Posted by Mark on October 21, 1998 at 04:44:42:

Thanking everyone else for their reports, I am giving a report on my experience (hoping it will help someone)...

Background: Severe snoring and apnea diagnosed. CPAP gotten into my hands within two weeks of initial sleep study. Model I received is a Virtuoso LX Smart CPAP System from Respironics, Mirage standard mask and Fisher&Paykel HC100 heater humidifier.

Not fully knowing what to expect, I went to bed 2-3 hours earlier than normal (I'm a late-night person). The mask itself was not too much of a hindrance at the start (though I found it to be more so through the night...something I'm sure will change as I get used to it more). This particular model automatically kicks in after the mask is placed over the nose, providing a heavy stream of air which subsides after a minute.

I found myself becoming sleepy after just a few minutes of this mask being on, but I felt comfortable enough with the mask to try staying awake for a while (also to better understand the breathing system).

I had been concerned about breathing through the mouth at night, and the boards had assured me that it was not a problem. After using the mask :-) I understand why, as the mouth gets used to remaining closed (lest air starts pouring out of your mouth). That took a bit getting used to, as I have normally been somewhat of a mouth breather due to nasal conjestion.

The First Night: Pretty good, considering. I awoke three times (normally I sleep through the night), but I can understand this as I get used to having a mask on. Fell asleep by 10:20 p.m. and finally "couldn't take" the mask any longer at 5:50 a.m. Was bummed by this at first, then realized, "Hey...that's 7.5 hours sleep." That's more than I usually get. I had taken off the mask at that point and gone back to sleep for about 30 minutes...Nancy (wife) immediately noticed the old habits of snoring returning.

Nancy reports that with the mask, I did not snore AT ALL (a big "Hallelujah!" from Nancy)...the freight train was halted for the night (until I took off the mask). She also noticed where the air flow of the CPAP kicked into high gear, a sign of a) countering apnea attempts, b) falling into deep REM, or c) both. (I'll take it!!)

As for me...hopped up and started typing this report (something I simply don't do this early in the morning...usually, it takes a full 60-90 minutes for me to start functioning). I don't know if this is because of getting a better night's sleep or because of the excitement of having the CPAP (the only other time I'm like this is when we're ready to go to Walt Disney World, LOL), but I'm functioning at this point pretty good. If this is how one feels in the morning from CPAP, I'm one satisfied customer.

There are a few things I am watching for...
The throat reminds me a bit of times in the past when I've fought pleuresy (sp?) in the lungs. I turned down the humidity setting substantially during the night. I also know that I need to continue with a prescription nasal spray (which I have run out of so didn't have last night), as that will make breathing that much better. In addition, the bridge of my nose was a bit raw-feeling (not in actuality) in the morning, probably from having my maskon too tight.

All-in-all, I'm looking forward to continued success with the CPAP. Just hearing Nancy say that I was quiet (and thus, she could sleep) is worth it. Knowing that the apnea issue is being addressed is also (obviously) worth it as well.

If anyone has any questions or concerns about your "first night," I'm happy to write you. This is only one person's experience, but it's a whole lot better than I was expecting. I'll update reports over the next few days. Thanks to everyone else who made reports for me to read...what a blessing. Sorry this is so long!

Follow Ups:

• Re: REPORT: My 1st Night With CPAP (long) Dave (UK) 10/21/98 (0)

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