care to evaluate my progress?

Anyone with experience, am I on the right track here?

Here is what I've been doing for the past month. I use the auto Remstar with Cflex on 3, new breeze mask. I keep a chart by my bedside and record the following data each and every night.

I log in the hours shown on the unit as I go to bed. If (and i always do) wake up during the night, I roll over, check the machine and write down the hours on the unit and the pressure it is running at. I then try, and usually do, fall back to sleep. When I awake i do the same thing.

This allows me to evaluate how long I have the mask on total each night, how long I slept, and some idea of what pressure I'm using.

So far, my averages are as follows:

I fall asleep each night for 2-3.5 hours, wake up, the pressure is usually running between 8.0-10.0 when I wake up. I will usually toss and turn for an hour after I wake up, but insist on leaving the mask on. I dose off for another 1.5-3.0 hour session, then wake for the day.

So I'm averaging about 5-5.5 hours per night of sleep with the mask on each night. I have concluded that I must have had terrible apnea for years, because I must say, even at only 5-5.5 hours of sleep per night, I feel MUCH better! I sure hope I can increase these numbers. I know 5 hours of sleep a night is not considered healthy, but for me, as someone who has not slept in years, I'll take it. More, would be better, hopefully in time.

The thing I have noticed that is waking me up, is gushing air, when my mouth drops open. Tonight, I plan to tape up for the first time. It might be a rough night, but if I can adept to having the mouth tapped, fall asleep, maybe I'll stay asleep.

Unless it really hits you the wrong way, I'll be surprised if taping will disrupt your routine. I thougth it would feel weird, but actually you don't really notice that the tape is there after a few nights. Really is no big deal. And even if it is for you, you'll get used to it, I'll bet.

Tim

mouth breathing can be a real problem and be the cause of your awakening. You need to consider taping your mouth or getting a full face mask (things known to remedy the situation). It is hit or miss if chin straps work.

It can take many 2-3 hrs to reach their first onset of REM sleep (time should be given on your last PSG), when they do, it can be where they have the most severe SDB events seen as it is where your neck muscles completely relax and allow the mouth to drop open. The mouth only needs to drop 1/8" for this to happen. This seems to fit your situation pretty much as you explained it.

falling back asleep: waking up and writing something down can be the reason your not just falling back asleep right away. I would consider getting the software for your machine so it automatically records this so you don't have to do this and wake yourself up.

I would also consider obtaining a full face mask even if you do decide to remedy the situation using tape, chinstrap or other means (those methods don't seem to last long term). A full face mask can be more comfortable than these other means and much less wear on your face.

I completely agree. Having been on CPAP therapy just over 2 months now I started out with a nasal mask and had to use a chin strap to keep my mouth closed (I HATE straps). I have now moved over to a full face mask that incorporates the chin (no strap needed) and I'm in CPAP heaven. It is the Fisher-Paykel FlexFit 431 model. It has the 3 size inserts so it was easy to acheive a great fit with NO leaks. It is more comfortable for me and I find it self adjusts when I lay on my side. I was always messing with that pesky nasal mask or cranking it down to where I got marks on my face in the morning. Anyway I highly recommend it. I used to get up an average of 3-4 times every night and never slept well as a result. My first sleep test revealed that I got about 3 hours sleep. The CPAP included sleep test gave me 5.5 hours and doubled my REM and tripled my Stage 4 sleep. I now sleep an average of 7 hours with NO getting up in the middle of the night. Not even ONCE!