Finally, a good night's sleep!

[SlapShot]

But it was without CPAP... I've been having trouble getting used to this process, and I'd finally had enough of it last night.

I originally went on CPAP to see if it'll help with my insomnia. I do have sleep-disordered breathing (AHI of 15, all hypopneas, with no desaturations, but some respiratory arousals), and my doctor wanted to see if the SDB is contributing to my insomnia. However, CPAP seems to have made the insomnia worse - I just can't sleep with the mask touching my face and the sound of the machine, the inability to sleep on my stomach and side. Even when I fall asleep, I swear I can hear the CPAP in the back of my mind (to make matters more complicated for me, I have some sleep-state misperception.)

I envy those of you who can fall asleep attached to the machine. I've had a few nights where I've slept 4-5 hours with it. I either was really, really tired when I went to bed or I fell asleep first, woke up at 3am and put the mask on while I was still half-asleep.

[brackstone]

what sort of machine / mask combination do you have slapshot? I'd like to offer any advice as a prior sleep apnea newb turned self-proclaimed master of slumber

[kteague]

Sorry to hear you're off to such a rough start. For those with insomnia not caused by their breathing problems, I can only imagine the mask would be another brick on the pile of reasons to stay awake. Some on here have discussed that their insomnia indeed improved after the adjustment phase, as their breathing was a contributing factor to their sleepliness.

You didn't say how long you've been at this or how many masks you've tried. It can take a VERY long time for some (like me). Don't give up till you're out of options, which folks on here are very helpful with.

Best wishes.

Kathy