First night... wow

[jeepersheart]

Just tried CPAP for the first time last night. Now I havent seen a Dr or been diagnosed yet ( that will be Monday) but I had the opportunity to try a machine last night and all I can say is WOW!!!

Before I get people all upset about using a machine without supervision I will say I'm a paramedic and have administered CPAP to many patients, so I have a firm understanding of the mechanics and settings.

I talked to my dad about my issues and the appointment I have setup for Monday, thats when he told me he had a friends backup travel machine sitting around that he was afraid to try. I figured what the heck I have an appointment already and I know what I'm doing so I will give it a shot. The setup is a probasics zzzpap brick and a breeze mask. The first hour was pure hell, the tubing leaked causing whistling, and the mask made my nose feel like I was jamming knives up my nose.

But then I got the mask adjusted right tightened it down and woke up about four hours later. Slept for another hour and now Im more awake then I have been in years. I woke up before 7am on a weekend... I dont remember the last time that happened, and I feel amazing! I mean I slept for maybe 5 hours and I feel better then I would after sleeping 12 hours untreated.

The mask was ok, fit could have been better as my nose is really sore this morning. I also dont think the humidifier was working because my nose and the back of my throat were really dry. But all in all Im impressed and floored at the way I feel right now.

PS I had the pressure set to 10 to start out and that felt perfectly fine to me, now I cant wait to see what happens with my appointment... I dont wanna give this thing up.

[oldteddybear]

I remember my first night.... at a sleep clinic. I had a terrible nights sleep, but woke up with an alert mind and realized that I had been living in a mental fog.
The technician stated that the untreated results indicated that I was getting approximately 3 hours of real sleep a WEEK, and now I regularly dream, which I hadn't done in years.]

Good luck with the appointment!

The dry throat is often a symptom of breathing through your mouth while sleeping with the mask, if it continues you may want to get a chin strap.

[jeepersheart]

I thought about the mouth breathing, but I never have been a mouth breather. I would think that if I were breathing through my mouth I would have a dry mouth too. Just judging from the way I feel and how my mouth felt compared to my nose and throat I think my mouth stayed sealed off, and the dryness is from the humidity (or lack thereof). But I will keep it in mind.

[Shastzi]

What can I say, Jeepers.
You're doing a good thing.
Make them issue you a ResMed S9 AutoSet and you'll probably do even better.

Cheers & Good Luck!

[vsheline]

I had the opportunity to try a machine last night and all I can say is WOW!!!

Hi jeepersheart, a hearty welcome to the forum!

Glad you joined us!