How do you know you're getting "good" sleep?

[Wanttosleep]

I have been on CPAP for about 4 weeks now. I'm also on my 3rd mask so I don't believe that my sleeping habits at this point are a good measure but that having been said, I now have a Comfort Gel Nasal Mask and I am not getting leaks after an entire week of using it.

The first 4 nights with this new mask I was waking every couple of hours because of a cold and stuffy nose. But the last 2 nights I slept for block of 5 hours, turned and adjusted the 'gear' and got another 2 to 3 hours. I don't feel sleepy or groggy this morning but I still haven't had a dream. How do I know I'm getting a really good solid sleep if I haven't had a dream? Isn't dreaming an indication of having gotten good REM sleep?

I still struggle with the mask but much more minimally than I did with the first 2. That's another good question. How long did you folks struggle with adjustments before you reached the point where you climb into bed, put on the mask and go to sleep until morning?

As always, thanks for you support. It's been a great help in keeping me dedicated to using the CPAP.

[bdp522]

As for dreams;
The way I understand it, you only remember your dream if you wake during the dream. If you sleep thru the dream you won't remember it! I like to think that I DO dream, but sleep so soundly that I just sleep right thru it.

Adjusting to the mask;
Some adjust quickly, some slowly. I've heard that 6-8 weeks is average for adjustment to cpap. Some take much longer to become comfortable. Sometimes it takes trying a few masks until you find the mask that allows you to be most comfortable.

Brenda

[dtsm]

Different folks take different time frame to settle in. Some feel great immediately, others take much longer time.

In my case, took about 5 wks to find the right mask, another couple of weeks to get my leaks down. Around the 3rd month, could feel the real difference. Slept regularly 7+ hrs, started dreaming and feeling gooood.

This is might be of interest: viewtopic/t57139/Require-less-sleep-using-cpap.html

[roster]

What about your data? AHI, etc.?

[fastwingguy]

"Your mileage might vary" as the car guys say, but I had a noticeable improvement in feeling and mental clarity the day after the 2nd sleep test. I never remembered most of my dreams before, so I can't use that as much of a benchmark. I don't wake up any different, but it soon becomes apparent and stays all day. More energy, greatly improved brain function. I still struggle at night. Some mornings I sing "I fought the mask and the mask won.." but even then, I'm better off than pre CPAP. My AHI numbers aren't perfect, but improving.

[Wanttosleep]

Thank you all for the input. From what I've been reading, "you're mileage may vary" is probably the most fitting saying for what CPAP user's experience. And I'm going to adopt your song, also very fitting.

I have the link to the software but have been unable to get it downloaded yet. Next weekend may present itself with enough time for me to do that and get some information. As soon as I do, I will post it.

[roster]

That data should be a top priority. CPAPers can spend a lot of time worrying about their sleep and worrying about what they are doing wrong and then later look at their data and see the CPAP process was not working well because the machines settings were not optimized.

Do you know how to take a quick look at the summary data on the display?

[jlk]

When I wake up and remember parts of a dream, I know its going to be a good day! Dreaming recharges the mind and body, or good sleep does and whem you are in rem, you dream. I hadn't noticed I didn't dream for years until cpap got me started again, it felt great. Sweet dreams everyone! john