Quote:
Originally Posted by Frosty
I've had a CPAP for about a year now and am still trying to get used to it. I have no problem falling asleep with the mask on but I end up pulling it off after a couple of hours (I don't remember doing this). The biggest problem is that I can't sleep on my back. I have a deviated septum and I can't breathe if I'm on my back. Sleeping on my side makes the mask eventually slip because of the pillow and the mask will start blowing into my eyes. This is probably why I pull it off.
It's frustrating because I really need this to work because otherwise I am exhausted all of the time. I didn't even try the mouth guard because I know I wouldn't sleep with something in my mouth (braces and headgear as a kid). The only thing that would actually solve it isn't covered by my insurance.
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long-term c-papper here (as in more than 20 years), and i emphatically urge you to call your c-pap provider and ask them to bring out a variety of masks for you to look at...
i chose a "nasal pillows" apparatus and it doesn't come loose like a full face mask...
had trouble with the standard mask for years, but this nasal pillow set-up is da bomb!!
all you guys who know you have it, the longer you wait before you get a c-pap the more severe your apnea will become...
you only notice that you're tired, but the people around you will begin to notice unusual cognitive deficits and difficulty staying awake during conversations...
by that time, you've killed off more brain cells than a street bum alcoholic...
get a c-pap now and make the provider let you look at a wide variety of "masks" and describe the benefits/drawbacks of each while you try them on...
stay away from the old-fashioned full masks and you'll be a happier camper, and those around you will like it very much as well...