notice in my everyday life? Also, does anyone have any tips on how to get through the first couple of weeks using the machine?
Tagged with: cpap machine • everyday life • obstructive sleep apnea • severe obstructive sleep apnea • sleep
Filed under: Sleep Apnea Machine Questions
As far as tips on getting used to it, I don’t know because I’ve never used one.
The two people I know who use one have both been able to go off all medications they were taking. One even goes as far as to check into a hotel when the electricity goes off in her house at night because she doesn’t even want to go one night without it.
Good luck getting used to it!
My mother has used a CPAP machine for years and swears by it and I can certainly tell a difference in her and her attitude and her physical ability when she uses it . .she just turned 76.
It also helps her with her emphysema problems. Using her CPAP helps her with her oxygen needs.
When you get to a point where you can use it regularly you will be getting the oxygen you need to rest properly and when you rest properly you will wake up feeling more rested than you can imagine.
Feelling so rested will help with not only your energy level but your mental state as well.
My mother offered to let me see just how her CPAP machine worked when she first got it and boy I can see how you have a problem getting adjusted to using it but given the proven benefits of getting adjusted,I say just gut up and do it.
After a few days of struggling with it you will probably end up so sleepless that one night you will fall asleep inspite of the machine and will experience your first GREAT night of rest that you will be sold on it’s benefits and the following nights you will find it easier to accept it and will eventually adjust to it.
Perhaps if you put it on lower levels you can get use to it quicker and eventually advance the rate until you reach the desired level.
Good Luck
Most patients who stick it out and wear their CPAP are really glad they did. I know it sucks at the beginning, but if you get used to it, your symptoms will be much decreased–better sleep at night, less snoring, less AM headaches.
Take your CPAP machine with you to your next doctor’s appointment, and they can make sure it fits you properly and the settings are correct. That may help you.
But stick with it–you’ll be glad you did! :)
I don’t wear a cpap but I am a R.T. who deals with this every day. You may notice a difference the very next day or it could take as long as 2 months. Getting use to it is an individual process. I have patients to jump right in and then I have some that has a really hard time. Also if you are experiencing some difficulties it could be the mask. You could contact your home care provider and ask to come in to see their full line of mask. Most manufactures (resmed, resperionics, inomed, etc) have a 30 day mask guarantee fit and if your not happy with the mask then the home care provider can refit you and send the other mask back and get one to replace it. The other thing is some people have a hard time and cannot tolerate the cpap if that is noted then you could possibly get an order for a bipap. which is more comfortable or and autobipap. In extreme cases when a patient cannot tolerate any of it the Dr. may order oxygen at night. The oxygen will not stop the apnea’s but it will help with the o2 desat. I would definitely check the mask or the machine (cpap vs bipap) and ma be the Dr can order a sleep aid for a couple of days. Good Luck