Options if CPAP mask is intolerable?

[DawnCt1]

I haven't had time to read the entire thread, so I apologize if this is repetitive. DS#4 was awakened in the middle of his sleep study because of severe sleep apnea. They put him on the CPAP and tried two masks; the larger face mask and the nose mask. He said that he wasn't able to tolerate either. Complaints ranged from uncomfortable to claustrophobic. What are the alternatives? Has anyone here had the surgery? Thanks.

 

[LukenDC]

I received a CPAP machine last month and after two nights determined that it was an unacceptable form of therapy for me. I could not sleep with the mask on and was exhausted the next day. Its mere presence in my room depressed me. Oddly, despite my diagnosis of severe sleep apnea, I always feel energetic during the day and have no problem getting up in the morning.

I will return the machine to my doctor on Friday and will post an update on what she says. I have already told her that I will not use the CPAP machine and that my mind will not change no matter what she says or does.

 

[I loveStitchnippyjon]

It really does take time! I have SEVERE claustrophobia and as much as I tried to talk myself into it, I just couldn't do the mask. Strange to feel like I was suffocating when there is so much air pressure!
The nasal pillow that I have used for 3 years is fine. It took a couple of months to become completely comfortable with it--at first I couldn't sleep at all. But like all things, one gets used to the different way of sleeping. Keep trying, it will really pay off in the end!

 

[minkydog]

Both DH and I have sleep apnea. I have taken to CPAP without too much difficulty, though it did take more than 3 days. DH, on the other hand, could not tolerate the pressures due to his severe lung disease. After trying several set-ups it was determined that CPAP was not going to fly. So they put him on oxygen at 2L/min. He wears a nasal cannula like you'd have in the hospital and it delivers a gentle constant flow all night.