Brand new user

[nursemcgee]

Hi. I am to begin using my CPAP machine this week. I am not sure how I will handle the pressure blowing. Any advice on how to best get used to it? Use just a short time at first? All in?
Thanks!

[zonk]

Tips for new CPAP users http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...CPAP_users

Use it and don't ever give up
In no time, CPAP becomes your best friend and something cannot live without
Practice makes perfect ...

[trish6hundred]

Hi nursemcgee,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
To help you get used to this new way of sleeping, you could wear your mask and use your machine while you read or watch tv during the evening.
Hang in there for more answers to your question and much success to you as you start your CPAP therapy.

[JudgeMental]

Welcome.. You didn't give much information in your post as far as RX and DX info. The CPAP isn't going to do you any good sitting on the nightstand. Ya gotta go "ALL IN". every night and all night. IT might take some time to get use to it, but the more you use it the more time you might have..too live..

[Tez62]

nursemcgee welcome, once you get used to it you don't even notice the pressure blowing, the hardest part is getting the right mask and you may have to try a few before you get the right one. A couple of tips I always suggest for new users especially when using a full face mask, is use mask liners to save marking your face and they can help seal the mask and have the hose coming from above your head, this saves you getting tangles in the hose and will pull the mask up instead of down. Good luck and keep us updated on how you go.

[PaytonA]

With the full face mask, you will not feel the "blowing" very much at all. Do not worry and do not sweat the details now. It is time to get used to wearing the mask and using the machine. Relax. Let the machine have its way with you and you will get to enjoying it. Most of us diehard hoseheads can not sleep without being hooked up to their machine.

As the old saying goes, the way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time.

Best Regards,

PaytonA

[Dawei]

Welcome to the forum, nursemcgee! I'd call the article Zonk directed you to as being excellent for a newbe. When I started and was at times frustrated, I recall reminding myself about the serious, adverse health implications of not treating apnea and that helped motive me to press on. Also, some nights are much better than others due to all sorts of factors from mask leak problems (or none) to mental state of mind when you get in bed. For me, that variability still exists. So, don't let one poor night interfere with expectations for those that follow.
David

[MitchS]

Welcome, nursemcgee.

Take it one day at a time and solve any problems as they pop up and before you know it you won't be able to imagine sleeping without your machine.

Good luck and sleep well,

[cate1898]

Welcome nursemcgee, glad you found us here! Good advice was given when suggesting using it during the day watching tv or reading. Get used to what it will be like at night. A lot of people begin with using the ramp which will gradually increase the pressure but a lot of us end up turning that feature off after not too long.

Hope you adapt to this well and keep us posted!