Fear the Crab

I seem to have forgotten to update the events following my overnight sleep study. After a consultation with the doctor, we decided to try a “take home” sleep test using a Watch PAT device.

Watch PAT

I had to pick up this machine from the hospital on a specific date because it was intended for return the following day, when the results would be downloaded off the machine and interpreted.

There’s a significant weight to the thing. For someone not used to sleeping with any accessories, it takes some getting used to. And from what I was led to believe, the sensors basically monitor the same things as the overnight study. The white thing on the ring-finger supposedly detects oxygen content by shining a red light from the top of the nail and picking up the results under the finger. This is in direct contrast to the “booger spider” jammed up my nose at the hospital, but whether or not it was just as sensitive is unknown.

I don’t know what the big thing on the pointer-finger is for. I assume it monitors my heart rate because it fits very snugly, enough that I can feel my own pulse beating in my fingertip.

What’s not shown is an additional sensor that’s attached by medical tape to the chest, that monitors body positioning and snoring. I think the removal of medical tape first thing in the morning is a lot more jolting than a cup of coffee.

It seemed like my sleep was interrupted every hour. I know this because I was ordered to keep a written log of every time I woke up and went back to sleep. What I don’t know for certain was why I woke up. It could have been the strange device on my wrist, or the feeling of the sensors on my fingertips, or the tape on my chest. It could have been because of the sleep apnea. Regardless, the next day I was not very bright-eyed, nor was my tail bushy.

At the hospital, I found out that I would have to take the test again. Something apparently failed with the heart-rate monitor because the downloaded results showed no data. I was asked if I had twisted the sensor as I put it on, or handled it roughly prior to sleeping, but I maintained my innocence purely on the fact that while I might be forgetful, I know I did not twist that sucker.

Second test worked to perfection, all data was collected, and the results came back positive for sleep apnea. This meant that the doctors could prescribe the CPAP machine! Three tests for the charm!

Actually, I have to use this CPAP for 10 days, then return it so the doctors can check the machine’s readings. This “trial period” involves a large box that automatically adjusts the amount of pressure based on my breathing, and I suppose it records it internally. With this data, the doctors can then prescribe me a properly-calibrated device that I’d use permanently (or as long as need be).

Last night (from this post) was my first night with the CPAP. The machine is very quiet and does not disturb others, but of course, I have to acclimate myself to having a big oxygen mask thing strapped to my face whilst I sleep.

When I first turned it on, the CPAP seemed to push a lot of air into the mask. It felt like it took some effort to exhale through my nose, but not enough that I couldn’t actually breathe. The pressure is stronger than a fan blowing against my face, but it is also certainly not like a gas-station air pump.

I did wake up early, about two hours before I normally get up. I noticed the pressure in air flow was significantly less, so perhaps the machine figured out that it didn’t need to pump that much into the mask. However, I also noticed that at some point the mask had shifted a bit north on the map of my face, enough that the seal was nearly against my eye. I could also feel a bit of air escaping from places other than the exhalation vent, so that might account for the lowered pressure. I’ll have to adjust the straps and try again tonight.