I just began treatment on my apnea.  I got my CPAP and the first two nights went fine.  I woke up feeling amazing; however, since Monday the 20th I have done nothing but wake up more tired than I was untreated.  I never have the mask on, and until last night never remember taking it off.  Is this a normal sort of adjustment?  Falling asleep is easy.  Waking up downright stinks.

any advice?

namelessben wrote:

I just began treatment on my apnea.  I got my CPAP and the first two nights went fine.  I woke up feeling amazing; however, since Monday the 20th I have done nothing but wake up more tired than I was untreated.  I never have the mask on, and until last night never remember taking it off.  Is this a normal sort of adjustment?  Falling asleep is easy.  Waking up downright stinks.

any advice?

I chuckled reading this, because I was remembering all those times I had ripped my mask off in my sleep and not remembered it.
Happened on the first nite, even.  Happened often.  Eventually I stopped.  Once though, I was discussing this with someone, and that very nite, it happened again.  Power of suggestion, I suppose.

Lots of people report doing that.  Must be a psychological thing, taking off what must seem like a foreign object.  Like swatting a fly in your sleep or something.   I thought I read somewhere some machines have an alarm for that, but not sure.  Personally I don't want any alarm waking me up, it was hard enough falling asleep with this thing on.  I don't really have suggestions.  Maybe be sure it's on snug enough, making it harder to take off.  I do remember a few times when I was actually awake, or partially, and noticed I was taking off the mask.  Once I just fell back to sleep with it still in my  hand.  Another time I remember talking to myself, telling myself to put that thing back on.  So funny.  

I understand that pulling the mask off can be due to different factors, such as dealing with the pressures we now have to get used to.  Problems with mask leaks and others will usually wake a person up.  That also causes you to rip off your mask while you sleep.  I know I had some leaks for awhile, and I was ripping my mask off alot at that time.

It's still early yet, I think.  But it's good you're trying to notice what's happening.  You might even want to write down how you're doing, keep a kind of log.  That might help.  Only a thought.  When I started, every morning I would email a friend and pester him with my descriptions of my experience with the machine and mask from the night before.  But that helped me deal with it, I think, writing it down.  

Feel free to check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section.  Perhaps that might help.  Also, check out our "Interesting Links" forum.

Click here for FAQ section information

Keep in touch.  Let us know how it is going.  I'd like to know.
And welcome to our forum!!


Linda

I had heard from everyone how wonderful they felt after they got their CPAP's so I expected the same thing.

Well, the first two nights have not been revelating. I hope they get better. I have taken my mask off both nights as well. It is hard to try to relearn to sleep on my back since I have experienced my mask leaks on my side.

Tonight I will try without a pillow....

downsmith wrote:

I had heard from everyone how wonderful they felt after they got their CPAP's so I expected the same thing.

Well, the first two nights have not been revelating. I hope they get better. I have taken my mask off both nights as well. It is hard to try to relearn to sleep on my back since I have experienced my mask leaks on my side.

Tonight I will try without a pillow....

Downsmith,

It might be wrong to have everyone thinking that their first nights on cpap will be great and solve all their problems.
I know I tell people it's gonna be great, but I know it can take time and be aggravating.  Sometimes I feel a little like I'm promising the moon.
For some it really does provide some relief right away.  But for just as many, there are problems, and it takes time and often some changes in the equipment, to make it all work.

When I first started on my cpap, I was very apprehensive and, well, scared.  
One of the very first people who greeted me on a discussion board wrote something that I've never forgotten:    "Just remember, we didn't get this sleep deprived overnight and we are not going to be fully rested and back to normal overnight either. But it is a journey worth taking."

I still struggle with my cpap.  It's much better, but I do struggle still.  I may well need some change in my cpap or the mask to make it even better.  Don't give up.  

And don't give up on sleeping on your side, either.  What kind and brand mask do you use?  Is it a nose mask?  What kind?  Some are better than others for leaks, especially for sleeping on your side, which I do too.  Check out some of these suggestions in these posts on brands of masks.  Maybe you will need to try another. I only have one mask, but I want to try others.  I even want a full face mask as a backup for when I get a cold and can't breath through my nose.  Getting the right prescribed cpap and the right mask that suits you are the most important things for success.  Doctors and the companies which sell these things don't always understand that compliance is absolutely necessary for there to be any success.  I bet we can find something for you that works better.  Hang in there, and let us know how it goes for you.  And feel free to ask more questions.


Linda

namelessben....the first question I asked when joining this group was about taking my mask off during the night....that was not so long ago and now after having to wear this mask for 1 1/2 months I never take it off during the night...so I'm sure you will some day sleep all night with it on.  


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*** Linda ***