Pillows instead of a mask? (newbie)

[ImaSurvivor]

I had nocturia and it increased significantly in the last few years. I went from 3-5 times a night to not getting up at all and sleeping through the night. CPAP immediately cured it for me in the first few nights. There was a post when I first came onto this board that explained the whole physiology behind OSA events and how they cause nocturia. It was excellent and something I had no idea had anything to do with Sleep Apnea. I thought I was developing a weak bladder problem. My mother always had trouble with having to run to the bathroom. That commercial on TV now with the women scoping out where all the bathrooms are before shopping reminds me of my Mom. She knows where they all are. I thought I was headed down that road. I am relieved I am not.

Before CPAP, I woke up from the feeling of having to go. I was always able to void a good amount. When I get up in the morning now, with CPAP, I don't even have an immediate need to rush to the bathroom. I also notice that I don't have to go all that much during the day.

[retired_guy]

Regarding the peeing at night, did you guys produce a lot of pee each time? Or was it just a feeling like you had to go? I thought I was finally on the right track with the OSA diagnosis, but now I'm not so sure. I have lower leg edema before bed, then it's gone (peed away?) by morning. I've seen a bunch of doctors, but no real answers yet. The nights I've worn the CPAP so far have not affected the peeing, but I haven't lasted more than 3-4 hours.

I originally thought the peeing was related to weak adrenals (low aldosterone). I couldn't even convince the dumb endo to test for it.

Need to find a smarter set of doctors.....

Thanks,
-m

Lower leg adema probably suggests fluid retention. Overnight it's getting resolved some. Probably knock off the salt and if that doesn't do it talk to the doc about a little hctz. Fluid retention can also be caused by CHF, but I imagine they have already checked into that for you.

[Galactus]

Regarding the peeing at night, did you guys produce a lot of pee each time? Or was it just a feeling like you had to go? I thought I was finally on the right track with the OSA diagnosis, but now I'm not so sure. I have lower leg edema before bed, then it's gone (peed away?) by morning. I've seen a bunch of doctors, but no real answers yet. The nights I've worn the CPAP so far have not affected the peeing, but I haven't lasted more than 3-4 hours.

I originally thought the peeing was related to weak adrenals (low aldosterone). I couldn't even convince the dumb endo to test for it.

Need to find a smarter set of doctors.....

Thanks,
-m

Wasn't a large amount for me, just normal, but was a pressing need to go. It has gone away for me since PAP. It had gotten so bad for me I would stop drinking hours before going to bed and still I'd be woken having to go, nothing had helped, but PAP did.

[englandsf]

Tried Innomed but it sucked. FFMs were what I started with as a mouth breather, but they actually cut my nose off at the bridge so I worked on nasal rinses and now use a P10 and I am very happy.

[brianwood619]

i use a fischer and paykel simplus full face mask, very comfortable

[Rosanne]

Michael-stick with it! Getting used to sleeping with these contraptions is the hardest to overcome, unless it's getting used to the idea you need to have this in the first place. Listen to the words of wisdom on this board from members who've been at it longer than me. They know what they are talking about. You might want to try the nasal pillows. I've found they are the least intrusive of any of the offerings, and I was adamant a month ago that I would never wear any of this stuff. The changes have been subtle, but now that I am actually sleeping at night, getting up for the bathroom is almost a thing of the past. I sleep sounder, with less thrashing around, and wake up rested! I had no idea that was how things are supposed to work. And it feels good to finally feel good! Give it a little time and keep reading, and with a little trial and error, you will find something you can sleep with.

[allchokedup]

Hi Rosanne..

Thanks for the pep talk. I called the medical supply place about 10 days ago asking to try a pillow-type mask. She said she'd call me the next day. Nothing yet. I'm hoping she never calls. After the experience with the full mask, I think I'd rather die....

-m

[Galactus]

The biggest mistake you will make is giving up.

I was at the point of falling asleep anywhere and everywhere, this has changed my life.

Trust me, don't give up. I know we don't know each other, but really, trust me you will not regret it. I have nothing to gain by telling you this advice.

Get on the phone and keep calling till you get a mask you can sleep in, and if the dme doesn't call back call the doctor, and keep calling. You say you'd rather die (I know you are just frustrated) but the fact is this may actually save your life.

Don't give up, hang in there!

[Sleepster]

Getting used to sleeping with these contraptions is the hardest to overcome, unless it's getting used to the idea you need to have this in the first place.

Very true, Rosanne. At first I was scared of just the idea of needing a medical device to do something as normal as sleeping. Then there was the actual practice of wearing the thing.

Now that I've got things tweaked it's my new normal. It would be just as hard if not harder to have to give up my CPAP machine. It's now the normal way of breathing while asleep.

[Sleepster]

I called the medical supply place about 10 days ago asking to try a pillow-type mask. She said she'd call me the next day. Nothing yet.

You can't let them do that to you. You have to call the next day.

I'm hoping she never calls. After the experience with the full mask, I think I'd rather die....

Be careful what you wish for. Without a CPAP machine that's a wish that will come true all too soon. Be sure you have your affairs in order.