I’m not great with details, but I remember reading that many of us in the neurodiverse community struggle with sleep or energy levels.
Back in my early 20s, I went through the whole sleep clinic process. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea and mild narcolepsy. They prescribed me a full-face CPAP mask because my mouth doesn’t stay closed at night. That didn’t last long I dumped it after 2 months. I’m not a still sleeper — more like a rotisserie chicken — and the full mask just made me choke on my own drool. The doctors were frustrated and not very helpful. It felt like they expected me to control my body even while unconscious.
Now, over 10 years later, I’m going through the process again. Apparently, my body still isn’t getting enough oxygen during sleep, and it’s causing problems.
Still, I can’t help but wonder if the doctors are missing something — like autism as a potential root cause of sleep issues. In my neurodiverse friend group (both autistic and ADHD), I’m the only one not sleeping 12 or more hours a day. So now I’m left wondering what’s really going on — with me, and with them.
If you only had/tried the standard mask that came with it, its like the shittiest most uncomfortable because they want you to upgrade to the better ones which attach at the top and stay out of your way so you can move around.
I’m hoping that will be the case this time. The one I had was the best one available given my insurance policy at the time. I’m hoping there is more options then what was available 10 years ago.
I went through several types before settling on the AirFit F30i. Under the nose, over the mouth, top hose. There’s also hose supports you can buy for cheap that go under the mattress and hold the hose above. I toss and turn like crazy and it’s a life saver.
Thank you I’ll be sure to look into that when the study inevitably puts me one.