Hello ~ hanging in there but not "there" yet

[hope2sleep]

Hello all,

Haven't been here in a while. Still hanging in there, still wishing I could feel rested and wonderful like some here have told about. I am 6 months into this and have yet to feel that way. Restless leg medication has been added and changes in some of my other medications. I feel frustrated ~ I take the same medications and some nights feel as though I have rested a little better, then other nights don't rest as well. When I had my check in with the sleep clinic, despite getting a new/different mask, the data card still shows air leakes. I can't feel air leakes and for the life of me don't see how it is possible ~ the mask is mashed so tight against my face.......Got a new pillow and that has helped the neck pain that I had started having ~ so that's one good thing at least.

I felt kind of like I slept ok last night and today I woke up tired, and felt tired and sleepy all day.

I haven't seemed to find the combination of the different things that will work for me yet. This whole thing is complicated by being a night shift worker.

I am hoping that even if I haven't been able to feel rested like I had heard that was supposed to be a benefit of this C-pap treatment, that it has maybe helped my heart not to have to work so hard when I sleep.

Thanks for listening

[cassaro]

From what I have read on here it may take awhile to start feeling better. Some get instant results but most have to work towards that goal. How are your leak numbers? Is it possible that your exhausting air through your mouth?

Chuck

[kteague]

Hi. Good to hear you are still hanging in there. Wish you could resolve those pesky leaks. I don't use that mask so can't offer much help there. You are right, even if you don't yet feel rested, treating your apnea is beneficial to your health. Getting the leaks stopped should make it even more so.

Have you been back for a sleep study with the cpap to see if your treatment for limb movements is working? My cpap treatment is absolutely fine, but my poorly controlled limb movements cause me to not fully feel the benefits of a good cpap experience. I do however know that at least my heart isn't stressed with apnea events. Gotta do what we can do.

Good to hear from you again.

Kathy

[Wulfman]

Have you done the "Teflon tape fix" to your Quattro mask?
If not, go up to the Search function and type in "Teflon" and you'll see many discussions about it.....including links with pictures.


Den

[Sleepy Taz]

I can't feel air leaks and for the life of me don't see how it is possible ~ the mask is mashed so tight against my face

hope2sleep,

These masks are designed to be worn loosely and once over tightened you make the leaks worse. The best way to fix this is to loosen all of the straps and put on the mask. Then you tighten the straps only enough so that it holds the mask gently to your face, This will give the pads a chance to expand and form a good seal when you start the machine. If when you start the cpap these are some leaks make minor adjustment with the straps until there are no more leaks. Then lay down in your normal sleep position and make additional minor adjustments if you have leaks. Remember if it hurts your face it is probably too tight. If these adjustments are not successful request a new mask from your DME.

[BlackSpinner]

I have that mask too. Do you sleep on your back? I find I have a high leak rate when I roll on my back. As one falls asleep the muscles relax and the jaws slips backwards into the neck which causes the mask to leak under the lips. There is a little screw adjustment thingy on the forehead part which lets you angle the mask. I agree that it shouldn't be so tight that it feels tight - when the pressure comes on it should inflate against your features. For these machines the leak rate need not be zero.

Also my doctor warned me that for years our brains have not been letting us go into full deep sleep in case we stop breathing so it may take a awhile for your brain to accept that it is really safe to sleep deeply. Remember it took you years to get to this state - it may take months to begin reversing it.