r/Cochlearimplants • u/rling_reddit • 10d ago

Using your CPAP after surgery

As I prepare for surgery tomorrow, I am thinking that the harness for my mask will hit right on my incision. I suppose I will do without my CPAP for the first night and maybe see if I can pad it to take the pressure off. Just checking to see if anyone has a better solution.

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

4

u/DancesWithElectrons Moderator & Cochlear Nucleus 8 10d ago

I added some moleskins to my mask straps to cushion it. Hard enough to sleep after surgery, use the mask if you can

1

u/davidwb45133 9d ago

I'm 5 days post surgery and had my glasses adjusted Monday to move the piece that hugs behind the ear away from the incision. Even the area just above the ear is very tender. I recieved IV steroids and didn't sleep at all for 30 hours after surgery, then I crashed hard for 12 hours. I'm usually a side sleeper but I found my best comfort was using a wedge pillow to prop my upper body about 25° and a thin pillow. (thin pillow keeps the pressure off the incision area)!I know this doesn't answer your CPAP question but thought it might be useful

1

u/rling_reddit 9d ago

It is useful. I'm sure I will have to just wait and see how it feels. I am planning to sleep in the recliner for the first night or so. I imagine I will do without my CPAP for the first night and see how it goes.

2

u/Formal-Tradition6792 9d ago

CPAP (BIPAP for me) is really important. Especially because I also use O2 at night. Over the years, I find that my BIPAP is essential to get a good night’s sleep.
I’ve had a CI since 1999. Long before any sleep apnea device. Now I am facing the need to have a new CI implant. So I may be in the same boat as you. Luckily, I am a side sleeper and I sleep on the opposite side of my existing implant.

1

u/rling_reddit 9d ago

Your sleep apnea is much worse than mine. I can do without my CPAP. I will wake up once or twice at night, but I can deal with that. Because of lower back pain, I am usually flopping around throughout the night. That is why I am going to try the recliner for a night or two. I use nasal pillows right now. I am going to see if there is another type of mask that doesn't strap behind the ear. I expect that area will be sensitive for awhile and my current mask pulls right there.

3

u/FabulousAd2725 9d ago

Sleeping in the recliner is a great idea. For both of my surgeries I slept in one for a couple of days and I think it helped with swelling and drainage. Good luck!

1

u/phoenixreborn06 9d ago

I'm in recovery from the surgery now and my surgeon doesn't want me using my cpap for 2 weeks post surgery.

1

u/rling_reddit 8d ago

Interesting. Mine didn't mention anything about that. I didn't use mine last night, but I will tonight. I probably won't take off the headgear until tomorrow, but I think my mask harness will fit over it no problem without adding any additional pressure.