I Don’t Think Anybody’s Going to Notice

Going 1 night without using my CPAP for my obstructive sleep apnea was no big deal. I really didn't notice any difference. I was able to get up and do the same things that I did the day before when I had used my CPAP. I don't think anybody's going to notice missing a CPAP treatment the night before.

Will missing CPAP treatments affect my sleep apnea symptoms?

About 2 years after I got my CPAP, I had been using it religiously every night. At that time, at least 4 hours were recommended.  I was doing so much better – so,... I quit using it! Again, I didn't see the problem. I was still doing better, not tired, and seemed to be sleeping well at night. I really didn't need the CPAP.

Little did I realize there was a crash on the way!

The crash

So, I think it was about 6 months that I didn't use my CPAP machine anymore at night. Why? Because I didn't think I needed it and I was doing great!

Next, I went to my doctor’s appointment – and my blood pressure was up. This wasn't unusual because I have high blood pressure. For a lot of people, their blood pressure just goes up when they go to the doctor. I've been told it's called white coat syndrome and it's very common, even for people without high blood pressure problems.

Well, the doc wanted to see me back in about a month to check my blood pressure again. By golly, my blood pressure was up even higher! So then, my blood pressure medicine was increased to a higher dose. Because of that, I had to go back the next month. Yeah,... it was higher!!

At this point, my doctor asked me if I was using my sleep apnea machine. I said, “Um…...no I'm doing fine without it.” You should have heard the roaring laughter from my doctor! Followed by the lecture! We have a very good relationship!

Struggling to use CPAP again

Returning home, I thought about what the doctor had said; so, I started halfheartedly using the CPAP again almost every night. I go back to the doctor for another check-up on my blood pressure. It was indeed going down; this time, almost too low.

So, we had to find out if it was going down from the medication or from using the CPAP machine. The medication was dropped back to where it was before. With a follow-up the next month, it was indeed from not using the CPAP machine!

I have used the CPAP machine again every night before that last appointment and every night after (until It was unsafe from the gas fumes it was giving off).

Please let me have my cpap back

Now that the CPAP is broken and on the recall list, I am anxiously waiting for a new one. Again, I had a doctor’s appointment. My blood pressure is up slightly. I am not getting restful sleep at night and am tired all the time; not to mention, a little crabby, lol.

Some of my lab tests came back slightly higher, my doctor said that it's probably from not being able to use a CPAP. I miss my CPAP machine.

What happens when you miss a CPAP treatment? Does anyone notice? Share your experience in the comments.