I spent the night at the Sleep Study’s Research Center last night. The room was luxurious, and since I cannot sleep on a flat bed, I specifically requested the one room they have that has a Tempurpedic type mattress on an adjustable bed. I have been interested in this type of bed for several years, thinking I might be able to get back into the bedroom with hubby, if we had one of those King size adjustable beds with the split. That way I could set my side for a recliner like position, while hubby could sleep flat. It’s been years since we have slept together, and I would love to be able to have that closeness again.
Well, to say the least, I was disappointed with the bed. I tossed and turned all night, trying to find a position that would not make my back spasm. I ended up sleeping in this hole where my bottom was. I had just as much trouble with back spasms all night long as I do on a flat bed or the hospital bed I slept on for the first Sleep Study. I am glad I had the opportunity to try out this type of mattress and bed, as they cost up in the 3 to 5 thousand dollar range. It would have been terrible to have spent all that money and not be able to sleep comfortably.
As for the Sleep Study itself, I used the TAP dental appliance set to the easy setting I’ve been using ever since my neck muscles started spasms. I was hopeful that this smaller amount of forward movement of my jaw would be sufficient to stop the apnea. From his preliminary review of last night’s data, my Sleep Disorder Specialist was very encouraged that the TAP is working just fine for me. He also agreed with me that my daytime sleepiness is from the PD meds, not from any underlying medical issue. This is the best possible news for me. He also said he would be glad to help with the documentation to help me to get Blue Cross/Blue Shield to reimburse us for 80% of the $1000 we spent up front on the TAP.
So, with my sore back and scalp full of gooey glue, I am happy. I fought the good fight to get used to the CPAP masks, and failed. I kept adjusting the lower jaw advancement on the TAM, until I put my whole neck muscles into painful spasms. Then, because of the pain, I backed off by several turns of the key. And it paid off, as I have evidently been able to get the apnea controlled at a comfortable setting.
Today is a GOOD day!!