when am i not going to be tired when i wake up

jhollon · Post by **jhollon** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 9:31 am

been at this for 4 weeks now and i am at a loss. The first night on a cpap machine was the second night at the sleep center. I went to bed at around 9:30 and they woke me up at 5 Am to get ready for work. I felt like i had scarfed down a bag full of amphetamines. I was ready to bounce off the walls i felt so good. I was thinking to myself, this is wonderful, why did i wait so long. I haven't felt this good since i was five. Problem starts here >> Things went downhill from here. I will list my equipment at the bottom. I have been waking up tired ever since the second night in the sleep lab. I don't know what is going on. They sent me home with the following equipment.

CPAP (set to 10)--> Respironics M Series Auto w/ C-Flex (not enabled (trying to figure out how to get this enabled - if anyone knows please let me know)
Humidifier Unit attachment as well
Mask --> ComfortGel full face

The mask was a pain, i like to sleep on my side, so i switched it out (free of charge) for a mirage swift II nasal system. That was much more comfortable, but every so often at night when i tucked my head in the pillow, the air leak would start and it also seemed a bit loud although my wife didn't complain. So i told my wife, that i would be dropping my guitar/amp hobby to start a more difficult one (and possibly more expensive) of finding a mask that would let me sleep all night and feel good in the morning. I read around and tried to find something that didn't resemble a scuba mask as well as a jungle head cover to see if i could get things on the right track. I found the Oracle 452 mouth unit and bought it. Only one strap and i could mouth breath again, what could go wrong. Boy, thank god i didn't pay that much. that thing is like chinese water torture. The drool build up is disgusting, and it makes me feel like i have a horse bridal in my mouth. I even trimmed down the other inner seal piece, but the problem is that the airhole protruded piece is just too long and i can't get comfortable. So i have put that up (barring any modification ideas out there) and gone back to the swift II and tightened it up. I don't know what i can do. All i am looking for is a good night's sleep and to wake up feeling good. Don't get me wrong, i do see some minor improvements like being less tired in the afternoon and feeling a little less fatigued at dinner time. I still wake up in a fog and daze every morning and i wear the cpap ALL NIGHT, no matter what.

I am just looking for some clarification as to how long it will take for this therapy to kick in. At this point i am almost ready to yell "uncle". I am more tired now than before i started all of this and can't see why i am bothering with it. As you can tell, i am not a patient person and the first night on the machine making me feel so good seems to have spoiled me.

Any ideas, experiences would be great. Thanks a TON,

Jeff

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): cpap machine, respironics, mirage, C-FLEX, oracle, swift, CPAP, seal, auto

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): cpap machine, respironics, humidifier, mirage, C-FLEX, oracle, swift, CPAP, seal, auto

tangents · Post by **tangents** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 10:28 am

Hi Jeff,

I don't know how much help I'll be, but I sure understand your frustration with this whole process. I, too, felt better that first day - like a weight had been lifted. Then time went by, and I couldn't wait until I got my machine. Then once I did, it seemed like a cruel joke - that you had to climb this big hill, when you had already been to the summit!

I'll offer a few ideas that might pertain to you. If you want to mouth breath, you might be happier with a full face mask or an Oracle Hybrid. I have tried the Hybrid, and although I couldn't get a good seal, I thought it was really comfortable (and cooled me off on some hot nights ). I think Rooster uses the Hybrid, and has good luck getting it to seal. Wulfman uses the UMFF, and seems happy with it.

If you don't want to use a mouth mask, then I can suggest using a mouth guard to help keep your mouth sealed. I bought this one on e-Bay, and like it a lot:
BEST FIT DENTAL PREFERRED NIGHT GRIND BRUX MOUTH GUARD
$9.95 Special on Complete Kit and FAST USPS delivery !

Others on the forum have posted loads of ideas for keeping air from escaping from your mouth. Try the yellow light bulb above, or search on "mouth taping", "polygrip", "DIY mouthguard".

Congratulations on your determination and persistence so far. Don't give up. The good folks here willl help you make the road less travelled a lot smoother!

Take care,
Cathy

pat07011 · Post by **pat07011** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 10:37 am

Hi Jeff
I feel really bad for you because I know it can be very discouraging. I just wanted you to know that you are not alone. I felt like you did when I first started CPAP. At first, I felt ike I was loaded with caffeine and could conquer the world. Then, things started going downhill and I tried everything, but to no avail....different pressure settings, different masks, taping my mouth, etc.

I finally got an APAP with pressure set 6-12 and a full face mask and I feel much better...not like I did the first few times, but better. It's been over 3 months. Also, with the APAP, I am able to see the data...pressure, leaks, AHI, AI, HI, so I can see what's going on.

It looks like you already have an auto-pap and full face, so I guess that's not the answer. You say your pressure is at 10. Does that mean you are using the CPAP option? Perhaps you can change it to APAP and have it set at like 8-14. Alsi, you may be getting alot of leaks with your mask, which means you are not getting the full therapy of the machine. Are you able to view any data? That would help you to kow what's going on.

Don't quit because you know you will awful if you do and it's dangerous to go on without treatment. Hang in there and good luck!

Pattie

tillymarigold · Post by **tillymarigold** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 10:43 am

You wake up tired, but do you feel better after a little while?

After all, some people just aren't morning people, or else just don't wake up right away when they wake up. My husband doesn't have a sleep disorder or anything, but 5:30 is just plain too early for him to be alert.

RESIST THE TEMPTATION to tighten the straps to make your mask stay on. It should be held on by its seal, not the straps. Straps that are too tight cause more leaks.

Babette · Post by **Babette** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 10:52 am

Jeff, you need to try 17 more masks. Seriously. You gotta find the right interface to make this work.

I'm a roly-poly side sleeper. I recommend the Nasal Aire II, the Breeze, and the Twilight Aura. Those all worked for me.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/innome ... re-ii.html

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/purita ... llows.html

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/aeiome ... rface.html

It took me 6 weeks to see any improvement. I've had to go on Provigil just to keep my job.

http://www.provigil.com/

Try Mask Roulette to find other masks if your DME is not helpful in that department:
viewtopic.php?t=19546&highlight=mask+roulette

Hope some of this helps,
Barbara

TerryB · Post by **TerryB** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 11:31 am

I think the key is in your switching from the Full Face to the Swift and the problem is mouth leakage. I have never tried any Ful Face mask but have had four nasal masks. In the early days I really felt bad, much worse than ever pre CPAP, and I think it was because the leaks woke me fully many time a night compared to the arousals of apnea just screwing up the quality of rest. Anyway, I now use a Comfort Lite 2, keep my mouth closed using the Polident strips and a chin strap too. I am not a pretty picture when I rig up to sleep, but I am getting up 0 or 1 time per night for the potty, no naps required and am too darn cheerful for some folks to tolerate when I get frisky.

Stay with it, it may take some messing to find all the answers but they do exist and they are worth the effort. You can reach the level of rest you got at the lab.

TerryB

Babette · Post by **Babette** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 11:48 am

jhollon wrote: CPAP (set to 10)--> Respironics M Series Auto w/ C-Flex (not enabled (trying to figure out how to get this enabled - if anyone knows please let me know)
Humidifier Unit attachment as well
Mask --> ComfortGel full face

John, to set your Cflex, go to the third button the right. Press it. On your screen will be 3 numbers. Press that button to scroll through them. I use "3" and recommend that for starters. Others have their favorites. Once you've scrolled to 3, hit the middle button.

I may have missed a step somewhere - if I have, someone please correct me.

http://mseries.respironics.com/Demo.asp

http://remstarpromseries.respironics.com/

http://global.respironics.com/UserGuide ... sCFlex.pdf

http://global.respironics.com/UserGuide ... Series.pdf

Cheers,
Barbara

ScottH · Post by **ScottH** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 1:10 pm

About 8 weeks in for me, and I'm still waiting for the "light switch moment". I will say that I'm a lot less weary during the day (most of the time) and for me it's a combination of keeping the mask comfortable but not too tight, and actually making the lifestyle change of going to bed on time... (what, you mean it's not going to help me just sitting there on the headboard?)

I am also a toss-and-turn sleeper, and I found the OptiLife to be the best so far at staying sealed and staying comfortable in nearly every sleep position (except directly on my stomach, but no mask is going to help much there...) I've heard a lot of folks extol the virtues of the Nasal-Aire II so I might try that one when my 6 months is up.

Stick with it. It's easy to say it's too rough a road, and I really believe every one of us here has felt the temptation at least once, but for many of us it took a while to get here, it'll take a while to get back. (A mantra I keep repeating to myself every time I step on the scale...)

Gambatte.

jennmary · Post by **jennmary** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 1:22 pm

I am going through the very same thing right now. That day after my sleep study was amazing. I cant seem to get that at home. I am so tired. But i am sticking with just praying it gets better. Good luck.

TerryB · Post by **TerryB** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 6:36 pm

jennmary,
If you're not doing well, you need to actively pursue the cause. It won't get better by itself.

TerryB

rhowald · Post by **rhowald** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 7:46 pm

Another person who can totally sympathize with you.

Been on CPAP for a month now. First few days it was like I was my old self a few years ago. Could get out of bed and attack the world, happy go-lucky kinda guy that I am. The last couple weeks I am back to dragging my butt out of bed and snapping at people who displease me. I actually fell asleep at work sitting at my desk working on some numbers.

I don't think it is leaks. I am wondering if it is because I am a mouth breather (have a new mask and chinstrap coming in - the hybrid - taping was bad, fixadent just a little better, but I suggest you give it a try). What scares me more is the possibility that my titration study wasn't proper and my pressure is set to high causing centrals.

One other possibility that I am investigating is that there is something wrong with my machine. Sometimes it feels like I am breathing a hurricaine and others it feels like nothing at all. Especially in the morning I don't feel any pressure at all. Sometimes I even stop breathing just to see if there is pressure there, but not sure. Man it sure would be nice to be supplied a manometer with these devices (kinda like the car companies not letting a hardware store sell you a tire gauge without a prescrip). A problem with your machine or calibration is something to make sure you don't overlook either.

But I will say, "stick with it". If things aren't working out, keep pushing till they will, the benefits are worth fighting for if some of the success stories around here are a marker to judge by. These forums are great and these folks will support you really well. I am new and felt right at home with my first post even.

Rob

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): Titration, manometer, CPAP

phorts · Post by **phorts** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 8:37 pm

To the original poster...

I would find out what mask you were fitted with during your sleep study. If it worked for you, I would go that way. I tried to stray from it and got the new Liberty instead of the Hybrid i was fitted w/ for my sleep study and found that the new and cool isnt always the best. I'm now using my Hybrid and it fits great. I've only been going for 2 days and feel like hell still, so that's no help, but at least i know it's not the mask. I'm waiting to get my software so i can get the data from my machine. I'm hoping that it will give me some insight as to what's going on. I would suggest the same to you.

DeltaSeeker · Post by **DeltaSeeker** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 8:42 pm

It took me about 8 weeks until I finally woke up one morning feeling good. I did fall asleep one night without CPAP and spent the night on the couch. That showed me just how rotten a night w/o can be! Don't give up! Keep trying masks until you find the one that works for you!!!

jhollon · Post by **jhollon** » Thu Jun 14, 2007 9:02 am

thanks for the encouragement, i knew it wouldn't be easy, but i just needed to vent. On the good side, my wife sleeps better now that i am not rocking the house with my snoring. At least one of us is doing better.

Mask

Additional Comments: Resmed Autoset Spirit APAP/CPAP

when am i not going to be tired when i wake up

when am i not going to be tired when i wake up

Re: when am i not going to be tired when i wake up