Mask Issue: I Found the Problem

[Starlette]

Good afternoon all.

I believe I've discovered what's going on with my mask issues. Rather surprised myself....

This morning, I spent the better part of 3 hours going over and over and over my sleep journal. Doing data sorting and several excel gyrations in an attempt to come up with some sort of explanation. At one point, I literally, moved my chair away from the computer, stepped back and tried to come up with another way of looking at my data. IDEA: What I did was go back and see when was the last time I had consistently used my xpap. Low and behold, I came up with a date: December 17th, 2011. So, I got up and looked at my calendar asking myself what life event may have happened at that time. Suddenly, it hit me like a ton of bricks. That was the month, I lost my job. December 21st was my last day.

So, what I'm trying to say is that somehow that loss has crept into my subconscious that has now taken issue with my sleep and as a result has affected how much I sleep and the time using my apap. To me, which mask I use has nothing to do with it. Like watching a balloon lose air, since that date I've seen my xpap usage spiral down to what you see now. With all 3 masks I had been using, I could still get great sleep and xpap usage prior to the loss of my job. Not really sure how to explain taking off my mask in the middle of the night which still remains a mystery, I can't explain that. Maybe I'm grieving the loss of my job and it's coming out in removing my mask at night *shrugs*. That loss goes beyond the realm of this forum. Therefore, I won't be posting about this anymore. It all makes sense now.

I feel rather embarassed now, for as much as I posted and come to find out what was real issue regarding my sleep. Oh well. If anything, I learned how to better read my data. That is a major plus to which I'm VERY grateful.

I will definitely agree though consistency is important for optimal therapy. I won't be changing anything. Like I said, I've come to realize that my machine settings and data results are working well for me at this time. Although I did decrease the humidifier setting to 3 this morning. To answer your question Pugsy of the three masks "I" like my FFM better because it was a clean deal of not going through the rigamaro of the chinstrap. However, I feel my "body" (if that makes an sense) overall prefers the mirage.

Starlette

[chunkyfrog]

You've had more than your share of bumps in the road.
Here's hoping this new year will bring you all kinds of good road, smooth pavement, and beautiful scenery.
--Real and figurative.

[Starlette]

Thank you Chunkyfrog.

Once I stumbled upon this new revelation this morning, someone I know and DH both highly encouraged me today to start exercising, especially
mid-afternoon everyday. The minimum of 20 minutes a day. This should get my heartrate elevated like in the workplace. So on that note, I didn't hesitate and hit the gym this evening with DH. I rode the bike for 15 minutes and did two exercises for my arms. Man, what a woman needs to do to get a descent night's sleep *cries* *I need some tissue please*

NOTE: I wasn't happy when DH added 5 lbs. to my weight on the machine. I told him, "You're going to make we work harder."

Starlette

[ThirdOutOfFive]

I'm glad you figured this out. I amazes me, when I look back at my food/mood/glucose journal, how often low mood lifts blood glucose levels -- even if I manage not to over eat.

May your life be smooth and your sleep sound.