Zoned out

[snorefore]

It has been two weeks since I have started my therapy and have noticed somethingI would like input about:

I am waking up after between 3 1/2 and 4 hours of use and unable to get back to sleep using the unit. I can sometimes get back to sleep without the unit. I notice that during the day, without naps, I feel zoned out, light headed, feeling as if I have been deprived of oxygen.

I will be going for my first sleep test (titration test) with my unit (Remstar Pro and humdifier with ComfortClassic mask) at the end of the month. The current setting is 8cm.

I believe that I have a tendency for mouth breathing which may be part of my problem and have not as yet tried polident strips to tape my mouth shut.

Any thoughts?

Snorefore

[jnk]

I can relate. Felt much the same ways you just explained. Here is my personal theory:

When you first start out, your body is not used to getting effective sleep. When it suddenly starts getting some effective sleep, it is confused at first, and it wakes you up, thinking you've got all the sleep you need. It takes a while for your body to learn that it is OK to stay asleep. It took a few weeks for that to go away for me. I tried not to let it stress me. I just got up and got an early start on the day. Now I can get 7 hours no problem. Try never to sleep without the machine.

Also, it seems that your more effecient breathing at night has an effect on the mechanism that controls your breathing during the day too. It can feel disconcerting as your body sorts that out. Sometimes it can feel for a few seconds as if your on the machine right in the middle of the day. If you are sensitive to that feeling, it can scare you.

Not to mention that your core blood pressure may be going down a bit. That can make you feel light-headed. If it is severe to the point of making you feel like you are going to pass out, mention that to your doctor. If you are on any medicines, the dose(s) may need to be adjusted if your treatment is being successful.

[I edited last sentence to read "if your treatment is being successful" and added "try never to sleep without the machine" to first paragraph to reflect Goofproof's insightful points below.]

[Goofproof]

Lets see, not using it the full sleep time. --- Nasal mask, maybe mouthbreathing --- profile not filled out in text, maybe your machine could use software to collect data maybe not. I can see three reasons for not feeling better right off the bat. I don't understand the retest, except they like more money.

The first thing I would address if the first three problems, not throw more money at them. Jim

[snorefore]

Thanks for your replies. Last night, with a new machine, I was able to sleep for about six hours. When I woke up I noticed that the cannister that holds water for the humidifier function was empty.

Is is safe for me to conclude that if I had a humdifier that could hold more water I would have the liklihood of getting more hours of sleep?


Machine: REMstar Pro M series with Heated Humdifier
Mask: ComfortClassic Nasal

[PhiloHypnos]

I had the exact same issue, especially during the first few months of treatment. waking up, usually after a very vivid dream, and unable to fall asleep again. when I told my RT she seemed clueless and suggested that 6 hours of sleep was all I needed. It most definitely did not feel that way to me at all... was still feeling drowsy and sleep-deprived during the day.

I don't know what causes it, but the problem seems to have slightly and gradually abated, especially with further pressure increases.
I still tend to wake up after 5/6 hours, still after vivid dreams, but now I have no trouble falling back asleep immediately for another few hours, as long as I don't get up or move too much. If I do get up or even reach for a glass of water, however, its impossible to fall asleep again for another 3 hours and I generally feel terrible the whole day.

My hunch is that it is both a symptom of initial adaptation as well as insufficient pressure.

[PhiloHypnos]

ah, forgot to add:

The problem definitely got better, but didn't entirely disappear, when I started using a heated humidifier and then a chin strap.

So, In addition to the causes I suggested previously, I would definitely also add the same other possible causes as goofproof:
- mouth breathing / leaking
- mask leaking
- dried out humidifier

[packitin]

Well, I want to throw my experience into the hat. I've had the very same thing happen. I'm struggling to remain compliant. I'm now slightly below the 4 ave. hrs. of usage. I can get to sleep, but can't stay asleep.
JNK, thanks for that explanation. It was very enlightening and something I didn't know much about. But it helps.
Bye,
Jay

[jnk]

Well, I want to throw my experience into the hat. I've had the very same thing happen. I'm struggling to remain compliant. I'm now slightly below the 4 ave. hrs. of usage. I can get to sleep, but can't stay asleep.
JNK, thanks for that explanation. It was very enlightening and something I didn't know much about. But it helps.
Bye,
Jay

It is only a theory. But then so are most things sleep related.

Depending on your age, time-release melatonin may be of help if you feel like googling.

[echo]

a dried out humidifier and feeling like crap the next morning are pretty good indicators of mouth breathing or mouth leaking. If all the air is going out your mouth then it's not going to keep your throat open, and apnea's will not be prevented. (Dry mouth/throat is another good indicator). Raising the pressure won't help (nor will adding more water to the humidifer)! You have to fix the mouth leaking first. Try a full face mask, taping, or chinstrap.

[rested gal]

I agree with echo that mouth breathing is likely the reason for both problems --

1. the humidifier going dry after less than 8 hours, especially if the heat adjustment is set down as low as "2"

2. not benefiting much from cpap treatment -- treatment can't work well if cpap air is detouring out the mouth. It needs to be breathed down the back of the throat to do its job of pushing soft tissues out of the way.

Now that you have the Pro machine instead of the Plus the originally gave you, Snorefore, you can take a look at the leak rate. Best way to look at that is with the software, like Encore Viewer.