First night - Claustrophobic

[Gabby]

Welcome Crysti, it took me the best part of a few weeks before I became a wee bit comfortable with my mask and machine. I was determined like you that it was not going to beat me and I am pleased to say it hasn't.
We just have to take it easy on ourselves, be gentle and take one day at a time, one breath at a time.
I was lucky and didn't suffer with the claustrophobia problem like you, so I am not sure what to say about that. I use pillows, Aifit P10 which just go up in to my nostrils so my nose and mouth aren't covered.
I wish you all the best, just remember to take it easy and take one day at a time.
Stay in touch and ask any questions you may have, you will always receive an answer here.

[Crysti]

[/quote]
Perhaps persons of high intelligence are more sensitive to change.
[/quote]

I'm sure you are 100% correct!

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Update:

Night two went MUCH better. I did call and ask for a nasal pillow, which is what I was supposed to have been given. However, I was determined last night to prove to myself that I could do this, and I did. I slept all night with my mask on. It took a while to get used to it, but, I managed. I woke up feeling wide awake. I'm usually one who drags until 10:00 or later.

Thanks for all of the wonderful advice!

[retired_guy]

Update:

Night two went MUCH better. I did call and ask for a nasal pillow, which is what I was supposed to have been given. However, I was determined last night to prove to myself that I could do this, and I did. I slept all night with my mask on. It took a while to get used to it, but, I managed. I woke up feeling wide awake. I'm usually one who drags until 10:00 or later.

Thanks for all of the wonderful advice!

Good job Crrsti! Now you KNOW it can work. Before you simply hoped so. It'll get easier and better for you. There may be a few bumps in the road, but nothing you will not be able to handle. Your hubby must be very proud of you.

[herbm]

So if you are able to use a Nasal Pillow AT ALL, your best bets will be the Resmed Airfit P10 (those who CAN use it almost always find it either the best mask every or very close to it) or the Fisher & Paykel Pilairo which is a close 2nd and has adjustable headgear.

The main issue for SOME people with the P10 is that the headgear only adjust a small amounts -- due to its minimalist nature.

IF you can use it then it is really a great mask that almost disappears once you get a little bit used to it.

[Crysti]

So if you are able to use a Nasal Pillow AT ALL, your best bets will be the Resmed Airfit P10 (those who CAN use it almost always find it either the best mask every or very close to it) or the Fisher & Paykel Pilairo which is a close 2nd and has adjustable headgear.

The main issue for SOME people with the P10 is that the headgear only adjust a small amounts -- due to its minimalist nature.

IF you can use it then it is really a great mask that almost disappears once you get a little bit used to it.

I had a nasal pillow when I did the second part of my sleep study (titration? I'm still learning all the cool kids lingo ) and did okay with it. I only slept two hours that night, so "okay" may not be the best choice of words.

I read in bed every night and I wear glasses. With the nasal mask I have now, I can't put my glasses on, so I can't read. I also have red marks around my nose from the mask last night. The RT told me I had a tiny nose, so the small she gave me might be too big still. I'm hoping my phone call to the insurance company and doctor's office yesterday will result in me having a new mask sooner rather than later. When (if) they call me, I'll request the model you've mentioned.

Thank you for your helpful input.

[herbm]

Glad you are doing so much better. Just keep at it and it will get better as you acclimate more and more to it and find the things that work best for *YOU*.

The pillows are great for reading as NOTHING needs to come up above the bottom of your nose.

With a good nasal pillow mask the marks are minimal, and with the P10, I don't even get strap marks.

To use a pillow (or a nasal) mask you just need to be able to:

1) Breathe through your nose

2) Keep you mouth closed (on your own or with a strap, tape, etc.)

Having to use a strap to keep you mouth close is a nuisance and negates SOME of the benefit of a minimalist pillow mask, but it still is generally preferable from what I can determine.

With the P10, you need one more caveat: The head strap has very LITTLE adjustment so it has to approximately fit you. (Oddly enough most people do make it work.)

Some people cut the strap or otherwise rebuild it -- I think Gabby did that with velcro.

The P10 comes in a "for Her" which replaces the LARGE pillow with an EXTRA Small (you get Small and Medium with both the regular and the lady's mask though.)

[trish6hundred]

Perhaps persons of high intelligence are more sensitive to change.
[/quote]

I'm sure you are 100% correct!

---

Update:

Night two went MUCH better. I did call and ask for a nasal pillow, which is what I was supposed to have been given. However, I was determined last night to prove to myself that I could do this, and I did. I slept all night with my mask on. It took a while to get used to it, but, I managed. I woke up feeling wide awake. I'm usually one who drags until 10:00 or later.

Thanks for all of the wonderful advice!
[/quote]
Hi Crysti,
GOOD JOB! Keep up the good work.

[Bompa]

Hi Crysti:
Welcome Aboard:

I too like to read in bed and wear glasses. You'll find the nasal pillows will let you do this.

Good Luck and hang in there, it gets easier with time.

[herbm]

Chrysti,

That you were DETERMINED to wear the mask the THE MOST important thing but the news that you made it through the night and FEEL BETTER is amazing.

Many people go a long time before having EITHER of those successes.

One of the KEYS is to remain DETERMINED to wear the mask and get the treatment.

Don't let them just give you "any" mask, the DME works for YOU!

You can take your business elsewhere with most insurance if they don't service you properly.

You can also rat them out to the insurance company if they don't follow through on promises....