Hello, I have just been recently diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea and am now on the CPAP machine have used for 2 nights, first night not so bad, but the second night I just couldn't get comfortable. I have a bad lower back and a bad knee, so lying on my back hurts a bit, but when I go to my side my mask leaks and I adjust it but doesn't seem to work that great so I end up on my back again. Please let me if you have any advice at all, I would greatly appreciate any suggestions. Do you actually get use to wearing the mask?
Sincerely,
sweetmom67

Welcome to Apnea Board, Sweetmom.

There's usually an adjustment period with PAP therapy. It sounds as though you're off to a pretty good start, though.

I think you'll find that most PAP users experiment with a number of different interfaces (and sometimes even machines!) until they find the setup that works best for them. If you're a side sleeper, you might like to look at nasal pillows. Your DME provider or sleep lab should be willing to let you try on a few different masks to see which one provides the best seal.

And yes, as unlikely as it seems, you really do get used to the mask. It's gotten to the point that I feel funny without it!

Be sure to let us know how your therapy goes!

Carl

Believe it or not, is possible to get satisfying sleep while under cpap therapy.

You will no doubt find out that the mask (interface) is the key. Unfortunately, there isn't one mask that works for all of us, or works well in all situations.

It usually takes me several weeks to get a new mask adjusted satisfactorily. I have been looking for the perfict interface for years, but so far I haven't found it. For me the Puritan Bennette Breeze nasel pillows is excellent for side sleeping. However, it took me longer than usual to get it set up. Another good side sleeping mask, has been the ResMed Activa.

Anymay, you need to experimant and stick with it!

I've only been using a full face mask for a couple of months now but I found that it is possible to arrange the pillows so that your head is on them and the mouth and mask hang over the side, in space, so to speak. Once I am asleep it doesn't seem to bother me. :rolleyes: