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[Barb]

So - it's been a little over a week now and I'm still having a tough time trying to fall sleep. I don't know how long it's taking because I don't want to add 'watching the clock' to the problem... but it feels like forever!! I lay there trying to relax, get my breathing slowed down so I can put the mask on.
Once I think I'm ready, I put on the mask & turn on the ramp. At first it feels like it's not enough air but slowly it gets better. Then the waiting starts... I wonder if I should just try it at full pressure right off the bat... I'm also waking up several times with a very dry mouth.
I'm afraid to try to sleep on my side cuz I don't want to wake up to 'psssssssss' - air leaks suck! but I think that might help to keep my mouth shut...

Am I expecting too much too soon?? Any advice on falling asleep faster? I really don't want to resort to sleep aids.

One good thing (I think) is that once I fall asleep I've been able to keep the mask on all night for the last 3 nights. 

[BeyondTheSea7]

Ya know....it could be that maybe taking a sleep aid for a few nights will get you past the hump of having trouble falling asleep with the mask on. I guess it just depends on how you react to those meds in general. For myself, I'll get in a rut of having trouble falling asleep, but a couple nights of happy sleep drugs will usually snap me out of it without ending up depending on them. Might be worth a try! I also found that getting one of those memory foam contour pillows that has the bump where your neck goes helps keep me on my back.

There's no doubt about it....they take awhile to get used to! But then all of a sudden it will hit you that you suddenly feel better.

Hang in there! You're doing great!!!!

-Chris

[auntb]

I agree with BTS7 good advice. Now here's my 2 cents worth. One I can't "ramp" it does feel like not enough air. I start full strenght. I turn it on then pull on my mask. Side sleepers do not open their mouths as much - my sleep Doc explained that is why when you have your study they want you on your back. You can also get a chin strap - I hated it but might work for you. That said I sleep on my side. I got one of those memory foam pillows just not one with a bump it helps alot. What helped the most was hooking the tubing up to the top of the head gear. That kept the short part attached to the mask still so the mask wouldn't move. If the tubing is hanging off your nose it will pull there when you move.

I have offten had trouble falling asleep. A friend had me do this years ago and I have used it ever since. This works for me even when the hamster wheel is going. In your mind picture the safest place ever for you. For me most of the time it's my Gramm's kitchen. Now try to get every detail and I mean ever detail. Works like a charm.

Good luck

[Indykitty]

I have to start full strength too.  Honestly cannot remember how long it took me to get used to it, but I take amitryptiline at bedtime, which kind of knocks me out.  I hope you get used to it soon.  I think the fact you are able to keep it on all night is a good sign of progress.

[T2Nashville]

Agree with the rest - I started out full strength. Felt I was smothering with the ramping. I also tightened my head gear quite a bit so I wouldn't have the hissing from the extra air.

[BeyondTheSea7]

Wow...I'm the opposite. I really need the ramp when I first lay down. But my machine is set on 14, so it's pretty windy! Is your ramp adjustable? Maybe it's starting too low for you? Or maybe I'm just the only weirdo who likes the ramp...which is fine too! LOL....