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SeaNurse

SeaNurse
Joined May 2019
SeaNurse
Joined May 2019

Hi. I've been on CPAP for about 5 weeks, using the nasal pillows. It took at least a week for me to even be able to fall asleep with the mask on, and after an hour or two I would take it off in frustration, so I could get some "real" sleep. Anyway, once I was able to start falling asleep with the mask, I then would startle awake, every time I drifted off to sleep. This happens over and over again, no matter if I'm on my left side, right side, or on my back. It's disturbing and upsetting. I then end up removing my mask so I can get some sleep. I'm averaging 1 to 2 hours usage a night, although most of that is not asleep. I'm either totally awake and trying to fall asleep, or I'm in the "startling awake" pattern. I get up for work very early, and I'm a nurse, so my job is already tiring. I'm chronically sleep deprived at this point, and quite frustrating. I also feel guilty that I've been unable to get through one night wearing the mask. I've changed the settings, changed pillows, tried sleeping pills, and Afrin. My current settings are 8.4 minimum and 9.4 maximum. I turned the ramp feature off as I felt air-starved with lower pressure. When I go higher than 8.4, I feel discomfort in my chest. My max AHI I've had on the machine is 13. I'm 5'6" and 135lb. My original sleep study only showed an AHI of 5. Before CPAP I was chronically tired and having frequent migraines, so my sleep doc though trying CPAP might help. I feel like it's making things worse at this point, so not sure what to try next. I won't be able to have a follow up appointment with my doc for another 2 weeks. Any help would be greatly appreciated!