| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| bertha |
Posted - Oct 24 2011 : 2:22:25 PM
Any farmgirls have this condition and how do you adjust to the head wear at night HELP.... |
| 7 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| phonelady |
Posted - Nov 13 2011 : 5:16:32 PM
I've been using the CPAP machine since 2006.
It's made a BIG difference for me because I just wasn't getting sleep [sleep deprivation has a long list of problems to go with it].
At first when I had to wear the mask I'd hyperventilate and just start crying [I threw the thing across the bedroom -well, I tried but the hose wasn't very long *grin*]. Once I started talking to myself [in my head] and said that I couldn't pass out while having the thing on because it is providing air - no more hyperventilating. I tried the little nose things because I thought that would be more comfortable than the mask. Boy that didn't work for me! Felt like I was going to pull my nose off!
So now I have gotten used to the mask, but I learned from the nurse at the VA how to fit it. The gel part of the mask if heated and applied to the face [after cooling a bit] will form to your cheek bones around your nose [there should be instructions for this or ask your supplier] Also I set the straps that come from the piece that goes over the forhead to fit comfortably, then set the cheek straps. That way the darn thing won't unseal if I move my head. You have to move your head to different positions while setting the cheek straps, there's a comprimise about not too tight and not too loose. But it does take a bit to get that down.
And the new machines should have the ramp button that you can push when you first go to bed. This starts the air pressure on low and gradually raises it over time. That makes it easier to tolerate having air blown in your nose.
I got used to the noise over time and now it's just like having a fan on in the room. Blocks out the barking dogs and what not.
Good Luck!
C
It's not just life-
It's an adventure!
http://familyhistoryfindings.blogspot.com/ |
| countrymommy85 |
Posted - Oct 25 2011 : 11:59:51 AM
On a totally random note my husband has it and I've just been reading this book about how wheat can aggravate it (even if you don't have celiac disease). He doesn't have to wear a mask at this point BUT if it doesn't improve he will have too. After I have this baby I'm going to start cutting out wheat and gluten products from our diets to see if it will help him so he doesn't have to get the mask. I mean, its a thought anyways I'm not by any means saying if you cut out wheat it will cure the sleep apnea but maybe it will make it more tolerable? It's worth a shot so I will have to post back and see if cutting out wheat (not cold turkey so it will be slower for us than if we just did it cold turkey) can make a difference for my husband! :)
Mothers are those wonderful people who can get up in the morning before the smell of coffee. ~Author Unknown
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| nin1952 |
Posted - Oct 25 2011 : 11:42:55 AM
I am supposed to wear a mask but I don't. This thread has encouraged me to try again. I have a small face and they gave me a mask that was too big. I did not know I could ask for another kind. Thanks for letting me know that I can. Thanks ladies.
Donna Farmgirl Sister #1487
Wheather therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
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| sherrye |
Posted - Oct 25 2011 : 06:47:30 AM
a few years back i wore one. i was a sick girl. for about 6 years i needed it. when the anemia i had settled down some the apnea was better. at first i hated it. i did research on line. the info helped me be more willing to use it. i used it faithfully. as i grew stronger and was able to get off steroids the apnea got better. one person a man on line said to me At least you are sleeping with it your not going to town with it. i had oxygen then too, so that hit home for me. i did all i could to get used to it. the fit is sooo important as the girls have said. its good you know you have it and can do something to make it better. sleep is huge in feeling good. so please wear your mask. it does get easier. sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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| Penny Wise |
Posted - Oct 24 2011 : 7:59:20 PM
i have worn a mask for 7 years- and some nites it just doesn't feel like i have a good seal...
make sure your face is clean-not sweaty or makeup etc... my mask covers my nose and has a forehead doohicky (rubbery). i tried nose pillows and really did not like them so i stick with the other one. because my mouth would fall open when i got fully to sleep i also wear a chin strap--. i sleep on my right side so many many mornings i have "mask face" indentations....but- i sleep and i am not worried about dying in my sleep..
i do find it is hard to keep my hair nice tho--i cannot sleep with curlers due to the straps....
i found that if i put the mask on one side then adjusted the velcro on the other side it helps--i leave it that way when i take it off so sometimes i have to adjust -like if i lose a pound or two (yea! right!)
anyhow- keep wearing it- it will become like second nature....
Farmgirl # 2139
proud member of the Farmgirls of the Southwest Henhouse
~*~ counting my pennies and biding my time; my dreams are adding up!~*~ |
| bertha |
Posted - Oct 24 2011 : 5:02:29 PM
Julie Thank you so much That really helps Hugs Bert |
| FarmDream |
Posted - Oct 24 2011 : 4:53:51 PM
Hi Bertha. This is one of my jobs at the hospital. So here's the speech I give to patients. Contact your home health company to have a fit test done. Do not let them talk you into a mask you don't like because you won't wear it. There are full face masks, nasal masks, and nasal pillows. Your machine makes a difference, too. When it's turned on does it start full blast or does it have a rise in flow over time? Realize that it's not an overnight success. Most people have to spend a few crappy days getting used to it, but stick with it. The long term result is more important. Try wearing it in the evening while you're still awake and watch some t.v. Keep practicing. Drastic measures would be to video the person who isn't wearing it while they are sleeping so they can see how they sleep. It's disturbing to watch someone stop breathing for 40 seconds and then start gasping for air, but say they don't want to wear that mask. There will come a time when they stop breathing longer than 40 seconds...meaning forever. Not trying to scare you but trying to impress the importance of wearing it.
~FarmDream is Farmgirl Sister #3069
Live Today, Cherish Yesterday, Dream Tomorrow
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http://julie-rants.blogspot.com |
