One Month Today!

[DreamOn]

Yay! I have been 100% compliant in using my CPAP machine for one month today! And I had an AHI of only 1.0 last night! I've had eight days with zero apneas. And I actually remember having two dreams this week. Before, I would remember dreaming maybe once every month or two. I was getting very little Stage 3/4 and REM sleep before. I think my sleep cycle may be correcting! I feel great during the day -- much more clear-headed, with more energy.

I've done a lot of experimenting this last month. I now have several masks that I rotate between (one nasal, one pillows). I use a PAPcap Plus with chinstrap, as I discovered I was leaking air out my mouth at times. Now I have zero leaks. The Pad A Cheek Forehead and Nose Protector has helped. I've tried various settings on my machine, to find what works best for me.

Thanks to everyone who has helped me, either directly via PM or indirectly through their postings. It's been an interesting journey, and I can't wait to see what's to come!

~ DreamOn

[happysleeper]

Congratulations, DreamOn! You are an inspiration to me. I had my first 8 hour compliant night last night.

Happy Sleeper

[DreamOn]

Congratulations, DreamOn! You are an inspiration to me. I had my first 8 hour compliant night last night.

Happy Sleeper

Thanks, happysleeper! It looks like we joined the forum at just about the same time.

Congrats on your first 8-hour compliant night! I hope you're feeling well.

~ DreamOn

[Gerryk]

Congrats. Don't you both feel like you have a new outlook on life now? Not as tired, more aware of whats going on during the day. That first time you actually dream it's kind of scary if you haven't done it in a while. I woke up from my first thinking what the $#** was that then I realized I had been dreaming.

Gerry

[DreamOn]

Congrats. Don't you both feel like you have a new outlook on life now? Not as tired, more aware of whats going on during the day. That first time you actually dream it's kind of scary if you haven't done it in a while. I woke up from my first thinking what the $#** was that then I realized I had been dreaming.

Gerry

Yes, Gerry!!! You really do forget what "normal" feels like after having sleep apnea for so many years.

The dream I had last night was about someone (whom I haven't seen in many years!) looking at me with my CPAP mask on, commenting about the fit. It was weird. I woke up a bit confused. But I'll take any dreams at this point. It's a sign I'm getting better.

~ DreamOn

[KatieW]

Excellent 1 month report--congratulations!

[DoriC]

Congratulations to all of you! Just think of all the inspiration you'll be giving to those newcomers who will be reading your posts. This also reassures me.

[foxhunter]

DREAM ON
CONGRATULATIONS GIRL AND THANKYOU
"DREAM ON"

[DoninOrlando]

I guess the sleep doctors were busy last month. I started 10/23 also. While I feel I have made great progress, you have done excellent ! Good Job Dream On ! I wish I had ordered the Papcap sooner. I have one on the way. My biggest issues are small mouth leaks and kicking Afrin. I just had my 1st night without Afrin last night and I am happy about that. Although the numbers were not great, I did make it through the night. Taping has lowered mouth leaks but I need a comfortable chin strap to help keep mouth closed to get the little ones. Hopefully the papcap will do it. But I have gotten used to sucking on the leaf blower. I have reduced average AHI to under 5. I have all but eliminated mask leaks with the Swift LT. I can sleep 6-8 hours regularly. I have completely eliminated 3-5 nightly bathroom trips. I have a card reader and software and tracking results daily. The 2 issues left are no more difficult than those I conquered already. By next month I plan on no mouth leaks, LPM under 35, (avg 40 now) no Afrin, and AHI under 3.

[DreamOn]

Thanks everyone. I don't know how well I would've done without all the knowledge and support I've found here!

I guess the sleep doctors were busy last month. I started 10/23 also.

I haven't been here long enough to notice long-term patterns of incoming newcomers to this forum, but it sure does seem like a lot a people started around the same time we did! I have found that I've learned just as much from fellow newbies as from the more experienced xPAP users, probably because our experiences are somewhat parallel as we progress so we're facing the same issues.

Taping has lowered mouth leaks but I need a comfortable chin strap to help keep mouth closed to get the little ones. Hopefully the papcap will do it.

I haven't used any chinstrap other than the PAPcap Plus. I find it quite comfortable and it took care of my mouth leaks. I hope it works well for you as well.

But I have gotten used to sucking on the leaf blower.

"Leaf blower" -- that's funny. Depending on the mask, sometimes I resemble a scuba diver and other times I imagine I'm a fighter pilot. I find it very odd to look in the mirror all geared up.

I have reduced average AHI to under 5. I have all but eliminated mask leaks with the Swift LT. I can sleep 6-8 hours regularly. I have completely eliminated 3-5 nightly bathroom trips. I have a card reader and software and tracking results daily.

It is so helpful to be able to see that the therapy is effective -- both from the numbers and the way we feel better!

The 2 issues left are no more difficult than those I conquered already. By next month I plan on no mouth leaks, LPM under 35, (avg 40 now) no Afrin, and AHI under 3.

I know that you will be successful! We are the Mighty Hoseheads, and we can conquer all obstacles!

~ DreamOn

[desert rider]

Hey DreamOn - I'm excited to see your post. It's great to read how well you're doing. I wanted to click Reply right away, but figured I'd better read all the responses. I'm pleased to say I'm lucid enough to hang onto my thought long enough to get all the way down the page and still know what it was. Funny thing is, the other replies only reinforced it.

You were one of the first voices of encouragement for me when I signed in with my "Day 1" two weeks ago. You were extremely encouraging an inspiring. Interestingly enough, two of the other key voices (KatieW and DoriC) are right here cheering you on. (Honorable mention goes to ScrappinMom as one of those voices too!).

It's quite a group.

It's great to read about your success. I'm two weeks behind you, but see that every day for me is better then the one before it. Give me a head's-up if you see a pothole, so I can dodge it two weeks later.

You Go, Girl!!!

[Muse-Inc]

Congrats DreamOn! Wish ya lots more!

[pmcall57]

Congratulations! Two weeks behind you and loving the encouragement of reading success stories like this. Thank you for taking the time to post it!

[Gerryk]

Wow, Congrats to all three of you. Three new pappers all doing well.
Keep at it and soon you won't really know you are wearing a mask when you sleep.

Gerry

[DreamOn]

I'm pleased to say I'm lucid enough to hang onto my thought long enough to get all the way down the page and still know what it was.

I know what you're talking about! Not long ago, it felt like nothing would stick in my brain for more than a second.

It's quite a group!!!

Yes, the people on this forum are wonderful! I try to imagine what it must've been like for people starting out on xPAP before the internet and the creation of this forum. I shudder to think that they had to rely on information and encouragement from their DME supplier, or their doctor. And the machines back then -- yikes! We are very fortunate now.

Give me a head's-up if you see a pothole, so I can dodge it two weeks later.!!!

The only pothole I've dodged in the last week or so is solving my air leak mystery. I just gave you a heads-up on that in your other thread. Therapy air was escaping from my mouth, unbeknownst to me. Solved that.

I'm glad you're doing well too!

~ DreamOn