A few years after getting my CPAP, I managed to get to a sleep doctor because I felt my daytime sleepiness had returned somewhat. I had a five-night APAP test and was a little alarmed that the few times I did wake and manage to see my number it was at 11 (I was diagnosed at 5). Not only that but I couldn't sleep, I would wake several times in the night with a very dry nose and mouth and, worst of all, some of my pre-CPAP symptoms had returned. Those being choking, bad startling in my sleep with palpitations, and jerking on falling asleep. When I finally saw the consultant, he confirmed what I feared - he advised me to increase my pressure to 10. I explained about how difficult I had found it so he showed me my charts where every night at about the same time I had apnoeas. He asked me if I had gained weight but in fact I have lost weight since my first test where 5 was recommended. The fact my reading doubled stunned me!
Resigned, I asked if I could increase gradually so I could get used to it and he agreed. Since early December I have managed to increase from 5 to 9. It was fine at first but when I went above 8, the waking throughout the night (sometimes to go to the bathroom, my *old* habit) but just generally restless and dry-mouthed are here again. The one night I tried 9.5 was unbearable. And I still feel I need naps during the day because I've slept so badly! I don't know what to do and would love some advice.
There's one major question too. The sleep apnoeas he pointed out to me were happening while I was using the APAP. How does that happen? If the machine was adjusting upwards at that point but he gave me my 10 diagnosis, then what good is the new setting going to be? Is it that it will take 10 for those apnoeas to go away and if so, what were the readings of 11 that I was observing and my partner also saw?
I feel just like a newbie again. Anything you can tell me about adjusting and getting through this to recover the good sleep I had been so happy to have found with my 5 reading. Thanks for any help!
Resigned, I asked if I could increase gradually so I could get used to it and he agreed. Since early December I have managed to increase from 5 to 9. It was fine at first but when I went above 8, the waking throughout the night (sometimes to go to the bathroom, my *old* habit) but just generally restless and dry-mouthed are here again. The one night I tried 9.5 was unbearable. And I still feel I need naps during the day because I've slept so badly! I don't know what to do and would love some advice.
There's one major question too. The sleep apnoeas he pointed out to me were happening while I was using the APAP. How does that happen? If the machine was adjusting upwards at that point but he gave me my 10 diagnosis, then what good is the new setting going to be? Is it that it will take 10 for those apnoeas to go away and if so, what were the readings of 11 that I was observing and my partner also saw?
I feel just like a newbie again. Anything you can tell me about adjusting and getting through this to recover the good sleep I had been so happy to have found with my 5 reading. Thanks for any help!
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