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Anyone here use a CPAP/bipap machine?

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TBone.sixpack

Redshirt
Feb 2, 2011
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How long did it take you to get used to the mask? I just got one and find the mask very uncomfortable.

I can't relax with the damn thing on
 
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RocketDawg

All-Conference
Oct 21, 2011
20,496
3,122
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A friend of mine got one, but I don't know if he uses it. When he first got it, he really didn't like it. Everybody I've ever heard that has one finds them very uncomfortable, at least. I think it would drive me nuts.
 
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TBone.sixpack

Redshirt
Feb 2, 2011
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I have a beard and the mask is so tight it pulls my facial hair. Really not wanting to shave but that may have to happen.

Not liking it so far. At all.
 
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patdog

Heisman
May 28, 2007
61,327
33,042
113
I couldn't imagine wearing one of those things. I would die of sleep deprivation long before the apnea ever killed me. I don't know much about it, but there are some alternatives out there, including oral surgery. I would explore those if I were you. Good luck.
 
MaroonOldCrow

MaroonOldCrow

Senior
Aug 22, 2012
592
485
63
I went on one a few months ago and I'm using a full face. I haven't had any problems, but one of the pieces of advice I got was to just wear it, even before sleeping, to get used to it. My routine is to put it on the moment I get in bed, then read for awhile before going to sleep. The type of machine may help as well; mine "auto-ramps", i.e. it doesn't start at full pressure, but slowly increases until it reaches the prescribed pressure range. You may also want to explore different mask styles and brands or shifting to nasal pillows. A good resource is apneaboard.com for picking peoples' minds about various machines, masks, etc. The "Sleepyhead" software is nice as well, as it allows to download your nightly data and see how effective (or not) the CPAP is for your apnea.
 
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TBone.sixpack

Redshirt
Feb 2, 2011
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Were you able to get any rest at first, or were you always aware of it being on? I'm gonna need some sleep medication to wear this SOB. As Patdog said I won't sleep at all with the discomfort.

I'm gonna start by wearing it some during the evening to get used to it and learn to fit it right.
 
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Pink Floyd.sixpack

Junior
Aug 22, 2012
382
356
63
I've had mine for about six months. Took me about three nights to get used to it. Was a total game changer. I have one that "ramps up". This is a must. Makes it much easier to go to sleep. Go to the med equipment store and try masks on till you find one that fits snug but not too tight. I chose a relatively new one that is considered full face but doesn't go over the nose but rather creates a seal just under the nose. Nothing at all in your field of vision with this mask either. I am such a believer in my machine that I can honestly say that it has been a life changer. Before I started using it I felt like total **** every day. Didn't want to get out of bed at all. Within 7 days of starting to use mine I felt like a changed man. 6 hours of sleep and I am ready to get out of bed. No more nodding off at 2 pm at work. Has improved work performance. And will say it has definitely helped in the bedroom as well. Now that wife is getting some sleep she has perked up as well.
 
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dotcomdawg

Redshirt
Oct 2, 2013
304
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cpap changed my life. nasal pillows are the way to go. didn't realize how poor my sleep was. feel rested like a teenager these days. took a while to get used to it though.
 
57stratdawg

57stratdawg

Heisman
Dec 1, 2004
148,782
24,668
113
Do you actually have trouble sleeping? They recommended one to me for migraines/vision issues. Took that **** back.
 
MaroonOldCrow

MaroonOldCrow

Senior
Aug 22, 2012
592
485
63
It took a little getting used to, and I still will sometimes wake up if I shift or roll over in such a way that causes a leak. But I wake up feeling so much better, it's ridiculous. Wearing it while not sleeping will help you get used to it.
 
IBleedMaroonDawg

IBleedMaroonDawg

Heisman
Nov 12, 2007
26,200
10,358
113
Took me a while to get used to the mask. Once I learned how to adjust it and use a sock on the bottom back strap to stop it from chaffing my neck, it has been smooth sailing. ABSOLUTELY changed how I feel.

If you are having problems relaxing, I wish I had more to tell you. I too had some anxiety at the beginning because I had just had my first spinal neck surgery. I finally started lifting the bottom of the mask so I could take a couple of deep breaths and changed sides of the bed (I'm a side sleeper).

Stay with it. It does take some time for most folks to get used to it according to my sleep doc, so you are not alone. You will be glad you did.
 
Old Fart Dawg

Old Fart Dawg

Junior
Sep 2, 2012
1,982
273
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Been using cpap for 4 yrs. Hated it at first, love it now. I started with a full face mask, and it is very uncomfortable. Changed to nasal pillows, and it is a better fit, pretty comfortable, and I sleep great. No longer snore, and I can sleep on my back again. Wife loves it too, because the snoring doesn;t keep her awake any more.
I was having migraines and vertigo, and they went away after a month or so on cpap.
I hate that I have to wear it, but I am sold - it works for me
 
T

TBone.sixpack

Redshirt
Feb 2, 2011
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Thanks everyone for the replies. I will try again tomorrow. At least it's the weekend and I won't be a zombie at work.
 
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TBone.sixpack

Redshirt
Feb 2, 2011
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Yeah from what they say I have a bad case. I have a bipap not a cpap and they don't want me to start with the pillows for what ever reason. On my back I don't breath at all.

I just have to suck it up and get used to it.
 
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MagnoliaHunter

All-Conference
Jan 23, 2007
1,879
1,584
113
It took me over 2 months to sleep through the night with it. I gave up a couple of times and then started again. The first night I slept through the night with it, I woke up feeling like I could beat Mike Tyson(pre-robin givens). I realized that morning that I had needed one since at least high school. I now have 2, one that I leave at deer camp. Like has been said put it on before you go to sleep. To get used to it, watch tv with it, read, whatever. Try different masks. the one I use now is a small one that just plugs the nose. But getting started I had to use the one that fits over your nose and mouth. RocketDawg, as far as the beard thing, my dad uses one with a beard and doesn't have a problem. I will see what kind of mask he uses and let you know.
 
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TBone.sixpack

Redshirt
Feb 2, 2011
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I'm the one with the beard issue. I nor the wife wants me to shave it.

If you find out anything I would love to hear. Nasal pillows aren't an option at this time.

My machine does ramp up. It was the seal the hair pulling that gave me issues. I took it off after an hour.
 
57stratdawg

57stratdawg

Heisman
Dec 1, 2004
148,782
24,668
113
They say once you get used to it, it's great. Well, being able to sleep through the night is great, anyway.
 
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dogmatic

Redshirt
Aug 22, 2012
398
0
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I've used a CPAP for six years now - I have a full beard and wear, not the nasal pillows, but a mask that is nose-only. I've not tried the pillows, but the full face was a no-go for me from the moment I tried it on at the sleep center. Changed to a nose-only five minutes later and haven't looked back. I slept through the night with no problem from the first night on with the nose-only mask. Makes a world of difference.

I've become accustomed to it to the point that when I put the mask on, my brain knows it's time to go to sleep and I'm out in a couple minutes.
 
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MaroonNation

Redshirt
Jun 9, 2015
3,729
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It's because of your pressure support on bipap vs cpap. The pillows can't contain the positive pressure.
 
IBleedMaroonDawg

IBleedMaroonDawg

Heisman
Nov 12, 2007
26,200
10,358
113
dogmatic said:
I've become accustomed to it to the point that when I put the mask on, my brain knows it's time to go to sleep and I'm out in a couple minutes.
Click to expand...

This is the point I am at as well and it is almost like magic. Mask goes on... Machine goes on... Wife stops talking and I go to sleep.
 
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TBone.sixpack

Redshirt
Feb 2, 2011
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In that case I guess I will just bare down and try to get used to it. Not like I am sleeing great anyway.

I will try reading. That always drops me quick.
 
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MagnoliaHunter

All-Conference
Jan 23, 2007
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I asked my Dad which mask he uses and its one with just the little nose plugs. That's the same kind I use now. I have been using one for about 10 years. Its awesome.

BTW, my insurance will pay for replacement masks and headpieces every 4 months. check into it. A new mask does make a difference. Go to a medical supply store and get the longer hose before you roll over and pull the cpap machine off onto the floor.

Also, be sure to clean your mask, tube and water container religiously. I clean mine every day with very salty water, thick enough so that it almost won't splash.

DO NOT use tap water for your water supply unless you boil it first. Google cpap and tap water. warning very gross pictures will come up.
 
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dawgface

Redshirt
Nov 9, 2010
223
0
0
got a bipap (23/21).....wish i had gotten it a long time ago!!!! fwiw, i have a full beard and it's just a matter of getting the right mask, didn't take me but one test night of switching em out to find the right one. now i worry that my love of this thing is keeping me too dependent on the electric grid....😎
 
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TBone.sixpack

Redshirt
Feb 2, 2011
9,759
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I was in an auto parts store a few months back and there was an Amish man buying an optima deep cycle battery for his wife's CPAP.
 
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TBone.sixpack

Redshirt
Feb 2, 2011
9,759
0
0
It happens brother. I am fighting the good fight to stay young and vital as long as possible. I'm a very young 46 but **** is starting to break down on me. Looking like vision test is next. Sigh
 
docdawg

docdawg

Redshirt
Mar 22, 2009
132
15
18
Try Resmed nasal pillows

I use the Swift FX and am completely comfortable. Been using a CPAP for 8 years. Once you find the right combination and get used to it, you will not want to even take a cat nap without one. You'll sleep so much better and your heart and blood pressure will benefit from it. With the Swift FX, I can sleep on my back, side, and stomach with no issues. I'm due for a new mask and want to try the new airfit p10. I've used various nasal masks as well as full mouth and nose masks, but the Swift FX has been my favorite. Good Luck, but find the right combination and stick with it. http://www.resmed.com/us/en/consumer/products/masks.html
 
coach66

coach66

Junior
Mar 5, 2009
12,719
343
83
46, hell I still ran a 4.8 forty when I was that age***

itgetsmuchworsestayinshapeandneverstopdrinking
 
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