Ruby

Sorry, I missed what type of mask you use. So the above reply could be spot on by trying a different mask. Best of luck to you!

Lots of people that are new to CPAP have this issue so you are not alone. Setting your alarm clock doesn't help? Hopefully others will have some words of wisdom. But DON'T panic yourself into a heart attack! Just keep at it and it will finally pay off.

There are cloth mask covers that might help with this. They are very thin and fit between your mask and your skin. Some are washable for a few times and others are disposable. It also helps to make sure your face is clean as well as cleaning your mask daily. Hope this helps a little.

Here's what I think. The stressful event could have played havoc with your sleep in several ways, some of which might have played out now. But the bottom line is that you are not sleeping well. So you have to figure out what is going on by trying one thing at a time. Sleep medication may get you to sleep and even keep you asleep but it may not affect the number of arousals you have each night. As you said, most of the time people aren't aware that they are having these and they DO affect your sleep. The only way you know (without another sleep study) is by how you feel the next morning. Personally I would try the mouthpiece first. If it works as it should then your arousals should decrease which helps you sleep better. But you have to give it time--it isn't a quick fix because you aren't used to wearing one.

The part that stands out to me in your posts is that you don't want to be diagnosed with sleep apnea. You had the sleep study done and it showed issues. It isn't a random diagnosis but a real one based on the study. It is very possible that you have had sleep apnea for awhile and didn't know it. That was certainly my story. I did NOT want to wear a mask and use a CPAP machine! But after learning all the problems that can be caused by NOT using it, I changed my mind. I wish I could help you more but all I can do is read your posts and answer the best I can.

In any case, you have a right to have your doctor answer your questions. If he does not want to take the time to explain or support you, then maybe you should find another doctor.

I am not familiar with this at all. When we go camping we usually have electricity so hooking up my CPAP is no big deal. I do have a friend that has looked into battery-powered machines but I have no idea whether it has been a fruitful search or not. Can you contact the Yeti people to ask them?

I am sorry if you thought I was dismissing your concerns or thoughts. I am not you and you are the only one who truly knows your own body. I was just trying to see if I could help somewhat. I do hope you find relief with this mouthpiece. Getting the sleep you need is so very important and you are certainly looking at options. Best of luck.

Everyone is different and that's exactly why there are so many mask types, appliances and machines. When you find something that works, then go for it and don't worry what others say. Congrats on finding what works for you.

The idea is to reduce the number of events as well as keeping your oxygen levels up where they belong.

Thank goodness! It's bad enough that it sits on my bedside table! When I was first diagnosed and really unhappy with the whole idea, a friend told me to put boa feathers on the hose to "glam" it up. Didn't do that but at least it made be feel better by laughing!

Mild sleep apnea is still sleep apnea and should be treated. A touch of hypothyroidism still needs to be treated. Taking a pill for the rest of your life is no big deal if it is doing what is it intended to do and you are better. Insomnia isn't always a part of thyroid disease so that may be why you didn't suffer with insomnia years ago. You may have several health issues that are combining to cause you to lose sleep or it could be insomnia is the culprit. Often when we wake at the same time each night, we have programmed ourselves to do so. We worry about it and "poof" it happens. It is also hard to deprogram ourselves if that is the case. You need to get your test results and learn what they mean in order to know what has to be done. Doctors may be reluctant to prescribe medications if your test results aren't severe but that does not mean you don't need to be treated.

If you think this is all stress related, then work on your anxiety either by medication or therapy. If that doesn't work then check out the other issues you have. But decide to do something that will help you. Good luck and let us know how you are and what happens!