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+--- Thread: First Night on CPAP - Couldn't sleep. (/Thread-First-Night-on-CPAP-Couldn-t-sleep)
First Night on CPAP - Couldn't sleep. - rhoodphoto - 09-13-2013
Last night was my first night on CPAP and I feel like I didn't sleep at all. Mask fits well and comfortable, humidity set at 78, EPR at 3, ramp 20 min from 7 to 15. Went to bed at my normal time and I always fall asleep quickly, but I just couldn't do it last night, Of course I am worn out this morning. Any tips for getting to sleep with the mask on?
RE: First Night on CPAP - Couldn't sleep. - justMongo - 09-13-2013
I'm new to the board; but not new to CPAP. Most folks have a period of adjustment in getting to accustomed to CPAP.
Stick with it.
You have perhaps the most comfortable mask available -- I use it; and would not trade for any other mask.
I strap in and get to bed at the same time if possible. I have found that using a set of over the ear headphones and listening to music helps me initiate sleep. Of late, I have been falling to sleep listening to German language lessons on CD. No offense to anyone from Germany; but, I actually fall asleep faster listening to the language CDs.
RE: First Night on CPAP - Couldn't sleep. - trish6hundred - 09-13-2013
Hi rhoodphoto,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
CPAP therapy can take a bit of getting used to so just stick with it, it does get better.
Hang in there for more responses to your post and best of luck.
RE: First Night on CPAP - Couldn't sleep. - PsychoMike - 09-13-2013
Hey Rhoodphoto and welcome to the board
As others have said, there will be a bit of an adjustment period...a) you're not used to something on your face at night b) there are now new and different sounds to get used to (like the mask venting and gentle sounds of the CPAP itself) and c)the positive pressure would be a new experience for your body.
Some suggestions that might help:
1) keep your routine as steady as you can in order to minimize the number of changes to your sleep pattern as possible. CPAP is an adjustment and you don't need to throw more adjustments at your body at the same time.
2) I know the Quattro isn't the greatest for it, but if you can, try wearing the CPAP (yes, pressure on) while watching TV or reading a book during the day or evening...many people find it helps the body get used to having positive pressure in the airway (if you're not panicking about it during the day, it must be okay at night, right?
) 3) Maybe some warm milk before bed...or a German language CD
...to help encourage sleep.
RE: First Night on CPAP - Couldn't sleep. - rhoodphoto - 09-13-2013
I will have to try this German language CD since it has been mentioned twice. lol
RE: First Night on CPAP - Couldn't sleep. - justMongo - 09-13-2013
(09-13-2013, 01:23 PM)rhoodphoto Wrote: I will have to try this German language CD since it has been mentioned twice. lol
And soon you'll be sleeping better; and be able to say:
"Ich spreche ein bisschen Deutsch"
Mongo
RE: First Night on CPAP - Couldn't sleep. - Basz - 09-13-2013
Rhood- I am also newly diagnosed and new to using cpap. I've been reading here since my diagnosis. This board is extremely helpful. Other than the initial claustrophobic anxiety, I took right to cpap therapy. I am only three weeks into cpap therapy and I feel it has been a life changer.
Check out all the good advise from the contributors on this board and I am sure it will all be worth it.
RE: First Night on CPAP - Couldn't sleep. - xxl - 09-13-2013
I'm just six weeks ahead of you. I am still working through a few issues. I do feel much better even though I don't sleep through the night.
I started out the same as you. I would land up only using the mask for about an hour, then in a week it became two hours, then four and now I am at 5.5 hours a night.
It looks like we have the same equipment an mask. I have only been on this mask for just over a week. The first couple of days I would have blowouts, noisy leaks that would wake me up around the two hour mark. Since then I have tightened up the straps and I make it my full time.
For the last two weeks, I have been listening to Pandora on my Android player. I set the sleep timer for 30 minutes. This usually lets my mind drift enough to fall asleep before the ramp gets to peak level.
RE: First Night on CPAP - Couldn't sleep. - alby_c - 09-13-2013
(09-13-2013, 06:22 AM)rhoodphoto Wrote: Last night was my first night on CPAP and I feel like I didn't sleep at all.
Just to be clear - did you sleep or not - or did you not feel refreshed in the morning - two different problems. You post is a little unclear
Same solution really though - stick with it. The angle of attack may be different though. What were your stats from the night - better to wait a week to see a trend really but after the first night I understand the need to feel it is worth rigging up with the hose. i.e. what was the AHI for starters, and your leak rate.
RE: First Night on CPAP - Couldn't sleep. - rhoodphoto - 09-14-2013
Relief...............I slept like a baby last night. My diagnosed AHI was 27 and last night I recorded a 2.60 and my med leak rate was 2.40. I feel much more rested this morning than I have in a long time. I hope this positive performance continues. Thanks everyone for your positive support and ideas. I started using the Sleepyhead software and I love the immediate feedback, it really helps to encourage me.