Thanks, sleepydave.

I'll be turning 54 in 17 days and am starting to get used to having to accept what is as what is.  

Sleepydave, your "mask" cracks me up.  I read that article on the schizo, alcoholic, violent female.  Very interesting--does this mean that's what happens to us gals if we get lots of SWS!  Maybe we should keep our apnea going! Hee, hee.
A serious question, when I take my mask off because I just can't sleep with it on another second, and I wake up later, I feel wierd--like I'm breathing shallow, my heart is beating fast, and I feel kind of anxious.  Do you think that's just psychological because now I know I'm not "breathing" without the mask, or is it interrupted REM sleep? Anyway,  I always wake up with a "start" when I have the mask off and put it back on.  I have been CPAPing since about September and not having fun.  I am unhappily using the Resmed Mirage Swift right now, tried the Nasal Pillows (no way), but am now waiting to get the Mirage Swift Activa upon the recommendation of a friend of a friend.  I have high hopes because as far as I'm concerned I may as well be sleeping with your deep sea diving helmet on!  One more thing, the only way I can sleep through the night is when I take 1/2 of a 5 mg. ambien.  Any comments on that?  Take it easy!  Thanks  Laura

Hey Eddie, In day after tomorrow I'm turning 58 and I agree--it is what it is, but the "is" changes from moment to moment and night to night!

Okay, I am a little antisocial, but I'm not prone to severe aggression.  Let's just call it a sleep lab error...

llaurajjane wrote:

A serious question, when I take my mask off because I just can't sleep with it on another second, and I wake up later, I feel wierd--like I'm breathing shallow, my heart is beating fast, and I feel kind of anxious.  Do you think that's just psychological because now I know I'm not "breathing" without the mask, or is it interrupted REM sleep? Anyway,  I always wake up with a "start" when I have the mask off and put it back on.
...One more thing, the only way I can sleep through the night is when I take 1/2 of a 5 mg. ambien.  Any comments on that?  Take it easy!  Thanks  Laura

Hi LJ:
Certainly sounds like another sleep-interrupting respiratory event, whether or not it's in REM is hard to tell, unless perhaps you knew you were dreaming at that moment.

The company line on sleeping medications is that they should be for short term use, so hopefully you'll get used to the interface at some point.

linnea wrote:

Okay, I am a little antisocial, but I'm not prone to severe aggression. Let's just call it a sleep lab error...

Yes, of course.  That's what I meant.  Yep, no question.  Did I tell you how great you look today?  You don't happen to own any firearms, do you?
sleepydave, writing from a remote spot in the Philippines

I'm a pacifist - no need to worry  

Linnea and sleepydave... you guys are beyond nuts!!!  I rotflmao at you guys!        Anyway, I just wanted to say that and hope that either of you might not want to hunt me down!


_________________
<>< Sleepy Scott <><
Job 7:13-15

Thank you Scott - and I'm not a hunter.