Is it possible to sleep too much with CPAP? Newbie here

[mint0101]

Hi everyone,

I'm on my first week on CPAP (I can tell it is/and will be life-changing)...I'm wondering if it's possible to sleep too much...I've been averaging 8-10 hours a night on CPAP, and I woke up yesterday and this morning with a slight headache. The grogginess I've had since I've started on CPAP I'm chalking it up to catching up on sleep debt...

The headache may also be due to my tight-fitting Quattro FX Headgear...the strap across the top of my head feels quite snug. Maybe it'll stretch out with use?

I would appreciate your thoughts! Thank you.

[BlackSpinner]

A lot of people find when they firs start therapy they need a lot more sleep. This is because your body is doing catch up and repairing decades of damage, it will settle down in a few weeks.

Pulling the straps too tight is a mistake a lot of newbies make. The mask works more like hovercraft and it needs to have its skirts inflate before being tightened down.

[mint0101]

Thanks BlackSpinner, I've read how it's important not to have the headgear too tight--so I've loosened it as much as I could without leaks (lying down, air pressure on to its max)... then lifting the mask to inflate the cushions and setting it down again...still feels tight....

Just bought my first PadaCheek mask liner to hopefully help with the leaks around my nosebridge (flat nose here)...which I am hoping will allow me to loosen my headgear even more.

[dinycat]

I, too, have experienced getting much more sleep since starting CPAP in January. A few times I've slept 12 hours, much to my disbelief. And it's been deep, restful sleep, so I guess I needed it. But that's half my life, if it keeps up!

dinycat

[chunkyfrog]

Welcome to the forum.
In case no one has pointed it out to you, there are dozens of other masks out there, in case this one is not right for you.
My DME never told me that, nor did they mention a 30 day trade period, paid for by the mask makers.

[morelia]

Hello there, I just started CPAP theraphy; a bit of a problem adjusting to it, but I have used it for 15 days (w/~7 hours average) and I am at the point that I don't "feel" my nose mask (?) anymore and I am happy. Only a bit sleepy still during the day, and a slight headache since about 5 days ago when I started wearing a chin strap for I had a small air leak through my mouth... now that I found you all, I don't feel that bad knowing that there are out there many other people recovering from OSA and willing to provide guidance and advise to newbies like me. Thanks!

[Nyre]

Hello and welcome here to CPAPTalk. Lots of great information can be learned here. I don't think using the CPAP for long sleepy nights will have any negative effects on you if anything you will get better rest with it.

[ChicagoGranny]

I've been averaging 8-10 hours a night on CPAP, and I woke up yesterday and this morning with a slight headache. The grogginess I've had since I've started on CPAP

I don't see how these people can give you sensible answers without first asking you what your efficacy data shows.

Maybe you have reported it in another thread?

Headache and grogginess could be an indication of CPAP therapy that is not adequately effective.

Are you using SleepyHead?

[Julie]

IT's possible your machine settings are too low and you are still having apneas, which would account for tthe headaches and long hours (your body still tired). What are your settings?

[besea]

Since I started in December I average 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Much different than tossing and turning all night and waking up every 10 minutes and watching the clock. But I still get sleepy everyday in the afternoon and take a quick 15 minute power nap when I can.
Masks are uncomfortable - tried 3 before I hit on Wisp and some nights it is uncomfortable too - but once you're asleep you don't know it's uncomfortable!

[Julie]

As long as you nap with your machine, otherwise it's going to be counterproductive.