I feel worse since starting my CPAP

Lisa_67
on 12/19/08 3:13 am - Ravenna, OH

I know that it has only been about 10 days, but because I haven't gotten used to my CPAP yet, I'm not sleeping well. I actually slept more before the CPAP. I try to keep the mask on all night, but I haven't made it through a whole night yet. The last few days I have felt so drained from not sleeping well. Two nights ago I actually fell asleep on the couch at 6:30pm, which I never do. The mask fits fine and it's comfortable for the most part, but I can't get used to something strapped to my face. When I go to bed, it is now taking me over an hour to fall asleep, and I'm restless all night. I have been up at 4am for the last 5 days. I'm going insane cause I can't focus on work or anything lately. Do I need to give it more time? Or is there something I can try to help get used to it? Any advise will be greatly appreciated....Thanks!

starting weight...307 Surgery weight..274 Onederland...198 (3/6/10)
I lost 33 pounds before surgery. My new life has finally began

(deactivated member)
on 12/19/08 4:16 am - Hagerstown, MD

RNY on 05/08/08

hmmmmmmm......I'll tell you what I did and you can take it for what it's worth.......I simply just didn't use it LOL

Lisa_67
on 12/19/08 4:23 am - Ravenna, OH

RNY on 09/01/09

Believe me Aaron, that was my first thought. I'm just afraid that if I don't use it, my insurance company will deny my surgery. I'm not sure if they can do that or not, but I'm playing it safe for now...

starting weight...307 Surgery weight..274 Onederland...198 (3/6/10)
I lost 33 pounds before surgery. My new life has finally began

(deactivated member)
on 12/19/08 4:27 am - Hagerstown, MD

RNY on 05/08/08

oh just tell the doctor that you are using it even though you don't. The insurance company doesn't care....they only care about your test results and recommendations :) I even brought mine to the hospital when I went in for surgery and didn't use it. The air going through the little nose tubes was plenty enough pressure for me to sleep well since I had to sleep on my back then.

Sophia Maria
on 12/21/08 8:20 am

RNY on 01/23/11

Lisa Many cpap machines have a Smart card in them that can be read by the respiratory provider and sent to your insurance company that will tell whether or not you have been using the cpap machine and how many hours, etc.

I would suggest calling the provider and telling them you are having a hard time getting used to the machine.
And you say your mask fits well, and it doesn't leak at all? I know the machines themselves make a lot of noise maybe that is what is bothering you.

Another thing is they can set it so start on a "low ramp" so it is not all the full pressure when you are first staring to try to go to sleep. then it gradually builds up to the setting your Dr has recommended.

The best cpap machine is actually a self titrating machine (that adjusts the pressures up and down all night) or even a bi-pap but they probably gave you a regular cpap as these are the least expensive.

You May need a humidifier on the cpap for winter that may help you also Lisa.

Hope I have helped you as I was once a cpap user but once i had ls and lost a lot od weight got rid of the machine.

My husband still has a cpap and uses his every night.
He has a reg. cpap with nasal pillows and a chin strap so his mouth doesn't come open at night.