A Frustrasted Newbie

I was amazed to see how your frustration and difficulties are so similiar to mine. I have been using APAP for over three months now with great difficulty. After the first 3 nights of sleepless nights using CPAP I was prescribed Lunesta. I was able to fall asleep using this medication, however have now been averaging only 3-4 hours per night of sleep with mask on (sometimes less) for the past 3 months. I am not able to fall back asleep again with mask for unknown reasons. I wish I knew why. Sometimes, I find the mask off in the morning without remembering having taken it off. Maybe the Lunesta has worn off, I have a great deal of stuffiness in nose since its colder and unable to breathe, leaks, rainout, and prostate issues which keeps me going to the bathroom 2-3 times a night. I ask tons of questions to my DME, sleep Dr. and have been down to a short term support group at Stanford. I try every night to have a breakthrough, and hopefully will attain it, but I don't know when. I do not intend to stay on the Lunesta for more than another month however. I will slowly taper off the medication and hope for the best. I am also spending a lot of time understanding proper "sleep hygiene" techniques since I have had many years of poor sleep habits such as bright lights using computer late at night etc. Best of Luck to you, I would like to hear of anything which
seems to improve the "insomnia with CPAP"

Larry

Respironics M Star APAP (6-10)
Mirage Activa, now trying FF Fisher Paykel 432 for past 6 nights

I am not able to fall back asleep again with mask for unknown reasons.

And what happens when you can't fall asleep again? What do you do instead of sleeping with the mask on? Do you chose the easy alternative, and allow yourself to fall asleep without it?

If you do that, you are teaching yourself that if you only fight the mask long enough, you'll get a chance to sleep without it. Your are actually rewarding yourself for not getting used to the mask.

The rule is simple: If you can't fall asleep (with the mask on) you get out of bed after 20-30 minutes, do something pleasant and relaxing, and then, when you body and brain beg for sleep you go back to bed - and put the mask on. Can't fall asleep with the mask in 20-30 minutes? Get up, and repeat the above procedure. Don't give in, don't let yourself fall asleep without the mask. Ever. That include naps.

I know you need sleep to function. You also need cpap for your health. Which is why I suggest that if you find it very disruptive, you start this training on a weekend, and if necessary, take a Monday and even Tuesday off.

O.

Thought I would just give a quick update. Since I had 5 days off for the Christmas holiday I decided to try ozij's advise and just not give up on the mask, Now pushing 4 months with the equipment and not a single night sleeping with it on. I refused to take it off while in bed. I didn't sleep at all the first two nights and then on the third try I slept 4 hours with the mask on. This was HUGE for me. The absolute first time sleeping with the CPAP. I have yet to repeat this feat, but at least I know it can be done.

Elfman99 wrote:Thought I would just give a quick update. Since I had 5 days off for the Christmas holiday I decided to try ozij's advise and just not give up on the mask, Now pushing 4 months with the equipment and not a single night sleeping with it on. I refused to take it off while in bed. I didn't sleep at all the first two nights and then on the third try I slept 4 hours with the mask on. This was HUGE for me. The absolute first time sleeping with the CPAP. I have yet to repeat this feat, but at least I know it can be done.

Good for you, Elfman - way to go!!! I know it's very hard sometimes but it sounds like you are persistent and now you know you can do it.

Best,
Mindy

Hi Elfman,
Great of you to update - keep it up - both the sleeping with the mask, and the update!

O.