BiPAP

[Snook]

Did anyone have trouble when they first starting using theirs and if so how did you overcome it as every time I put the mask on I seem to go into panic mode. Any tips would be greatly appreciated as I really need to get on top of this.

[Jambo]

Hi Snook,I've been on mine a couple of months now,like you I would panic as soon as I put it on which made it ten times worse,first couple of weeks were hard,but I took some good advice from a good friend who's been on it for a while.Relax,get your breathing sorted as best you can get it before putting the mask on.with me I find the best approach is slowly does it.what used to take ten minutes to have a wash,clean your teeth and jump into bed,now takes me treble that time.

I'm ok now with the mask,I know I have to wear it so I do.

I still find having to sit up in bed in one position a pain though.

Good Luck.

John

[dwitt]

Try different masks - some give support without feeling like a helmet - some have the tube going over the head and some use a mouth piece with virtually no helmet. The trick is to keep finding different styles until your happy. I have been on a CIPAP unit and have finally have been put on the BIPAP (lower air pressure to exhale with). I now use and oxygen compactor (in a different room to eliminate the noise while sleeping). Still the biggest issue is finding the correct mask / head-piece for me. I still have sleep issues but they are pain related in different parts of my body. I use a ten unit & a ice cold water running with a pump into a bladder around the pain area. Then I use a saline pump for the sinuses. All this in the name of freedom from pain. At one time I used assorted pills including morphine. To this day specific area pains still haunt me and challenge me to get a night sleep.

[Eve3066]

There is really no need to panic, if you are using a nose only Mask try breathing through your mouth when it's on, it helps to know you are not going to suffocate. Make sure your nasal passages are clear. try just holding the mask over your face without using the straps so you get used to the breathing first. Mostly just take your time and you will get it right. It will change your life !

[Bumley]

Hi Snook,

I started on a CPAP machine last July after a sleep clinic. I started off with a nasal mask and found that I was forgetting to open my mouth and starting a panic. After trying a full face mask I ended up December last year with a Bi Pap machine. I have no real problems now. Since I started using it I have a full nights sleep and feel refreshed in the morning! I find that reading or watching TV for about 10 to 20 minutes before settling down to sleep helps greatly. If I am getting up and down, I get out of breath (I have COPD) and that does not help and I lie down quietly for a few minutes before putting the mask on.

I have recently purchased a Hose lift which keeps the hose above your head and this a much more comfortable position. I bought it from a Sleep Apnoea website called hope2sleep.co.uk which sells all sorts of bits for CPAP and BPAP users. It also has a very useful forum where you can get some very useful advice (I know I did).

David

[Snook]

Many thanks for the help and advice particularly the hope2sleep site I will be trying it all.