Misery

I really feel miserable. I find that adjusting my sleep habits is so difficult.
My doctor tells me that I shouldn't take naps but my CPAP keeps waking me up at night. Any suggestions?

How long have you been on the machine?

From one new user to another, I can relate. I just starting using it the end of December 04.

I was like the millions of others who said they would never wear a mask clamped to my face. It felt very claustrophobic to me at first and I have only had one incident of claustrophobia in my entire life.

The best advice I got was. "Wear it as long as you can every night and then take it off." Hopefully, eventually you will talk your mind into wearing it all night and after a month or so should be able to see some significant difference.

I was one of those who never felt that tired but had periods of sleepiness in the afternoon. It took me about a month of everynight wear and amazingly, I notice I hardly ever get tired in the afternoon like I used to.
Do I still wake up several times a night due to air leakage? Yes I do but that's when I snug that puppy up a little tighter. I am still in search of a better mask too.

My DME helper also suggested something very important. I had told her that I did the whole sleep study thing for my wife, so that I would quit snoring and she could sleep. The DME lady said that was good, but that I need to remember that I need to do this for me too...my health is important. Using your CPAP is increasing your life expectancy and keeping you healthier. Do it for you.

I agree with lemons, I too am in misery and I appreciate the reply from snorenomore1. Maybe lemons and I will get used to it eventually, but right now I keep thinking I'm TOO tired to mess with the thing. I was told to keep pushing the button to ramp down the pressure.....until I finally sleep but I don't want to to PLAY with the button I WANT TO SLEEP. One time I pumped myself with Benadryl and lasted 6 hours with the thing and woke up with a pressure sore on my face. But I understand the importance of trying to make it work. Hang in there Lemons, and thanks for the words of wisdom snorenomore1.

I have been using the machine for about 3 months and understand your misery. The first few weeks for me were a nightmare - couldn't sleep & felt worse than before - but if you think about it that is no great surprise. I was suffering the effects of sleep deprivation and trying to cope with a mask, a machine and a plethora of new information all at the same time.

How did I get through it? My doc told me it would get better, but it was reading about others in this forum that convinced me it would, so keep asking questions and take comfort from the kind supportive people in this forum.

As for the equipment, after several nights of struggling and often ripping it off in frustration, I put the mask on one afternoon and had a nap sitting up in an armchair. Only an hour or so, but suddently I realised I could sleep wearing it.

The other key for me was switching to a machine with a heated humidfier. No more stuffy nose, making me feel like I would suffocate, and no more dry mouth & nose in the morning.

The key point, though, is to persevere, it will be worth it. As Winston Churchill once said when asked to give a speech about success:
"Never never never never give up"

The big item to consider is the mask. If you have a lousy mask you are going to get frustrated. (at least from what I have read.) I heeded that advice and went with an Ultra Mirage FF. Took a bit to get used to it, but no pressure sores and I woke up for the first time in a long time on the first alarm!!

My sleep Dr. has never told me not to take naps, so I do. If I'm tired, usually during the afternoon right after lunch, I take a nap. I'm usually up by 3 or so 4 at the latest and am good to go for the rest of the day, very refreshed.

I've been on APAP for 2 months now. If I can't take that nap, I am yawning all afternoon and get really draggy. I judged a dog show this weekend and was on my feet nearly all day long, making decisions, walking around to evaluate the dogs, but still the yawns were coming and the first thing I did when my assignment was done was go back to my room to lay down, ease my aching back, give my feet a chance to stop barking at me and just close my eyes. I never did get to sleep. At least I *think* I didn't get to sleep. After supper I went back to bed and watched TV until about 10 and slept very well that night.

I've also noticed that the nights I sleep really well are the days when I've had a nap. Now, go figure that one out!

You might want to try taking an OTC sleep aid or one of those allergy pills that causes drowsiness to help you sleep through it. You may be less prone to getting that "alert and annoyed" feeling in the middle of the night and after a few nights under your belt you may be able to sleep with your mask on and not need the pills anymore because you're used to it.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional- do not start taking ANY medication without first consulting your physician.

WindFlyer wrote:Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional- do not start taking ANY medication without first consulting your physician.

Or at a VERY minimum, removing it from the blister pack.

Liam, who found out that plastic does NOT make good fiber.

Liam1965 wrote:

WindFlyer wrote:Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional- do not start taking ANY medication without first consulting your physician.

Or at a VERY minimum, removing it from the blister pack.

Liam, who found out that plastic does NOT make good fiber.

And you should NEVER pop blisters, use a bandaid.