I have have slept great both day 3 and 4.  I used to get up 3 to 5 times a night,  The last two nights I have awaken once.  Actually theses awakenings are nice because I just lay there and marvel at being able to lay on my back, perfectly relaxed and BREATHE.  I soon fall off to sleep and awaken at my usual time 6:30AM w/o an alarm clock.

I have felt the "dry mouth" thing I heard described which is caused by my opening my mouth but it only happened on day 1-3.  Last night it didn't happen at all.  I took off the ear plugs last night.  They were more difficult to adjust to than my mask.  The Vaseline in the nose has helped he chafing.

I have to tell you guys it feels like I have had a brain transplant!  I feel more awake and alert than I have felt in years!  It's is like being reborn.  The return of daytime fatigue I experience after day one came later and later.  Last night I was able to stay awake and  alert until 9PM.  My wife says I even look better.  Of course that is not saying much but I believe that I do look more alert and less old and tired.   :D   I certainly feel better.  I stopped using the ramp feature on day 3 and go to bed at my titrated pressure of 13.

This morning I awoke at my usual time, fixed some coffee (I can sleep on coffee!) and after an hour, went back to bed, hooked up my CPAP and slept another hour!   :D

I know that pre-treatment when I was reading these boards I was concerned about all the stories about problems people have had and I have to admit I was anxious.  I think I can be considered a success story and the advice I got about being positive and sticking to it were valuable.  I am sure levels of initial success vary.  I just know that this therapy is the best thing that has happened to me in years.  

Just remember...the therapy can work if you are positive and persistant.

Thanks to all who have given me encouragement and the benefit of your experience.  I wanted to share my success with those who are still wondering about CPAP.


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Thomas Vaughan

Thomas,
Welcome to your new life!!  I have had a very similar experience to yours.  I have been using my cpap approximately a month.   I agree that a positive attitude is the most vital thing....I decided on the day I started that this was going to be a great thing and that my machine and I were going to become the best of friends.  So far we are getting along just fine and I fell great just like you!!!
Best of Luck.

Hi Thomas!!

You should journal your posts, pre-treatment and beyond treatment.  You will find the journey amazing.  The complete energy and commitment of most of us at this forum is to help people understand OSA and what is happening to them, get them to treatment, help with compliance and teach self-advocacy.  It is great reading your posts and having you around!!

Vicki


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That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

While my CPAP has stopped my snoring I am still waking up 3-4 sometimes even 5 times a night and have trouble falling back to sleep afterwards. This is my fourth night on the CPAP using the standard mask they give with the ResMed unit. The pressure doesn't bother me, I just can't seem to stay asleep. My sleep test said that I stopped breathing 40 times per hour.
With a single dose of Temazapam I can wake only one time and fall back to sleep with ease. I am hoping that the CPAP will help with my getting a good night's sleep WITHOUT resorting to medication.

I am sorry you are having problems.  Why dont you register and hang aropund here for awhile and I am sure some of these wonderful more experienced users will have some helpfull suggestions.  I am so new at this that I dont feel qualified to offer suggestions to you at this point but there are numerous helpfull people who have a wealth of experience.  

All I can say to you it to hang in there.  I am thinking my early success is more of an anomoly.  From what I have read, most who stick to it get the results.


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Thomas Vaughan

I just discovered where I can access all of my posts in one place.  What a great idea!  I will do that.  Thanks for the welcome.   After reading redheads post I am afraid that reading of my early success may discourage others who are having trouble getting used to CPAP therapy.  After reading here for a month I was expectiong more problems but followingt the advice herre and making sure I got the right mask may have eliminated some of the problems.  Do you think "redhead" may be experiencing mask issues?


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Thomas Vaughan

Thomas
Be careful using vaseline if using a nasal pillow.  I was told it could breakdown the materials in the mask.  A better choice is Ayr(spelling) Saline Nasal Gel and it is safe for cpap users.  Otherwise sounds like you are having a good experience, keep it up.

Thomas P Vaughan wrote:

I just discovered where I can access all of my posts in one place.  What a great idea!  I will do that.  Thanks for the welcome.   After reading redheads post I am afraid that reading of my early success may discourage others who are having trouble getting used to CPAP therapy.  After reading here for a month I was expectiong more problems but followingt the advice herre and making sure I got the right mask may have eliminated some of the problems.  Do you think "redhead" may be experiencing mask issues?

Not to worry, it is good to know that some people are getting great results. I suffered from interrupted sleep for many years. While my body really wants deep and restful sleep I think my mind is used to the "wake up frequently" pattern.

I wouldn't be surprised if I do have a mask issue. I am using the mask that came supplied with the CPAP machine. I find it quite uncomfortable. I can adjust it so it feels fine adjusted from the top but when I lie on my back it becomes too loose, when I adjust it to feel good and seal properly on my back I roll over and it now leaks. I then wake up and have to readjust...sigh...
Time for another cup of decaf.

Thomas,

I just wanted to thank you for posting.  I am so glad it is going so smoothly for you.  I, too, worry about these reports of it taking months to acclimate myself to a CPAP.  However, I am so stoked by how good people feel when they are treated, I am anxious to be on it -- it has taken too long.  (Titration study on Wed).  Also, I was on a Bi-pap in the hospital (heavily drugged to be sure) and I nearly fought with the people when they decided they wanted to take it away.  So, I am looking forward to that wonderful feeling of air pulsing through my body!

Judy

However, I am so stoked by how good people feel when they are treated, I am anxious to be on it -- it has taken too long.  (Titration study on Wed).  


I know exactly how you feel.  That was me a few weeks ago.  Hang in there, your wait is almost over.

I have already measured a decrease in BP from an average of 145/90 to 130/75.  My tachicardia which has averaged over 110bpm is now consistantly below 90.

Hang in there and dont let the little discomforts get you down.


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Thomas Vaughan

Wow Thomas - I hope I see the same once I start CPAP (tonight, with luck!).  My blood pressure averages almost exactly the same as yours - 140-145 over 90.  Two different drugs haven't helped so far - i'm hoping it's all due to OSA and drops to normal levels on CPAP.


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--Frank (FJC)

How did it go?


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Thomas Vaughan

Not too bad, I think, for a first night.  Thanks for asking. :)  I didn't check my blood pressure this morning though (I normally check it in the evenings).

I'll write up a full report here shortly.


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--Frank (FJC)

I read your report on another thread.

Listen to Linda.  She is one of the angels here.


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Thomas Vaughan