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Quality Sleep
Oct. 1st, 2008 02:24 pmIt's been four, going on five weeks since I got my APAP machine (AutoSet Spirit™ APAP Device) and I've been using it every night since. It's taking some getting used to, but the benefits were noticable right away. I'm no longer falling asleep at work or at the wheel, I'm feeling more energetic, my focus has never been so good, and my mood is greatly improved.
The first week, I was told to wear it only four hours a night to get used to it. On the third night, I noticed a sudden drop in pressure and the machine was whirring madly to keep the pressure up where it should have been. That's when I noticed the teeth marks and puncture holes along the lower section of the tubing. Darned cats! I had left the tubing out and exposed and the cats had chewed on it during the day. I tried taping it up, but too much air was leaking out and I had to have it replaced ($32). I now keep the tubing it the suitcase that the machine came in during the day. Fortunately, the cats don't seem too interested in the machine when it's running (so far).
The second and third weeks have been relatively smooth sailing. The machine tends to run a bit high, making a louder buzzing sound at night. I've taken to putting in on the floor on a pillow to quieten it. Sometimes I remove the mask during the night for no reason, only to put it back on when I realize that it's only 1am and I'm not getting up for another five hours. If I don't put the mask back on, I really pay for it the next day. I'm drowsy and lethargic; it's a stark reminder of the very real effects this APAP has on me.
When I put the mask on (which is really just a Nasal mask so far), I feel like I'm suffocating for the first 20 minutes. Afterwards, it feels fine and comfortable. I'm learning to sleep with the mouth closed, although sometimes I'll prop a small pillow under my chin to keep it shut.
But so far, so good! I haven't noticed any real weight loss yet, but I need to act on this extra energy I'm enjoying. It'll probably take years to recover from the damage that 10+ years of apnea has inflicted on me, so I should be patient. Nevertheless, I'm grateful for the extra energy and focus my machine has allowed me to regain.
The first week, I was told to wear it only four hours a night to get used to it. On the third night, I noticed a sudden drop in pressure and the machine was whirring madly to keep the pressure up where it should have been. That's when I noticed the teeth marks and puncture holes along the lower section of the tubing. Darned cats! I had left the tubing out and exposed and the cats had chewed on it during the day. I tried taping it up, but too much air was leaking out and I had to have it replaced ($32). I now keep the tubing it the suitcase that the machine came in during the day. Fortunately, the cats don't seem too interested in the machine when it's running (so far).
The second and third weeks have been relatively smooth sailing. The machine tends to run a bit high, making a louder buzzing sound at night. I've taken to putting in on the floor on a pillow to quieten it. Sometimes I remove the mask during the night for no reason, only to put it back on when I realize that it's only 1am and I'm not getting up for another five hours. If I don't put the mask back on, I really pay for it the next day. I'm drowsy and lethargic; it's a stark reminder of the very real effects this APAP has on me.
When I put the mask on (which is really just a Nasal mask so far), I feel like I'm suffocating for the first 20 minutes. Afterwards, it feels fine and comfortable. I'm learning to sleep with the mouth closed, although sometimes I'll prop a small pillow under my chin to keep it shut.
But so far, so good! I haven't noticed any real weight loss yet, but I need to act on this extra energy I'm enjoying. It'll probably take years to recover from the damage that 10+ years of apnea has inflicted on me, so I should be patient. Nevertheless, I'm grateful for the extra energy and focus my machine has allowed me to regain.
