CPAP / Sleep apnea

[312.Duck]

I was diagnosed in May and wish I had done this 10 years ago.

Sleep study. I had no problem getting to sleep during the studies. I think if you're truly tired, you'll fall asleep . In fact, they had the ultimate set up at mine with a large HD TV mounted up high on the wall to watch sports, news, etc. before crashing out. The bed and pillows were great, and juice and water were supplied.

All the wires and stuff are uncomfortable during the study, yes, but it's a small price to pay for salvation!

I snapped this glamorous photo of myself during my study:

You can see the wires attached to my face, there were many under my clothes
(chest and legs - apparently leg movements tell a lot),
and a concentrator box they all plugged into hanging from my next (bottom of pic).
They also had a little microphone in front of my mouth.

The mask. As many have said here, it's all about the mask. I have the mask which covers the nose only, but tend to open my mouth causing air to rush out my mouth, so I'll likely be switching to a full mouth/nose style. This also happens if you have a stuffed nose due to a cold. Still, others prefer much less coverage option for a "mask" with only nostril pillows:

Nasal pillows

Nasal mask, with gel pads.

Full nose and mouth coverage.


Also, it may take a few weeks or so of adjustments to your chin and forehead straps and such.

Other remedies. In the past I've tried nasal strips (Breathe Right), dental apparatus, throat sprays and lozenges, special pillows, sleeping on my right side (deviated septum) and weight loss (to some degree, hehe). In the end, nothing has worked as well as the CPAP. Surgery was not an option seeing what a few coworkers have gone through coupled with the fact it doesn't always work (it didn't for one of my coworkers).

Humidification. I love the variable humidification. Granted you must have humidification of the air or it will dry you out. But with my extraneous sinus issues it's been a godsend. I turn it up extra high on occasion and its really helped clean my sinuses out. Problem is your face can get a bit wet <LOL> and the tube fills with condensation, sounding like someone's smoking a bong.

I just lift the air tube so it empties back into the humidifier when this happens.

Noise. Virtually silent, the wife sleeps with the TV on, and besides, it's NOTHING compared to when I snore.

Discomfort. You get to sleep so fast due to quality breathing you don't notice it at first. Where I find it to be troubling is during the night, when you turn over and such. I've learned to turn and slightly adjust the mask so I'm comfy on in any position. I've also learned to run the air tube behind my pillow so it sits nicely.

Traveling. I traveled to Disney for the first time since getting my CPAP machine. Brought it with as carry-on, and each way they took it an tested it as an explosive. I knew about that in advance from another Disboard thread. That's life, but again, it's well worth having, particularly in hotel rooms with odd air circulation.

Etc. It took me awhile to get all my straps, tube positioning, learning to work with the humidifier, etc. to get everything just right. The first thing I do is empty the humidifier reservoir when I wake up. The (well, my) machine has a purge cycle when you turn it off, during which air flows thru to dry out the reservoir and tubing. If you leave water in the humidifier it will not dry entirely, and you risk bacteria, mold, etc. My mask has a removable gel cushion and cover. I don't clean it every morning, but I always remove them, and set them on top the CPAP unit so they dry thoroughly.

It is possible to custom fit your cushions to your face using a hot and cold water method.

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As an aside, due to my sensitive sinuses I may end up switching to a BiPAP machine which reduces the pressure while breathing out.

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[parrotheadlois]

Great information! Thanks. DH doesn't think I do the stop breathing thing, but every now and then (in addition to the regular snoring), a really loud one (this would make me crazy if I were him). Mine is definitely throat related, I'd have to have the whole mask. I'll have to check my insurance coverage for this. Great thread Liz.

 

[Swank]

I have been using a CPAP for 3 years. It has worked out great. Within days I stopped falling asleep at inappropriate times. It did take a couple of weeks of getting used to. I know a lot of people that have given up on it, don't you will get used to it.

 

[Brumeiser]

got my 2nd cpap machine. Never new that they had a life to where they last only a certain amount of years. When I mentioned that my old machine was 10 years old there response time for a new one. This machine goes with me every where I go. I had to call to see if the new machine was set right because the air seemed stronger, there response was the old one the motor must have been on its last leg. In fact last year I built a shelf in the motor home for it. You will actually get a good nights rest when using the machine. My wife does not even notice the noise anymore. The last time we flew this was my carry on luggage. Again I agree with everyone it is all in the mask if that is not comfortable fit for you, it will be uncomfortable.

 

[mainegal]

Thanks for posting the photos above.
I also went to http://www.cpap.com/ and saw pictures of the masks.

I am still a little freaked out about the mask, how will it fit on my face, will it get in the way as I bury my head in my pillow?

I am have a second sleep study scheduled for next Tuesday night (with the CPAP) and I will have my own CPAP by the end of next week.

I really appreciate all the encouragement I have received here. It has really helped. As freaked out as I am about the mask, I am extremely excited about not falling asleep (or close to it) at inappropriate times during the day.

I hope I am fully adjusted to it by the time I leave for WDW on December 4. This should make my two week vacation much more enjoyable. Just think, I will be able to stay awake for Ellen's Energy Adventure!

 

[sambycat]

my fiance has had every surgery there is to help with his sleep apnea, lost a bit of weight and still needs his CPAP! he is a faithful user, and its really helpful to him. i could see a difference in his daytime wakefullness when, recently, since gaining a bit of weight and needing to change the settings up some, he wasn't using it the same way. now he is and its great. as a partner, i can also tell you its pretty darn quiet, the only annoying thing is now he complains about MY snoring!!!!!!