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New To CPAP, Sleep Study, Etc.

Posted by Chuck on December 07, 2001 at 12:14:31:

My first sleep study revealed an RDI of 37, with a total of 5 apneas and 227 obstructive hyopneas. Desaturations were to 85%, and the longest hypopnea was 22 seconds. My sleep architecture was: Sleep efficiency of 87%, 12% awake, 11% stage I, 53% stage II, and 6% stage III/IV, 19% REM.

Upon my second study, the sleep architecture was MUCH worse - no REM or stage III/IV, 53% sleep efficiency, etrc. BUT, I did sleep for 15 minutes at a pressure of 11, with no obstructions or desaturations.

I obviously had a terrible time with the CPAP - I felt rather uncomfortable trying to breathe, couldn't keep my mouth open, etc. From what I see on these boards, pretty much the same story.

But, I feel so tired during the day - and getting out of bed after seemingly sleeping for many hours is just drudgery. Funny thing is, I am only 33, very healthy, and not overweight (I do some mild body building, and am 6'1" and 210 pounds). I do smoke - and have for 10 years (I know this doesn't help the sleeping). But, it seems that the sleep problems have just crept in over the past 2 years or so.

It doesn't seem like my sleep time or architecture was that bad without the CPAP, so am I just wasting my time trying it to fix my problems? My partner says I have actually stopped snoring - possibly because I am taking Ambien every night - and I don't really feel like I wake up at all - indeed, it seems as if I sleep harder.

I am more than willing to give CPAP a try - even at my age - if I could get rid of these feelings. it's amazing what lack of sleep can make you feel like - I can actually see myself aging before my eyes. I'd give anything to have energy again for even simple things.

Any advice on CPAP and whether you think, based on your experiences, it will improve my sleep? And, does my sleep need improving despite my RDI? One last question - I have a REAL problem wiht the nasal things - I just am so used to breathiuing through my mouth - I don't think I'll ever get over it. Does the full face mask really solve a lot of those problems? The mask doesn't bother me (except for feeling like I can't breath) - it's just the nose breathing.

Thanks so much - I am at my wits end. m I am trying my first night with CPAP at home (I do have a heated humidifier) - I sure hope it goes better than the sleep study CPAP went!!

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