On CPAP 4 days now

[AVMO]

I am SO thankful I found y'all..I have learned so much here...I get confused with the numbers and dont understand if Im doing ok but Im trying and to me that puts me ahead of the game...I cant do without trying...Here are numbers from last nite....I am at about 4 hrs nite....after that I take mask off..I dont remember doing it...How can I keep it on past 4 hrs if I dont remember taking it off? I am comfortable with it on..I lye on my right side with CPAP on left side of bed..then hose comes over my back....I think I might be taking it off in my sleep because I have sinus infection and am clogged up..I dont want to stop using it because then I will have to start over...My start times are VERY late because I have PTSD and sleeping is difficult for me....All in all I think Im adjusting well...I just want to be able to keep it on longer


Philips Respironics
System One 550P
RemStar Auto with A-Flex
Mode: APAP 8-18cmH2O
Date Sleep Wake Hours
4/20/2012 02:09 06:47 04:37:16
AHIApnea / Hypopnea Index 0.87
HypopneaHypopnea 0.43
ObstructiveObstructive Apnea 0.00
Clear AirwayClear Airway Apnea 0.43
RERAResp. Effort Related Arousal 1.08
Flow LimitFlow Limitation 0.43
VSnoreVibratory Snore 1.51
PB/CSRPeriodic Breathing 0.00%

Event Breakdown


Statistics
Channel Min Med 95% Max
PressurePressure (cmH20)
Avg: 9.56 8.00 9.45 11.50 13.20
Minute Vent.Minute Ventilation (L/min)
Avg: 7.35 0.00 6.88 12.62 103.00
Resp. RateRespiratory Rate (breaths/min)
Avg: 14.71 5.75 14.80 18.60 21.38
LeaksLeak Rate (L/min)
Avg: 4.57 0.00 1.00 22.00 156.00
Total LeaksTotal Leak Rate (L/min)
Avg: 28.07 21.00 27.00 44.00 178.00
SnoreSnore (unknown)
Avg: 0.32 0.00 0.00 2.07 5.00
Insp TimeInspiratory Time (seconds)
Avg: 1.90 0.06 1.58 3.12 12.66
Exp TimeExpiratory Time (seconds)
Avg: 2.25 0.38 2.12 3.46 4.58
Tidal VolumeTidal Volume (ml)
Avg: 493.04 13.33 460.00 780.00 6943.33

Machine Settings
Pr. ReliefPressure Relief A-Flex x2
HumidifierHumidifier Setting x2

Session Information
SessionID On Date Start End
CPAP Sessions
00000019PRS1 CPAP 1h, 8m, 31s 4/20/2012 02:09 03:18
00000020PRS1 CPAP 3h, 28m, 45s 4/20/2012 03:18 06:47

[Pugsy]

Your reports on paper, for the hour of sleep with the mask and machine on, are quite acceptable.
I see nothing there that warrants a change.

The taking your mask off and not remembering it...that is fairly common. Even I will occasionally do it now after 3 years of using this thing.
Obviously we want to try to stop a bad habit from forming though and let the brain learn to tell the hands to leave the mask alone.
You might try a bit of tape..tape the mask to the skin in a couple of places so that when your hands are removing the mask and you are not aware of it...the discomfort will wake you up and you can stop your hand from being bad.
Others have used mittens...reduces the finger dexterity so unable to remove mask so easily.

It will get better though and with time the brain learns that the alien on your face is really a good guy and need to leave it alone.

Problems getting to sleep and with PSTD...might want to talk to your doctor about it and consider your options.. You have to get to sleep first before the machine can do its thing and short hours of sleep using the machine greatly reduces the chance of feeling markedly better.

[LSAT]

i think the way you are sleeping with the hose over your back is dangerous. You may pull the machine off it's table and on to the floor. Try sleeping on your left side facing the CPAP or set up a hose management system. Also ...if you are having sinus stuffiness you will need a full face mask so you can breath through your mouth without losing therapy.

[Mary Z]

AVMO, your numbers right now look pretty good. Keeping the mask on all night comes with time- you got some good advice. I see that you joined in 2009- what happened between then and now?
Good luck.

[AVMO]

Your reports on paper, for the hour of sleep with the mask and machine on, are quite acceptable.
I see nothing there that warrants a change.

The taking your mask off and not remembering it...that is fairly common. Even I will occasionally do it now after 3 years of using this thing.
Obviously we want to try to stop a bad habit from forming though and let the brain learn to tell the hands to leave the mask alone.
You might try a bit of tape..tape the mask to the skin in a couple of places so that when your hands are removing the mask and you are not aware of it...the discomfort will wake you up and you can stop your hand from being bad.
Others have used mittens...reduces the finger dexterity so unable to remove mask so easily.

It will get better though and with time the brain learns that the alien on your face is really a good guy and need to leave it alone.

Problems getting to sleep and with PSTD...might want to talk to your doctor about it and consider your options.. You have to get to sleep first before the machine can do its thing and short hours of sleep using the machine greatly reduces the chance of feeling markedly better.

Hi Pugsy...What a great idea...I will try the tape tonite.... I will do the mittens thing if tape doesn't work..Bad hands bad hands ...Great ideas...

My Dr took me off Ambien last week ...She told me it didn't mix with Sleep Apnea...I have trouble getting to sleep..I talked to her yesterday and she said I could try Melatonin..

[AVMO]

i think the way you are sleeping with the hose over your back is dangerous. You may pull the machine off it's table and on to the floor. Try sleeping on your left side facing the CPAP or set up a hose management system. Also ...if you are having sinus stuffiness you will need a full face mask so you can breath through your mouth without losing therapy.

Hi, Sorry I didn't explain it well...My CPAP machine is on solid stand 1 foot off floor on left bedside...I have looked at hose management and next payday will buy one...I've looked at a few and can't make up my mind yet....I talk to my Dr yesterday and mentioned I had sinus infection...She said I could stop until infection is gone but I don't want to...I just called Respitory Therapy at VAMC and am waiting for a call back...I'm a Veteran that uses just VA for all my medical needs....I am at their mercy..I don't get much choice of equipment or what's available to me.

I really appreciate y'all taking the time to help me...

[Pugsy]

My Dr took me off Ambien last week ...She told me it didn't mix with Sleep Apnea...I have trouble getting to sleep..I talked to her yesterday and she said I could try Melatonin..

Different docs...different ideas. My doc actually prescribed Ambien I have a bad case of arthritis in my neck and lower back..so pain kept me awake or caused 20 to 30 awakenings each night.

They prescribe Ambien for sleep study nights...so it can't be that horrible.....just saying.

Consider asking about amitryptiline....low, low dose. While at higher doses it is given for depression...at lower doses like 10 mg or so....it is given for pain management...at bedtime. Side effect is drowsiness and it does help me sleep through the pain. You may not have the pain but the side effect may still benefit you and it doesn't do horrible things to sleep architecture at the low dose.

I found melatonin useless and it gave me extreme vertigo (known side effect)
also if you google its other side effects there is one that men generally avoid at all cost..decreased libido.
I know some men take it without a problem....so it might not happen to you but do google its side effects...it isn't as benign as some people think.

I do well with the amitryptiline as long as I remember to take it 2 or 3 hours before bedtime...slow acting and morning hangover if I take it too late. When I forget...I take an ambien instead. As usual...discuss with your physician disclaimer.......

[AVMO]

AVMO, your numbers right now look pretty good. Keeping the mask on all night comes with time- you got some good advice. I see that you joined in 2009- what happened between then and now?
Good luck.

I got my 1st CPAP machine in 2005....I tried it and failed....In 2009 I joined here and tried it again....failed again...The 2 failings had alot to due with PTSD and trauma I had..It made me very cloustrophobic...Since then the therapy I've been in for PTSD has helped me alot....I was since then DX with COPD as well....My health has taken a dive in the toilet and I'm trying to get pieces of my health back....I am determined not to fail this time...

I SO appreciate y'alls help and comments

[Papit]

Glad to see you rolling your sleeves up to give it another shot! Good for you, man. All the best.

[AVMO]

My Dr took me off Ambien last week ...She told me it didn't mix with Sleep Apnea...I have trouble getting to sleep..I talked to her yesterday and she said I could try Melatonin..

Different docs...different ideas. My doc actually prescribed Ambien I have a bad case of arthritis in my neck and lower back..so pain kept me awake or caused 20 to 30 awakenings each night.

They prescribe Ambien for sleep study nights...so it can't be that horrible.....just saying.

Consider asking about amitryptiline....low, low dose. While at higher doses it is given for depression...at lower doses like 10 mg or so....it is given for pain management...at bedtime. Side effect is drowsiness and it does help me sleep through the pain. You may not have the pain but the side effect may still benefit you and it doesn't do horrible things to sleep architecture at the low dose.

I found melatonin useless and it gave me extreme vertigo (known side effect)
also if you google its other side effects there is one that men generally avoid at all cost..decreased libido.
I know some men take it without a problem....so it might not happen to you but do google its side effects...it isn't as benign as some people think.

I do well with the amitryptiline as long as I remember to take it 2 or 3 hours before bedtime...slow acting and morning hangover if I take it too late. When I forget...I take an ambien instead. As usual...discuss with your physician disclaimer.......

I'm going to have to discuss Ambien with Dr...I am on very low dose..I'm prescribed 5 mg but I cut it in 1/4s so am real only taking 1.25 mg...It's just the kick I need to get me to sleep..I will talk to her about Amitryptiline too but I already take Nortryptiline at night for Neuropothy so it might not be an option...

I don't have a Prostrate ...Mo is my nickname for Maura

[AVMO]

Glad to see you rolling your sleeves up to give it another shot! Good for you, man. All the best.

All the best to you too...I appreciate the encouragement

[chunkyfrog]

Were all just 'guys' here, even the ones with pretty pink F's next to our avatars.
BTW: Thank you for your service.

[AVMO]

Were all just 'guys' here, even the ones with pretty pink F's next to our avatars.
BTW: Thank you for your service.

I'll fit in good..I've been a Tomboy all my life

Your Welcome...Proud to have served

[Pugsy]

I don't have a Prostrate ...Mo is my nickname for Maura

So Sorry, when I responded I hadn't looked at the M vs F thing in profile.

Never mind EXCEPT...the decreased libido thing...we women have to worry about that also.
I sure wish they had a blue pill for us.

You correct...the amitryptiline may not play nice with your other meds..talk to doctor of course.
Such a tiny amount of Ambien shouldn't be a problem but some doctors get all whacko about certain drugs.

You might try the Melatonin...some people swear by it. It might work fine for you...have to try it I suppose to satisfy doctor anyway. All I know is that with the tiniest of dose I was bouncing off the walls down the hall to the bathroom within 30 minutes of taking it...horrible vertigo that lasted till about an hour after I got up the next morning.
That was my one and only Melatonin dose. Of course the usual cpap sticker applies YMMV

[IndyDave]

Welcome. I often have trouble getting to sleep, and was especially worried when I started my xpap a couple weeks ago. My doc gave me an Rx for a couple weeks low-dose of valium - used it the first week, and it really helped a lot. I've got sinus problems and am prone to infections, and so far have been ok on the nasal pillow. If I feel stuffy at all before bedtime, I use the saline nasal rinse - the stuff you flush up one nostril and it drains out the other one, then reverse. Man, that stuff is amazing. I use the little sports-type bottle that comes with it rather than a neti pot. I think I mentioned in another post, I have some seasonal allergy of some sort that kicked in last night, and again, when he has them my doc keeps me supplied with a couple of samples of Nasacort. I took one blast last night and was good. You may want to ask if they have a sample you can try and see if that helps though the sinus infection. That said, once I've made the adjustment completely, and save up a bit more $$ I plan on getting a full face or hybrid mask for those times when I'm completely clogged - or I keep wondering about cold and flu time...

My first night, I managed an hour, maybe... but then about 2/3 of the way through the night woke up and put it back on. I just had to be stern with myself, that it was ok if I had to take it off, but then I had to stick the mask back on when I woke again. Again, it took a week or more to mostly keep it on at night, though even now I will wake and take it off for a couple of minutes, to give my nose a good scratching. I don't remember if you said what mask you are using, but another option to keeping it on is a chin strap - worn over the mask straps. Then you really have to work at getting it off.

And for hoses - I have a Cal King bed, so its 6' wide. when I turn over at night, I just roll across the bed, and the hose wasn't long enough - I just bought an 8' hose to replace the 6'. Along with the 1.5 foot or so from the mask, that's plenty of slack. I meant to do it last weekend, but didn't - I'm going to try and find a 3M removable plastic hook wide enough to hold the hose, and just use that to suspend it over the middle of the headboard - maybe use some twist tie or a computer cable velcro tie to hold it there. Way cheaper than the hose managers.