I (heart) my CPAP

Okay, I'm a newbie, and I try hard to stay positive about most aspects of life. As a matter of fact, my husband calls me Pollyanna when I get to be too obnoxiously upbeat. I am diabetic and take 5 or 6 injections every day. I am grateful for this; that we have the means, through modern medicine, to control this disease and allow me to survive what would have been, less than 100 years ago, a death sentence. By now, I might have lost a leg or two, my sight, or my kidneys.

I've only been on the CPAP for a few nights, now. Last night, I had one of those nights where you wake up and say, "What? It's morning already?" I slept like a dog! I hadn't realized how degraded (in lay terms) my sleep patterns had gotten. I had forgotten what a good night's sleep can be. And when I took off my gear (nasal mask and chin strap) I thought how wonderful they were. Rather than being resentful, I thought, this chin strap, along with the headgear, cradles my head. It feels like a cocoon. I am so grateful to have a way to improve my health and sleep better, and I think my attitude will help me adjust to the huge change that being on a CPAP is. Even my husband is grateful. He finally has a quiet bed partner!

Now, I don't want to sound too smug, or that I am better than anyone who struggles with this. Abraham Lincoln said, "I believe most people are about as happy as they decide to be." I've taken that to heart, and I want to encourage others to do so, too.

PS-the only downside I've found so far is that I am not remembering my dreams as much. I miss them, they are usually very entertaining!

Welcome aboard. It's great to hear from someone who has such a positive attitude. My CPAP mentor told me, before I had my sleep study, "Attitude is everything." I took that to heart. You did, too, it appears.

Re: the dreams, that might be a good thing. It's said that when we are periodically awakening, for whatever reason, that tends to allow one to recall one's dreams. In your case blood sugar levels might have changed during the night as well.

CPAPhope,

Congratulations! I also heart (love) my CPAP too!! May your successful sleep experience with your PAP therapy continue each and every night and you will become a more rested and healthy you . A positive outlook is key to see you through the occasional issues that can come up with this therapy, but you may be lucky like I have been and take to nights on the 'hose' with little problem and drastically improved sleep .

John

thanks for sharing! i feel the same way about my cpap. it's been a wonderful life changing thing for me in the couple of months that i've been using it.

I love my machine also. First few days were rough due to leaks but its easy peasy after you handle the leaks. Attitude is everything. Those who go to bed with a bad attitude with their cpap treatment are probably going to pay for it the next day...

Great attitude!! I'm another CPAP newbie (5 weeks yesterday) who is approaching this with a positive attitude. Now, that doesn't mean that everything has worked out perfect or that every night turns out the way I want it. But I don't let the setbacks get me down, and I didn't look at it initially as "oh my gawwwwwwwd, I'm going to be on this torturous mask and machine for the rest of my liiiiiiiiiiiife and the world is going to ennnnnnnnnnnd!" <insert hand-wringing here>

Sure, it's a major life change. So was my liver disease diagnosis in 2011. So was my thyroid disease diagnosis in...1993, I think. So are the other odds and ends wrong with me that require daily meds for the foreseeable future. This change does happen to require a bit more intrusive treatment. But, you know, what the hell. It keeps me alive, right? I'm asleep (theoretically ) while it's on, right? I can deal with it, and I can't wait for the day when I can feel the big change of really feeling rested. It'll all be worth it for sure then.

Welcome to the forum CPAPhope! You attitude is inspiring. I'm new to the forum, but have been on CPAP about 12 yrs. It becomes just a part of the rountine in a very short period of time. I've learned more here than from anywhere else about CPAP & aml learning about being an active participant in my theapy using my machine's data.

Again, welcome!
Jen

I have only been on CPAP for 5 nights and have tried to be as positive as possible with great results! I am already sleep better, feeling more rested when I wake up and more focused and alert during the day. I agree that sleeping with a mask every night is a small price to pay for better health!

CPA: whew!!! What a great thread! It's wonderful that you are adjusting so well and you have the right attitude! Keep a "fish-eye" on your sugar levels. After a few months, you may (some folks are different..., so you MAY) see your sugar levels drop. Keep an eye on those things (blood pressure, sugar levels, etc...). Sheriff

A night like that is what we all strive for (I had one last night, too!). Now that you know it's possible, the goal is to make those nights as often as possible. You may still have some bad nights, but good nights will become more and more frequent, until a bad night with CPAP is a rare occurrence.

I actually look forward to strapping on the mask and going to sleep, because I wake up so peaceful and comfortable most of the time. It's like the best drug ever (shhh, don't tell or everyone will want CPAP, too!). Someone here once said that they'd have to pry the CPAP out of her cold, dead hands, and I agree. After struggling months to acclimate, it was totally worth it.

Glad you had such a great night!

On the diabetes front, have you ever read Dr. Richard K. Bernstein's Diabetic Solution?

Great! Even with my problems with xPAP, I dread nights when I take it off without waking off. bad bad bad

I have also had a great experience. On cpap 6-7 weeks now. Sleeping through the night for the 1st time in years ... from the very 1st night. Like you, I hadn't realized how little sleep I was getting. Also, several "side" benefits: 1. my PVC's (preventricular contractions) are gone (a heart dysrrhythmia). --- 2. I used to have to get up to urinate at night anywhere between 3 to 7 times... now just once... and that's usually at 5:30 or 6:00am!--- Also, 3.My tendency toward daytime indigestion and nighttime GERD (gastroesophageal reflux) appears essentially resolved!! All of these disorders are well documented in the literature as improving or resolving in those with severe obstructive sleep apnea with use of cpap. No more daytime drowsiness, incredible energy and mental acuity!!! It's truly been life changing for me. If a burglar broke into my house, I would scream, "Take my wife... not my cpap!!!" (just kidding--- my wife is the greatest).So glad to hear you are doing well with yours. I have experimented with several different masks ... the Mirage Quattro full-face has worked out great for me ... good seal and adjustable tilt feature seems to place less pressure on the face. please write back with any questions. Happy New Year!! DEAN

I made a mistake in my previous post to you. I have the Quattro FX full-face mask (which has the adjustable feature). DEAN

Welcome! and congrats.

I too love my apap machine, and my wonderful ESON mask. It's better than any face cream or beauty item for making me look younger.

Now I really feel dumb. Made two mistakes in my previous posts to you. My mask IS the Mirage Quattro full face. I also have the Quattro FX full face but prefer the Mirage. I am stuffy at night and would not get enough air through my nose. The Mirage is great for comfort and air seal. Best of luck to you.