New to CPAP and the Forum

[Sleepy in Idaho]

I am on night 4 and have found so much great information here - thank you so much! The thing I was most concerned with was feeling so awesome after the first night and then not so great after nights 2 and 3 - wondered if that was normal. Seems like maybe it is and I'm not going to stress about it. Haven't had much trouble getting used to the machine - probably because I am cumulatively so darn tired that I fall asleep the minute I lay down! I was able to bring home 2 mask options and have quickly figured out which one works better. I have also appreciated the information on pillows - that does present a small problem currently as I am a side sleeper but it looks like there are options out there for that too.

Everyone has been so encouraging to those that are feeling frustrated - it is extremely helpful to know that there are many others in the world with the same problems/issues and concerns and people willing to respond with their support.

Headed off to bed and hoping for some restful sleep!

[zoocrewphoto]

It seems to be pretty normal. I had an awesome day after my sleep study, but it was slower to feel better when I actually started using a machine at home. I think the first night is such a shock to the system, that we really feel the huge difference. And then it takes awhile for our body to get used to and accept the real changes.

[Suzjohnson]

Welcome to the forum, Sleepy in Idaho! What you describe appears to happen more frequently than not so you are right to not worry about it. I too am a frequent side sleeper and find that the Aloha nasal pillow mask works pretty well for me if I put the headgear under my chin strap. I like to wear it rather loose but prefer when it doesn't move around and this is the best solution I've arrived at, for the present. Another nasal pillow mask that works pretty well for side sleeping is the Pilairo but that mask has some inherent problems of it's own. Conquer those and the mask is a gem! If you run a search here, you will find several interesting threads containing lots of input regarding it's use. I'm certain there are other masks out there being used by forum members that are good for side sleeping so I will close and, like you, wait for more replies.

I'm glad your therapy is going so well so far! If you encounter any problems, be sure to give us a shout. Again, welcome!!

Suz

[nanwilson]

Welcome Idaho.
You will be sleepy no more and you have come to the right place to get any help that you will need.
Welcome to the land of hoseheads.
Cheers
Nan

[Sheriff Buford]

Welcome Sleepy! I often think about all the help the forum has offered me. I am eternally grateful for it. I saw a big change when I first started, but soon afterwards, the change slowed down and it took time. The damage done to my body because of sleep apnea occured over many years and the repairs cannot occur overnight. I an still seeing improvement.

Best of luck and keep goin'

Sheriff

[lazer]

Welcome Sleepy In Idaho,

The trend you describe is quite common. Give it two or four weeks to get a true assessment on how you are feeling at minimum. After a week or so, you can check your data and start to consider making some adjustments to your pressure if indicated but it will likely take this period of time I mentioned both from my own experience and following the general population of posters on this board to fairly adjust to being on xPAP and getting a good nights rest on a normal basis.

Biggest part: Don't give up and get frustrated by a few bad nights. Hang in there and share your problems here and many will give you great suggestions on improving your xPAP therapy.

Edit: I just realized you hadn't posted your machine & mask. That would also be most helpful in getting help from others regarding your venture with xPAP and questions/problems!

[KEQ5]

You're going to find there will be good days and bad days, like most things.

I got a lot done during my first 30 days on the hose, but I've been more tired then normal the last week and have needed more then 6 hours per night. I think some of that is how comfortable the new mask is and some of it is just the normal variation in sleep needs.

For settings, I try to take the long view and not fiddle with them more then every week or two.

[Sleepy in Idaho]

Thank you for the replies! It's been a week now and other than a few mask issues, it is remarkable how easy the transition has been and HOW MUCH BETTER I feel in general! I am using a Quattro Mask for her (Pink) but it is a small and today I will trade it for a M or L. Other than that - things are very good.

I had updated my profile with my equipment but in case it isn't showing up - I have a ResMed S9 with the H5i humidifier with heated elements...or something like that! Anyway - much,much quieter than the oxygen machine which I am still using but hope to ditch soon.

Thank you again!

Debbie

[mzlaura1884]

Welcome! I just started this journey too i am on week 3! You got a great machine i see

[chunkyfrog]

Many of us have had so much improvement that we begin to notice the little things that
would have bothered us had we not been so distracted by not getting sleep.
A new mattress suddenly becomes very important.
Sleep just gets better and better.

[krncpa]

I am also new to this. A friend of mine told me about this site and I am soooo glad she did!! Had my 2nd sleep study last night where they did the machine calibrating. I've actually had OSA for a number of years, but stopped using the cpap a couple of years ago as I just couldn't get used to any of the masks I tried (and yes, I will finish my profile to add what I'm using now). But the fatigue got so bad that it was ruining my life. I'm self-employed and barely working 3 days a week which is killing me financially, so I am determined to keep with the therapy this go-around.

[DoriC]

Thank you for the replies! It's been a week now and other than a few mask issues, it is remarkable how easy the transition has been and HOW MUCH BETTER I feel in general! I am using a Quattro Mask for her (Pink) but it is a small and today I will trade it for a M or L. Other than that - things are very good.

I had updated my profile with my equipment but in case it isn't showing up - I have a ResMed S9 with the H5i humidifier with heated elements...or something like that! Anyway - much,much quieter than the oxygen machine which I am still using but hope to ditch soon.

Thank you again!

Debbie

Hi Debbie, Welcome! I think this is the mask you're using, the Quattro FX for Her.
You have the Quattro Full Face in your profile. I know, it gets confusing!

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... -mask.html

[Sleepy in Idaho]

Wow - I really hope it works for you. I know for me it doesn't really matter what it takes to make it work - my life without it is unbearable and I don't want to spend the next 40 or 50 years of my life (should I live that long!) suffering and/or having my life cut short.

My husband is currently working overseas - since January of this year and expected to return in March of 2014 - so tonight I was actually able to show him on Skype what the mask looks like for when we are together. Sexy - NOT!! But his mom had one before she passed away, so he already knew what to expect. I guess my point is that like you said - you will make it work because your life literally depends on it!

Best of luck to you - I know in my first week I have already received lots of support and great information & ideas by reading previous and current posts - and by the responses.

Happy Sleeping!!

Debbie

[Xney]

Being happy and awake is sexy and I doubt he'll mind some increased energy..

[zoocrewphoto]

Many of us have had so much improvement that we begin to notice the little things that
would have bothered us had we not been so distracted by not getting sleep.

Is that what is going on? In suddenly a sleep connoisseur now?

The last week, I have been bothered by every little noise and movement. I thought it was because I got a new cushion, so I changed back to the old cushion. Still annoyed by hissing that normally doesn't bother me that badly.