First night roller coaster

[Stratters]

First and foremost - thanks to all posters on this site ... I was able to feel quite well prepared for my first night last night.

I'd also like to acknowledge the outstanding attention I've been getting from the team in the sleep disorders clinic at St Thomas', London. Without their calm and ordered approach to the whole CPAP thing - I think I might have freaked and accepted my lot as a tired old snorer.

However, between you and them I got the encouragement needed to take home my new toy yesterday and plug myself in for the first time last night.

I was surprised that the air pressure didn't worry me much - not as much as the claustrophobic feelings and physical discomfort of the mask. I guess the thing is to perservere and just get used to it!

I think I only manged to sleep for about 4 hours (having taken ages to nod off and then having some sort of panic attack that made me de-mask and go walkabout for an hour....) - but the encouraging thing was that I woke before the alarm (unheard of), got out of bed and actually felt able to start the day... pretty normal to most folk; but huge relative improvement for me. I'm now committed to getting used to the kit so that I can get 7 or 8 hours sleep.... surely then I shall feel like a proper human being the morning after!?!

[James @ Intus]

Sounds good, well done so far. Indeed, determination and perseverence are key ingredients. Four hours will become 5, 6, 7 etc.

Re the claustrophobic feelings, some people found that if they wear the mask for an hour before hooking it up to the machine, say when watching TV before bed, helps them to get used to it and accept it as a thing that belongs there.

Once they get the straps right etc., it usually is just a few nights before people find they feel the real difference. People around you may notice it before you do. So the eciting part is still to come and worth the hassle!

[Stratters]

progress

Many thanks James - encouragement certainly helps the determination!

Meanwhile, I'm celebrating today because I slept right through last night - 7 hours uninterrupted sleep! Unfortunately there was no-one with me to witness the event and report on snoring level (or lack of it).

I'm looking forward to Monday's appointment at the hospital when I'll get to see the data from the machine.... fingers crossed!

Cheers
GS