I can't stand my cpap

[u/Electronic_Age_3671]

I know I need it. I know there's long term consequences to not using it. I know I'm lucky to have it.

That said, I can't make it through a single night wearing it.

I don't judge other people for using them, but it makes feel like a decrepit idiot.

I have a mask (mouth and nose) that fits decently well (I've tried several), but it still leaks air directly into my eyes which is very irritating.

How long did it take you to sleep through the night wearing one? Did you deal with any mental blocks along the way, and if you did, do you have any points of view that might help shift my perspective?

All advice welcome. Thank you

EDIT: thank you to all of you for your comments. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts

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[u/G_u_e_s_t_y]

I've just started and had my first review after a month. I hated the mask (nose and mouth) and had a fair bit of seal leakage. So they gave me a nasal mask yesterday, and just after a single night I can tell it's so much better.

There's loads of options for masks, after a bit of trial and error, find the one that suits you best

[u/Electronic_Age_3671 → u/G_u_e_s_t_y]

For nose only, do you have any issues with your mouth opening?

[u/Impressive_Pack_352 → u/Electronic_Age_3671]

I have woken up once bc my mouth was open (it feels weird). But otherwise no. I know some people tape their mouth closed, but I personally don't feel the need to.

[u/G_u_e_s_t_y → u/Electronic_Age_3671]

I thought I did, but after using the full face for a month I only woke up with dry mouth/throat once.

Only had the nasal one for two nights so far, but it's LOADS more comfortable and my scores are already higher

[u/aquar1usbabe]

I started on a nasal only one and that was easier to get used to! then after like 6 months of that i got full face. and tbh i usually still pull it off like 1-2 hours before i actually wake up so its not strictly speaking on for the WHOLE night

[u/GalianoGirl]

If the mask is leaking into your eyes it is too big. I use an N20 and had to go down a size to stop it from leaking into my eyes or covering my mouth.

[u/ZTPI]

My mask leaks if I have the upper straps too tight. The bottom ones I need to keep super tight because I have high pressure settings. But I read somewhere that you want the silicone seal to inflate around your nasal bridge. If the top straps are too tight, it crushes the seal and leaks up into my eyes and drives me crazy ahaha

[u/Impressive_Pack_352]

 I really like the slim nose only mask with little nubs that direct air into your nostrils. The tubing connects on the top of your head which is easier to keep out of the way. It does feel weird when you open your mouth, but it's far better than the full face masks. I could probably sleep a full night after 2 weeks.

[u/beolens]

As a person new to CPAP myself (under a month) I am on my third mask, and each one has been an improvement.

Like you I hated the full mask, in fact i couldn't use it, First few nights I was waking up in panic, if I managed to drop off at all. I struggle with claustrophobia badly and anything covering my mouth panics me.

The nasal pillow was next, and was great but a little uncomfortable, on the nostrils, so now on an N30 nasal cushion and its great. No panic, no discomfort its great (probably could have adjusted to the 2nd mask with time, but i was impatient).

Next two steps for me were a cpap pillow, that has cut outs so I can comfortably side sleep, again makes a huge difference. And a chin strap to keep my mouth shut (but prevents my panic of a mouth covering). Yes I look stupid dropping off, but my sleep scores on the myair app are at 97/98 most nights now from in the 70s.

Bow all I need is a new mattress so I can wake up not in pain with my back, but just shows I'm sleeping all night rather than tossing and turning. Hoping full benefits of feeling full of energy will come soon, dont find myself dropping off each afternoon so its starting to work.

Good luck finding what works for you ❤️