4 ms·

I started using a CPAP with a nose facemask almost two years ago. My doctor ended up also prescribing a low dose of Ambien because wearing the mask triggered a

I started using a CPAP with a nose facemask almost two years ago. My doctor ended up also prescribing a low dose of Ambien because wearing the mask triggered a claustrophobia reaction in me. It was enough to get me to sleep with the mask on most nights, but I almost always pulled the mask off after 3-4 hours (or less) without even waking up. I haven't worn the CPAP for about six months because I have allergies that keep me just congested enough that I can't breathe through my nose with the mask on anymore. The thought of a full face mask terrifies me. After all that, my sleep seems fine (it never seemed bad at all to me) and I have some amount of dependence on Ambien which I have no idea how to kick.

sxg 3y ago
It's not about fixing poor sleep. Chronic sleep apnea causes other downstream effects like pulmonary hypertension and right-sided heart failure, which are the main things we're trying to avoid by using CPAP machines.
cocoa19 3y ago
> It was enough to get me to sleep with the mask on most nights, but I almost always pulled the mask off after 3-4 hours (or less) without even waking up. That's pretty common, but you get used to wearing the mask longer and longer, it may take multiple weeks. Me and a lot of users on /r/CPAP will give you similar feedback. As for allergy congestion, have you tried Claritin, Flonase, others? May need to check with the doctor.