Trouble staying asleep with CPAP
I've had my CPAP for a little over a month, and I'm able to fall asleep with no issues. However, I consistently wake up 5 to 6 hours later and can't doze off again unless I quit using the mask for the rest of the night. Other times I just can't pass out again and stay awake. Is this a common issue for new users? If so, how long does it usually last for? I'm at the point where the mask is very comfortable and I barely notice it while it's on, so I don't think it's a comfort issue.
RE: Trouble staying asleep with CPAP
@TiredTom111
Hey TT, It probably took me more than four months to sleep through the night without a break in there somewhere. Was comfortable with the mask too, just seemed like I'd had enough sleep since the sleep I was getting was of much higher quality than before treatment and just the flow of air, the sound, the feel, though none objectionable just made it difficult to fall back to sleep after waking. I went into a pretty regular pattern of bi-phasic sleep. When I would wake up, instead of fighting it trying to get back to sleep, I'd just shut off the machine, take off the gear and go out to the recliner (couch for some) and read for a bit, 45 minutes to an hour, making sure not to crank up the lights, keeping the house dim to avoid stimulating wakeup hormones. Then follow the normal bedtime routine of donning the tape, chinstrap and mask, starting the machine and settling into a comfortable sleep position. Was frequently able to fall back to sleep no problem.
Good luck, keep at it, because that's how we get good at it!
RE: Trouble staying asleep with CPAP
If you download and post your nights sleep in OSCAR charts we could see what might help you. OSCAR is totally free do download and use at the top of the site.
You do need a SD card in the Cpap while you sleep
RE: Trouble staying asleep with CPAP
I've attached my data from the last couple of nights. My 95% pressures were averaging right around 8.5 for a while, so I'm not sure why they shot up recently. I did bump up my minimum pressure to 8 a few days ago since it felt like I could breathe in easier with the added pressure. I also tried EPR for a few nights but didn't care for it since it felt like I was suffocating every time I went to inhale. Also, I do mouth taping and breathe right strips to help the nasal breathing.
I wear a smart watch as well that tracks O2 and sleep stages. My O2 has been staying in the 90's with an average around 95%, so at least my apneas seem to be under good control.
RE: Trouble staying asleep with CPAP
looking at your oscar your min is 8 with no epr.
Take a minute and look at your charts focusing on the pressure chart and flow limits chart. If you look at the pressure chart you can see when it goes up it is when your flow limits go up. That is what the cpap does - when it senses flow limits it raises pressure to stop them from becoming larger O or H events.
The reason I suggest EPR 3 is that is what helps the flow limits not the min pressure. EPR stops many flow limits at its source. All it does is reduce the Min pressure on EXHALE then ramps back up to the min pressure for inhale. For most people this is more comfortable than breathing back (exhaling) at full pressure. So min 8 no epr - exhale at 8 inhale at 8. Min 8 EPR 3 - Exhale 5 inhale 8. If you feel that is strange I would try setting like this and put it on while reading a book or watching TV to get use to the feeling.
You will do better with Min 8 EPR set to full time 3
