CPAP Machines and panic attacks?? Need Advice Please!?

Last night my husband went to do a sleep study. It was a split study. Half the night just monitor normal sleep, second half montior him on a cpap machine. He was fine until they put him on the cpap machine - he tryed two different types of masks - one full face - one nose pillows. For the first time in his life (42 years old) he had a panic attack. It was really bad, he freaked out so bad they had to stop the study and calm him down.

My question is - If he cannot use a cpap due to these panic attacks what are his options? He had what they call episodes during normal sleep - 26 episodes per hour. Thats alot - I had 14 and now have the cpap. I am realy worried about him and want to give him som peace of mind that there is an alternative out there. Can anyone help me? Thanks for your time! I really apperciate it!

He had the throat surgery 12 years ago. Also I know it was the masks and even the nasal pillows that freaked him out.

Yvonne, I am assuming that your husband is attending the sleep study because he suffers from sleep apnea. I am also assuming that this is his first time to do so.
As you know, CPAP machines aren't exactly the most re-assuring pieces of equipment to look at, and it is even worse when you know what they actually aim to do for you.
I am sure the right people are there to ensure the correct adjusting of the different rates that would be suitable for your husbands physiological needs, but you have to now focus on your husband and his psychological needs. Is he totally at ease and comfortable with doing these sleep studies? Many times individuals really aren't comfortable with CPAP machines but soldier on anyway hoping for relief. This can be the cause of much tension and stress in an individual.
It would be a good idea to hold off from these CPAP machines and seek alternatives for a short while because if he is put on (or near!) a CPAP machine soon, he may have a worse panic attack.
Keep in mind also, that the time it takes for any individual to adjust and get used to a CPAP machine varies greately from individual to individual.

I really hope this is of benefit.

Good luck.

Maybe a BIPAP instead of a CPAP?

There are some OTC spray out there supposedly can help sleep apnea sufferer. Another option is surgery. Ask your doctor what is good for your husband, if he really can't use a CPAP machine.

I have sleep apnea and I use a C-PAP, I also have been contemplating surgery. There is a procedure that is very safe and has to do with clipping something in ur nostrils or sinus system ask ur Dr. about this procedure to see if he is aware of it or the professionals at the sleep lab they should know best. Good luck.

what you are describing is that he has a bad case of sleep apnea and what are hes choices if he cannot use a c pap machine The real and only cure for sleep apnea is weight loss if he loses 50 pounds or more he will be cure completely. this sleep studies and Cpap doctors fees can go up to ten thousand dollars or more .I don't think is cost effective if the the person has a weight problem.Other than weight loss surgery to clear his throat of exes tissue

with time, and in the proper environment (ie, perhaps not lying down, at first), he may become used to what i imagine he feels is the confinement of the mask or pillows. i have panic disorder, and i've had to have a tube stuck through my nose into my lung. it was VERY UNPLEASANT, but i became accustomed to it. with the CPAP, he should know that he can remove it, at any time - this may help to ameliorate the feelings of suffocation and claustrophobia that i imagine are causing the panic (perhaps subconsciously). i always imagine being in a space suit, in vacuum, or SCUBA diving, far beneath the surface, and the very THOUGHTS of these sort of things fill me with terror; knowing that he can take the mask off, and, yet, still be in a breathable atmosphere, and a safe place (home, or the clinic, if he feels comfortable, there), might make it easier for him to adjust. ironically, i'd considered getting a CPAP for help WITH my panic attacks - i thought the forced air might help me breathe more deeply (something i can't do, even when i'm not in a panic), and prevent CO2 build-up. good luck to the both of you.