Do you use a CPAP machine for sleep apnea?
April 12th, 2011
Do you use a CPAP machine for sleep apnea? If so, how long have you used it? Did you notice an immediate improvement, or did it take a while?
Was it hard to get used to using the machine?
Although I don’t use a CPAP machine, I am a respiratory therapist that works for a national company that does alot of cpap/bipap machines for apnea patients. The average time it takes a person to get used to a machine is anywhere from 2 weeks to a month. The key though is for you and your DME company to come up with a mask that works the best for you and your sleeping needs. If you are a nose breather, and sleep on your stomach please let them know this. That way they can equip you with a mask that will provide you the best mobility but also seals like it needs too. Also, if you can only wear the machine for say 4 hours the first few nights, that is ok, it does take a little bit to get used to it. Hopefully the more you wear, the longer the time you can tolerate it. Also, please remember to wear the machine when you nap.
April 11th, 2011 at 9:58 pm
I personally do not use one but I do set them up for patients all the time. Most of the time patients are reluctant to wear them. There are different masks and nasal pillows that can be tried to make it as comfortable as possible. It is definite that once the patient does wear it they can’t believe how much better they sleep and how much better they feel though out the day. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea it is imperative that you use the CPAP machine. The consequences of not using it are far worse than just getting used to it.
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Work in a physician’s office
April 11th, 2011 at 10:38 pm
Although I don’t use a CPAP machine, I am a respiratory therapist that works for a national company that does alot of cpap/bipap machines for apnea patients. The average time it takes a person to get used to a machine is anywhere from 2 weeks to a month. The key though is for you and your DME company to come up with a mask that works the best for you and your sleeping needs. If you are a nose breather, and sleep on your stomach please let them know this. That way they can equip you with a mask that will provide you the best mobility but also seals like it needs too. Also, if you can only wear the machine for say 4 hours the first few nights, that is ok, it does take a little bit to get used to it. Hopefully the more you wear, the longer the time you can tolerate it. Also, please remember to wear the machine when you nap.
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Respiratory Therapist
April 11th, 2011 at 10:53 pm
I sleep with someone who uses a c-pap. It is great for him. He noticed an improvement within days. He has had his machine for 14 years. It bothers me though. It can get noisy if the mask is not in place. He keeps sleeping but the sudden rush of air awakens me and not gently. Sometimes he rolls over and I get a sudden gust of air blowing at my face in the dark and it wakes me up quite forcefully. I can’t decide if the machine is a blessing or a curse. He is much nicer now that he gets his sleep but now I don’t sleep well.
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Student of Clayton College of Natural Health-Herbalism major
April 11th, 2011 at 11:13 pm
I just want to add to the already great answers. I, too, set up CPAP machines on patients for sleep apnea. As stated before, having a mask that fits properly and fits your needs is essential to the therapy. If you get set up with a mask that just doesn’t seem right, call your DME company back and ask for a different one. Most companies that make the masks have a 30 day mask fit guarantee so if you don’t like the mask within the first 30 days, they can be returned. How that works for the patient. . .return it to your DME company, they can give you something different (for free) and return the mask that didn’t work for you to the manufacturer for a credit. That way you are only paying for one mask and the DME company is getting reimbursed for one mask. Also, check into a phenomenon called "REM rebound". Sometimes patients actually feel worse for a brief period of time when starting CPAP therapy. Basically the reasoning for this is that your body is adjusting to the feeling of REM. Hang in there.. and give it time. The people that are able to get "over the hump", swear by it and can’t live without it. (my father included!)
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Respiratory Therapist
April 11th, 2011 at 11:39 pm
I started using a CPAP machine in March and I love it. I noticed an improvement the first night – I did not sleep longer, but I did sleep better. I use the nose mask and it was fairly easy getting used to.
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April 11th, 2011 at 11:54 pm
I have used one for about 4 years. It did not take long to get used to. The improvement was immediate. I no longer am worried about falling asleep in meetings, theaters, at sporting events, while driving, etc.
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April 12th, 2011 at 12:23 am
I do, about 6 weeks. my mom has had one for 20 years. It helps a lot. also, if you need more info go to cpaptalk.com
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