Sleep Apnea Support Group

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. People with sleep apnea partially awaken as they struggle to breathe, but in the morning they may not be aware of sleep disturbances.

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Will I ever be able to adjust?

nal
nal
I am brand new to this support group so please bear with me if this seems long. I hate my cpap machine. The first test I had showed me waking up 33 times and hour and my cpap pressured ramped to 10. I could not get used to machine and just toughed it out. Then I almost hit a curb on the way to work and decided I had to get serious about treating this debilitating disorder. I had another sleep test and although I haven't been told the results yet the home medical company has already been to my house and readjusted the pressure to 14 which was the new pressured prescribed by the doctor. I have a new king of mask and after reading how much better everyone feels after getting used to it I realize I must take the approach that it is my friend not my enemy. I feel like dog manure most of the time. I have a family and a full time job as a medical secretary on a sub acute unit and although i do not deal directly with the patients like the nurse does i deal with things such as their do not rescuitate orders etc. and they do not deserve to have a very sleep deprived secretary make mistakes with their health directives. Please tell me there is hope for me. I have medication that the pulmonary specialist gave me to stay awake, but it hardly works. It is called Provigil and is a stimulant. Well it doesn't stimulate me. I would like some support down this long and difficult road and would like to offer my support to others with this disorder. Hope to hear from all of you soon.
Not sleeping in Boston
deleted_user
deleted_user
There is hope. A cpap takes some getting used to. Is it the mask that is the problem? If so maybe your doctor would ok another mask for you. This happened to me. I could not wear the full face mask (felt like I was smothering) so my sleep doctor ok'ed the Mirage Swift for me to use. I have to wear a chin strap with it but I'm cool with that.
deleted_user
deleted_user
It does take a little to get used to sleeping with a mask on. Be sure if you take a nap to use it then too; will help you get used to it sooner. My rheumy wanted me to try the provigil and I refused it - my pcp calls it "legal speed". The cpap has really made a big difference for me. I have fibromyalgia, so I get a double whammy when it comes to sleep deprivation and fatigue, but this has really helped a lot.
deleted_user
deleted_user
i am looking forward to getting my CPAP as soon as possible i have already had a minor traffic accident due to falling asleep so i am going to love my machine even if i hate it if you know what i mean.

i would never take provigil or any stimulant because i am on multiple meds including antidepressants - it could make me go quite insane. honestly, my suggestion to you is take some time off work until you are feeling better. 1, 2 weeks... much better than losing your job or worse. you can sleep as much as you want, and i you need to nap during the day you can wear your CPAP like the person above suggested.

i dont yet have any experience of CPAP but i have lots of experience with fatigue, sleep problems and living with chronic illness. i have learned that its important to put your health first.
deleted_user
deleted_user
just thought of one more thing - is your CPAP humidified and warm - i was reading a manufacturer's website that that is really important, esp. if you have any nasal congestion or sinus type problems. they have many different masks - nasal cover, nasal prongs, mouth only, combined nose/mouth.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hang in there. I've had my CPAP machine pressure increased and I think they are going to increase it again. I recently did a "nocturnal oximetry" test. I don't speak Latin but I think it means how much oxygen is in my blood at night. I aked him to turn that thing up to max and lets quit playing around! I guess they don't like doing that but I think I'm gonna max it out eventually. I do notice some relief already. I increased the humidity and that has made it much more comfortable, although my mouth still tastes like an old dirty boot in the morning. I also wear it when I take a nap. I'm not sure I can fall asleep without the damn thing now. Just keep trying! Any relief is better than none at all!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I've been on CPAP therapy for about 2 years. I. too, have fibro, and I'm still tired all the time, but most nights I WANT to wear my machine cause I sleep so much better - less waking up, less turning over, etc. It does take getting used to. I started with a nasal mask and now I use the ComfortLite with nasal pillows. The pillows hurt my nose at first but now I love them - no sore nose! I have a small nose, so the nasal masks tend to cut in around my eyes, but the pillows are great.
You do need to give it time. It took me a few weeks to get used to wearing it all, but then for awhile I felt very well rested.
deleted_user
deleted_user
It does take a lot to get use to. I remeber my 1st night at home with the cpap. I must of faught it in my sleep cause when I woke up my mask was on the floor and I had broke it. It does take time to get use to but once you do you will feel so much better. So hang in there. It may take you longer then other but It is well wroth it in the end trust me.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Itried several machines and masks before finding the right ones for me. I use a Hybrid mask(very cool) and a heated humidified Respironics Bipap. I also have fibro, circadium rythem disorder,severe insomnia and many other things. I love my Hybrid Mask since I got it and it is not full face but does have a part that goes around your chin and under your nose with pillows that go into your nose. Very comfortable.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Wow, I'm glad I came over here and read this post. Last night I had my 2nd sleep study to evaluate settings. I am pretty discouraged today because I couldn't sleep after 2:30 am and I was up multiple times, I think because the pressure testing and nasal mask made me feel like I was suffocating. Also, not enough moisture, I think. I have fibro as well and have been fighting terrible fatigue for a year. Got to do something about this and I'm hoping CPAP will be the answer.