Should I be sleeping flat(ish) in bed?

[TeresaW2]

I have recently been diagnosed with SA and have been given a CPAP machine. Please bear with me as I'm sure you will have answered all these questions before.......

The first night was horrendous and I swore I woud never use it again. However, after giving myself a strong talking to (and several words of encouragement from my long suffering and extremely patient husband) I shall persevere. I have decided to wear the mask each night and to take it off when I've had enough. It is getting easier - I managed to sleep with the mask on for 5 hours last night but I am having considerable trouble with "leaking air". I note all your comments on adjusting the mask and will try them all.

I have slept upright for at least three years to try and decrease the episodes of "thumping heart" (which I now know is caused by the SA). Would I be better off trying to sleep in a more prone position? - I am unable to sleep completely flat as I have Rheumatoid arthritis which affects my neck and shoulders.

All advise very gratefully received

[leswaller]

Keep trying and you will get it right in the end. The big secret is the strap tension, it can be too tight as well as too loose, both will cause leaks Which mask do you use?
If you can get into a more prone position I am sure you will feel more at ease with the mask and I certainly prefer to be almost flat without a pillow

[Bullie4me]

I had 'slept' on my stomach for 60yrs with no pillow and still managed to snore for britain.
Within 2 weeks of starting cpap machine i had learnt to sleep on my back with a firmish pillow for neck support and now relax rather than spend my nights tossing, turning, fidgeting and hauling the duvet back on. I used to wake feeling exhausted. Not anymore, I now wake without a hair out of place-well not exactly but in comparision a vast improvement.
Only you can find a sleeping position that suits you but from a pressure relieving perspective an evenly supported position is favourable

Good luck
Bullie4me

[TeresaW2]

I'm sure you're right but having spent three years sitting upright in bed it'd be difficult to break the habit! The "thumping heart" was so awful that I am loath to risk it - hiwever, will take your advise and try it!!

[leswaller]

TeresaW2
As some one who works in the medical professions I can assure you that thumping heart or not, your heart is more at rest and working less hard when you are lying flat than when you are sitting up

[TeresaW2]

Took your advice.

Wow - managed to get 51/2 hrs unbroken sleep and woke up quite refreshed this morning. As well as sleeping with less pillows I think last night was the first night I had my mask correctly adjusted; no discomfort and no cold air blowing in my eye. Can't wait for tonight to find out whether it's a one off.......

[leswaller]

Great, it should keep getting better from here on, but dont worry if you have the odd bad night. As your body gets less tired you will become more aware of the machine and will have to get used to it again.