9 Nights, Seems to be Getting Better

[leebrown]

Thanks to all who have posted helpful hints to my past two responses. I loosened up my mask and now don't wake up feeling like someone's been pushing on my nose trying to make a pig face all night. I seem to be sleeping better sometimes. I wake up more at night than I did without the headgear. So far I've only woke up twice with the headgear in my hand.

So here comes the next set of observations. I appears that my AHI number is climbing slowly. Admittedly, it's a little early to establish a trend after just 9 days. I tend to wake up at least once per night and need to adjust to stop a leak. I've been averaging about 5.4 hours per night, with only about 1% large leak on average. I'm not really sleeping any more or less than I did before I started using the machine, but I seem to be detect a change in my alertness during the day. My need for 2 or 3 cups of coffee (my cup holds about 18.5 oz) to stay awake in the afternoon, seems to be easing. However, I find myself far more tired at the end of the day. Rather than floating around in a fog, it's like I'm alert for about 12 hours and then I'm ready to crash and burn. I nod off on the couch when watching TV and working at home, where I used to stay awake.

I remain very hopeful that this machine will help in the long run. Thanks again for your helpful comments.

Blessings,
Lee

[CPAPcub]

Hi,

Glad to hear things are improving for you.

I've had mine about the same length of time. Apart from things like not waking up with a headache, not having to go to the bathroom during the night, and not waking up with pillow soaked in sweat, I've also noticed I can stay awake in the afternoon when reading or using the laptop. Before CPAP, I would be nodding off within minutes of starting to read.

I've started to do something in the evening that I haven't done for years - feel tired for a reason and starting to yawn again!!! Before CPAP I would be awake one moment and asleep the next while watching TV. Now I feel tired but it's because it's late and not because I haven't sleep (if that makes sense).

[leebrown]

CPAPCub,

Actually it does make sense and I suspect it's what I'm starting to recognize. I now have a very active life. I run 5 days a week now with totals between 30 - 50 miles per week. I think I'm beginning to recognize signs of being tired from effort versus exhaustion from sleep deprivation and I'm starting to dream again.

Now if I could just get past the morning stiffness in my neck, I think it's coming from sleeping on my side with this contraption on my head.

Thanks,
Lee

[dtsm]

Great start. I've been at it for just over two months and slowly getting numbers down and feeling better. Still working on my leak issue and trying to find that perfect mask.

It's a long long marathon, pace yourself and stay in touch.

[CPAPcub]

CPAPCub,

Actually it does make sense and I suspect it's what I'm starting to recognize. I now have a very active life. I run 5 days a week now with totals between 30 - 50 miles per week. I think I'm beginning to recognize signs of being tired from effort versus exhaustion from sleep deprivation and I'm starting to dream again.

Now if I could just get past the morning stiffness in my neck, I think it's coming from sleeping on my side with this contraption on my head.

Thanks,
Lee

Hi Lee,

Yes, discomfort from sleeping with the mask on is now something I'm starting to work on. I'm going to be reading the threads on this forum about pillows - I could be here for some time!!!