Newbie, night 2, question list. (omg I want to sleep!)

[2am]

I finally got my CPAP, and after night 2, I still can't sleep. Night 1 was a nightmare, I won't even get into that, but night 2 had its own difficulties.
My settings are:
auto ramp to 15
humidity 4
temp 70
I use a nasal mask

I went to bed about 9 already tired and looking forward to actually sleeping. It took a while to get comfortable and to find a position that agreed with both me and the headgear. I lay there and got so incredibly relaxed... but its like my mind wouldn't shut up and go to sleep. I kept thinking everything from 'I have a mask on' to 'I wonder how my dog breathes under the covers' and kept envisioning all kinds of scenarios from past, present, and possible future. I would smile, laugh, or need to clear my throat, yawn, or shift just a little and cause a leak and have to readjust the mask. That went on til midnight. I got up to get some water and use the bathroom, and tried again. Same thing. I lay there quite rested, but kept thinking about stuff and tossing and turning. After a while of that, quite suddenly everything went dry and I had to cough. The water had ran out. SIGH. I got up again to refill that at 4am, and once again tried to sleep. I think I may have finally slept a couple hours this morning, because I woke up from being asleep.

Here are my questions if anyone more experienced can help:

Would it be safe to take a sleep aid like Zquil or night time pain med?
If I turn the humidity or temp lower, would the water last longer?
Would an optional chin strap hold the head gear in place better?
Is there a 'best' position for CPAP sleep?

Do you do anything with the machine during the day?
When you get up for the day, do you leave it all plugged in?
I know you put the mask up and clean the water reservoir, but do you leave the hoses attached all the time?

Thanks so much everyone! I'm determined to make this part of my life.

[Cardsfan]

Hi- please fill in your profile with your equipment info. We can help you better.
Ask your Dr. about sleep aids. We do not know what is safe for you to take personally.
Water should last longer with a lower humidity setting.
Best sleep position for obstructive apnea is on your side. Flat on the back is worst.

When I get up, I empty the water tub, rinse it out and leave it set next to the machine. Wipe the mask with a baby wipe, then lay it across the pillow. At bedtime, put distilled water in humidifier. Leave it plugged in all the time. Leave it all assembled, including hose.

I'm not familiar with chin straps.

Many of us believe the long hose does not need to be cleaned on the inside.

[Mudrock63]

I take ZQuil occasionally. A single Benadryl or generic equivalent works just as well. I also use a nasal mask, and have to keep it strapped on pretty tight since I am on high pressure. I try to sleep on my side with my face at the edge of the pillow to keep from dislodging the mask or having the exhalation vents blowing back into my face. Sometimes I end up on my back, and when I do my AHI is generally higher by a half point. Some folks do use the mask during the daytime, watching TV or whatever, to acclimate themselves to having it on their face.

This is a large change. So long as you embrace it, you will get used to it. You need to play with the adjustable straps until you get a somewhat comfortable fit that prevents as much leakage as possible. Almost everyone else goes through bumps in the therapy early on. So don't feel like you are alone.