Reformed Bear makes progress! SleepyBear's CPAP Journey

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to say thank you for the encouragement to continue with xPAP (even if some of it was rougher than others ). I'm on my third night and actually looking forward to it, as I've woken up the last two days feeling rested and not like a zombie. If that wasn't enough of a motivation my beautiful fiance is able to sleep due to the fact that she's not worrying about me not breathing.

I will try and update this thread so that others who may be struggling can see that even if it's a pain in the beginning that they can be happy Hose Heads too.

*Oh I included a screen shot of my latest Sleep Mapper just cause I'm proud of it.

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SleepyBear83 wrote:Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to say thank you for the encouragement to continue with xPAP (even if some of it was rougher than others ). I'm on my third night and actually looking forward to it, as I've woken up the last two days feeling rested and not like a zombie. If that wasn't enough of a motivation my beautiful fiance is able to sleep due to the fact that she's not worrying about me not breathing.

I will try and update this thread so that others who may be struggling can see that even if it's a pain in the beginning that they can be happy Hose Heads too.

*Oh I included a screen shot of my latest Sleep Mapper just cause I'm proud of it.

excellent start! I suggest picking up sleepyhead, which will give you some good data and help you get even better rest

Way to go, Sleepy Bear!

Sorry if I was a little rough with you. When I first arrived here I needed a swift kick in the pants, and that's what I got. I think it probably saved my life. So I like to return the favor whenever I can.

Someday, G-d willing, you can play it forward.

@ Palerider,

I plan on moving up to Sleepy Head but I wanted something simple that gives me just the basics while I'm getting used to CPAP. I seem to learn better when I take it one step at a time.

@ Jankintz,

It's OK I don't feel too roughed up . I do understand tough love my Mom was an advocate of it. Infact she might have invented it.

In any regards I appreciate the support from both of you it means more than you know.

Awesome! Hope everything is continuing to go well! You are a rockstar!!

I'm feeling so much better every day! More energy, not quite as grumpy/tired, decreased migraines, lower Blood Pressure, easier (ha ha. when is it ever easy?) weigh loss and I'm loving life. And I've only been using my APAP machine for 2 1/2 months for an average of 8-10 hours a night. It really is worth the hassle. Case in point: My 3 year old twins (boy and girl) just had sleep studies done because I've been worried about their sleep quality, they snore and one of them (my girl) fights sleep. I wasn't able to use my APAP those two nights because I was up and down with them all night. I felt it and luckily, I was able to come home in the morning and sleep a 5 hour stretch with my APAP before starting the day because otherwise I would have had a massive migraine.

Keep at it. Sometimes one day, one step at a time is all that's needed! You should be so proud of yourself!

Hey Everyone,

Just wanted to drop in and say "hi" and let you know I'm still kicking Apnea butt! I've been trying to be consistent and will try and post my stats this weekend for anyone who is interested. I fell off the "CPAP wagon" for a few days but I'm back on it. (Had some depression from dealing with my chronic pain in my back and legs and migraines from hell, but that's another thread.)

Anyhoo I'm doing better sleep wise I don't feel the draining fatigue as often anymore and I'm rarely fighting to stay awake. It's been a struggle but me and "Snuffy" seem to be getting along better. (Especially once I was able to feel the difference.)

I do have one question though, I've noticed even on CPAP I have some wickedly vivid dreams (we're talking acting out my dreams here). One night I apparently woke up and took my fiance's pulse on her ankle. When she asked me what I was doing I said showing the class how to take a pulse! (I am a EMT but damn I was asleep!) Anyway before the whole Apnea thing started I never remember acting out my dreams or remember anybody telling me I did with the exception of the occasional word here and there. Now my fiance tells me I talk all the time and act out at least once a month.

Does anybody else experience this? Does it lessen or go away as we continue treatment?

Is it possible that if you are taking some meds for the pain/headache issues that they have potential side effects that could be messing with sleep and/or dreams?

Pugsy wrote:Is it possible that if you are taking some meds for the pain/headache issues that they have potential side effects that could be messing with sleep and/or dreams?

Not sure Pugsy. I can post a list of meds I'm taking if that'll help you provide information, but off hand I don't think any of them do anything other than cause drowsiness.

Hey just wanted to swing by with a quick update...

So I have been consistently using "Snuffy" for 30 days! There have been some nights when I've forgotten to put her on hence I'm only at 50% compliance . But even that has made me feel a lot better.

My goal for the next 30 days is to get at least 75% compliance or 22 days at that point I'll make a follow up with my sleep doctor so we can officially evaluate my stats and see where I need to improve.

Right now from the subjective side I can honestly say I'm feeling much better I'm not nodding off near as much watching TV and reading, and nodding off while driving is a thing of the past! I still get drowsy driving at night with no music and/or conversation but at least I'm able to stay awake . I have had some issues this past 30 days namely the dream issue which turns out may actually be tied to Prozac which I'll have to discuss with my Psych Doc in two months. The only other real issue started occurring the last two or three days. I developed a habit of taking my mask off at night. It's weird because it's usually tied to removing something in a dream . The air blowing usually wakes me up but there has been two days now when I woke up completely sans mask and the mask is on the floor besides the bed. It's not a problem right now but I'm gonna keep an eye on it and check back in if I have any more problems with it.

So that's my update. I went from a totally non-compliant SleepBear to a 50% compliant bear with a goal to improve even more . For all those struggling out there please stick with it, as it does get better. It may get better slowly but it gets better. For all those of you who have been positive and helpful to me and other posters thank you.

I've include screenshots of 14 day and 30 day stats for Therapy Time, Mask Fit and AHI. If anyone has any HELPFUL advice please feel free to post.

14 Day Stats








30 Day Stats

Hey, SleepyBear, how's it going? Was thinking about you and thought I'd check in!!