1st night from CPAP to ASV

[jjlady]

Well last night was my first night from my CPAP to ASV, (I still haven't changed my machine yet in profile, I will after I figure out which machine it is).

The first pressure change shocked me then they got easier, there was some audible leaking sounds on my mask (on the higher pressure times, I tweaked it and it stopped for the rest of the night), and it took me 3-4 hours to fall asleep, and I feel horrible today, in a stupor, I had felt good for along time prior to this, even though my readings were still AHI 15 or so, but funny thing this morning my reading was about the same even on this new machine, 14.something.

I just hope this stupor is shortlived!

[JohnBFisher]

Hang in there. Switching from CPAP to ASV is NOT for the timid. You have to decide to make the therapy work. There are several things I've observed that make it quite a challenge:

First, that bloody pressure change WILL awaken you if you are not used to it. And that's the key. After two or three months you won't even notice it anymore. Okay, every now and then you note it. But it's your new "normal" at that point. You will sleep through those changes. And that's why you feel like crap now .. you are NOT used to the pressure changes and they awaken you.

Second, the mask tends to flex a lot during those pressure changes. That leads to lots and lots of leaking. Sometimes using a mask liner helps.

Third, you won't notice it for a while, but you WILL go through more masks than someone on CPAP. Why? Those pressure changes cause your mask to flex more and that tends to make the mask get stiffer. And a stiff mask tends to leak.

But hang in there. You will soon sleep more soundly and will feel much better. And don't be afraid to ask questions.

[jjlady]

Thanks John, I am most concerned about the beginner stupor. I remember the first few weeks on the CPAP, I was a zombie, but we were not so busy at work, but now we are busy, I need to function, luckily I have some modifinal as an emergency.

Yes I noticed my mask expanded during big pressure.

Also I am a bit concerned about my AHI still being the same, but then again, I moved around alot last night so maybe that is why it is high. I guess the settings could need to be tweaked after I have some history on it.

If this doesn't work, I guess there is no other option, but I guess AHI 15 is better than AHI 41 (which is what it was without any treatment)!

[Zzzzzzzzzzz...]

I'm new to it as well... (couple months, maybe). You WILL get used to it. I have little trouble falling asleep, or staying asleep on ASV. The only issue I find on ocassion is if I wake up earlier than normal and can't get back to sleep with the pressure changes/pulses. I simply reset the machine and start over... it's much easier to adjust to then. Also, this may not apply to you, but my pressure needs are pretty low- so I'm still able to wear a nasal pillow mask and sleep without a chin strap. I get some leaks, but nothing too severe, at least that I feel effects me anyway. I've played with pressures recently to chase a few residual hypopneas, and so far they've been decreasing steadily for a couple nights now... my AHI is down to about 3+ but mainly- you guessed it hypopneas...

Good luck to you!

B

[The Sheikh]

Hey, JJ -

Glad you are on-line with your new ASV.

The high AHI you are seeing is probably your nervous system reacting to the new and foreign changes. After all, this is the first time in your life you have ever slept with a breath-pacing machine. Same thing can happen when sleeping in a new place for the first time, eating too late, etc.

You might try wearing the mask and breathing for a few hours during the daylight, sitting up, to get your overall body acclimated to it. You want your fully awake, conscious mind to accept and trust it too.

In my case, I adapted to the ASV the first night and slept like a log. It CAN be done. I used to wake up 4-6 times during the night to hit the bathroom. Now, it's maybe one time in the morning - but sometimes I sleep through 8 hours without a break. This is outstanding and attributed to the ASV therapy.

To be honest, I actually look forward to going to sleep now. I used to dread it cuz of the breathing panics. It's so much fun to hit the pillow and fall asleep within five minutes now. I used to lay awake for a hour or more just thinking and thinking. It's heaven with these ASV machines. Hope you can say the same thing in a few weeks too... Hang on like a bulldog.

Tom

[SleepingUgly]

Switching from CPAP to ASV is NOT for the timid.

Yikes. Well, I've never been called "timid". Not to my face anyway. Probably were afraid I'd punch them if they called me timid...

[JohnBFisher]

... Well, I've never been called "timid". ... Probably were afraid I'd punch them if they called me timid... ...

LOL! If I say I tend to agree that "timid" might not be a good "label" for you, can I duck as I'm saying that? ..

[Xney]

I don't have the crazy breathing issues from some ASV users, but I found if I tried to breathe naturally yet with the machine's pace, it got easier over time. Took some adjustment.

I was used to Bi-Level already, though. I think going from CPAP to ASV is a much bigger adjustment than bi-level to ASV. But it's quite worth it if you have the issues that an ASV addresses..