DanM

Good suggestion, wg. I have always heard to use basic hand soap with no antibacterial agents. The first Respiratory Therapist I ever worked with told me to use the most basic Ivory liquid.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) has been shown to be very effective in helping people who suffer with insomnia. The National Sleep Foundation has some interesting information here: https://sleepfoundation.org/sleep-news/cognitive-behavioral-therapy-insomnia.

Great information, Insomniache. My guess is that there are more people out there with similar experiences to yours!

Hi Frustratedmom. I'm happy to hear you were able to find a child-friendly mask for your daughter. How recently did you obtain the mask? I ask because it is not uncommon for some masks to have a plastic or chemical-type smell to them for a few days after they come out of the package. Sleep mentions in the post above about aromatherapy available for CPAP machines, but you may consider asking your home care provider if soaking the mask in a solution of vinegar and water might help. There are also cleaning sprays available that are scented. You can do a quick internet search for CPAP mask spray and should find a couple of options. Hope this helps!

Hi Hannah, and welcome to MyApnea.Org! I agree with you that there do not seem to be many resources for the partners or families of those struggling with sleep disorders. My relationship with my family was definitely impacted by my struggle with sleep apnea before I was treated. I literally slept at the other end of the house because my snoring disturbed everyone else! I have also been on the other side of that struggle, losing sleep because of someone else's snoring until their sleep apnea was treated. I have not experienced the struggle of a partner's insomnia, but I can only imagine how difficult it must be. Hopefully, other Forum users will contribute their stories to this new topic! If anyone out there knows of resources that may be helpful, please share!

ResMed also has the AirFit F10, which does not have a forehead pad. This may make it easier to wear glasses while wearing the mask as well.

Welcome to MyApnea.Org, FrankLavenderCrow3641. It sounds like you have had some unfortunate experiences with medical providers. Glad to hear you are on treatment for your sleep apnea, but I'm sorry the higher pressures are causing discomfort. Have you considered talking to your equipment provider about how the high pressure makes you feel to see if there is anything they can do? Maybe explain that you feel your sleep has worsened since the machine adjustment to 14 cm? As for the humidity, too much can make some patients uncomfortable. It is usually possible for a patient to turn down the humidifier. Can you try lowering your humidity a bit to see if you feel less "wet"? Best wishes, and please let us know how you're doing!

Hi Maryann. I am not aware of CPAP being the cause of an issue like you describe unless it is the anticipation of having to use the CPAP. However, since you say wearing the mask doesn't bother you at all, maybe it is worth a conversation with your physician to explore other reasons for the panic attacks. Best wishes, and I hope you find a solution!

Great news, SociableTaupePolarBear2063. Glad you were able to figure out the problem, and thank you for sharing the solution! Please keep us posted on your progress with treatment! Best wishes!

The sensation of the air being forced up the nose, and because it is passing through smaller openings in a nasal cushion than with a regular nasal mask, may be contributing to the feeling of more air. It may be worth contacting your home care provider to have them check and make sure the machine is delivering the correct amount of pressure.