First Night

[Tom140ph]

I am so glad there is an online community dedicated to the support and education to those of us using cpap machines.
I would like to thank you all in advance for the potential flood of questions I may have ( provided the search feature fails me )

I made it through my first night using my new bedtime buddy and would like to share the experience.

It was difficult at first actually getting to sleep because I found myself concentrating on how I was breathing, listening for leaks when the airflow felt different (full mask), wondering if the humidifier was actually working, should I actually try sleeping on my back the first night...

I fell asleep eventually but awoke with an itch on my nose. It was a chore to get to the itch without unclipping the mask, but I was able to lift the mask just far enough away from my face (which creates farting noises btw) to reach the itch.
I would have unclipped the mask but I have such a problem finding the bottom right clip and takes a few minutes to get the clip seated.

I'll need to practice that.

I had to get up one time to use the restroom.
Removed the mask, did my thing, came back and the cpap had shut off automatically.
So I spent a few moments becoming annoyed at trying to find that clip and get situated again.
Turned the machine back on and received a hot, moist blast in the face. Kind of like when you left the AC on in your car on a hot day and start it up.
So I knew the humidifier was working and reset the level back down from 8 to 5.

I had about an hour left before my alarm was supposed to go off so I decided to make the most of it.

I nod off every day at work. Not a day passes when I do not fall asleep at my desk. It has always been embarassing and really upsetting to me.

Today I have not, nor have I any desire to nod off.
I have more energy and can think more clearly.

If this is what I get after a night like that, I can't wait until I am used to this.

I am sold and I am a fan.

~Tom

[kurtchan]

Tom,

Congratulations on surviving your first night so well! Usually we hear (and tell) horror stories about getting no sleep, waking up without the mask and not knowing why and all sorts of other things. From your description, it sounds like your first night was above average.

To your point about taking off the mask for any reason during the night, it is a good idea to practice while you're fully awake and in a well-lit room, preferrably looking in a mirror. Then, once you get the hang of it, put it back on, lie down in your bed with the lights turned off and try to reproduce the same motions. If you do this well in advance of your regular bedtime it should really help. Depending upon the type of mask you're using and how much of a hassle you have with the clips, you might also consider simply unhooking the hose from the machine and going to the bathroom with the mask still in place. Just a thought...

Glad to know that you're wide awake at work today and hope your CPAP therapy continues to go well. Please keep us posted and, by all means, share any questions or insights with the group. Everybody has a different experience, but by sharing those experiences we gain collective knowledge.

Good luck!

Kurtchan

[Sleepless in St. Louis]

Not to steal the thread, but I had to say this to KurtChan. You're one of the good example of why this board is so great and why it continues to flourish. I read alot, do not post too much. I remember you showing up as a newbie and asking all the usual questions. Now you're giving advice to the next crop of newbie. Isn't it great?

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): newbie

[Goofproof]

Welcome Tom, You might take the time to go to the top of the screen and fill out your profile, showing the equiptment you use and the pressures ect, it will help us when giving advice to know what's up.

Much good onfo here to be gleaned, enjoy. Jim

[inacpapfog]

Always great to hear about success so early in the game!
Way to go, Tom!

[Tom140ph]

Thank you for the feedback!

you might also consider simply unhooking the hose from the machine and going to the bathroom with the mask still in place.

Have you always been a genius?


I plan on filling out my profile as soon as I get home.

I had forgotten to mention about my ears popping when I swallow with the mask on. Is this something I will just have to get used to?

~Tom

[Goofproof]

Don't drop the hose in the stool, it's been done before. (Not by me!)

[Tom140ph]

Don't drop the hose in the stool, it's been done before. (Not by me!)

ROFL

First thing that came to mind after reading that was "My first night as an elephant was horrible..."

I will be very aware to leave the hose behind.

[kurtchan]

Tom,

Thank you for your compliments on my suggestions. I hope they help. And yes, according to my mother, I have always been a genius. However, she does have a slightly skewed opinion...

Let us know how things go and, as Goofproof said, for G-d's sake don't drop your mask in the john! I don't think the warranty covers that type of damage!

Sleepless in St. Louis,

Thank you also for your nice comments. I've learned so much from the folks at this site that it is nice to be able to pass it along with a "spin" from my own personal experience. As a good friend of mine is fond of saying "Karma is a boomerang" so I feel that it's my duty to help in any way I can, even if it's just by being supportive.

Kurtchan

[Sleepless in St. Louis]

It's funny it seems that many cpap-ers have a "pay it forward" approach to helping pepple. I don't have any other cronic heath concerns besides apnea and what goes along with that. I wonder if people with other afflictions, diabetics (sp) for example have this type of support and community where everyone helps everybody else. Maybe the treatment for other ailments is more straight forward? Anybody know?

Tim

[kteague]

Just want to ditto previous remarks about the support from this group and that I too sometimes smile when I realize a new name has popped up in replies, often right next to a posted question. I've learned 99% of what I know about sleep apnea treatment from the good folks here, and have so much more yet to grasp. (There's quite a learning curve when you start at zilch.) Seems to me the model by which this group functions is simultaneously unique and routine, and is in operation in about every arena of life. The uniqueness comes with the shared experiences. My heart goes out to those who don't have comraderie in their times of need.

Tom140ph, welcome. It's a great community. Don't hesitate to ask questions - gives folks like me an opportunity to learn more.

Below is an example of what I meant by the model being in operation as a natural response to situations in life. Tagged it on the end for those who prefer to avoid "stories".

I once signed up for a water aerobics class in spite of my fear of water (near drowning). For weeks I'd claim the most shallow spot next to the side of the pool. My instructor remarked that I had good form and was getting a good workout - except for that left arm that never let go of the wall. A friend soon caught my enthsiasm and showed up for class, though also concerned at the thought of slipping and going under the water. With my confidence bolstered by a new pair of sure-grip water shoes, I relinquished the wall position to my friend. Imagine my surprise just a few classes later as we assumed our positions and she whispered to me, "Let's scoot over. Here comes a new lady and she looks scared." So my friend warned her about the stripes on the bottom of the pool being more slippery, told her she'd do better with water shoes, and promised to grab her if she fell. I think it's kinda a cycle of life thing.

Kathy

[Tom140ph]

Follow-up: Night 2

I can only remember waking up twice during the night.

The first time was to take my mask off for a minute because it was way uncomfortable and I needed some relief.

The second was when it fell out of my hand and hit the floor waking me up.
I put it back on and went back to sleep.

I feel sleepy today. But I am passing it off as not enough sleep time.
12AM-5AM.

I know I need to make some adjustments on my CPAP but I am unsure what adjustments to make.
The step up starts at 9 and stops at 14. 14 is what was prescribed.

During my sleep study, 140 episodes were recorded without the CPAP.
With the CPAP 0-5 is what I was told.

I will make it a point to get to bed earlier tonight and see if that makes a difference.
I am reading Terry Goodkind's new release and it is quite good. Good enough to keep me up until midnight

I am going to ask for a larger mask as well. I am sure they are not supposed to be painful.
I am breaking out on the bridge of the nose and either side where mask sits which is one reason it hurts.
The other reason is the headgear is bruising my forehead.
I have tried all the adjustments. A little more sore to the touch today.

I have been looking at all the different types of masks and have seen the negative remarks on the type of mask I am using ( no argument here )
and noticed quite a few for the nose with rave reviews.
I have allergies and a deviated septum. I can rarely breathe through my nose, so those are out.

I have plenty of time to check out all my options and tweak where needed.
I will follow up again when I find the right setup for me.

I wonder if people with other afflictions, diabetics (sp) for example have this type of support and community where everyone helps everybody else.

Most definitely. I have seen them for cancer, lupus, hypothyroidism.
If you got it, you can be sure there is online community support.

Sleep tight!

~Tom

[krousseau]

Yes the ears popping when swallowing-with the XPAP on is just one of those things to get used too. I only notice it for a short period after starting up the XPAP. Try taking a sip of water before putting on the mask...that seems to keep me from swallowing for a few minutes until the pressures "stabilize"??

[Ellen]

Tom - The best thing to prevent the forehead bruising is to go to Pad A Cheek and buy her forehead pads. I had much trouble with soreness over the bridge of my nose and finally started using the Band Aid ActivFlex pads on the bridge of nose -helped considerably. If your skin is not sensitive to adhesives you might try a piece of moleskin across the bridge of your nose.

Pad A Cheek also makes great pads for the straps on headgear, which make them much more comfortable against skin.

Good luck!!

Ellen

[krousseau]

By the way-you may be pleasantly surprised about your allergies. Afer about 4-6 weeks of breathing filtered-heated-humidified air 8 hr a day my lifelong/year round allergies are greatly allieviated. Still on allergy meds-but now they work. Someone here said the nasal pillows seemed to actually help-I think the idea was by blowing directly into the nose they push out the nasal passages a bit for some people-I decided to try the Hybrid which has pillows and they do work well for me.