Beginner

[Hornnumb2]

I am about to do a sleep study and I am a little freaked out about it. I normally sleep on my side or front, which with a mask I can see that my side will be the only option. I have never been able to sleep on my back, I hope that is not a deal breaker. I talked to a friend that just had it done and she said she felt like she was drowning. Any suggestions before I do this, Kinda freaked me out enough to back out. Michael

[retired_guy]

Welcome to our happy camper world Horn,

Try not to freak out too much about your sleep test and upcoming therapy. I understand your trepidation, but really you're ready to experience better and healthier sleep than ever before. That's actually a good thing.

As to sleeping on your front? Yeah that could be difficult with most masks. But with a pillows mask you could probably still do it. Side sleeping is fine. I found that once I began therapy I could even sleep on my back, which I do about 1/2 the time now. That's a real treat.

Life will be well. Check in often and tell us how you are doing as you begin your journey.

[trish6hundred]

Hi Hornnumb2,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
I know it's easier said than done, but try not to freak out about your sleep study, this will tell you if you have sleep apnea.
Sleeping on your side is ok and some hav managed to sleep on their stomachs with no trouble, I can do that if I use a pillows mask.
Hang in there for more suggestions and best of luck to you as you start your journey.

[Peter_C]

We all go through this, and you too will come out the other side. The big plus is if you do have OSA, life will get better by going through this process.

Try and do what you must so that you are very tired when you arrive. Nothing hurts, just lots of wires attached to your body so you have to be kind of careful rolling over. Be sure to take all your regular meds (if any) at their regular times the day of the test. Other than being really as sleepy as possible (skip sleep and stay up the night b4?), you want this to be the normal you.

While they will ask you to try to sleep on your back for a bit, the critical part is that you do actually sleep.

[Mike1953]

Relax and just do it. The sun will come out the next morning and all will be well. Its better than a trip to the dentist, for sure.

[Ghost1958]

Best tip I can give is dont be shy. If it feels like your not getting enough air, say so. If pressure is to much again say so.

It really isnt much different than putting on one of those play scuba masks as a kid except with them you couldnt breathe through your nose. Youll be able to breath regardless. Relax and enjoy the ride.

[PaytonA]

Welcome to our happy camper world Horn,

Try not to freak out too much about your sleep test and upcoming therapy. I understand your trepidation, but really you're ready to experience better and healthier sleep than ever before. That's actually a good thing.

As to sleeping on your front? Yeah that could be difficult with most masks. But with a pillows mask you could probably still do it. Side sleeping is fine. I found that once I began therapy I could even sleep on my back, which I do about 1/2 the time now. That's a real treat.

Life will be well. Check in often and tell us how you are doing as you begin your journey.

"Trepidation"????

[Peter_C]

Dat's wigt! we umm cern use dos big words if we lek dem up fist

[Ghost1958]

Welcome to our happy camper world Horn,

Try not to freak out too much about your sleep test and upcoming therapy. I understand your trepidation, but really you're ready to experience better and healthier sleep than ever before. That's actually a good thing.

As to sleeping on your front? Yeah that could be difficult with most masks. But with a pillows mask you could probably still do it. Side sleeping is fine. I found that once I began therapy I could even sleep on my back, which I do about 1/2 the time now. That's a real treat.

Life will be well. Check in often and tell us how you are doing as you begin your journey.

"Trepidation"????

Trepidation?? I thought that was a form of inebriation only at three times the legal limit

[Mutineer]

My personal experience is it is an advantage to be a side sleeper over a "back" sleeper with CPAP therapy as is confirmed by the relevent AHI numbers!