How to Cope With Panic While Trying to Use a CPAP

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which a patient's airways become obstructed while sleeping. The patient will temporarily quit breathing and, generally, wake up. Patients who suffer from sleep apnea require the use of a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. The machine blows air pressure, through tubing and a mask, into the patients airways to keep them open. The patient is then able to breathe and sleep properly.

Unfortunately, many patients have a hard time adjusting to the use of a CPAP machine. Some may initially experience panic while trying to use the machine. However, most patients are able to adjust within a week or two. The following techniques can reduce panic and help the patient adjust to the use of a CPAP.

Instructions

Reducing Panic with the CPAP

• 1

  Practice using the CPAP machine during waking hours, while reading a book, watching television or engaging in another distracting activity. Many patients have difficulty adjusting to the use of a CPAP, especially in the first two weeks. Patients will have less anxiety during the day, making this a good time to practice, and the distractions will help the patient gradually adjust to the machine.

• 2

  Begin using the CPAP machine 30 minutes to an hour before trying to fall asleep. Engage in a low-intensity, distracting activity, such as one used earlier in the day. Allow time to get used to having the machine on before trying to fall asleep with it to reduce anxiety and panic.

• 3

  Increase the "ramp" time on the CPAP machine. The "ramp" setting causes the CPAP to begin at a lower pressure and increase over a desired period of time, ranging from 5 to 45 minutes. This allows the patient to gradually adjust to the machine, making the transition to the prescribed pressure easier. A patient who is suffering from panic while using the machine should set the CPAP machine to the highest "ramp" time.

• 4

  Ask the doctor to temporarily lower the pressure and slowly increase it over a period of approximately two weeks. Patients who are having a rough time adjusting, after using the machine for two weeks are so, may benefit from this temporary reduction and more gradual increase. The patient can continue to use the "ramp" setting through this adjustment phase, as well.

• 5

  Ask the doctor to prescribe a prescription for sleeping pills or anti-anxiety medication. Patients who are having severe panic episodes while using the machine may temporarily benefit from these medications. After a reasonable adjustment, the patient can discontinue their use as advised by the physician.