I found it interesting to look at my sleep patterns on a Fitbit which I just received as a gift for Christmas 2016. It tells me how many times I am restless and how many times I am awake during the night and for how long. I have discovered that I have to get in 8 to 9 hours to compensate for the minutes of restless and awake times throughout the night. A device that tracks your sleep patterns may give you more insights as to what is going on and why you feel tired under 9 hours.
What kind of CPAP Mask are you wearing?
It is so unfortunate that the SAVE study drew a conclusion based only on CPAP Patients who only complied with treatment for 3 to 4 hours per night. Having been a sleep apnea patient for 25+ years, there have been times throughout those years that I have not been committed to C-PAP usage on a regular basis. There have also been times when I have been very committed to be inconvenienced by C-PAP usage. I am very aware of underlying conditions that have been shown to be caused as a result of sleep apnea. However, to know and not to do, is really not to know. I can ignore the data, studies and research in my mind but I cannot deny the way my body feels when I am committed to adherence vs. how my body feels when I am not. I also experience both physically and mentally a great difference in how my body feels when I have used CPAP 4 hours or less vs. 7-8 hours. If I am mentally and physically aware of the shortage of hours, I am certain that my organs must be knowing and responding to the difference as well. Thank you Dr. Redline for digging a little deeper beyond the surface conclusion of this study.
Janette, thanks for sharing your story! I know it will raise the awareness of many. Keep sharing it and telling everyone about MyApnea.Org where there is great information and surveys. I find that the surveys are very insightful. I realized that my son had sleep apnea through working through a survey. Then we proceeded to a sleep study where he was diagnosed. I have been a sleep apnea patient for 25+ years. I have never heard of an eye stroke so you have raised my awareness. We just have to be in conversation about the risks of ignoring the symptoms or non-compliance of treatment in hope that we will make a difference in someone else's life.
Kathy, being diagnosed in my 20ies, I will say that one of my goals in life is to find an effective alternative to CPAP treatment for many of the reasons you detail in your post especially the traveling piece! My husband is just glad I stopped snoring! I struggle the most with keeping the mask on. It is so cumbersome to sleep in. I can totally relate to feeling like Darth Vader! Being in the skin care industry, the mask doesn't do anything in helping to prevent wrinkles. That is another pet peeve. I imagine that many women just don't comply for all of these and the emotional/social reasons you bring to light! Thanks for your authentic blog post! I am sure many can relate!
Wow Marjorie! I hope that you are able to get your sleep apnea under control. I know that there are many things are connected to having untreated sleep apnea. I was diagnosed in my 20ies and grateful.
Barbz, I am very interested in your results! Please do share!
Wow Bridget! I am seeing your post now but as I have scrolled back, I don't see an earlier post. Please do repost. I am not sure about the name either. We usually choose that when we register on this site?
wiredgeorge I am sure that you and your wife are sleeping better!
Ruth, finding the correct mask is the key to success. I would encourage you to call the Dr. or Medical Supply Company and ask for a re-fit and insist that it happen. Masks can usually be exchanged within a certain period of time. They should be able to let you try on several and find one that feels most comfortable. Once you find the right mask, there are cushions that can be used to keep it from digging into your face and make it more comfortable. I purchased mine at www.cpap.com under asscessories, cleaning and comfort and then skin irratation.
