I’ve had a few people interested to know more about my 7 day CPAP trial.
After years of always being tired, and feeling like I was addicted to naps, it came as no real surprise recently to learn that I suffer from severe sleep apnea.
CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure – the idea is that the pressure keeps my throat open, allowing me to breath easily when sleep. As I had many of the symptoms of sleep apnea, and the hubster had noticed that I do stop breathing at night, my doctor arranged for me to have a sleep study done – and then, to trial a CPAP machine for a week.
Here are my notes from the sleep diary I was asked to keep throughout the trial:
Night 1
I have two different masks to try – a full face mask, and a nose mask.
I’m pretty sure I’m a mouth breather when asleep, so I tried the full face mask first (apparently it is likely to be the most suitable. I have to say: it was very confronting, to see myself wearing the mask with the lengthy hose attached – I look like an elephant! I may have even shed a couple of tears … )
And yes, I did find it hard to get to sleep.
However the machine itself was whisper quiet which was a pleasant surprise.
In the morning, my first thought was: So this is what it’s like to wake up refreshed and ready for the day. I can’t remember the last time I felt like that!
Nights 2 and 3
Full mask. Finding it hard to get the mask positioned just right, but eventually manage to get comfortable and fall sleep.
I can’t lie on my tummy with the mask on, but I normally sleep on my side so it’s not really a problem.
Night 4
Smaller, nose mask.
The funniest thing – at 5am I realised I’d taken it off during the night, in my sleep!
Night 5
Smaller mask.
Woke with a dry mouth – yup, I must be a mouth breather at night.
(Today we drove 2 hours to Toowoomba, and then back again. As per usual, I fell asleep on the drive – but kept waking up with a start. Is my body already panicking about going without oxygen, now it is getting used to the CPAP machine?!)
Night 6
Back to the big mask.
Woke around 4am absolutely gasping for breath. Weird. (My doctor explained this would have been one of my usual apnea attacks but my body woke me up so quickly to kickstart my breathing again, that the machine hadn’t had a chance to react!)
Night 7
Definitely preferring the big mask.
Woke at 5.30 to find I’d taken to mask off in my sleep again!
Can’t say I’ve noticed a huge improvement in my energy levels yet … (I was warned that although men notice a difference right away, women take longer because of these annoying little things called hormones!)
Summary of my CPAP Trial
I definitely noticed that I felt fresher and clearer in my mind after using the CPAP machine for a week. I’m keen to find out how much it can help over a longer period of time, so I have now purchased my own machine. Not very glamourous or sexy, but neither is stopping breathing during the night …
I asked the hubster what he thought about the CPAP and if it was disturbing him in any way. If anything, he said, it was eerily quiet! He’s so accustomed to my nightly snoring and snuffling that he’s actually missing it LOL (he’s always said he finds it companionable, if you can believe it!).
The only thing he noticed was that if I lie facing him, he gets a bit of a draft from the exit port in my mask.
It did make me feel “old” having to wear a machine to bed, but the sleep centre assured me they’d kitted out a 21 year old the week before, which made me feel better 🙂 .
And when you think about it, with 4 in 10 Australians said to suffer from sleep apnea, many of the people we see in the street likely use a CPAP machine, it’s just that nobody talks about it – so you’d never know.
Do let me know if you have any other questions about my CPAP machine trial or sleep apnea experiences!
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I think you look super cute. Realistically you can make anything look cool because you’re so confident and open about it. You go girl! I’m jealous – I’d love to not feel tired all the time!!! xxx
You are biased Missy Moo, but thank you so much. I don’t think I’m that confident – more of the “fake it til you make it” type of confidence? Oh and maybe we need to get you checked for sleep apnea?!
Quite a few accidents occur especially with professional drivers who drive for their living who have sleep apnoea and don’t know about it. They end up having a micro sleep whilst behind the wheel and having an accident as a result.
Hi Ingrid, my doctor was saying that once you know about it, but aren’t using a CPAP machine, and have an accident, you may be in trouble legally and insurance-wise … pretty good argument for persevering with it, as well as the better quality of life!
I was supposed to get tested for sleep apnea years ago but didn’t get around to it. In reality falling asleep is my problem as much as anything. Once I’m asleep I’m usually okay though I do occasionally wake tired and feel the need to nap.
I think as long as it helps you sleep and feel better then it’s a good thing. My doctor prescribed sleeping tablets last year and it’s been the best thing ever.
Deb I’m honestly starting to notice that I feel better every day, so I’m thinking it’s all worth it!
Just doing my home sleep study made me cry – I don’t think I would cope at all if I’d had to trial a CPAP machine. I do not like “things” on me. I’m glad it seems to be helping you. Does it feel strange? It has always sounded disturbing that it “forces” air into you.
It doesn’t feel strange or any different to just breathing normally – well except for the fact you are wearing a mask!
Janet, thanks so much for this info about your trail of the CPAP machine and I look forward to reading how this works for you long term. Initially my sleeping problems were diagnosed as hyperventilation syndrome and required me to re learn how to breath correctly through my nose and once mastered the sleeping improved. Now several years on, i’m having terrible nights sleep all over again and feeling tired all the time. The partner states that I’m having huge problems breathing through my nose, with increased snoring and waking suddenly in the night. I’ve got a few live style things such as exercise, reducing screen time in the evening, food choices and using an essential oil electric burner at night to see if this helps at all. If not it will be a session at the sleep clinic for further investigations.
It sounds like it might be worth it Jenni from what you’ve said. I’m seriously starting to feel a little better every day!
Oh Janet, I so understand this would confront you as it looks so big and cumbersome but how good is it that it helped you! So many people are affected this and in my family there are some now using these. I think that if the benefit is feeling better and fewer day naps then it has to be a winner. Take care. Denyse x
Here’s to a more energetic life and health and wellness for both of us Denyse!
I’ve heard of these Janet and I know that both my husband and I are terrible sleepers. I can’t remember the last time I had a decent night’s sleep. I can’t nap during the day but would kill for a solid few hours sleep. Maybe I need to look into this as I thought it was just for people who snore. (Maybe I do that too LOL 🙂 The only problem I suppose is getting used to wearing the mask.
Sue, I’m finding that the best thing for me is to go to sleep (usually cuddled up to the hubster) without it – after about an hour, like clockwork, I have to go to the loo so I put it on then when I am already half asleep and groggy, and go back to sleep straight away.
So glad to hear about your positive experience with CPAP, Janet.
SSG xxx
Thanks SSG x
I hope this really helps. Sleep is a cornerstone of health… it’s my number one thing for the moment… so improving yours is so helpful. You’ve taught me a lot about these machines so if I need one myself some day, I’ll be set. Best wishes with it.
Thanks Seana, it really does seem to be making a difference already.
Hubby (mild sleep apnea and breathes through his mouth) recently trialed a CPAP machine too! He tried both masks but couldn’t get used to it – even though he took the machine back on a few occasions for some adjustments. He sleeps with a mouth guard now and that seems to have done the trick and he is sleeping much better and feeling more refreshed when he wakes in the morning. #TeamLovinLife
I’ve heard a mouth guard of splint can be all that is necessary for mild cases. For myself, I cuddle up to the hubster when I go to bed so don’t put it on straight away. After about an hour, like clockwork, I have to go to the loo so I put it on then when I am half asleep and it doesn’t bother me.
Nice to know it’s helping – and that it’s quiet. I’d like my husband to use one but I don’t think that’s going to happen any time soon. There are a LOT of Midlifers using CPAP machines so you are definitely not alone. BTW loved seeing Fleur lurking in the background of the first pic (cats always have to be in on the action don’t they?)
Haha I wondered if anybody would notice my pretty putty tat photo bombing! She’s never far from me, like a little shadow.
My hubby has sleep apnea and he tried one of these machines but couldn’t handle it. He ended up getting a mouth guard thingy custom made to fit his mouth which keeps his airway open. It works like a treat and instantly stopped his snoring (that was driving me mad) and sleeps much better.
I’m glad he was able to find a solution that works for him (and you!). It is hard to get used to, and I still wake in the wee hours sometimes wanting to rip it off but am persevering and definitely feeling better for it.
Hubby was supposed to try one of these but never got around to following up on the referral. I’m a shocking sleeper & his snoring drives me mad – but it’s better than him stopping breathing. Although he reckons that I could be annoyed by a frog farting in a car on the Bruce Highway – which is a long way from our place. #teamlovinlife
Haha what a funny saying, every couple or family has them!
Glad to know it’s helping and that you’re getting used to wearing it. I can imagine that it must be difficult though. Perhaps the good news is that you only have to wear it at night 🙂 Here’s wishing you good nights sleep and days full of newfound energy.
Amen to that Jo!
Glad to know it’s helping you, Janet. Sleep quality is so important for our well being.
I always thought I got plenty of sleep so couldn’t work out why I was such a sleepy head – not realising that the quality is what matters, not just the quantity!
It certainly sounds as though it is worth getting used to. Here’s to years of refreshing sleep for you Janet.
I am starting to feel better day by day Jan!
Hi Janet, I too have been diagnosed with mild sleep apnoea. Thanks so much for bringing attention to this health matter. My family have a very strong history of sleep apnoea. Some in my family would never go without their CPAC machine, as they feel rather like they have a hangover if they don’t use their machine. I trialled a CPAC machine. I must admit I found it quite confronting & had trouble sleeping. My husband is a light sleeper & the air leaking ( which it shouldn’t ) was waking him. We both hardly got any sleep. So I have ended up with a fitted mouth guard , which is working well at this stage. I may need the machine at a later date. Then it will be a matter of persisting. Sleep apnoea impacts very negatively on your general health & it is important to seek treatment. I was told equally as many women have sleep apnoea. However many women are untreated as they do not want to acknowledge they snore. So, it is fabulous that you raise the profile of this health disorder & mention how much better you feel. Enjoy better sleep and the feeling of waking refreshed .
You’re very welcome Estelle 🙂 . I’ve heard that a mouth guard or splint works very well for mild cases. I’ve found the easiest way for me, is to go to sleep without it (usually cuddled up to the hubster) and like clockwork I always need to go to the loo about an hour later, so that is when I put my mask on when I’m already half asleep. When you know you have severe sleep apnea, and don’t do anything about it, you can be in trouble when it comes to driving – and your insurance may not cover you … it is a bit embarrassing but heck if more people were honest about it, it wouldn’t seem such a taboo subject, hence my post!