Maybe not needed?

[Hydrangea]

I forget to breathe when I'm awake sometimes. I'll notice I haven't inhaled for a bit, and consciously breathe. I also have times where I have what is referred to as "periodic breathing" when I'm awake, and I end up hyperventilated. It took years of being labeled an "anxious female" before someone thought to check my blood gases, and said it's from improper breathing and sighing often. When I periodic breathe when I'm awake, I go through a breathing exercise a pulmonologist taught me, of doing timed belly breathing. That's why I said maybe it's more than just sleep apnea.

I have the same exact symptoms. (You are not alone.) 

I've learned that (for me) it's due to my Lyme disease. I especially have the choking and gagging as I'm trying to fall asleep. On the CPAP now, I no longer get startled awake (as I'm trying to fall asleep) by the choking & gagging, rather I can feel my throat slowly being cranked open from the pressure of the CPAP.  So... that's kinda cool.

I do the deep breathing before I go to sleep. I've heard that 5 deep breaths will help the body switch gears toward relaxation and sleep, and I have very much found that to be helpful to me.

[MrsBrando]

[attachment=3229]
"I especially have the choking and gagging as I'm trying to fall asleep. On the CPAP now, I no longer get startled awake (as I'm trying to fall asleep) by the choking & gagging, rather I can feel my throat slowly being cranked open from the pressure of the CPAP.  So... that's kinda cool."

Oh. My. Gosh. I have startled awake as I'm falling asleep for years! You're right, with CPAP it's not happening anymore.  


Here's my new Sleepyhead from last night. Dragging today.

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[Sleeprider]

Hopefully most days are better. You might try a lower AFlex setting like 1. It shouldn't make a lot of difference in comfort, but may help with those breathing transitions. I can relate to the startling awake. It was the reason I could not sleep in a sleep study, and happens if I take a nap without PAP.