I'm using the machine for the first time...

By pjandbuzz Sunday, March 23, 2008

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I'm using the breathing machine, although it isn't easy. I thought I would feel better sooner. Actually, I didn't take it all very seriously because my regular doctor didn't think I had much of a problem after he saw my test results. (He didn't say that, but led me to believe he meant that.) So, I didn't put my "all" into using it. I would fall asleep before I put the mask on. When I took the computer chip in to be read they didn't have a four-hour time of usage to determine if it was doing anything for me. The sleep doctor emailed me and said that I had a serious problem. No one had said that so now I'm into it.

I have the machine that changes pressure with the need. I have sleep apnea and something else. I don't have that information with me. I did have one day this past week,I was not sleepy, had energy and I was relatively free of pain. I can't remember a day when I felt better. Is anyone else on this machine? I've been trying my best for about ten days.Is this what I should be experiencing as a result of the machine? It sure was great. I felt much younger, I had energy-wanted to dance! That night I fell asleep before putting on the mask so I woke up in the night and had to put it on. Didn't feel as good the next day. Now the pollen in the air is closing my sinuses. That's a pain. So, is this all worth the trouble? Is there something I will experience that's positive? Please write.

Comments (11) | Add comment

Sue

3/23/08 10:13pm

Dear pjandbuzz,

Thanks so much for your post. I am the moderator here and though not medically trained I hope I can help with some of your questions and lend an ear when you need one.

This is one of the most frustrating things I have read about - getting the machine to work for you. It is really something that seems to take several weeks with lots of trial and error before you settle into what works best - postion, size, air flow volume, etc.

Check out the posts by member Leah who has been writing for a few weeks about her struggles with the CPAP and how she has taken it on and is not backing down!

Thanks again and all the best, sue

sophie46

3/25/08 8:01pm

HI. I am not a trained medical professional either, but I have been using a C-pap machine for several years. Pjandbuzz didn't mention whether he had been advised about this, but you MUST wear the unit for a reasonable length of time. The main problem with sleep loss is the inability to reach REM sleep, which is the most restful and the most healing.You need about 90 minutes of sleep with good breathing to reach this stage, so if you go to sleep without your mask, that time is basically wasted. Always, ALWAYS put on your mask, even to take a midday rest. Also, I have an allergy/nasal congestion problem that interferes. Can't use the C-pap if no air gets through your nose, so I take a decongestant before bed.

pjandbuzz

3/26/08 2:36am

Hi, thanks for the info.I didn't know the reason I had to use the machine for the longer time. Can you tell me if I wake up and need to take the mask off, do I push the "on" button to turn it off? That's what I've been doing. I don't know any other way to interrupt the air flow so I can get the mask off. I know all the machines are different. I'll have to ask my doctor. I have been taking this very seriously now.I'm also dealing with allergies and I just got my allergy pills. (They were once over the counter but now require a doctor's prescription. We have a meth crisis here.) I just hate feeling so sleepy. I don't remember feeling this sleepy prior to using the machine. I have the variable one. My need changes, I guess. Thanks, again, for the information. It also makes me feel better to know there are others out there. Pjandbuzz.

NOSAJones

3/28/08 4:09pm

pjandbuzz,

The short answer is, Yes, Absolutely!

If one obstruction per hour can be "deadly"(meaning it can kill you), according to a famous sleep specialist, then you have to use your machine 100%. That means every minute of every hour that you sleep. No exceptions.

The other thing that you could have may be PLMS. If so, then there is a treatment for that too. Find out what it is to see if it needs attention.

Good luck, sounds like you are on the right track.

NOSAJones

3/31/08 1:51pm

pjandbuzz,

I forgot to mention, that since you are new to Sleep Apnea and it's treatment with the APAP machine, I'd strongly recommend learning everything you can about Sleep Apnea so you won't be in the dark about what's going on. One of the best places to start is at www.sleepfoundation.org and go to the section on Obstructive Sleep Apnea. There are some books out there that are very good for beginners too. I've been getting mine at a local library to keep the costs down. I think each one of us should become amateur "OSAologists", so to speak, not only for our own self interest, but to support others with the same problem. The whole field of sleep disorders is fairly new and going through some growing pains. All of us have something to contribute.

Mack

Lisa Fox

4/ 3/08 4:36pm

Hello,

First, I wish you all the best - it is truly a lifestyle change to get used to wearing but absolutely keep doing it! It needs to be used at least 4 hours per night and more if possible. You will start to feel better as you get used to it. I cant tell you how many success stories I have heard of people feeling better and more energetic, less morning headaches, and even losing weight. I can tell you that sleep apnea - where you stop breathing- is a serious condition which can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes and more. The daytime sleepiness is also a concern if you arent getting quality sleep and is responsible for over 100,000 traffic accidents per year. I am glad you went to a sleep physician vs another as they are trained to treat what you are going thru and know the seriousness. Every time you stop breathing, your blood pressure goes up and you release sugar which can lead to diabetes. Not to mention the lack of oxygen getting to all of the places it needs to. I would encourage you to find a support group or contact your local sleep lab and talk to someone who can help you thru the adjustment period, but quality sleep is very under-rated!

Good luck to you!

NOSAJones

4/ 7/08 12:14pm

Lisa,

I agree with what you said except "it needs to be used at least 4 hours per night if possible". That seems to be the party line, but it makes not sense. When you are not using your PAP machine while asleep, you are obstructing your airway. That's not good. It's like taking half your blood pressure medicine or half your prescribed Insulin.

All obstructions are bad. Having no obstructions is good. Therefore, you should use your PAP machine the entire time you are asleep, i.e., 100% of the time (I know a lot of people don't, like it's OK, but it's not OK, it's bad).

If your house was burning down, would you tell the firemen to leave after putting out only half the fire? Well, with OSA your "house is on fire", so let's put out every last flame.

Mack

Lisa

4/ 7/08 5:13pm

Hey Mack!

You are absolutely right and I stand corrected. Instead of if possible, I should have said at a bare minimum! The 4 hours is from a clinical standpoint. All studies that I have read or heard about are based on a minimum of 4 hours a night to show the results they are documenting (successes), but you are absolutely correct that it should be used whenever sleeping! It is a poor habit to say a minimum of 4 hours a night and I am breaking it right now :).

Have a great day!

Lisa

NOSAJones

4/ 7/08 10:39pm

I think we are going to start a new trend. How about 100% faithful, or "Be as faithful to your PAP machine as you are to your spouse...100%".

OK, maybe not. Some may take it the wrong way and think "Hey, I don't have to use my machine but 5 hours."

dede

4/20/08 12:57am

i dropped my (CPAP) machine i do not no where to turn, sinus are a problem also that machine is so uncomfortable how do u do it, where can i get another one misary is my name and i have hep c.

dede

4/20/08 12:57am

i dropped my (CPAP) machine i do not no where to turn, sinus are a problem also that machine is so uncomfortable how do u do it, where can i get another one misary is my name and i have hep c.

I'm using the machine for the first time...

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