CPAP therapy is exceedingly effective. In fact, its so effective that your doctor probably isn't even interested in exactly why you have sleep apnea. If your doc suspects you may have it you will be enrolled in a nearby sleep clinic for a study and in a few weeks you'll have a sleep machine in your bedroom.
But trying CPAP in a controlled clinical setting is much different than actually trying to use it at home. It just isn't natural to stick a mask on your face and have high pressure air blown at you. Even people who show no signs of claustrophobia in normal activities can have problems sticking with their CPAP therapy.
I DO have a very mild claustrophobia. Below is a simple process my sleep doctor taught me to help me over my fears:
First, sit upright on your bed, your feet on the floor with the mask next to you. Don't touch it; just gaze at it. Take your time; you're not going anywhere.
When you feel at ease, pick the mask up. Just hold it. Stare at it if you like. Think about how you'll soon be putting the mask on. Listen to your heart beat. Listen to your breathing. Is it effortless as it should be?
When you feel calm and relaxed, put the mask up to your face. Don't put your head in the straps. Just breathe comfortably for a few moments. Is that so hard?
Now its time to put the CPAP mask on, head straps and all. This will take a moment or two if you are a beginner. Don't panic. Just concentrate on breathing in a calm fashion.
Turn your machine on. Be sure to press the button that starts the ramp up procedure. Your CPAP provider did show you how to do this. Do you remember? Sleep machines are all equipped with a ramp button that begins your air pressure fairly low, and over about 15 minutes gently ramps up to the prescribed pressure setting. If your machine is a newer model the precise ramp-up time may be something you can control.
You aren't lying down on the bed yet, are you? Just continue sitting on the edge of the bed with your mask and machine on. Then, when you are ready, go ahead and lie down. Within a few minutes you'll be fast asleep!
Now if at any time in this progression you feel uncomfortable, just move back a step. If you have a problem when you turn on the machine, just turn it off. If you have problems lying down, just get back up and sit. At first I simply had problems putting on the mask, so I simply held it. Take your time, and when you are ready just move back up to the next step.
Sleep Apnea MaskI have more tips on how to help you comply with your CPAP therapy.
I'm a sleep apnea sufferer too. It took me more than 10 years to finally get successful help. Read my story at Beat Sleep Apnea.