Sleep Apnea

[Nemo]

Got it officially diagnosed last night, after spending the night hooked up to a computer via 20 electrodes glued to my body. Next step: CPAP.

Dr. says if I lose the 32 pounds overweight it should get better together with my F'ed up cholesterol levels.

Goal: To Nationals 32 pounds lighter.

[p99shooter]

My uncle has / had it for a long time, mostly because he was a very large man, and the excess mass in his through clogged his airways at night. He started using a ventilator-type device at night, and it worked wonders. What you'll probably find is that, once you get over the "hump," you get a feedback effect. Lose a little weight = better sleep at night = more energy during the day = burn more calories = lose more weight. More uncle dropped about 100 lbs.

Good luck Nemo!

[lcs]

I've had it for 10 years. You do not have to be overweight to suffer from sleep apnea.

Used the CPAP for years. Tough to get used to, but it does help. I'd had to quit using mine as it caused sinus problems. Have a friend who has used his for years, even packs it when we do Harley rode trips.

IF covered by insurance, make sure you demand the best mask. They try and give you the cheap one at first.

I can tell you one thing that makes the apnea worse, beer, wine, or good wiskey (bad wiskey too)

[Nemo]

I can tell you one thing that makes the apnea worse, beer, wine, or good wiskey (bad wiskey too)

OK, I'll ask for the best mask.

Thanks guys!

[sarnburg]

I have used a Cpap machine for 10+ years. They are GREAT you will feel so much better once you get used to it. I do not use a mask at all. I use nasal pillows, like small latex/rubber baffles that are suspended below the nose to bridge the gap. I find this much more comfortable. Also you can ask for a heated water reservoir that goes inline between you and machine. This warms and moisturizes the air before you breath it. If you keep your filters changed and use only distilled water you will be much more comfortable. Once you have gotten used to it you will sleep so much better and as a result you will feel like a new person. If you have any questions feel free to PM me I have assisted many people in the acclimation process.

[dsb45acp]

I don't use CPAP at home, but I do place and or care for it on many of my patients at work (night shift). Get the nasal pillows if at all possible and definetly use only distilled/sterile water in the humidifer. Once you get used to it, you will sleep better and have more energy; therefore, it will be easier to get some exercise and loose the weight your doctor reccomended. Start slowy, and do some aerobic activity at least 3 to 6 days a week. Good luck and remember your family, they're the best motivation in the world!

[ipscbob]

Apnea is a great motivation to lose the excess weight. I couldn't get used to the CPAP and decided to start working out and watching my diet. Apnea is gone and best thing is I am 100% healthier.

[ysued]

Nemo,

As you might know I have used CPAP for over 3 years.

I use the full mask because I'm a mouth Breather

I don't use the humidifier anymore, it's a PITA to keep clean.

So I wake up with a Dry Mouth every once in a while, I might go back to it though.

I hope you get the machine soon, it might take you a bit to get used to it, but once you so, you will find out what a difference sleep does for you. Deep uninterrupted sleep can be a beautiful thing

Y

PS: This should be a strange scen when we room together at Tulsa, our hotel Room is going to look like a Coma ward at a hospital with 2 Bodies attached to Breathing Machines.

Edited April 11, 2007 by ysued

[XRe]

My father in law has the same condition, and also uses a CPAP - he's also lost some weight, etc. His experience matches the guys' here - once you get used to it, it makes a huge difference in your sleep...

Sounds like there's a lot of experience with using the machines here on this forum, man Maybe we need a sleep disorder sub-forum or something

[ysued]

Sounds like there's a lot of experience with using the machines here on this forum, man Maybe we need a sleep disorder sub-forum or something

We might need a forum

The Darth Vader Forum

Y

[Odie]

The only downside to the nasal prongs/pillows it that they tend to blow leaks if you require a pretty high pressure setting. If you don't have a very high pressure setting, they are way cool though. If you go with just a nasal mask, try and get a ResMed Activa. They have a "bellows" type system that allows a lot more movement and position freedom, as well as not having to wear them as tight as gel or rubber type masks. If you use a humidifier, try and use distilled water, it doesn't calcify up the works as bad. If your humidifier is a newer Respironics, use lower heat settings as the new ones get pretty warm, and if you have it set too high, you'll end up with considerable condensation in the tubing. A tubing "wrap" will help a little with condensation issues. If you want to loose weight, great. But don't be surprised if you always have OSA, it is by far more genetic than anything, and it changes somewhat with age. Get retitrated every few years, or if you think your therapy isn't as effective as it was, see the doc. Also, the tired feeling is just part of the problem. Not wearing the cpap is hard on your heart and doesn't help your blood pressure. Sorry to rant, but I wear CPAP too, and I'm a sleep tech.

[mpeltier]

My Son had sleep apnea a few years ago. The schools all were quick to diagnose him with A.D.D. and wanted us to have him evaluated by shrinks and have him put on meds. My wife and I did a lot of research on the subject and were of the oppinion he was not A.D.D. We finally got him to a sleep specialist who refered us to an ENT specialist who properly diagnosed a Tonsel and adnoid condition. A relatively routine operation to remove the offending tonsels and adnoids and he was sleeping better almost immediately. He is now on the schools honor roll and sleeps like a rock.

[sargenv]

I've had the Apnea for a long time, a few years back I finally did the test and got hooked up with CPAP. When they ran the test, they tried putting me on the nose only mask and my sinuses immediately blocked up. Switched to the full face mask and all is well. I use the humidifier kind and use it religiously. I can usually go a night or two and be ok, but I just don't feel good taking chances. My wife tells me that I breathe normally when I sleep without it. It's kind of a pain using the full face mask, but I also listen to music that gets me to sleep, so I don't hear the machine all that much. Looking at me you wouldn't think that I needed it.

Vince

[hopalong]

Pretty sure I have it too. Have been putting it off for a while but think I'll "Bite the Bullet" and go get tested.

Hopalong

[Nemo]

Go get tested Sam. I finally took the step because of a couple of choking episodes while sleeping that really freaked me out.

Take care of yourself, my good friend.