feeling worse

I have been using a mask for almost a week. It's the kind that has nasal pillows. I don't know off hand what make my machine is. I expected to feel more alert using this thing. But I feel so much worse. I used to feel tired, like I lacked energy. But now, I feel like my head is heavy, like when you haven't slept enough, and I'm exhausted. I've felt that way every day since I started using the mask. I've been sleeping ok with it on, and I think I wake up a lot less. My husband reports I don't snore anymore with it on. So what's wrong? Why do I feel so bad?

jstar wrote:I have been using a mask for almost a week. It's the kind that has nasal pillows. I don't know off hand what make my machine is. I expected to feel more alert using this thing. But I feel so much worse. I used to feel tired, like I lacked energy. But now, I feel like my head is heavy, like when you haven't slept enough, and I'm exhausted. I've felt that way every day since I started using the mask. I've been sleeping ok with it on, and I think I wake up a lot less. My husband reports I don't snore anymore with it on. So what's wrong? Why do I feel so bad?

We need more information to help you.

Lets start with exactly what kind of equipment do you have? Fill out your profile as to the equipment... and we can go from there. If you have fully data capable equipment then post some of the numbers.

jstar wrote:I have been using a mask for almost a week. It's the kind that has nasal pillows. I don't know off hand what make my machine is. I expected to feel more alert using this thing. But I feel so much worse. I used to feel tired, like I lacked energy. But now, I feel like my head is heavy, like when you haven't slept enough, and I'm exhausted. I've felt that way every day since I started using the mask. I've been sleeping ok with it on, and I think I wake up a lot less. My husband reports I don't snore anymore with it on. So what's wrong? Why do I feel so bad?

My first guess would be that you're leaking air out your mouth while you're sleeping. That is basically nullifying your therapy. Ever wake up with a dry mouth? If you're going to wear a nasal mask you need to ensure that your mouth stays shut.
Using a chin strap is not guaranteed to keep your mouth shut. Many people on this forum use tape or Polident adhesive denture strips to seal their lips.


Den

Hi and welcome. Just co-signing the importance of not losing your therapy out of your mouth. Also, one week in you are probably still getting used to sleeping with the mask. Make sure you are getting adequate hours of sleep and even a little extra while you are recovering from the effects of the time you have had OSA before treatment. If securing your mouth doesn't result in at least some improvement in a few weeks, you may need to make sure your pressure is effective. Let us know how you progress.
Kathy