CPAP machine and sleeping

[Moonwalker1967]

Hi,I have mild sleep apnea with severe symptoms.

I was prescribed a CPAP machine but struggle keeping it on at night as I feel the need to walk. So I fall asleep with the full mask on and wake 3 to 6 times a night.

Any suggestions? Does anybody else have a similar problem? Has anyone found a CPAP machine which helped with the restless legs syndrome?

Thanks!

[Sleeplessinbitola]

I have RLS and sleep apnea. I take the mask off to walk around and put it back on when I get in bed.

You only need to wear the mask when you are sleeping, not when you are walking around.

[Moonwalker1967 in reply to Sleeplessinbitola]

It's the anxiety about being sort of trapped if that makes sense. I already do as suggested. Has the CPAP helped you sleep and with your RLS?

[Insomniak]

Hi Moonwalker, I also have sleep apnea and initially used a CPAP machine every night. I looked around for another solution as I travel a fair bit and the machine is not exactly portable. A friend recommended using a mandible advancer. I tried a couple of cheap ones that didn’t stay in my mouth properly but then went and got one professionally fitted. It cost me about €2000 including after care but it is a game changer for me. It is like a gum shield and would deal with the issue you describe.

Colour photo taken indoors

[Sleeplessinbitola]

The CPAP didn't help me!I lost about 100lbs so I really don't need the CPAP machine, but still use it sometimes because I sleep on my back.

The machine helps me when I sleep, but the restless legs keep me from falling asleep; so, I sleep every other night and sometimes, with 100mg Pregabalin, I sleep 8 to 10 hours 😇

[NeuroSeeker]

My CPAP mask comes on and off many times a night. I don't think there is a correlation between CPAP use and RLS relief.At first I struggled with the trapped feeling, too. Ironically, adding an eye mask, earplugs, and a meditation to app (I use Insight Timer) has helped a lot. I do guided meditations, which usually get me to sleep - even if only for an hour or two.

Now, I look forward to my CPAP time. I use it whenever I'm hoping to sleep or nap.