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It would be helpful to know what issues you are having with your CPAP. Also, I just went through a similar issue last month where I woke up every 2 hours. Sometimes I could go back to sleep and other times I was wide awake so would get up for several hours and then go back to bed. I met with my sleep neurologist this week and brought it up. He said it’s not unusual for this to happen to people from time to time. If it persists, then you should go back to your sleep Dr and discuss it with them.
You really should use your machine all night. Trust me, you are damaging your health by only using it part of the night. I’ve known several people who recently died from sleep apnea. It’s serious business. Debbie Reynolds daughter died from sleep apnea (I think she played Princess Leah in Star Wars??). My heart was damaged because I was DX so late and had severe Central Sleep Apnea.
Lol. I did the same thing! I don’t like the ramping up. I couldn’t breath! Turned off the ramp and have never looked back!
Wow, I hope you’re doing ok. I think if you look hard, you maybe able to find a used machine from someone. Why they’re so strict stating you need a prescription for a machine and masks, etc. is beyond me. I ran into an issue when my machine stopped working when I was in CA a year ago. My Dr, in MN, was on vacation and I can’t sleep without a machine. I found a new machine online for $500 (really cheap but new machine was coming out so this machine was discounted). After spending 2 days on the phone and running around CA trying to get help, I finally was able to get a new machine but I paid for it. Anyways, I just got a new machine and gave my old machine to my brother, who also does not have insurance but snored terribly (enough to wake up,the whole neighborhood!). Also, CPAP supply stores will sell their machines at a discount for ones that were used and returned (totally sterilized). Watch Craig’s list or places like that. Just a suggestion. Of course, you’ll need a prescription to even buy the masks, etc but the prescription is good for years. Good luck!
I also have Central Sleep Apnea (severe) and now also have Obstructed Sleep Apnea. My CPAP machine does take care of both. You will still have Sleep Apnea but the machine is really necessary. I’ve been have somewhere around 3 a night. I just recently switched to the Resmed AirSense 10. It’s great because now I can see how many apnea’s I have each night. I met with my sleep neurologist just a couple of days ago and asked him about the apnea’s. He said it’s normal. If you are having too many, it maybe that machine needs to be adjusted higher. Also, my understanding that anymore the 5 apnea’s a n hour you need a machine. My Central Sleep Apnea was so bad that I was waking up with an extreme headache, which went away within 5 minutes of waking. I didn’t know at that time that I even had sleep apnea.
I doubt that it will take weeks to get better. There are other reasons that you may feel sleepy. There’s Narcolepsy or Idiopathic Hypersomnia among others. You would need an MSLT which is done after your overnight sleep study. You can find more information regarding sleep issues at http://www.hypersomniafoundation.org/.
