So Freaking TIRED!

[eldubu]

I have PVCs and sleep apnea.
I recently began trying to use a CPAP machine.  Note the word "trying"!
When I put my mask on and lay down, the PVCs go nuts.  I should mention that I have a history of anxiety.
I find it impossible to keep the mask on while the PVCs are bad.  It feels like I'm still gasping as I try to fall asleep.
Lately, the only way I can fall asleep is when I am utterly exhausted and without the mask.
At one point, I wasn't having PVCs and when I used the mask, I had a few nights of great sleep.
I wanted to know if this is common.  
I feel like this is killing me, slowly but surely and I'm a stressed out mess.
I'm only 43, I would love to look forward to going to bed, rather than dreading it.

[tom_h]

If you have untreated sleep apnea, you are at extreme risk for stroke, enlarged heart, and other kinds of debilitating conditions.  If you've been prescribed a machine, I urge you to speak with your physician, and have him wiorkmwith you to find a combination that will work with you.  There are many different types of masks, and variable pressure machines that eases acclimation, and compliance.  Please, don't give up on it.  It will save your life and can save you from a slow, painful demise.

[tom_h]

I've been CPAP for nearly 5 years and have a near 100% compliance except for when we lost power last year for 8 days.  I takes perserverence to get accustomed to wearing the mask or in my case, nasal pillows.  Have you tried ramping the pressure, or changing the ramp interval? As for your PVC's, they could be anxiety related.  You should try and make your retiring for bed as comfortable and stress free as possible.  You should speak with your sleep specialist to help you adjust your machine and/or mask to make you as comfortable as possible.  Stick to it!  It restarted my life.

[DeltaDawn23]

Try using the Nasal Aire tubing.  It's a soft nasal device that fits into the nostrils, somewhat like oxygen is delivered, only larger.  I tried the mask my insurance provided one night and went out and bought the Nasal Aire II the next day.  There is no pressure on your face.  I do have to wear a chin strap or I breathe thru my mouth and any benefit is lost.  Make sure you have a humidifier on your machine.  There is also a new device I've noticed  in the news that fits over the nostrils, works by creating a backflow of air that keeps the throat open, and is disposable.  I am looking into it.  I learned after my hospitalization last year that it is believed that 1/3 to 1/2 of all Afib cases are caused by sleep apnea.  It's worth a chat with your doctor.  I know several people who were not able to adjust to the machine.  I now sleep well with it and don't travel without it.  I would be interested in hearing about experience with the dental appliance or the new device.  Hang in there, this can be managed.  Jerry, there is also a bi-pap which is an ebb and flow of pressure to manage the apnea.  It worked better for me.  BTW, a good sleep study is necessary to diagnose apnea.  I went last time thru my cardiologist's clinic and was much more thoroughly tested and followed up.  My sleep apnea was discovered when my husband noticed I was not breathing.  If you're dreaming, you're probably okay, as the apnea keeps you waking so much (without realizing it) that you don't get into the deeper sleep, and don't dream.

[chevy man]

Continuous positive airway pressure

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/cpap/

[Jerry_NJ]

My sleep problems are all dream related - I don't think my problem is apnea, anxiety or depressions (though we all have some degree of all of these, I think). I also have allergy problems but a "flonase" (sp?) prescription spray used twice a day helps.  I understand a major symptom/concern of apnea is the patient stops breathing - my congestion seems to be addressed automatically by breathing through my mouth (which drys my throat and wakes me up).

Can anyone point me to a CPAP description?  Is it just a mask or is it also connected to oxygen or a compressor?

[chevy man]

i have sleep apnea and it was hard in me using the machine but i got used to and maybe you can try to get the mask that only covers your nose. that works better for me you didn't mention if you were over weight i was/am and that made a difference as i started to take pounds off the apnea got better

[CFS56]

I can't be of much help because I have tried and tried to use CPAP and can't.  I get extremely claustrophobic when I put the mask on and it causes anxiety which in turn causes my heart to act up.  I have tried taking ativan to fall asleep and manage to fall asleep with the mask on but end up ripping if off sometime in the night and waking up in a panic.  I am going to try one of the dental appliances. I have pretty much given up on the CPAP and have started sleeping on a wedge pillow on my side, which helps some, until I can get the dental thing made.