CPAPtalk.com

I really really wish I could say everything is working great, but so far, it has been nothing but misery, even though the AHI numbers 'look' fantastic (averaging around 1).
I had the resmed N20 mask and took a while to get to breathe ok with the right size (large) nose apparatus, but I would constantly wake up in the middle of the night, itching all around my nose, or leaking. The itching was particularly infuriating, as I had to dig under and cause air leaks to get to it, and it wasn't so much in my nose, but around the seal edges and near my eyes too.
Not sure if it was an allergy or what. I thought it would just go away, but it wouldn't, even taking sleeping aids, I would wake up all through the night, tired and having difficulty falling back asleep.
So, my DME gave me a nasal dreamweaver nose pillow, and on a positive note, I don't itch anywhere on the outside of my nose, but it presents new problems. I get up again all night, because I get irritated by the pressure and noise in the
nose slot in front, I thought it was a tear or crack, it's like a super loud oscillating noise generator,and I put tape around it at 3 am, but found out it was intended to let air through. I also get a burning feeling in my nose occasionally (humidifier or not) from blasting air. I thought about ear plugs, but 1) it would likely create other problems 2) it still resonates around my head from the mask.

Sadly, I feel worse throughout the day, have to take more meds to sleep, and the best sleep I seem to have gotten was taking the mask off at 4 am, and trying to sleep a few hours without it. I even went out and picked up Park's books, as suggested by xxxxyz, and the message I got was, those who accept it and are open tend to be more successful. And those that have worse numbers to begin with, report better responses. I started out questioning false postiives,and had very mild apnea, and really want to feel better during the day, but this is really challenging. And my 30 day trial period for masks, is running out.

Have others been really miserable and worse for months before the magic kicked in?

user232 wrote:Have others been really miserable and worse for months before the magic kicked in?

Magic? I keep hoping for some basic improvement, but now in my 4th month, nothing has changed with my tiredness.

I started with a nasal mask (Dreamwear) and and APAP - the APAP didn't work so I tried an ASV. That wanted to go to pressure 25 every night which then caused my mouth to blow open.

I then switched to an Amara View (the smallest FFM) and now I get GREAT numbers - most nights AHI zero and insignificant leaks. However, the mask and hose are always getting in the way and wake me up every night. Most nights I get up early or take it off and go back to sleep. Because the mask wakes me up (instead of breathing problems), it's a zero sum game - I feel just as bad from lack of sleep.

As for the pressure, noise, and wearing the nasal mask, I was used to it in 2 days so I thought it was all going to go smoothly...

What are your pressures actually set at?

pressure ramps from 6.6 to 12, I started 5 to 12, and based on advice here, upped the lower end.

You do need to find at least a bearable mask, full or otherwise, asap, but you also should do a few nights of Sleepyhead to get a better idea of what's going on overnight and whether your pressure settings are adequate.

https://sleep.tnet.com/sleepyhead
https://sleep.tnet.com/resources/sleepyhead/shorganize
https://sleep.tnet.com/reference/tips/imgur

Two months in, 6 masks later and still miserable. No magic pill here. Trial and error and less sleep. Keep going, try different masks and hope for the best. It may get harder before it gets better. My doc says at least 3 months to get used to all this. Does not thrill me. But the benefits will be worth it when I finally get it together.

Hi, I'm in my 4th month and also not experiencing "magic", but I think it's being somewhat effective. I still fall asleep watching TV, have a hard time getting going in the morning, and feel like crap a lot. But I think there are other factors going on with me contributing to that. I will say that I am having many more nights now where I don't recall awakening during the night to fiddle with my mask. Its taken a long time to get to this point! So, all I can say is it will get better for you. Hang in there, try adjustments, and hopefully it won't take too long to start feeling better.

I'm a year in with therapy. I had a fairly easy adaptation to using the equipment. The mask I chose has been pretty successful, and I got a lot of information and ideas from reading this forum. I had a few weeks where leg cramps were regular, painful and annoying as I had not had any for years. It took me some months before I began to feel better within myself, but I did notice some positive changes before that. I have always had brittle nails that split or cracked easily and grew slowly; since beginning apap, I rarely have a cracked nail, the nails feel more sturdy, and I am having to clip them far more frequently than I ever did. Also, I was having pains in my hips and legs that I attributed to arthritis; since apap treatment began, I don't remember the last time I felt those pains. I found myself feeling less blah (not sad, just neutral), and even caught myself humming tunes again (which happens when I'm feeling good). My energy level has increased, but I wouldn't say I am bounding with it (yet?--ever hopeful)

I learned that I had to tweak my sleep hygiene as well. I don't read in bed any more; I'm more regular with my bedtime; currently I'm working on making sure I get at least 8 hours sleep/therapy a night. For years I got by on about 6 hours or less, and it really wasn't enough, especially in hindsight as I realize now I've been apneic for many years.

I still drop into an upright nap in front of the tv, feel some grogginess upon awakening in the morning, and wonder if nocturia will ever go completely away. I've got work to do to fine-tune apap therapy or discover what else may be contributing to those symptoms.

But the journey is definitely worth it. My resp tech advised at the beginning that "magic" didn't always happen right away, but subtle changes were the norm to watch for.

Keep on keeping on!
Jean