TERRIBLE !st NIGHT SLEEP

[dreamy]

Hi, karen here from Australia, it is soooo hot here. 40 degrees.
Anyway i went to sleep practitioner, and set me up for 1 month trial, using the Phillips Respironics auto A-flex machine, i was very happy that finally i can get the help i need. And using the Ladies lifepro with nasal cannula. Settling into bed on first nite, i felt like a freak, my husband walked in bedroom and started laughing at me. I burst into tears but he said he was sorry, He was the one in first place to tell me about my snoring, and lack of oxygen, so we have been sleeping apart for a while now. So i sought help. I must say that i did not get much sleep, v ery restless and felt like ripping gear off my head, not enjoyable at all. Does everyone go through this stage ? I guess i wanted to wake up and feel really refreshed and not tired, but it was just the same, looking for a miricle on my fist nite. HaHa. Please give me some inspiration !!.
Does anyone know if i can purchase machine in USA that sends to Australia ? Would appreciate feedback.
Thanks, look forward hopefully to a better nite sleep tonight. Karen

[Sheriff Buford]

Hey... down there... Looks like you got a good machine now. Look up cpap.com and contact them about the costs of shipping a machine to you. I have read here that it may not be worth the money in the long haul.

Don't worry about your hubby. My wifey is the same way. She makes fun of me and rolls her eyes when I refer to my OSA. But... she's seen how great I am feeling and how I have my health under control... so I think she is silently jealous. A healthy spouse can improve your marriage.

Keep up the good work! Try and get used to the mask. The trick is to get a comfortable mask and control the leak-rate. In the states, you can return your mask within 30 days to exchange for a new one. Try on a lot of masks at the DME and pick one that is the most comfortable. Wear the mask during the day and at night while you read, listen to music, watch tv... ect... This will help you get used to it. Once you start feeling better, it will inspire you to continue. Research this forum and educate yourself... take charge of your health... and by all means, ask questions... we will help you thru this.

God Bless, Sheriff

[Pugsy]

i did not get much sleep, v ery restless and felt like ripping gear off my head, not enjoyable at all. Does everyone go through this stage ? I guess i wanted to wake up and feel really refreshed and not tired, but it was just the same, looking for a miricle on my fist nite.

Yes, it is very common to have much less than optimal first night. Let's face it..having all this stuff attached to our face is really quite foreign to the body. We all want the "miracle" first night and some very lucky people do have it but most of us don't. Most of us it takes some time to adjust.

Your restlessness...were you uncomfortable in any way from mask fit or was it just a general feeling?
Not familiar with your mask at all..can you find a picture of one so we can see what you are using?
The machine you are using has data and easily obtained software. I suggest you use the data while you have the machine...it might point to some problems that will make your adjustment easier.
Look in my signature line for SleepyHead link and user guide.

[LoneStar]

Hi Karen,

What you're feeling is normal. If I had a dollar for every time I wanted to chuck my machine out the window those first couple of weeks...

It takes time. Whatever you do, don't allow yourself to sleep without your mask on. Your brain will try to "trick" you into getting rid of it until your body/mind gets used to it. And remember that you have a sleep debt to repay if you've been getting horrible sleep for a long time.

Yes, masks do make us look silly, but having good health is not silly. (And if my husband had laughed at me, I would have chucked the machine at him!!)

Lisa