Help --Why Do I Feel Like I did pre-cpap?

[elliejose]

I have been using cpap for about three and one half years. My mouth is taped shut , my numbers are good -- most of the time anyway-- yet I feel terrible most of the time: My head hurts badly in the a.m. -feels like it's filled with cotton;I can't remember anything; and I fall asleep most anytime I sit down. I have a new mask - the Swift LT - but I was having this trouble before I got the new mask. I cannot figure what could be wrong. Hopefully some of you can offer a little insight as to what may be causing this. I trust your valued opinions as much as that of the Doc.
HELP!

[kteague]

Sorry to hear you're having these problems. Have you had a sleep study since your diagnosis? Just thinking it would be a quick way to identify any sleep issues if you did the study at your current bipap settings. Could you have something else disrupting your sleep like meds or limb movements? Since you are not new to this and recognize your symptoms, unless there's an insurance issue, I think you might as well go all the way and avoid the time trial and error takes. If you do, please let us know what you find out.
Kathy

[ozij]

Have you had a general check up to rule out any other health problems? "Diagnosis by symptoms" can misleading, you really need a doctor invovled in the general diagnostic procedure.

Have you asked your doctor about running a night oxymetery test? Finding out you nightly oxygen saturation may be very informative.

I certainly agree with Kathy about the value of a new PSG too.

Have you checked your hose for small leaks? (Maybe replace it without even checking...) Could your machine be faulty?

O.

[Snoredog]

which machine the bipap or the auto?

Have you tried the 420e?

My guess Biflex setting is too high. Can you post a daily Encore report from the bipap?

[MusicMan]

Try some Vitamin B12 tablets. I had some of these symptoms and they cleared up. I take about 3000 mcg a day. It has improved my memory and seems to get rid of the headaches.

Also, have you considered adding an oxygen concentrator to your setup? I have a Respironics EverFlo Ultra Quiet oxygen concetrator, and I run it into my CPAP mask hose. That way I am able to breathe well, and also get the extra oxygen.

[MusicMan]

Have you asked your doctor about running a night oxymetery test?

Great advice. Do you have an oximeter? You can get them for fairly cheap nowadays - around $100. I picked up a hospital hand-me-down on Ebay for cheap, but they also have the smaller ones that fit on your finger.

As long as your oxygen doesn't go below 90, there isn't much more you can expect from your CPAP.

[iPlayFlonkerton]

doctor.

posthaste.

[MusicMan]

doctor.

posthaste.

Huh?

[freepostg]

doctor.

posthaste.

Huh?

I think what she's saying is...get to the Doctor quickly.