New Beginnings are terrifying!

Thanks Julie! Verdict still out on the telling - he is in the worry stage and won't leave me alone, lol! I just need to reassure him while I reassure myself, but it feels good to know he's not leaving.

I got the easy mask - the nose pillows. Yes I am using the humidifier, it is set on 3. The water was almost gone, but I had accidentally filled it just a bit more than she told me (learning). The extra difference is probably the same as what was left this morning.

I'll have to look into that Lansinoh - I've never heard of it, but google is my best friend at the moment.

When you have time please add your equipment to your profile.
Makes it easier and faster to help you when we can see at a glance what equipment you are using.
See how I have mine at the bottom of my post here.
wiki/index.php/Registering_Equipment_in_User_Profile

Will do Pugsy - have to be this afternoon when I get home though

One of the biggest challenges can be finding a mask that you like and works well for you. Masks are very personal and everyone one of us requires something different. This is why there are so many options on the market and so many opinions on the best mask. I can tell you the search for the perfect mask never ends. Most of us seem to always be on the look out for the next best thing.

From experience the nasal pillow masks are minimalist and light. They also have the smallest area that creates a seal so they leak less than larger masks like the full face mask. If you have problems breathing through your nose, get frequent nasal congestion or get occasional colds it's a good idea to have a full face mask handy so you can continue your therapy without interruption.

Thanks Rob - I'll keep it in mind. I really didn't the nasal pillow - the biggest irritation was the exhaling air hole. Wow, that stream of air is more obnoxious than the in-going air. As for the prong, I just need to get used to anything on my face, so one day at a time.

If you find that vent hole too annoying....sometime take a look at the mask in my equipment profile.
The vent holes in it...you can barely feel the air with your hand 1 inch from the holes.

Thanks Pugsy - may do that in a bit. Could be just me getting used to it or could be that even though I used the machine I had my fan running, for some reason a fan has always helped me sleep.

The white noise generated by the fan can mask a lot of noise and stop you concentrating too much on your breathing and the machine noises. Keep using it.

Thank you Jas - my fan is a necessary tool for sure, lol!

So I am curious, about how long does it take for everything to level out and energy levels go back up. Last night was my second night, did well - on machine 6 1/2 hours without any problems, but when I get up, I am sluggish. Or is it because I broke out of my pattern, gave in and went to bed early?

You can nix that last question, lol! I went through and read some very interesting posts and realize that for everyone the answer is different. So I know what I need to do - I'll stick with my normal routine, even if I have to push myself a little but have to be more religious with vitamins and exercise. That will probably make a world of difference for me.

So I can say thank you to all those before me for leaving such great posts to learn from.

Rebamom wrote: ↑

Wed Mar 14, 2018 5:57 pm

Thanks Rob - I'll keep it in mind. I really didn't the nasal pillow - the biggest irritation was the exhaling air hole. Wow, that stream of air is more obnoxious than the in-going air. As for the prong, I just need to get used to anything on my face, so one day at a time.

I second Pugsy, the Airfit P10 is amazingly quiet and softly diffused. In fact, when I tried it, I wondered if it was actually working! That said, it did not work for me; however, my husband swears it is the best mask EVER and can't believe it don't use it. Just goes to show that mask choice truly does vary by individual!

Another very quiet mask with a great diffuser is the F&P Brevida. It covers a bit more of the nose, but if you want soft & quiet, it delivers!

Good luck on the search!

Thank you Booksfan - will keep all of that in my file to remember.

Right now I am staying with what I have - actually I was so tired last night, probably only took 10 minutes to fall asleep. I do remember adjusting a couple times through the night but nothing to prevent my sleep - as evidenced with 6 1/2 hours sleep - more sleep than I normally would get on a daily basis. That is my Saturday schedule 6 -8 hours, not my daily. Actually I am thinking that may be the "energy" problem - too much sleep. We'll see what happens next few nights.

" I didn't even have to go to the bathroom when I got up."

This is pretty normal and a positive sign. before treatment I was getting up to pee in the middle of the night 1-3 times and going in the morning. Now I don't even necessarily have to go in the morning. one effect of untreated apnea is that the normal anti-diuretic your body uses at night (so pee doesn't interrupt sleep) doesn't work. The fact that you didn't have to pee may be related to the anti-diuretic kicking back in. In fact, suddenly having the AD may cause side effects since your body may not have experienced it for years. A lots of people have "adjustments" going forward once they have successful therapy. IN fact some peoples blood pressure goes up (initially only) because of the anti diuretic. It's called Vasopressin, and getting it back can definitely cause some adjustment issues.

(though dry mouth could also be related to too low humidity or escaping air since you're using a nasal mask. )

Thanks Nicholas - something to keep in mind. Guess I have lots more to learn on possible changes to the body, so I'll just have to worry about things as they come up.

Rebamom wrote: ↑

Sun Mar 11, 2018 5:37 am

Thank you kteague. I apologize if you or anyone feels I was calling you broken, I was not and I don't believe you are, actually that thought never crossed my mind. The person that is "broken" is myself, and that is the only person I am referring to. Actually for me to think of it in those terms is a positive affirmation for me, because "broken" can be fixed and therein lies my strength to do so. Trust me I do know about remaining humble, life has been a good teacher - but striving to be perfect is normal for me so that I can keep up with all those that trust and depend on me to take care of them. I do sincerely apologize to everyone. (Open mouth, insert foot syndrome)

Well kteague, you have a great way to return the feeling of "broken" ! now I feel much better