5 Nights Doing Better Than Expected

[busylady]

Hubby thought I had apnea. Had high morning BP readings, and sometimes am headaches that went away with a few deep breaths. Sleep study was horrid experience, like airplane sleep, so was surprised they got any data. Did sleep a couple hours during titration. Like my equipment. Absolutely no noise with machine. May get some hissing (is that leakage) with air pillow, but can stop it with a bit of adjustment. Had to sleep on back because I'd hurt both shoulders doing yard work. Did manage to sleep on left side (normal position) a short time last night. Didn't have to adjust pillows last night, but realized this am I'd forgotten to put in my mouth guard, so that may affect the fit of the pillows. Was concerned about dry mouth/throat, but not a problem. I had been breathing through nose and exhaling through mouth for years, so have been trying to retrain myself in past month. Can read a bit of data on machine, but Dr. appt not for 30 days because of Medicare requirements. He's quite good, so hope he'll explain and show reports and allow me access to info.

[harry33]

welcome busylady

you are doing well, remember you can sleep anyway so do get comfortable in bed, it also helps to have daytime naps using CPAP while you make up your sleep debt

[W_HAMILTON]

I get some random hissing every now and then, too. I'm not sure what it is. I think it has something to do with me exhaling forcefully, but it seems to go away after awhile.

Let us know how you feel as you continue to use the machine

[gasp]

How have you been? Assuming busy : ))

[busylady]

Thought I was "better than expected" until 6th night when AHI was 23.2, compared to 6.8 average previously. Then last night I was awake from 1:15-3:45 when I took off the gear and gave up. Leakages and pressure that hurt the septum. 20 min. later I tried again. Note I have FX pillows. I noticed it said "S" on the side, and I was supposed to have XS. Have really narrow nare on one side. I did dose until 4:45; had a leakage. Dosed again until 5:15. Know I had opened mouth to exhale and "motorboat" during that time. Hubby said he could hear whistling/leakage. Gave up at 5:45, ate breakfast and went back to bed at 6:20 - 8:45. Fortunately I'm retired and had nothing on schedule for today. Last night's data won't register on machine until 4:30 today. Was going to call DME today, but decided to wait until Monday. Don't see that a strap would help because I can still open my lips and breathe out. I plan to tape my mouth tonight to see if my leakage goes down from the 70s. That may tell me that I really do need the full mouth/nose mask. I wanted to avoid that because I have rosacea that has gotten worse in the last year, and I thought the pillows would be less intrusive. I don't have software for printouts which I'm going to plead for. Seems like I could better determine when the apneas occur... side/back sleeping, and the type of leakage. I've always been one to research and do a lot of my own medical diagnoses. Another ? -- what happens when you get a cold/stuffed nose if you use the pillows?

[Pugsy]

what happens when you get a cold/stuffed nose if you use the pillows?

I take OTC decongestant or cold meds then I crank up the humidifier and sleep about as well as to be expected with a cold.
In 2 years maybe 3 colds. Usually wake up breathing much better through nose than when I went to bed.
Some cpap users prefer to use a full face mask for these times but I don't own full face mask because they cause me more problems due to my neck and the lower straps needed to secure FF mask. If I have to use a wee bit of Afrin, I will do it.

Some people use the neti pot nasal rinses but I haven't felt the need to resort to those.

I am lucky though because I don't have much seasonal allergy symptoms. Extra humidity seems to really help me. Others it may not. Each person has to figure out what works the best for them.

[gasp]

If I have to use a wee bit of Afrin, I will do it.

I do that too only when it is absolutely necessary because my nose feels like camels of the Sahara marched through it all night when I use nasal spray : )