An update

[allen]

Hi.

After almost a year on CPAP, I'm an avowed proponent of it. I am much more rested and feel "tons" better. I use the Resmed Ultra Mirage Full Face Mask.

Yes, I lose some moments of sleep during the night because of mask noises or leaks. I merely awaken, adjust the mask, and return to sleep. These incidents are not, however, disturbing my REM sleep. The incidents are no different than when one of my dogs sleeping with me happens to stir enough to momentarily awaken me.

I no longer have to wake up in the middle of the night to urinate, as was increasingly happening before CPAP.

I no longer fall asleep at work or behind the wheel.

It does take time to get used to CPAP; time to find the right mask, time to adjust to the right mask, time to adjust to the different sleep patterns.

When I was actively reading the message board, I was certain that I really needed to have the computer software so that I could monitor my sleep. I never did get around to getting any software, and--at this point--I'm glad I didn't invest in it.

I'm using a Resmed APAP. When I have to buy another one, I'll get a Respironics, if that brand still has the humidifier setup that my trial one had. I really don't like having to take the humidifier off of the CPAP unit just to fill it up. Accordingly, I usually don't have any water in it. I don't seem to get dried up enough to have sleep problems, so it's not something I'm forced to do every night. If I did have dry-mouth problems or other issues because of no humidity, I'd be put-out to have to take the CPAP apart merely to add water.

I find it difficult to wake up each morning. That's not a new issue for me, but I sure wish it was one I could easily resolve. Each work morning, I get a computerized wake-up call at 5:00am. At 5:00am, two alarm clocks in my room go off. One is a clock radio that blares. The other is repeated "beep" that I hear. Most mornings I am somewhat aware that the alarm system is in process. I "sleep" through the call, although I can hear the answering machine (in another room) take the call. I hazily hear some of the morning news on the clock radio. The radio plays for one hour. I usually waken--with a bit of a start--after it has stopped playing. The beeping clock is still beeping. The alarms begin at 5:00am. I actually get up between 6:30 and 6:45 most mornings. That's late, because I need to leave my house at 7:00 to get to work by the ideal time. It takes me a good 45 minutes to do enough crossword puzzling and coffee to feel like I'm ready to shower and get on the road. Obviously. I don't get that morning time when I'm sleeping through the alarms.

All in all, though, I'm still sold on CPAP treatment. I don't know what to do to improve the wake up problems, but I don't attribute them to CPAP issues.

Allen

[kteague]

Unless there's something else going on, like your sleep is not in the right amount of the different stages, you may just require more sleep than you're getting to awaken easily in the morning. Or you may be trying to wake up during your body's prime time for sleep. However long you're fighting waking up, move your bedtime back that amount of time and see if it reduces your dependence on your intricate system of waking up. If your body clock is calling for you to sleep at that particular time, it'll take some work to get it off that schedule.

[Offerocker]

Allen,
Congratulations on a success story.
As KTeague suggested, there's most likely more going on...still
Possibly you're retaining old habits.
I am slow to wake up also,always have been.
I take my shower in the evening, as that's when I enjoy it most (and keep the sheets cleaner too). I cannot, repeat, cannot take a shower in the morning! Sheer torture. You could save time by doing it in the evening. You're apparently not one who uses it as a means of 'waking up'.
There could be other issues, as suggested, since a quality sleep 'should' not leave you that groggy in the morning. Also, set the alarm with very little fudge factor - that way you'll have to "get moving". You'll also get additional sleep.
Find a neuro who is a sleep study person - they may have some helpful ideas. You sounded very satisfied with your cpap treatment, which is great.
"However"...it's possibly that you need supplemental oxygen at night - if that's the case, you'd definitely feel better in the morning. You could borrow one from a local DME,
You've stated that you don't feel you need to self-monitor. Maybe it's time for some, since you are, in fact, wasting that time in the morning, then putting yourself through the mad dash to catch up. Or maybe you're a procrastinator at heart?
Here's hoping that you can recoup those lost hours in the morning, Alan.

[inacpapfog]

Allen, I have to agree with the others here!
Sounds like there is more to your "difficult to rise" sleepiness!
Would be real interesting to see some nightly data results!