I'm envious of all of you that can sleep with your mask!  Yesterday I went to the gym and walked for 30 minutes, ride the bike for 36 minutes and did a few weights.  Then I did all my errands; mind you I was tired to begin the day.  I went to bed around 10:00 pm and took one Trazodone (my normal medication)and then I took two benadryl thinking this has to do it; I will sleep now.  I put on my mask and told myself comfort and I miss my mask.  I felt myself starting to doze but never fell asleep.  So again after one hour I took my mask off and went to sleep. I really felt like I was relaxed.  I just cannot do it without the Ambien but the Ambien made me sad and depressed.  So here I am once again so tired.  So now I will go lie down because I am exhausted. I have to wait and see what the doctor has to say.  I remembebr my ENT telling me when I first got my mask that if I am very tired I will sleep; yeah right.  I have walked three miles and worked all day and gotten so tired but I cannot do it.  I'm at my wits end.  Goodnight all.

You know, sometimes it takes a while to get used to sleeping with a CPAP machine.  Just because you have trouble when you start doesn't mean that you will always have trouble.  I know that lots of people here have also had trouble getting used to things.  Just keep trying!  Put it on every night and compose yourself for sleep.  Try to lengthen the time a little every day.  Sooner or later, you will get comfortable enough to fall asleep without any trouble.  Tell us how you are doing so we can cheer you on!

Grateful! did you ever try and make an appointment to see your Doctor? I know you said you didn't want another pill, but if the Doctor can give you something to help you sleep and doesn't have the  bad side affects like the Ambien, well why not try it? At least for a while? Maybe the Doctor won't have anything, but again maybe the Doc will be able to help you. Heck it is worth trying is it? We are all here to try and help you and give you support! I do wish you luck and hope things work out for you!


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White Beard with a White Beard
Resmed VPAP Adapt SV Enhanced, HumidAire 2i, ResLink with Model 8000 Flex sensor Pulse Oximeter, and ResScan 3.5 software. Respironic EverFlo OPI Oxygen Concentrator 3 lpm
EEP 9.0, min PS 6.0, max PS 16.0

Three things: First, you have to work with your doctor to get these problems solved. Get a new doc if yours is not getting the job done. Second, it sounds like you are picking and choosing how you use prescription sleep aids. Get precsribed and the follow the directions, period. If they don't work, call your doctor and get the prescription changed, but don't "ad lib." Third, you have to have some patience and perseverence with CPAP treatment. Don't take your mask off! If your mask is uncomfortable, get one you like better, but you have to learn to sleep with the mask and that can take time. Some nights you just have to lie there staring at the ceiling. It's no fun, but it's what has to happen. Don't "envy" those of us who can do it like we are luckier than you. We worked at it! When I started, someone said it can take 1000 hours "on the hose" to get used to it and it turned out they were about right in my case. But despite having struggles just like you, I am 100% compliant over 2 1/2 years, except for two nights when my machine broke. That's what it takes.

I always think it's ironic that if someone breaks their leg and the doctor tells them it will take three months to heal, people don't question that. They don't cut the cast off after one night because it itches and the leg isn't better overnite. But you tell someone they may be uncomfortable to three months getting used to CPAP and sleep may get worse before it gets better, they can't handle that. If they don't sleep well right away, they give up on it. Do what you want, but please let us know when and where you will be driving, so the rest of can stay off the roads!

Thank you Frances, MondoJohnny and WHite Beard.  I called the doctor's office today and
they are calling in a prescription for Lunesta.  I cannot afford to lie there and stare at the walls all night.  I did that early on and I stayed up too late then I got up late then I got depressed and could not go to work!!  I cannot afford to lose work anymore. I have lost enough days from this.  I do not have a problem driving unless I am on a longt trip.  I am going on vaction Friday and my husband will drive!  I have been at this C-Pap thing for 5 months now; so I guess it is not long enough.  As I said in one of earlier posts. I am a fighter. I quit drinking almost 23 yrs ago.  I quit smoking almost 24 years ago.  I got through college with a learnig disability.  I have "NEVER" been withgout a job for 37 years and I suffer from Bipolar disorder whichmanifests itself in depression! So I am not quitter I perservere.

Good luck and keep up the perserverance.

I had a difficult time also.  It took me 6 MONTHS to get used to it.  Went through the same things you are going through.  Give yourself 6 months.  The results will be worth it.  Now I can fall asleep at the drop of a hat as soon as it's on.  Full face mask)

Thank you Lucrenda and Marywidow!  

I could tell by your other posts you weren't a quitter Grateful!. Just keep at it and you'll master the CPAP beast! You have all of us rooting for you! Have a Great vacation! and post when you can! Good Luck to You!


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White Beard with a White Beard
Resmed VPAP Adapt SV Enhanced, HumidAire 2i, ResLink with Model 8000 Flex sensor Pulse Oximeter, and ResScan 3.5 software. Respironic EverFlo OPI Oxygen Concentrator 3 lpm
EEP 9.0, min PS 6.0, max PS 16.0

Thank you WhiteBeard.  You are very kind!