Lesser of two evils

Turfeye · Post by **Turfeye** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 10:50 am

I've tried two different masks since starting CPAP about three weeks ago. Bottom line is when I wear the mask, I sleep fitfully, wake up at least once or twice during the night, and wake up tired in the morning.
When I sleep without the equipment, I snore but sleep through the night and feel well-rested.
I drive 75 miles one way to New York City 5 days a week, returning home in the dark. There is no opportunity for napping during the day.
So I ask all of you, what's more dangerous:
(1) Sleeping without the mask/CPAP, risking that one night I'll stop breathing for good because of the sleep apnea.
(2) Using the mask/CPAP, waking up like a zombie, and barreling down the interstate at high speeds never knowing if I'm about to doze off at the wheel because I'm tired.

Swordz · Post by **Swordz** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 11:24 am

Did you know in some states they will take your liscense if you have apnea, but don't have it treated? (Course, how do they check?)

You know your problem is REALLY serious. Its one of those that we all can relate too. We know how serious apnea is, but then something happens like your situation that makes it seem like therapy is not really therapy. Now, in all honesty I don't use CPAP becuase I'm getting a dental device, so now that's out of the way (so i'm not a hypocrite).

I guess my ? is how bad is your apnea? If your CPAP is making you feel more tired than not using it, then I'm thinkin your apnea is either not severe enough for CPAP to help it, or your CPAP is not titrated correctly. (Anyone feel free to correct me or rebuttal. Not my health, but his)

Answer and we'll go from there. The doctor is out.....

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Joe A.. · Post by **Joe A..** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 2:00 pm

Trust me......If you feel worse AFTER using CPAP...you are incorrectly titrated! The reason I know is that is where I am at.

With BiPAP I am a Zombie (Can't think straight, have trouble getting out of bed, Can't function until late in the day),....but I don't fall asleep during the day.

Without I am alert but will eventually be sleepy in the afternoon.

This week I am going in for a re-Titration and an MSLT.

Things were definitely better when I was washing ephedrine tabs down with cups of cofee, although long term that is not the answer as untreated Apnea results in a whole laundry list of long term health problems.