First night of A-PAP with great mask fit and low AHI -- still tired?

[fireyoni09]

Hello,

I have recently been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea, with an AHI index of 13. I am using a Resmed Airsense 10 Autoset machine and a full-face Airfit F20 mask, with a prescribed pressure range of 8 - 12. I began my treatment yesterday, and slept for about 7.5hrs. The mask fit is great, and comfortable, with no leakage, and Sleepyhead (see below) reports an AHI of less than 1. However, I still feel extremely tired.

Here is a screenshot from SleepyHead-- https://imgur.com/uBmclTi.

Is it common for people who are new to C-PAP therapy to take time to feel better, even if their mask fits great and their AHI is low?

Thanks!

[kteague]

A recovery period is to be expected. Untreated sleep apnea is an assault on our body and brain, sometimes of many years. After any trauma we are advised to get extra rest for a while as we recover. This is no different. You're off to an excellent start with being able to sleep with the new sensations for that many hours. If you are able to maintain this regularly it is reasonable to expect better days ahead. Everyone is on their own recovery schedule. It would be interesting to hear back from you in a few weeks and hear the story of your path to feeling less tired. I think it could help newbies along to take this time of change to reassess other aspects of their health like making sure their vitamin D and B vitamin levels are ok and that their body is getting the nutritional support it needs to bolster the healing process. Good luck going forward.

[palerider]

Here is a screenshot from SleepyHead-- https://imgur.com/uBmclTi.

Is it common for people who are new to C-PAP therapy to take time to feel better, even if their mask fits great and their AHI is low?

Please see the instructions in my sig about how to format your screenshot next time. Yours looks very good, especially for a first night, no need to re-do it.

Yes, it often takes a while to recover from the chronic exhaustion that often precedes a sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment... Give it some time... you didn't get worn out over night.

[Okie bipap]

Welcome to the forum, and congratulations on your great start. Some people notice a difference immediately after starting treatment, and others take a while before they notice changes. I was in the group that did not notice immediate changes. My changes were gradual over a period of one or two months. The first thing I noticed was I could sit and work the crossword puzzle in the morning paper without falling asleep. Then I realized I could actually sit and watch a movie on the television without falling asleep and missing half of it. Hopefully, you will notice changes sooner. Don't get discouraged if you take a period of time before you notice any changes in how you feel.

[fireyoni09]

Hi everyone, thanks for your replies. I'll keep using the machine consistently -- hopefully things improve soon!

I've attached my Sleepyhead session from last night. It looks like I may have had 0 obstructive events and mainly was just coughing.

Thanks again for the advice.

[Okie bipap]

You did much better than I did on my first night. I only kept the mask on for two hours, then I took it off so I could sleep. It took me almost a week before I could leave it on all night and get any sleep. Your chart looks very good for a first night. Don't be surprised if some nights look much worse. We do not sleep the same every night We all have minor set backs when first starting. Even now, after almost four years, I have nights when my charts look like real garbage. On those nights I don't even want to claim them as my own.

[zonker]

Hi everyone, thanks for your replies. I'll keep using the machine consistently -- hopefully things improve soon!

I've attached my Sleepyhead session from last night. It looks like I may have had 0 obstructive events and mainly was just coughing.

Thanks again for the advice.

that's a good looking chart! it looks like you are going to be one of the lucky few who gets things dialed in from the start.

remember, you've had a long time sleeping "broken", though it felt right at the time. now, it may take some time until you start sleeping "repaired". i wish i could tell you that you'll feel great in X number of days. but we each improve at our own pace.

keep up the good work!