I can't get used to my CPAP mask

My CPAP has made a huge difference in my life. From AIH of 72.5 in my sleep study to < 5 with the CPAP. 

The issue I have is stopping mask leakage. I am going to try the new Dreamwear full face mask. It fits below 

the nose, not over the bridge of the nose but also covers the mouth. I'll let you know how it works out? 

@Allinitsleep @Joebryanjr Hi Allinitsleep and Joebryanjr, thank you for starting and participating in this discussion. It sounds like CPAP masks can take some getting used to. Let me tag some other members who may be interested in this topic.

Hi everyone, did it take you a while to get used to your CPAP? If so, how did you do it? Is it still uncomfortable? Is there anything @Allinitsleep‍ can do to make it a bit more comfortable?
@Ajllord‍ @Westend4325‍ @mohincb‍ @Maddie2018‍ @Pine729‍ @Nancykopp‍ @Mako9152‍ @Wisedoc‍ @jdstyre‍ @Bbwgirl‍ @Pops70‍ @Spiderswebs399‍ @Rustyroth‍ @TeletubbieD73!‍ @orlandonative‍ @Donnadouthitt‍ 

Feel free to share here!

Take care,
Courtney

@Allinitsleep yes I totally get it, I have the same type of sleep apnea, and at first had high hopes that just losing some weight would fix it until my Dr informed I will have to deal with it the rest of my life of I could fall asleep and never wake up.  It’s no fun, I don’t wear a complete just the nasal cushion that covers my nose I don’t think if I didn’t take Melatonin to sleep i would have a tendency to fight the mask over my nose.

I didn’t have a problem getting used to the mask.  But lately for some reason I have been kind of freaking out when I put it on.  Might be the mask I have to wear at work which kinda causes asthma attacks.  

My name is moses I was diagnosed with  chronic sleep apnea 2years ago . It took me a while to get used to the nasal pillows but I still have my bad days  allso i suffer allso with a anxiety disorder .so sometimes my mind plays tricks on me .when I go to bed with a lot on my mind I struggle with the sleep apnea machine. I am scared not to use because I don't want to stop breathing in my sleep.with the virus in all I'm trying not to get it.the only thing helps me is when read gods word and have a little talk with him.

I switched to an Airfit F30i. It is the wrong size and they're sending a new mask. It was better than the other full face masks at first, but apparently it leaked while I was sleeping. I'll keep you informed. 

@Ktackel Does your jaw drop down, letting air swoosh in when you wear this particular type of mask? That's the problem I'm having. I wear the nasal pillows mask, but almost as soon as I'm about to fall asleep, my jaw drops and air swooshes in, I've tried both the Somnifix strips and a chin strap to keep my jaw from dropping but neither has worked.  Any thoughts?

@helsal  I wear a full face mask.  I’m sure my jaw drops a little. I’m not sure how to fix it unless you get a jaw strap.  Amazon sells them. 

@Moses123 I understand your anxiety.  I wonder if the pillow might not be the right thing for you.  When I tried it, I had trouble breathing, air was going all over my face and into my throat.  I got so anxious, I threw it off.

I now have a full mask which works so well.  When it is on, you have no idea that there is air pressure being pumped into it!  With your level of anxiety, it wouldn't hurt to try another CPAP method.  Hope this helps.  Good luck!

@Allinitsleep I am so sorry to hear your sad story.  A CPAP shouldn't make you feel like you're suffocating. Sounds like you might need a different mask.  I started out with a pillow, but now, like you, have a full mask.  I hated it for a while. 

But, someone said I should try to think positively about it . . . I wear it because I get better sleep, which gives me more energy the next day; because I have a-fib and it helps keep my heart from failing; it keeps me from my breathing stopping 50 times an hour, so I stay alive! .  Another option, paid for by Medicare, is an oral appliance; but it's a bulky thing you wear in your mouth (larger than those appliances kids with teeth-straightening orthodontics have!)  The smaller, non-Medicare appliance costs over $3000 . . . so is beyond the reach of most of us.

Try to focus on what good things it does for you; not that you will hate it for life.  That could be a very long time.  You CAN do it!