Newbie Question

HopefulNewbie · Post by **HopefulNewbie** » Fri Jun 30, 2017 7:23 pm

When I picked up my CPAP, I must say that the tech rushed though the instructions. And I didn't know what to expect or really what questions I needed to ask. So, please bear with me if my question sounds ridiculous!
Being on the machine about a month, I do feel I have more energy. I often times want to lie down in the afternoon for a short nap and I always use my CPAP. Most of the time in the afternoon, I do not actually sleep but resting for an hour or so seems to do me a lot of good. My question is: Does using the CPAP machine help my body and organs, even if I am not sleeping? In my mind, I am thinking that the terrific intake of oxygen is good for me.

bigdave36 · Post by **bigdave36** » Fri Jun 30, 2017 7:47 pm

Not surehow...your lungs can only hold so much air and a cpap can't add to your lungs volume.

Julie · Post by **Julie** » Fri Jun 30, 2017 9:02 pm

Not sure if the others understood your question, because using Cpap definitely improves your overall function and health, so it stands to reason that whether you're asleep or not, you should feel good all around. Theoretically anyway.

I wonder though if your min. pressure has been set too low for you to not necessarily need afternoon naps... do you know your settings?

chunkyfrog · Post by **chunkyfrog** » Fri Jun 30, 2017 9:26 pm

HopefulNewbie wrote:When I picked up my CPAP, I must say that the tech rushed though the instructions. And I didn't know what to expect or really what questions I needed to ask. So, please bear with me if my question sounds ridiculous!
Being on the machine about a month, I do feel I have more energy. I often times want to lie down in the afternoon for a short nap and I always use my CPAP. Most of the time in the afternoon, I do not actually sleep but resting for an hour or so seems to do me a lot of good. My question is: Does using the CPAP machine help my body and organs, even if I am not sleeping? In my mind, I am thinking that the terrific intake of oxygen is good for me.

Even if you do not think you slept, it is good to relax fully. If the cpap allows that, then go with it.
No need to understand why. If it works, do it.
Thanks to Google, it is possible to solve the mildest curiosity--but knowing is not always understanding.
Sometimes we just need to "let it be."

HopefulNewbie · Post by **HopefulNewbie** » Fri Jun 30, 2017 10:06 pm

To answer your question My setting starts off at 4 and ramps up to 12.

Julie · Post by **Julie** » Sat Jul 01, 2017 3:55 am

Ok, 4 is the machine's default low setting (high is 20), and most people cannot even breathe at 4, so I'd raise that to 6 or 7 for a few nights to see if you feel any better - it may end up going higher, but for now at least do that. The high setting can be left where it is for now - and possibly forever depending on what software shows when you use it. Unfortunately doctors may know a lot about apnea, but zip about the equipment or even interpretation of the software (designed by a member here and good for Wins and Mac (plus others). Having an 'auto' does not mean machines can do magic - i.e. catch up with apneas at a high level in time to deal with them (or those following), so it's best to start a bit higher even apart from breathing ease.

Download (free) Sleepyhead that most here use - much better/more useful than what shows up on any machine - and follow info. to set up so we can see what's what and advise if needed.

https://sleep.tnet.com/resources/sleepyhead
https://sleep.tnet.com/resources/sleepyhead/shorganize

HopefulNewbie · Post by **HopefulNewbie** » Sat Jul 01, 2017 4:11 am

Is Sleepyhead compatible with my DreamStation? I did download the Dream Mapper that comes with that machine.

Julie · Post by **Julie** » Sat Jul 01, 2017 4:16 am

I''m not aware if it's incompatible, but others here will let you know asap.

compujas · Post by **compujas** » Sat Jul 01, 2017 5:48 am

HopefulNewbie wrote:Is Sleepyhead compatible with my DreamStation? I did download the Dream Mapper that comes with that machine.

The Dreamstation Auto is compatible with sleepyhead. It's what I just got this week as my first machine and have been using it with the software.

compujas · Post by **compujas** » Sat Jul 01, 2017 9:58 am

xxyzx wrote:most people breathe just fine at zero which is atmospheric pressure
why do they have trouble breathing at +4 ???

It's a flow rate problem, not just pressure. The machine fixes the flow rate and doesn't allow you to have as much flow rate as you can achieve without a mask. Try breathing atmo pressure air through a tiny straw and see if it's comfortable.

Julie · Post by **Julie** » Sat Jul 01, 2017 9:59 am

You try it - mask on, lying down, breathing normally.... see if you can, or if you feel starved for air!

HopefulNewbie · Post by **HopefulNewbie** » Sat Jul 01, 2017 12:21 pm

Thanks for the replies.....but I still don't think I understand the answer! Does using CPAP only benefit you when you are asleep?

palerider · Post by **palerider** » Sat Jul 01, 2017 12:39 pm

HopefulNewbie wrote:Does using CPAP only benefit you when you are asleep?

if you're normal and healthy, yes.

if you've got respiratory problems, then various types of cpap can help when you're awake.

Julie · Post by **Julie** » Sat Jul 01, 2017 1:20 pm

My snarky answer re 'you try it" was directed at xxyz, not the OP.

cpapdude1 · Post by **cpapdude1** » Sat Jul 01, 2017 4:20 pm

Yes it helps when not using it.

Because your body and brain and organs were not STRESSED ALL NIGHT while using cpap.

That is the simple answer.

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