Nap with CPAP?

[Reddwarf]

Do you nap with your CPAP?

I don't but I think I need to. It's a psychological thing with me I guess. At night there is somewhat of a routine I go through. Things like like rinsing with Neil Med, washing face, checking water level of humidifier, wiping down the mask, etc. A nap, in my opinion, should be a more spontaneous event. I want to just go crash for a bit. But then I don't wake refreshed. If I used the CPAP for the nap I might be more refreshed from a nap and instead of groggy.

[scrapper]

It's sleep apnea.........if you're going to sleep, use the mask.

That being said, I've occassionally been know to throw off the mask an hour before I get up, and flip on my stomach like pre-cpap days.......... It's usually a mistake I regret.

[BrianR4743]

Wanna nap? Use the PAP! Otherwise feel like cr#@!

The goal is to keep that airway open, even if for just a short time. Feeling poor after napping just doesn't seem worth the effort.

[Hawthorne]

I ALWAYS use the cpap when I nap unless I doze off accidentally. I don't do that often but do get caught sometimes. I am usually sitting up in my recliner though if that happens.

When I lie down for a nap, I don't go through the whole night time ritual. I just pop on the mask and lie down. I even take the smart card out so as not to mess up my night time data.

[BlackSpinner]

Yep with a nap too - otherwise your O2 levels drop. Remember it is not about sleeping but about breathing.

[BrownEyes]

most of the time i do nap with my CPap. but sometimes i do not. and yes you can tell the difference

[mars]

Hi RedDwarf

Yes, you can nap safely without using your cpap machine, if you use an oximeter which will sound an alarm if your oxygen levels start desaturating. There has been a lot of discussion about this in the past, with many irrational posts about it.

But the facts remain the same, for a casual nap (usually sitting up), then just setting the oximeter and slipping it on your finger, then you are safe from desaturation should apneas occur. For myself, more often than not, apneas do not occur, and I can get in a good hour or so of quality sleep. If I do get enough apneas to start desaturationg (I set my alarm to go off at less than 89 SpO2), I wake up immediatly. If I find this happens more than once at the start of a session I usually give up on the nap, realising that my current state is not suitable for an apnea free nap. However, I usually I find that I can have a reasonable nap without desaturating - and therefore in safety.

You can view the original arguements in the thread -

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=44264&st=0&sk=t&sd=a

and make up your own mind.

The oximeter I use is the CMS-60D, which works without any problems, as well as giving me overnight data when I want it.

Enjoy your naps, but make sure you use an oximeter, and it seems to work better sitting up.

cheers

Mars

[elg5cats]

Do you nap with your CPAP? I don't but I think I need to. It's a psychological thing with me I guess. At night there is somewhat of a routine I go through. Things like like rinsing with Neil Med, washing face, checking water level of humidifier, wiping down the mask, etc. A nap, in my opinion, should be a more spontaneous event. I want to just go crash for a bit. But then I don't wake refreshed. If I used the CPAP for the nap I might be more refreshed from a nap and instead of groggy.

Napping is sleeping, sleep apnea occurs when sleeping, CPAP is prescribed for use while sleeping, Apneas don't know the difference between your regular sleep period and napping...Umm, or we would have SMART sleep apnea!!!!

For best results, use your xPAP when you sleep.

elg5cats

[Reddwarf]

Everyone is right. I should get myself in the right frame of mind and end the denial. If I'm going to nap, I need to use the CPAP.

Mars, thanks for the link to your thread. It was an interesting read until it somehow spiraled out of control. It opened my eyes a lot to the reality of the situation. I can see your point of a true nap and using the finger devise to warn you. Makes sense. But for me, when I nap I really mean sleep. I plop down on the bed and crash. It confounds me that I fall asleep fast and easy if I lay down during the day, but come night time I have trouble falling asleep.

Bottom line is, I fell like crap after a nap, not refreshed so what's the point? I just need to get over it and slap on that mask!

[Geminidream]

I'm in agreement with the other posts. Your body does not know the difference between napping for a short while and sleeping a normal amount of time. I don't usually need a nap most of the time so far, but when I do, I definitely hook up. Why not keep yourself as refreshed as possible?

[WindFlyer]

Days when I'm lazing around the house I will wear the mask while I'm in the recliner watching movies on TV. That way I know when I eventually doze off I'll be safe. It's far too easy for me to fall asleep watching TV so I just mask up whenever I do it on the weekends.

[SkepticalOne]

I put on my xPAP when I am going to take a nap. I figure if I need the sleep, I would like it to be good sleep

[Muse-Inc]

I don't wanna die soon, so if I intend to sleep I maskup. Now if I had a alarmable oximeter, I might try Mars plan

[elg5cats]

Days when I'm lazing around the house I will wear the mask while I'm in the recliner watching movies on TV. That way I know when I eventually doze off I'll be safe. It's far too easy for me to fall asleep watching TV so I just mask up whenever I do it on the weekends.

WindFlyer: You avatar vehicle is impressive.

elg5cats

[rise&shiner]

I thought I could just take naps the good old fashion way without my mask only to discover that my snoring or lack of scared me that now when I take a nap in my recliner I have my cpap and mask next to me so I don't have any excuse for not napping a la mask.

I do feel more refreshed napping with my mask but I am also napping for a longer period of time. I think everyone is in agreement wearing a mask at anytime closing ones eyes is better than napping nude (maskless)