Proof Positive!

[DoriC]

If ever I needed a reminder of the evils of OSA I got it this morning. Mike fell asleep in his recliner while reading his morning paper without putting on his mask and luckily I came into the room . I was horrified to see his mouth repeatedly dropping open,breathing stop for a few seconds, gasping, eyes fluttering open, mouth finally closing and starting to breathe again. His skin was pale and he looked like he was having a nightmare. I watched for just a few minutes and of course I half woke him and helped him put his mask on and he then slept peacefully for another 45mins. He just woke up and was vaguely aware of what had happened, but noted that he was feeling a little "dopey", not the same energy level after his usual short nap with his machine on. BTW, he slept over 8hrs last night with no disturbances or leaks, AHI=1.2. I hope this is a reminder to any others who think it's OK to nap without their cpap.

[6PtStar]

You are absolutely correct. I had a very similar experance. Had the tendency to fall asleep in my recliner while watching TV. The shows nowdays are so stimulating!!!!! When I got a back-up machine instead of putting it in the closet until I needed it, I set it up on a table next to my recliner with my older mask. Now when things get dull I slip it on and if I fall asleep then I enjoy the nap with the mask.

Jerry

[Roman Hokie]

I've only napped twice since I started CPAP therapy last Tuesday night. (8 nights, now?)

Both without CPAP and both about an hour in the recliner from like 10-11. I generally wake up about every few minutes I know because I see the television show that's on). Not sure if I get to the apneas.

[SleepyT]

Dori,

So glad you came into the room! It is an excellent example to others! Thank you for the story!

T.

[DreamOn]

Dori, you are such an asset to this forum! It really helps to have reminders like this from someone who is an "observer," since those of us who use CPAP ourselves are not always aware of what's really happening as we sleep.

[Roman Hokie]

I've read the following before:

Dori's always right.

[newhosehead]

I've read the following before:

Dori's always right.

Yes, I agree. She is one of the real inspirations on this forum, someone you feel you admire without ever having met them in person.

And Dori, I have come to really relate to your post. I have, on only a few occasions, fell asleep on the couch or in a chair and I wake repeatedley with the feeling of my throat closing off. It is scary and I am now afraid to go to sleep without my machine. It really makes you wonder how you slept with that for so long.

Jeanette

[carbonman]

Dori's always right.

...and she has the authority to put you in time out.....

.....if need be.

[SleepyT]

Dori's always right.

...and she has the authority to put you in time out.....

.....if need be.

[Roman Hokie]

Did I say something inappropriate, carbonman?

[elena88]

Thank you for the reminder, as I have slept the last two nights without my apap.

[OceanGoingGal]

I live alone and would have no help if I slept without my c-pap and got into trouble. That machine is on me even for short naps. Thank you Dori for the reminder of what could happen were I to not mask up.

Laura

[Janknitz]

My favorite weekend "activity" is napping in the recliner while pretending to watch a movie. I don't take my CPAP out there because I have a teenager who finds this all just too embarassing for words. But when I fall asleep that way, I certainly snore and often wake choking on reflux. I feel horrible afterward.

So no more chair naps--I'm trying to lie on my bed and wear the hose for those naps. I feel so much better when I do.

[carbonman]

Did I say something inappropriate, carbonman?

No....just a heads-up.

[Roman Hokie]

Ah. Kthxbai.