Damn cpap machine!

[karlam29 221]

Hello everybody! As i have post in the past my surgeon has sooo many requirements for rny that its been taking a toll on me anyways so the new thing now is that i posted that i needed to have a cpap machine so i can have pulmonary clearance and move up to the second consult wich is submit to insurance and all that so now i need to have a recording data that im using the machine before i see him!!? What!?? Now the thing is i just cant stand the machine im claustrophobic and i feel that im choking with the mask on i dont know what to do i didnt know this was going to be like this so many hoops to jump!! Is this normal? The constant air going through your mouth? I just cant seem to get adjusted to sleep with this thing on and if dot have this documented im screwed! any experience with autopap or cpap? I would appreciate it thanks! Karla

[zuzuspetals 78]

Hello everybody! As i have post in the past my surgeon has sooo many requirements for rny that its been taking a toll on me anyways so the new thing now is that i posted that i needed to have a cpap machine so i can have pulmonary clearance and move up to the second consult wich is submit to insurance and all that so now i need to have a recording data that im using the machine before i see him!!? What!?? Now the thing is i just cant stand the machine im claustrophobic and i feel that im choking with the mask on i dont know what to do i didnt know this was going to be like this so many hoops to jump!! Is this normal? The constant air going through your mouth? I just cant seem to get adjusted to sleep with this thing on and if dot have this documented im screwed! any experience with autopap or cpap? I would appreciate it thanks! Karla

My CPAP saved my life. I don't think I would have had the strength to go through all of the pre surgery, surgery, and post surgery without it, never mind be as successful as I have been so far.

If you have sleep apnea, you are severely sleep deprived and are damaging all your organs, especially your brain with lack of oxygen absorption. Sleep apnea is serious business, and I am amazed at how many people just find the mask a nuisance. You are going to feel SO MUCH BETTER after even only a few days on the mask!

Yes it's uncomfortable...I jerry-rigged several homemade pads to wrap around the straps so it would be easier on my face and ears. Do whatever you can to make it work, promise yourself you'll give it a chance. Honestly the challenge of using the mask is NOTHING compared to the challenges you'll have post surgery.

Also, you will be under anesthetic during surgery; do you really want there to be questions about your pulmonary health? People with apnea have extra special attention paid to them by their anesthesiologists and have extra monitors throughout the hospital stay. You wouldn't want to be on IV pain meds, fall asleep and stop breathing for good!

Please give it a chance. A good nights sleep is a miracle.

[Dawnolson 85]

Hello everybody! As i have post in the past my surgeon has sooo many requirements for rny that its been taking a toll on me anyways so the new thing now is that i posted that i needed to have a cpap machine so i can have pulmonary clearance and move up to the second consult wich is submit to insurance and all that so now i need to have a recording data that im using the machine before i see him!!? What!?? Now the thing is i just cant stand the machine im claustrophobic and i feel that im choking with the mask on i dont know what to do i didnt know this was going to be like this so many hoops to jump!! Is this normal? The constant air going through your mouth? I just cant seem to get adjusted to sleep with this thing on and if dot have this documented im screwed! <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> any experience with autopap or cpap? I would appreciate it thanks! Karla <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

Try a different mask. Like a nose one. I have that kind and it was the best of the worst!! I hate that machine!! But I think I will be able to get rid of it soon. Oh ours wanted about 4 hours a night documented.

[MamboMan 6]

Hello everybody! As i have post in the past my surgeon has sooo many requirements for rny that its been taking a toll on me anyways so the new thing now is that i posted that i needed to have a cpap machine so i can have pulmonary clearance and move up to the second consult wich is submit to insurance and all that so now i need to have a recording data that im using the machine before i see him!!? What!?? Now the thing is i just cant stand the machine im claustrophobic and i feel that im choking with the mask on i dont know what to do i didnt know this was going to be like this so many hoops to jump!! Is this normal? The constant air going through your mouth? I just cant seem to get adjusted to sleep with this thing on and if dot have this documented im screwed! any experience with autopap or cpap? I would appreciate it thanks! Karla

Did they try you out with different masks so you could decide which was more comfortable? I couldn't tolerate a full mouth and nose mask, so I've been using a petite (ha! the only petite thing I've ever owned) nasal mask for years. I don't even feel the air going in ... Sometimes I pull the mask away to make sure it is actually working. Do you need a mouth mask because you didn't close your mouth with a nasal mask or nasal pillows? If they didn't try different masks with you give your Dr or respiratory rep a call and tell them you aren't tolerating this one. One other thought, your machine should have a "ramp up" or "warm up" setting that you can select that starts the machine off at a lower pressure and gradually builds, allowing you to fall asleep before the maximum pressure setting is reached.

Yep, they usually want your usage data for awhile to make sure you are compliant with the therapy. They look at hours used and they can look at a bunch of other data, if needed, to make sure you are getting the full benefit. Additionally, the machines aren't cheap, so your insurance company wants to make sure you're using something they are providing (or paying a part of for you) you.

An added benefit from CPAP use is that it may help you with some weight loss. Research has shown that sleep apnea may be linked with weight gain, high blood pressure, and a laundry list of other health issues. I know it's a hard adjustment, but think of it as another positive step in your new healthy life. Best wishes!

[karlam29 221]

Thanks to all of of you for your responses and advice to answer the questions the company they set me up with came home set it up andthat was it they just asked if i was amouth breather wich i am and to read the manual wich is no help dont know what to do all the air and me breathing at the same time is an awkward feeling feels like im choking my mouth is dry know that it is for my health but is a really uncomfortable feeling more than all the restless nights gotta make it work and find out if being a newbie on the machine maybe im doing something wrong

[MamboMan 6]

Thanks to all of of you for your responses and advice to answer the questions the company they set me up with came home set it up andthat was it they just asked if i was amouth breather wich i am and to read the manual wich is no help dont know what to do all the air and me breathing at the same time is an awkward feeling feels like im choking my mouth is dry know that it is for my health but is a really uncomfortable feeling more than all the restless nights gotta make it work and find out if being a newbie on the machine maybe im doing something wrong

They really should have let you try on different masks and fits! When I had my study, they actually had me try different masks while I was there. I'm a mouth breather, too, but with the positive pressure coming from my nose, my mouth stays closed (most of the time). Does your machine have a Water reservoir with a dial so you can select how much humidity you want?

You probably aren't doing anything wrong, it just takes a period of time for some people to adapt to using CPAP. There are many CPAP forums around that have great advice, in case you wanted more info. Seriously though, I would call the company and request a different mask.

[karlam29 221]

Thanks ricky i appreciate your great advice and eveybody else too hopefully this would get better

[MamboMan 6]

No problem! I hope you can find a mask that you can tolerate. Best wishes!