May I ask if anyone felt more sleepy after starting A/CPAP therapy than before?

Thanks

No but I wouldn't say worse, but I never felt like a million bucks either.

Oh, Yeah, I felt more tired after starting CPAP. So much so , that I fell and dislocated my shoulder and tore the rotator cuff tripping over my own feet from being so tired. My problem was not having the right mask and not having the right machine. First, you need to figure out if it is the mask. The DME should have someone who can help with the mask. Once you find the right mask (I went thru 3), then see if that is enough to make you feel better. If not, then you need to go back to the physician who diagnosed you and started your CPAP and get more help. You need to be assertive (not agressive) and for goodness sake, don't be passive. You deserve to understand what is happening and why and you need to understand the properties of the machine and masks.

This website is awsome because there is always someone here who can help you to decipher your sleep study results, discuss the pros and cons of the different machines, and answer questions that sleep doctors don't have a clue about. Unfortunately, that isn't me. I did find out so much information that helped me on this website and that made a huge difference. I feel so much better now.  

I urge you to call your doctor ASAP to get an appointment. Once there, pull out that list of questions (you are making a list, right?), and don't leave until you understand everything. If your doctor doesn't answer the questions, figure out why. Does (s)he not know or not care? Change your doctor to find some one who will meet your needs. Keep reading this website. Ask questions. Don't give up.

I use new machine Remstar Auto PAP w/A flex and new mask Comfort Gel both by Respironics

what might be wrong with any new mask?

Thanks for your help

Last night was my first night with my new CPAP and I was so discombobulated when I woke up today - I broke a glass - I could barely stand. I thought maybe I had slept too long and got oxygen overdose! I will call on Monday and see about a new mask.

Williamco - I also have the same machine and mask!!!

I am not familiar with your specific mask brand or with your machine. Both may be optimal for you. But if you are having problems, you and your physician or DME provider need to work out the issues.  Also, someone on this forum probably has the same mask and machine and can give you better information. Check the stickys and read more postings and ask more questions. That was what helped me so much in the begining. Stick with it and don't get discouraged.  

Re: the mask  The mask should be snug but not tight and conform to your face without allowing large air leaks. You and your DME representative need to work together to find one that fits you well (my DME rep has OSA and is very familiar with the problems-he really helped me find the right mask despite being somewhat beholden to the brand names required by my insurance). Most masks come in small, medium, and large. Some have various parts that come in all 3 sizes and can be mixed and matched to conform to your specific face type.

Sabby: if you have the same machine, it should have the smart card and its software
just check the leak on that particular night, and AHI index, to know if you have a good mask fit or not

keep us posted please

I've just started last week using a CPAP and I'm exhausted to the point where I'm having a very hard time staying awake while driving, even more so than before.

I hope when you all discover the reason, to inform us. don't just walk away and forget the still miserable folks outhere

I still haven't had a full night, but the nights I get 4 hours with the mask, I'm more sleepy the next day than when I don't use it at all!!


_________________
Mike
104 AHI

Respironics BiPAP Auto M series
Oracle 452 mask

Rx history:
1. 20cm CPAP
2. 25i/21e BiPAP
3. Auto-BiPAP range 12i/8e to max

Willliamco and Sabby Tabby -
I just looked up your mask. I'm pretty sure it's the one the person at my doctor's office steered me away from it because she said it tends to leak.

maf79, I have smart card and the software. I check every morning what happened the night before

I have my leak at 33 L/M. and the average leak for that mask on my pressure set is around 30 L/M - so I don't think it is the case.
but to make an exclusion, I will try another mask and see

I started using a CPAP last week, and I'm more tired than I was when I wasn't using it. The readings from the machine indicate that my breathing isn't stopping nearly as much when I use it, though. So I assume the machine is doing what it is supposed to do, and I just need to get used to it.

I appear to have adjusted quickly. I'm just starting to feel a little better. Not a lot better, but a little. I'm assuming it will continue. :)