Fell asleep w/o mask while lying down

kteague · Post by **kteague** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 9:20 am

Well, what a rude awakening I had this morning. While I do doze upright in my recliner without my mask (family says no snoring or apparent breathing issues), I've not layed down flat in the bed without it in probably a year at least. This morning the phone rang, I pulled off my mask in anticipation of answering it, but in my stupor turned the ringer off and fell back asleep.

My last sleep study showed moderate to severe OSA. I've since been on Prednisone for several months and gained more weight, so I figured my apnea is likely quite severe. In the old days I would wake myself up snoring, but was never aware of an apnea event. I'd read on here where others described being aware of events.

A couple times I semi awakened briefly, aware of having been trying to breathe, and knew I should wake up and put on my mask. But the last time my awareness happened while my body was moving struggling desperately to breathe and it was frightening. For that brief moment I felt as if I was suffocating. That time I fully awakened - to a splitting headache in the lower back of my head.

I never doubted I needed to use the machine. But today I believe it in a brand new way.

Kathy

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 10:52 am

Hey, it happens. Sorry buddy!!!!

{Kathy}
Babs

Country4ever · Post by **Country4ever** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 10:53 am

What a bummer Kathy. I hope you're not having too miserable a day now.
I quit using mine for 2 days, to see if it would help my sinuses, and I could hardly function! I have a new appreciation for it too!
We're so lucky that there's this option for us!

wabmorgan · Post by **wabmorgan** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 9:59 pm

Anonymous wrote:Hey, it happens. Sorry buddy!!!!

{Kathy}
Babs

My thoguhs exactly.... Sorry.

michaelho · Post by **michaelho** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 3:53 am

That happens to me if I go to sleep and somehow lose the mask because I'm so tired and must take it off. I wake up feeling like I'm suffocating but the headache is the worst. It's an extreme pain in the back of the head that will not go away. I cannot lie down ,particularly on my side as it is really bad. I HAVE to get up, take pain killers and wait for over an hour (upright) before I can try to sleep again. Does anyone else have these headaches with similar symptoms?

Ms Piggy · Post by **Ms Piggy** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 5:56 am

Headaches, initially, were my only symptom so consequently I was not diagnosed with sleep apnea for years. I finally read a small article on O.S.A. that made me think that it could be my problem. what a relief!

tangents · Post by **tangents** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 6:51 am

Kathy,

I really hope you're having a better day today!

The most agonizing period in my life was the months (yes, months, thanks to a rotten sleep doctor) between my sleep study and the arrival of my CPAP. I'd awaken several times a night, gasping for air, with my heart pounding in my ears. Once I knew my statiscits (AHI = 37, O2 = 70%, length of events > 1 minute) I was terrified that I wouldn't survive until I got my machine. I'm sure that's why I never mind hosing up at night, and try really hard not to fall asleep on airplanes, in front of the TV, or in boring meetings! Having my CPAP is like having my own guardian angel watch over me every night.

Also, a chronic migraine sufferer for countless years, I haven't had a migraine since my CPAP arrived. Good riddence to them!

Good luck, Kathy, I know you've had many issues with your CPAP. I enjoy reading your insightful posts, and admire your tenacity!

Cathy

Treesap · Post by **Treesap** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 8:12 am

I don't even want to remember those headaches.....so sorry to hear this.

I went to sleep at 10:30 last night, and woke up at 3:00 a.m. without my mask on. I usually don't take my mask off at night, so I was a little confused. I have no idea how long it was off, but I know I woke up to apnea events because I felt my heart racing. I put my mask back on and went back to sleep. I don't feel great this morning, but it's not as bad as it was before cpap therapy.

Pineapple · Post by **Pineapple** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 9:00 am

Michaelho,

I have had those headaches since the late 60's. About my 3rd week on CPAP I woke up one morning and realize the headache wasn't there and didn't need a painkiller. Funny about that same time, stopped having problems taking my mask off at night (subconsious light bulb???)

At my second sleep study, the sleep tech pulled out my "symptom survey" and asked how long I had had each sysptom. When I told her about the headaches, she exclaimed "OMG, I wonder how long you have had apnea!"

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