Feeling worse?

Is it possible to feel worse when you start using the cpap? I almost feel more tired than before. Could this just be me getting used to it? Please help. I need sleep and I know the cpap should help and I've only been using it a week but I'm almost ready to give it up. That's how more tired I feel yesterday and today.

Hi honeybee, it's common for new PAP users to take some time to adjust to using a CPAP. It's a new device and can be uncomfortable. Do you wake up with any other symptoms besides being tired? Sometimes there are small adjustments that you can make to your device to help you sleep better.

I would also recommend checking out this new sticky about adjusting to PAP:

https://myapnea.org/forum/contribute-community-tips-for-using-pap-devices

I do want to add that this morning I almost forgot it was on. A sign for me that I am getting used it but yet I am all but falling asleep at my desk here at work. Is there more to adjusting than the feel of it?

@honeybee how was this morning for you? I'm hoping you find yourself getting used to it more and more - what has the hardest part been so far?

At first it was exhaling but now I just don't know what the issue it. I feel like I am used to it as if I keep it on all night I barely feel it in the morning. But last night I took it off again for some reason. And the last few days I have been more tired than usual. Not sure what is going on. My rt said to give it another week and if I still feel overly tired like this then we will revisit thing s with the doc.

Thanks for asking. It's nice to have a place to turn to when I have these questions.

Your body adjusts to the pressure in a few hours, such that you don't even notice it when you awaken. For a long time, I was insistent on getting my CPAP checked for malfunction! I didn't feel any air pressure when I awoke. Now I know that's normal.

I am concerned you are feeling worse. You should have the data from your machine analyzed. The pressure may be too low or high. Also, you CAN have central apneas for the first few weeks on CPAP, but they generally resolve. The data from the machine will show that as well. I've found that automatic CPAP (or APAP) with a range of +/- 2 cm water works really well, rather than a fixed pressure setting. So, if your doctor has you on a fixed CPAP setting, you could ask him or her to set a range, alternatively. Our physiology changes with body position, nasal stuffiness, level of hydration, etc., which will all affect the pressure needed to splint the airway.

Stay on course with your CPAP. It took me months to get it right and you are way ahead of where I was when I started. You WILL feel better!