Hi,

I just started with my machine. My main apparent sympton was fatique, not snoring. I don't expect miracles. However, from some of you veterans, how much time should pass before I expect to see some results?

Thanks for your answer in advance.

Ed

I just began my CPAP journey and believe me....it is not a "walk in the park"  
I am on my 4th mask and am only wearing it about one hour a night. It is real funny, though, in my second sleep study with a CPAP mask, I slept all night long, never woke up.

My best advice it to take it slowly and don't be too hard on yourself....if you only use the mask a short length of time at night, then you are that much ahead of the game. I did find that if I put my mask on about an hour before I actually go to bed, then my face and my mind are more used to the strange contraption.  I am finding that the nasal pillow works the best for me.  Best of luck

Ed, I'm a 63 year-old curmudgeon that spent several years of my life in a trance from lack of sleep.  My first sleep study (in a hospital) was done about 5 years ago, and indicated severe sleep apnea.  On the second night I went in for titration, but was only offerred a full face mask.  Well, the combination of full pressure and my claustrophobia put a very quick end to that, and I left the hospital heartbroken that there was no solution to my problem.

Three years passed, and my condition only worsened.  Even my red blood cell count was increasing drastically as my body attempted to compensate for a lack of oxygen.  When I found myself changing lanes on the expressway, and having no recollection of having done so consciously, I headed quickly back to the doctor before I killed myself, or worse, someone else.  In addition to scheduling an appointment with a respiration specialist, my family physician also suggested that I talk with an ENT.  The ENT appointment came first, and the doctor assured me that surgery would solve all my problems.  The real "problem," however, was what he was proposing to do!  Basically, it amounted to "rotor-routering" my hard and soft palates, removing my uvula, and, last but not least, permanently pulling my tongue forward by suturing it through my lower jaw.  JESUS, not a chance!  I exited the premises very quickly and never looked back.

After my second sleep study, titration was done using a REMSTAR with C-FLEX, heated humidifier, and nasal pillows.  Initially I needed to "ramp up" gradually to the setting of 14 I required to be able to tolerate the damn thing, but at least my claustrophobia was under control.  During the night the technician came in and told my I also needed a chin strap as my mouth kept falling open.

Ed, from that night in the hospital, I knew my life was going to improve.  I had had the best sleep that I could remember and felt completely refreshed and wide awake.

I won't say that the first few weeks at home were easy.  I had to play tricks with myself like having a fan blowing on me all night, but the positive reinforcement of awaking well-rested and full of energy was all the incentive I needed to keep using the device.  Sure, I would throw it out the window in a heartbeat except that I feel so damn good all the time!  I gave up the "ramping" after two weeks, and the fan was also put away.  I will have been on CPAP for two years in October, and without a doubt it has changed my life completely.

Hang in there, Ed.

Same question. I am on resmed auto. It is set for 7 to 20. I am having trouble sleeping. I didn't get a good cpap study, but the mask was ok, this pressure goes down my esophagus into stomach, also, out my mouth as well. I think it is hitting pretty high peaks at night and waking me up, dry mouthed, etc. I am so xhausted, can anyone help?


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To Sleep ..To sleep and to restore...