Back sleeping and questions

I didn't turn up more than minor apnea on my sleep study, and all of that in REM, but my doc thought my sleep problems could be caused by airway resistance and sent me home with what I think is an APAP. I've adjusted well to it--comfortable sleeping and no leaks, but have questions.

I find that I can't sleep on my back anymore. Before I got the machine, I could sleep on my back, although I snored. Now, whenever I roll over onto my back, I kind of gag, open my mouth, experience a wind tunnel, and wake up. I've tried dozing on my back to see what happens--something relaxes and I seem to be able to inhale, but not exhale, forcing me to open my mouth. Is this normal? Do my settings need to be adjusted? Settings now are 4 to 12.

Also, since I've started on the machine, I've added a full two hours to my sleep time, but am still waking up a lot at night. Is it normal to sleep that much more? Will the waking at night resolve itself? I certainly feel far more awake during the day.

And what is this software I can get? And will it run on Mac?

If you really want to sleep on your back you have several options. Try a chin strap first, just an Ace bandage will do.

The most complete would be to get a full face mask.

Carmen wrote: And what is this software I can get? And will it run on Mac?

SleepyHead has a Mac version. Look for Jimbo'a Mac Build

http://sourceforge.net/projects/sleepyhead/files/

User Guide...http://sourceforge.net/apps/mediawiki/s ... sers_Guide

Many folks here (me included) have noticed that they have positional Apnea, and your CPAP machine will have to work harder while in the supine position.

Is there a reason you want to sleep on your back? I find I have a much more rested night if I sleep on my stomach in the falcon position, but that is just me.

I have to disagree with the full face mask option... I think that is the absolute last thing you should do (see the link in my signature "So you think you're a mouth breather" for more info on that.

John

I think we all like to sleep on our back but it does cause problems. If I lay on my back my machine gets all excited and I just get sick of the pressure and change position.I have one of those "CPAP pillows" that makes it easier to sleep on the side with the mask.Its not perfect but we thank any small mercy.

Perrybucsdad wrote: I find I have a much more rested night if I sleep on my stomach in the falcon position

Have you ever tried sleeping in the position your avatar is in? That's what I would like to be able to do. Nose isn't long enough, tho'.

Perrybucsdad wrote:Many folks here (me included) have noticed that they have positional Apnea, and your CPAP machine will have to work harder while in the supine position.

Is there a reason you want to sleep on your back? I find I have a much more rested night if I sleep on my stomach in the falcon position, but that is just me.

I have to disagree with the full face mask option... I think that is the absolute last thing you should do (see the link in my signature "So you think you're a mouth breather" for more info on that.

John

I'd like to sleep on my back because I have some arthritis in my hips. I sleep on my right side for awhile, sleep on my left side for awhile, and then both sides are sore and I'm out of positions. Stomach sleeping hasn't been an option for me since 1977. I'm not normally a mouth breather--just when my air gets cut off when I roll onto my back. On my side, it's no problem whatsoever.

Sounds like when you are on your back your mouth drops open and allows the air going up your nose to exit your mouth instead of going on down the airway. I think part may be habit and part is just our face muscles relax and allow the mouth to fall open. You may need to add something to keep the mouth closed then you can sleep on your back if you need to. I suggest starting with some sort of chin strap. Something to just support the chin and jaw to remind it not to drop open. You can buy chin straps or make your own. A nice wide ace wrap is cheap homemade chin strap.

Sometimes those of us with pain from arthritis just have to get on our backs for some relief and if the OSA happens to be a little worse on our backs....well then that is what we have the machine for. We have to get some good sleep first and foremost and pain sure won't let us sleep well. If your pressure is titrated correctly it shouldn't matter what position you sleep in.