Sleep Center recommended trying the CPAP first for I've been trying it since 11.1.2023. At firs I had the nose mask, but the puddles inside the mask kept waking me up. And it was weird that I can't open my mouth cuz the air comes out the mouth while on the CPAP for I can't really breathe in. Which was also awkward when I had to cough. The forced air down the nose then throat made me want to cough until it settled down about 15min later. (hindsight, I probably should of increased the humidity and temperature.) The times I was able to sleep, I felt like I was sleeping better. And I enjoyed being able to sleep on my back. Sleeping on my side tires my back and shoulders and I don't feel rested.
There was a mention that I can't use the nose mask when my nose is stuffy. Winter is coming so I know I'll have stuffy nose days. So I opted to get the full face mask also, except this one doesn't completely cover the nose so it's a little less bulky. I think I'm on 4 nights, last night probably went the best with waking up just two times. The mask moves and leaks air. The air is also cold so the first couple times with the face mask, I felt cold and slept poorly.
Learning to heat up the CPAP prior to using it. Having the Climate Control at AUTO (80 degrees, humidity lever 3) has been keeping most of the moisture out of the mask. I may try this setting with the nose mask one of these days. Couple nights ago I didn't use the CPAP, it was nice being "free" while I slept. The next day I went down to the desert to grocery shop. Dunno if I was tired from the shopping but on the drive home I experienced the sudden tiredness I used to get. The intensity of the tiredness wasn't as strong but it was definitely there.
Some bad side effects I've read about the CPAP... Something called a CPAP cough. For now it doesn't seem to last all day, just when I first put on the mask and in the morning, (tho I didn't have any this morning). Need to be careful to keep everything clean, mold growth can mess with my lungs.
Seems like I've developed Central Sleep Apnea from using the CPAP. Some people with obstructive sleep apnea develop central sleep apnea while using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for treatment. This condition is known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea. It is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apneas. Medical condition-induced central sleep apnea.
I have my three week equipment check coming up on Nov 28. Hopefully they can explain this. And the next appt after that is at 8-weeks. They say I should know at that point if CPAP is for me or not.
My events per hour is less than two on the CPAP so it's working. But now I have central sleep apnea as well. Having difficulty finding why this happened. ChatGPT says: "CPAP therapy my reveal underlying central apneas that were not initially apparent. This can happen when the continuous positive airway pressure from the CPAP influences the respiratory control system, leading to changes in breathing patterns." Central apnea is when the brain stops telling the body to breathe. Central sleep apnea occurs because the brain doesn't send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
One reason CPAP was first line of treatment was they say insurance will only pay for one. CPAP I can return, night guard I can't (since its custom made.) So better to try the one I can return first.
Finding more information. 1) There are mouth exercises that may help strengthen the throat and reverse sleep apnea. 2) May have been caused by my stroke. 3) Cervical spine not being straight may contribute to OSA. Neck brace may help. 4) Singing or playing wind instrument may help. 5) Upping my antioxidants (Vit C, E, D) might help. 6) Taking care of blocked nasal airway may help. 7) Exercise may help as the hard breathing may strengthen throat muscles 8) Less alcohol before bedtime will relax muscles less.
Since the CPAP... 1) I sleep alot more. At least 9 hours if allowed. Even 10. I feel I can just sleep forever. Going to bed earlier. By 11pm, but sometimes around 10p. 2) I fall asleep within 15 min of wearing mask unless I'm staying up and reading. 3) Less daytime tiredness, noticebly when sitting. 4) BP has gone UP. 150/100. Back to taking amlodipine when I remember. 5) Pulse seems lower. Upper 60s. 6) Lungs hurt the first week. I feel like I take deeper breaths when hooked up. 7) "Natural" breathing seemed to resume when on machine. Don't feel like I have to give an effort to breath like I used to have to. Mainly at night in bed. Often in sitting up/recline position. Tho sometimes when lying down too.
