Did you notice a big improvement with use of the CPAP machine?
I have recently been diagnosed with sleep apnea and just got a CPAP machine. It’s taking some getting used to, and I have used it only during the day so far when I’m awake. Hopefully, I’ll get used to it soon and will be able to use it when sleeping.
My question: What benefits did you users notice? I have extreme daytime fatigue and often feel like I’m functioning at only about 50% cognitively. Do you feel more alert and focused from improved quality of sleep with the CPAP?
I just got the CPAP today. I spent about half an hour with the mask, with the technician monitoring and giving me instructions and etc. When I had my last sleep test, I spent some time awake with it on, and managed to sleep a few hours with it.
I’m not accustomed to anything on or near my face when I’m sleeping, and I have to stay pretty much in one position.
I plan to try to sleep with it tomorrow night. It’s not like I’ve had it for months and am refusing to use it! It’s just new and foreign to me.
Tagged with: cpap machine • daytime fatigue • half an hour • last sleep • mask • sleep • sleep apnea • sleep test • tomorrow night
Filed under: Sleep Apnea Machine Questions
My husband has been using his CPAP machine for about 6 years now. Before, my husband would fall asleep without notice anytime of the day, as soon as he sat down. I don’t think he ever saw a whole movie without falling asleep on it. Also, he was very cranky, moody, and tired all the time. Then, he started having chest pain. He had a sleep study done and they said he would stop breathing numerous times during the night (which I already knew and I would elbow him to get him to breathe again). This pain scared him into using his machine. It was very hard at first for him, but now he cannot sleep without it. It is hard to get used to, but you can do it. Also, don’t use it when you are awake unless your doctor wants you to, your body must get used to SLEEPING with it on. And yes, he is more alert, he can watch a whole movie, and he is not so cranky all the time. The doctor says he has slight heart damage from all of the years of having sleep apnea, but it is only noticeable on an EKG. He does not have anymore chest pain. Maybe you can take a sleep aid to help you sleep with it on while getting used to it, but please keep trying. You’ll learn to use it and you won’t be able to sleep without it. Good luck!
I have been using a CPAP for almost 5 years now and I really noticed a difference after the first week. Now I can’t sleep with out it! Both my parents use one as well and find it helpful. My mom used to fall asleep at her desk during the day and nod off on the phone, now she has no problems staying awake. It is also really bad to NOT use your CPAP, it can cause serious heart problems if you have sleep apnea and don’t use the machine. Hope this helps, keep it up at night and that’s when you’ll feel the difference.
The CPAP machine will do you no good if you only use it during the day or when you are awake. The good news is, if you have been trying to get used to it while awake that’s the first step. Next, you should try to use it every night. Start by using it for 1 hour a night, then 2 then 3…etc… hopefully it won’t take you long to be using it every night. If you are only functioning at such a low level of energy and awareness everyday this tells me you probably have it pretty darn bad. If you continue to fight and not wear the mask you will not only be miserable, but it can contribute to heart disease, stroke, any number of accidents, diabetes, depression, and weight gain. I guarantee you that if you are able to use this machine every night your life will change. Everyone who has come back to our lab that uses the machine regularly says they feel completely changed for the better. The ones who say they hate the machine are those who don’t use it. If your mask doesn’t fit right or you still don’t feel you can get used to it – call your homecare company and discuss this with them or your doctor or even the sleep lab where you had your test – GET YOURSELF INFORMED – because it is important that you use it – and it will make all the difference.
I noticed improvement from the start.I didnt need as much sleep as before and felt better when I woke up.I had a headache almost everyday before when I woke.At first I would take it off in the middle of the night and not even know I had done it.Now I have had it a few months and have trouble sleeping without it.I also had bad allergies before and trouble breathing and now I think that it has also helped that somewhat.Also when I was first diagnosed. I thought sleep apnea was B.S. and the DR. told me when people die in their sleep this is usually what caused it.Since I have been wearing the CPAP for awhile I am now a believer.
I tried the nose only mask it did not work very well andthen I SWITCHED TO A FULL FACED MASK AND THAT DID THE TRICK …….ZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzz and yes I had the sleep apnea surgery 2 weeks of total PAINNNN