CPAP Notes

[aelfie]

So I've had my CPAP for 3 weeks...I'm still loving that thing...I'd thought I'd post some notes and troll request some commentary from other CPAP users

So I do need the ramp function. I found that if I just turn it on full blast I spend what seems an inordinate amount of time adjusting, re-adjusting, adjusting as every time I budge I get an air leak. If I use the ramp, I fall asleep before it's blowing full blast and I'm not bothered by air leaks. I think when I fall asleep, I finally relax enough to just let the machine do the breathing thing for me. I find that by morning when I'm coming up from sleep that it feels like its blowing gently, but I seem to be getting plenty of air. Its a strange sensation.

I'm wondering how long it will take me to feel like I'm rested again. Yea, I know, I chase 3 kids all day. I was feeling better for awhile there, and now I feel like I'm dragging all over the place again. I know I'm getting better sleep than I was before the CPAP...I just feel like my body is saying "Hey! I'm fucking tired, you haven't slept well in 5+ years...you need more sleep to make up for what's been lost." I'm wondering if I'm not at the right setting yet. 'Cause it was nice to have some energy there 2 weeks ago, and now I'm back to "let me sit on the couch all day and sit. I'm too tired to move." And my sugar/caffeine cravings seem to be coming back. I liked having energy you know?

I've found that I don't want to sleep without the mask. I could nap on the couch or Joe's Big Red Chair. But I don't want to I want to go to my room, but that silly mask on and blast some air down my throat. Interesting.

This sleep thing is a hell of a lot more complicated than it should be.

Oh...last night Gwen came to bed with me before I went down and while listening to her breathe I noticed...she stops breathing for 10-15 seconds every 5 minutes or so. I think she's coming down with a cold (she seems a bit congested), nonetheless, I'm keeping an eye on it.

Comments

[allanh.livejournal.com]

My personal opinion is that if you were deriving benefit and no longer are, that it's probably due to mask leaks. You may want to go back to Kaiser and work with them some more on other masks.

It may also be time for The Chinstrap.

[aelfie.livejournal.com]

I use a full face mask..no need for a chin strap, it just blows down my mouth.

Mask Leaks: I tend to see them first thing at night...when I'm still consciously doing my breathing myself...during the night (kids come in, cat jumps on me, etc.) It doesn't seem to be a problem at all.

But a call to the respiratory therapist wouldn't hurt.