I have terrible insomnia and sleep apnea. My sleep habits are total crap. I'm always tired, etc.

I actually fell asleep last night and woke up feeling really good. Went all day feeling good and not wanting to doze off. Didn't start to fall asleep on the couch, felt good all day.

Damn is this how normal people feel all the time?

You should really go get a sleep study and see what’s going on. I know you said you have sleep apnea, do you know what your numbers are? A CPAP would probably help you out alot.

quote:

Originally posted by Syngin1066:
You should really go get a sleep study and see what’s going on. I know you said you have sleep apnea, do you know what your numbers are? A CPAP would probably help you out alot.

Had one, they said I was a severe case, which I pretty much knew already. Used a CPAP for a while with no issues and then suddenly one day I couldn't sleep with it anymore. Haven't used it in years now. Can't stand having it on my face, which I don't know why because I did use it successfully for a good while.

Maybe you could look into a different configuration? I have the setup with the hose on the top of my head and the nasal pillow piece. I hated the front hose unit, it would move around and wake me up. The other masks would make me feel claustrophobic and rub my nose raw. This one works much better. Don’t get me wrong, I hate being hooked up to a machine. The bright side is I sleep through the night, wake up without headaches, and don’t get tired all day.

Maybe the hose config would help. what started to bug me was the claustrophobic feeling, it was pretty bad and I couldn't figure out why because I had no issues from the beginning. But I would wake up and rip the thing off.

CPAP tech has come a long way I just got a new CPAP last week and was blown away by how much they have changed. I found a good nasal pillow and it's much better to sleep with it now.

The new unit has its own cellular connection and data is transmitted to the VA every day. The coil on the hose is now electric and heats the air going into your nose if you need. I would sometimes rip mine off because of cold-nose in the middle of the night. Not an issue anymore.

I am quite impressed wit my new unit. My old one lasted 8 or 10 years. It's still working, but I went in and they upgraded me and let me keep my old unit as a backup.

Tony.

CPAP might not be right for you.

It wasn't for me.

I was on a CPAP for about 1 year and it helped but it was not great.

After seeing my sleep doc for my 1st annual follow up he reviewed my data and decided I needed an different machine. I can't recall if it's a BIPAP or a APAP but it was night and day difference.

I'm due now for my annual sleep doc visit but this time they've set me up for a internet virtual visit with him tomorrow.

I've had my current machine now for 6 years and it totally changed my life. Now I get good sleep, don't get tired, no more mental fogginess, etc etc etc.

If the house caught on fire, I'd grab the machine and go out the door or window. It means that much to me.

I highly recommend you get with a new sleep doc. I think it will be good for you.

Best wishes to you.
.

I've been on a CPAP since '97 with periodic repeat sleep studies.

Biggest change I made was to dump the Comfort Gel mask (top picture) I had used and wrestled with for years for a Respirations Dreamwear nasal pillow (bottom picture) that an earlier thread here had many recommending.
Amazing improvement in every aspect.

quote:

Originally posted by Lord Vaalic:

Damn is this how normal people feel all the time?

Can help ya out with this one... can't breathe well and I'm tired all the time.

quote:

Originally posted by bald1:

Biggest change I made was to dump the Comfort Gel mask ... for a Respirations Dreamwear nasal pillow that an earlier thread here had many recommending.
Amazing improvement in every aspect.

Indeed! I probably contributed to that thread. The Phillips Respironics Dreamwear mask totally changed my experience too, which was also miserable until that point. I like sleeping with the machine now, an Aircurve 10 vauto.

Same for me until I put on a cpap. My life changed after that. Get back on that cpap!!

quote:

Originally posted by Lord Vaalic:
I have terrible insomnia and sleep apnea. My sleep habits are total crap. I'm always tired, etc.

I actually fell asleep last night and woke up feeling really good. Went all day feeling good and not wanting to doze off. Didn't start to fall asleep on the couch, felt good all day.

Damn is this how normal people feel all the time?

I consider myself normal (sort of) and I go to sleep within a few seconds each night and wake up automatically just before sunup. Feel good all day long and find it impossible to nap during the day.

quote:

Originally posted by P210:
The Phillips Respironics Dreamwear mask totally changed my experience too, which was also miserable until that point. I like sleeping with the machine now, an Aircurve 10 vauto.

Have you also dumped the original Dreamwear "stretchy" headgear for their improved model #1116751 with the arms? It has to be ordered separately.

Crazy Medicare still won't pay for a new one earlier than every 6 months, while frames, humidifier tubs, and hoses are every 3 months; and new nasal pillows and filters are authorized every 2 weeks. At least they pay for one biannually despite Respironics still bundling frames with the old style headgear.

I order my supplies quarterly with the improved headgear every other order.

OLD Original


NEW Improved


Much more durable and comfortable plus they don't slip up on your head.