Sleep Apnea and adjusting to a CPAP machine: Tips?

@mzzmimm

Narcolepsy is different from apnea. My understanding is that with narcolepsy, you fall asleep waiting for the light to change, or in the middle of a conversation.

It might be something to research.

Jim

Hi @mzzmimm,
You might be interested in reading these discussions on Connect

- Can't sleep http://mayocl.in/2nhrpih
In this discussion, @dawn_giacabazi @danavs @hosta @thm946 and others talk about mask, apap, bipap and cpap machines.

Dawn also give a great description about Bi-pap in this discussion
- Effective use of Bi- Pap machines for COPD http://mayocl.in/2ogHzYs

It takes 3-4 weeks to adjust to using a cpap ....you must have a comfortable mask fit correctly that being said during the adjustment time you'll wake up having taken it off and not remember doing it, but with time that will stop. Using the cpap you will learn to sleep with your mouth closed but if you have problems they do have chin straps. The machines they have now are so comfortable the 1 st night you sleep through the night with it you'll feel amazing! I can not imagine my life without my cpap there is not a night I sleep withou it!

I can't sleep without my cpap. I have the nose pillow-I am a side sleeper. But I got a mouth guard because I also have Tmj and that made all the difference. Yes I have both but I sleep so well. Try to push through adversity - better sleep will come.

@mzzmimm

I'm wondering how you're doing with your chronic fatigue. I know what that's like, as I live with it every day, even though I use a CPAP faithfully. My sleep doctor tells me that I need to sleep fewer hours at night and not take naps. I know he's right, but I turn off the alarm clock after around 9 hours, and then often go back to sleep for another hour or two. I hate to think how I'd feel without my CPAP.

I suppose you've used the ramp feature - the machine starts at a low pressure, and gradually increases until it's up to the prescribed level. It does help the feeling of a blast of air on your face. I've been using mine for 15+ years, and often will put my hand over the vent to see if it's still running. I have claustrophobia, and have occasional panic attacks, so I was sure that the full face mask would be impossible to tolerate, but it's never bothered me.

I have an appointment with the sleep doctor in a week, and I'm going to ask him about the fatigue. I don't like sleeping so much. My days are too short to get much done, after I've crawled out of bed, had some breakfast, and sit in the recliner to drink my two cups of coffee, which can take an hour or two. I know that I feel better when I get outside and do something.

How are you doing with your CPAP or whatever you're using? I hope you've been able to find some answers to your frustrations.

Jim

I think I am pretty lucky. I started with my CPAP on Monday and got a score of 100 last night, meaning good mask fit, 7+ hours of usage, less than 2 apneas per hour and only 1 mask removal, which was actually just an adjustment. I am using the nasal pillows. The first night I thought it was awful, by the second night it felt better. The last three nights I have been surprised at the comfort. Sleeping on my back for the first time in years takes a bit of adjusting, but I know it will work out. Just feeling so happy that I am embarking on what I hope will be the road to better health. My apnea level pre-CPAP was 23 events per hour, but that was at the sleep lab. They stuck a mask on me and I hated it. So glad my doctor listened to my plea for the nasal pillows instead.

You are sooo lucky that you and your CPAP are working so quickly for you. I have been on mine since last September. I have gone thru about six different masks (I need a full face mask, I am a mouth breather) I now have a Philips Amara View Minimal Contact full-face mask. I can wear it all night will just a few air leaks. But my apneas are still quite high. 7-57 per hour Thank God the machine takes care of them and me! I am looking forward to the time when I don't have any. I am so tired when I wake up. Thank you for sharing your encouraging report.

I could have written this about myself. Hate it.Nancy Shermoen~

My mask leaks when I lie on my back. I try to lie on my right side for that reason, and because if I lie on the left side, my mask blows on my wife, and that doesn't promote marital harmony.

I heard that there's a new style of nasal pillow, specifically for mouth breathers. I'm going to look into that. I'm thinking that it might not make as much noise.

Anyone tried those?

Jim

I've had a CPAP for at least 5 yrs. Although I wish I could sleep without it, the better sleep I receive with it is so worth it. I use the pillows. I find them not so overwhelming on my face. Leaking can be a problem but adjusting the pillows or the hose can remedy that problem most times. Without my CPAP I have sinus problems and lots of brain fog. The first night I slept with it I noticed a difference immediately. Wouldn't want to be without it