How long until I am normal?

[lakejumper]

Chief,

My first few weeks of using the CPAP were exhausting. I felt more tired than before I had gotten it and was ready to give up. I was very conscious of the mask being on my face, trying to match my breathing with the machine, didn't like the feeling of the blowing air on my face, leaks, constant fussing with the masks and so on. I was taking much longer to fall asleep and when I did, I found that I had taken the mask off after a few hours, often without knowing it! I was only wearing the masks for a few hours a night at first. I tried several different types, nasal and full face because I was getting leaks or pressure on my upper lip from the nasal mask. At the recommendation of a friend who has been using a CPAP for several years, I consulted with my doctor and I tried taking 1/2 to a whole pill of Unisom (strong antihistamine) and it helped me go to sleep and get over the learning hump. I finally just started to go to sleep and kept the mask on. I have felt much better after using the CPAP now for a couple of months as I am getting 7 good hours of sleep a night. This forum has been great for support and encouragement.

[BlackSpinner]

Did anyone export the data into excel? I would like to look atthe data in a different way and include other factors not enabled by the software.

The data can be exported from ResScan in .csv format and read in Excel (via File, then Export). You select the patient file(s) and then you can select a range of dates or all data. I haven't written any application in Excel to manipulate the data, but I'd be interested to know if anyone else has!

It is easier to open excel, tools menu=> import data from file. Then you specify the delimiters (usually commas) then you can define any special columns (like foreign dates)

CSV files can also be opened in Notepad but you get cross eyed looking at them but if you are not sure about the delimiters and the data it helps to see the raw stuff.

[Catnapper]

I have read here that if you are taking your mask off without realizing it, that a way to possibly prevent that is to add bits of tape to the mask to attach it to your face. That would make it harder to remove, although not impossible, and you might wake up sufficiently to know you are removing the mask. You could also wear gloves or mittens to further hinder mask removal.

I think it is a natural reaction to push away that strange thing on your face. Lots of people report doing it.

As for the apneas, I would venture a guess that your pressure needs to be adjusted. Perhaps your doctor would prescribe a month-long test with an auto-pap with a range that includes higher pressures than your current one.

Good luck. I think you will notice improvement in time.

Catnapper - Joanie

[CAsleep]

Desperate in DM,

I am in your boat...I am new to this, and had heard stories of immediate results. I was disappointed when I woke up the first morning and realized I still felt horribly tired. I suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome. Just hoping and praying this will help!

Good luck!