Naps and Cpaps

If I plan to take a nap, for like an hour (or longer, who knows), should I use my cpap? And if I do, how will I distinguish the data that is taken during the nap from the data that is taken later during that night's sleep? I have the PR System One REMstar Auto CPAP Machine, which, as everyone knows, has limited data available to the patient. Will the nap data get mixed in with that night's sleep data?

Hi Sierragail,

great question about telling the difference between data. There's a timeline on the data report, so you would see a break in between the uses.

As to whether or not you should use your CPAP during a nap, it's a common question that gets one firm answer from CPAPtalk members:
Yes. You will find that your mood and energy levels will improve if you where your CPAP every night and every nap. Remember that even during a short rest your air passage is obstructed and being without oxygen is harmful to your health both short and long term. To avoid the side effects of untreated Sleep Apnea (potentially sudden heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure and potentially death) use your CPAP each time you sleep.

It will get easier, and become second nature to you if you stick with CPAP and surround yourself with support. CPAPtalk.com is a free sleep apnea patient forum we maintain. It is a great source of advice and support at any hour of the night or day.

Good luck!

I use the cpap 100% of the time for naps at home, and always have. It makes one feel better, and actively treats apnea while one is napping. No difference between napping and sleeping, except the nap is shorter duration. So, use your 'pap.

sierragail wrote:... If I plan to take a nap, for like an hour (or longer, who knows), should I use my cpap? ...

I always do. I just don't sleep without my xPAP unit, unless I actually WANT a headache. Not to say I don't fall asleep without it, just not my plan to do so.

I don't know about your unit. Most include time of day information as well, so you can see it was a nap vs. night time sleep.

If the PR One LCD data works like the M Series, it would be lumped in with the overnight data. You could always try the reset procedure to see if that filters it out again. (I don't recall when the LCD data gets updated, so this might not even be possible)

You're right though, that this is one of those cases where if there was software available to you it would show up as its own session or at least marked by time.

Thanks everybody. It makes sense. Napping is sleeping and sleeping without cpap means sleep apnea. I just hated to maybe not get my data for tonight's sleep correctly. This stupid machine I have, well actually I love the machine, it was true love after only one night together ( ), but there's no software (that I know of). So all I get is the LED read-out, which only tells me AHI, 90% pressure, PB, and if I had any major leaks. That's it, and I can only retrieve that info after 12 noon each day for the previous night's sleep. Then I got on here a few weeks ago and found out that people had software for their machines and were able to see each breath they took! Talk about green with envy......

I don't have the same machine as you do and when I have a nap I do use my machine but I take the data card out so as not to mix it in with my overnight data on the card.

I just use the data card for overnight but use the machine for naps as well.

Since you don't have software, you can still do that if you want the night time data separate. Your screen data will, of course, show naps and night time.

sierragail wrote:If I plan to take a nap, for like an hour (or longer, who knows), should I use my cpap? And if I do, how will I distinguish the data that is taken during the nap from the data that is taken later during that night's sleep? I have the PR System One REMstar Auto CPAP Machine, which, as everyone knows, has limited data available to the patient. Will the nap data get mixed in with that night's sleep data?

I think nap data probably will get mixed in with that night's sleep data.

katherinefulmer wrote:There's a timeline on the data report, so you would see a break in between the uses.

Since sierragail is using a PR System One machine which has no software available to the user, I don't think she can see a data report like we're used to seeing with the older Respironics machines via Encore Viewer software or Encore Pro software. With software and a different model of Respironics machine, yes, there'd be a break, but unfortunately.... the PR System One machine.... grrrrrr.

I agree with the "Yes" about using cpap for naps!

Hi sierragail

There has been a lot of discussion about napping on the forum.

If you have an oximeter set for the alarm to go off before desaturation, it is quite safe to have a nap without a cpap machine. By a nap I mean sitting up in a recliner, and dozing off. I can fit my oximeter, and safely doze off, usually for about an hour or so. The alarm rarely goes off, but if it does, I wake up, and desaturation does not occur.

It appears that, for me, on a recliner, there are little or no apneas that cause desaturation within the first hour. Maybe due to my erectile position, or maybe due to something else.

However, it is possible, for some of us, to enjoy a nap without putting on the mask. I know that if I put on the mask, a nap becomes impossible.

There are different opinions about this, but mostly they are opinions, not based on oximeter experience with the alarm set, sitting more or less upright on an armchair.

You can find the last thread on this at -

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=44264&st=0&sk=t&sd=a

If you value your naps, this might be the way to go.

cheers

Mars

Thanks to all again. Mars, I like your idea of napping more or less upright for a short snooze-off. If I'm a passenger in the car, I fall asleep quite easily. Also on planes. If I'm going to get in the bed to nap, then cpap would be the way to go. I've been on cpap for a little over a month. I do feel better. But I'm still tired and sleepy, and fall asleep in the car (again, I'm the passenger). My AHIs can be 3 to less than 1. So I don't understand why I'm still dragging myself around.

I don't know anything about a pulse ox that has an alarm on it, but I like that idea. I'll google it. I hope I can get one next time I'm over there. I'm not allowed to order medical equipment or medicine into the country where I live~~against the law.

I knew nothing about cpaps when I got mine and didn't really have time to educate myself since I was over there for a short time. But maybe they gave me this one because it can adjust to this altitude and others can adjust to only 7500 ft? Who knows. Or maybe because it costs more and so they get a bigger profit? Who knows.

Hi Sierragail

You have plenty of time to look at the nap ption.

Your first task is to get your cpap therapy working well for you.

I do not know your machine, but whatever it is, you will need one which you can get software for a more detailed check.

cheers

Mars

That's one of the few things I am having a hard time coming to terms with -- I can no longer nap without CPAP! I have successfully used my machine from the first night I got it. But on a Sunday afternoon, snow outside, fire inside and a cuddly kitty on the couch (who looks just like Sierragail's avatar ), I really resent that I can't just drop off for a few winks without first donning my mask! I have no problems at night -- it's already become part of the routine, but oh how I miss my simple, Sunday afternoon naps!

The CPAP machine stops this phenomenon by delivering a stream of compressed air via a hose to a nasal pillow, nose mask or full-face mask, splinting the airway (keeping it open under air pressure) so that unobstructed breathing becomes possible.
___________________________________
Get the best CPAP machines in Toronto, Respironics CPAP masks in Toronto, Sleep apnea mask in Toronto.

The CPAP machine stops this phenomenon by delivering a stream of compressed air via a hose to a nasal pillow, nose mask or full-face mask, splinting the airway (keeping it open under air pressure) so that unobstructed breathing becomes possible.
___________________________________
Get the best CPAP machines in Toronto, Respironics CPAP masks in Toronto, Sleep apnea mask in Toronto.

I find that I rarely nap now that I get a good night's sleep.