Small Victory!

I've been struggling physically and mentally with my machine and mask since I got it two weeks ago: having a hard time getting used to having something on my face blowing gale-force winds. I've got a great machine and mask, and I need the higher pressure settings (20+) to have any sort of effect on my severe apnea. I took the advice of the more experienced hoseheads and have tried to spend at least an hour a day using the machine while awake, just to get acclimated. I discovered that while lying down (I'm a side sleeper), no matter what I did, I kept getting leaks with my Quattro FX mask. That frustration, and mouth and throat dryness, usually ended the session without me dozing off. I found Pad-a-Cheek's website and ordered a mask liner yesterday.

I was feeling very depressed about my anxiety with this machine and the problems I'm having, and nearly crazed with lack of sleep, so I didn't "practice" with the machine Monday and last night after work, I took naps instead.

I woke up at 2 am and as is my usual practice, plopped on the couch to watch some tv and fell asleep sitting up. My snoring woke me up just before 4:00 and as I was shuffling back to my bedroom I decided to try resting with the mask on. I fiddled with the straps trying to fix the leaks while lying on my left and right sides, not sure how long but it was more than ten or 15 minutes. Finally gave up and piled up the pillows and slept supine with my head elevated. Next thing I knew, I was dreaming! I mean, clear graphic dreams that I can recall right now, even though I was struggling to stay awake on the drive to work. In some parts of the dreams, I was aware that I was wearing my mask! So for the first time, I was able to doze off with the machine. I woke up with the urge to cough and dry throat, looked at the clock and it was only 5 a.m. I was really tired and didn't want to risk not being able to fall back asleep before the alarm went off at 6:30 so I took off the mask and passed out.

EVen though I'm exhausted right now and would take a nap if I could, I am so happy to have had a little taste of success. Other than the second half of my sleep study, when I was first fitted with the mask and machine, It's been months since I've been able to recall a dream. This gives me hope for the first time since I got the machine.

Just a taste! Good work; keep working at it until you can have the whole night.
Good sleep is so satisfying.

Pleasd tell us how you do tonight

Well, last night didn't go as well. I had horrific insomnia due to some financial and emotional stress (I'm selling my house) and my daily blast of Nasonex wasn't enough to keep my nasal passages open by the time I went to bed, so I used an over the counter nasal spray (the kind your doctor says not to use more than three days or it makes the congestion worse). It opened me up so I could breathe but when I woke around 2 and decided to try the machine again, I had to give up after 40 minutes because even with the heated humidifier, my throat was dry and scratchy (I blame the nasal spray) and I needed water, and I just couldn't get comfortable with the mask. I felt like I was started to drop off then I would jerk awake and feel out of breath. I tried fixing the pillows so I could sleep on my side but I kept having leaks.

I'm hoping that with a three day weekend coming up,and the expected delivery ofmy mask liner, I can at least work on some daytime naps. The weather forecast for my area is for rain and cooler than normal temps, so I won't be missing much.

what's that saying? "Two steps forward, one step back..?"

Oh the jerking awake feelings are the worst! I kept on having them and they prevented me from sleeping afterwords. Everytime it was occuring, I had to put the mask away. It was pretty unbearable. I wish you luck on your next try

The jerking away finally went away though. But oh boy was it harsh

I received my Pad-A-Cheek mask liner in the mail yesterday and it didn't take me too long to figure out how to put it on (I'm not very good with written directions). I tried to use it last night and I could feel the difference in the seal (no leaks!) but I needed to make the hole larger, and it was already middle of the night and I just wanted to sleep, so I decided to wait until tonight to enlarge the hole and try again. I could feel the air blowing the extra fabric towards my nose and that didn't help the claustrophobia.

Another attempt tonight. As the Chinese saying goes, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.