Sleep Apnea

[JunieJay]

Hey Judi! Welcome aboard! Advice...read all of the small print, and don't commit to anything without being satisfied with it!!!!!!!!!!! People swear by these wretched machines! Hope yours works for you! The masks are about 100x's better than they were 2 years ago...More like Darth Vader!

They sure did put you thru the wringer, didn't they?

Michelle, LOL! Since my son is Luke, its only appropriate I would be Mrs. Darth Vadar.

I actually have known about this breath holding thing for a few months and had already made the appointment to go in and get tested. The doctor thinks its what got the panic started in me, and why I ended up in the ER. Even though I wasn't feeling all of this directly, I guess sub-consciously I was dreading the study. This started irregular breathing, which caused my chest to constrict and give me chest pains. Thats his theory, anyway. I'm about tired of these doctors and their theories, that much I know. But I'm willing to give the Mrs. Darth Vadar look a try, because I do feel like crap just about every morning, and have never been a good sleeper. For as long as I can remember I have only slept for 3 or 4 hours a night.

 

[meandtheguys2]

It stinks not being able to sleep! I get pretty darn hairy about it all some days...

 

[hiwaygal]

Michelle, LOL! Since my son is Luke, its only appropriate I would be Mrs. Darth Vadar.

I actually have known about this breath holding thing for a few months and had already made the appointment to go in and get tested. The doctor thinks its what got the panic started in me, and why I ended up in the ER. Even though I wasn't feeling all of this directly, I guess sub-consciously I was dreading the study. This started irregular breathing, which caused my chest to constrict and give me chest pains. Thats his theory, anyway. I'm about tired of these doctors and their theories, that much I know. But I'm willing to give the Mrs. Darth Vadar look a try, because I do feel like crap just about every morning, and have never been a good sleeper. For as long as I can remember I have only slept for 3 or 4 hours a night.

Hi JunieJay! Welcome to the club!!

I feel your pain about docs and their theories. I've about had it up to HERE with insurance companies too

I'm waiting on yet another diagnosis too. Hopefully the doc is wrong about that one! I'm thinking no news is good news!

I agree with Michelle. You might want to make sure about what your options are with regard to machine type and features and mask types and features before you are fully committed to one. Have you happened to look at come CPAP machine websites out there? It's scary 'cause there are SOOOOOO many!

The machines and masks are a PITA, but honestly, I do feel better. I don't have to take a pain pill everyday just to get through the day. I don't fall asleep at my desk anymore. I do have more energy to do things. So even though I seem to complain a lot, I have seen improvement.

Definitely come back and keep us posted on your experiences. We have some seasoned pros who post here and give us "newbies" lots of advice!

 

[GDUL]

hiwaygal, did you get things figured out? I am still relatively miserable, but am dealing with it. I wouldn't mind so much, if they hadn't charged me for the wretched machine. Insurance never mentioned that $400 of it would be a part of our deductible when they gave the "ok" to the med supply company!

Wow, I'm sorry to hear that you are still having problems with the CPAP. Were you able to talk to your doctor about what was going on? If he or she feels that you'd be better off with a BiPAP, they (doctor or homecare company) should be able to work things out with the insurance company - they don't like buying equipment for people that is not working for them. It depends on the insurance company, of course, but it's worth the try!

 

[LindaBabe]

JUst found this thread tonight - BOY! AM I GLAD TO SEE YOU GUYS! Have my sleep study on the 10th and scared witless. And the thought of having to wear a mask to bed - OYE! I shoulda known the DIS would have the answers and encouragement! Thanks for being here!

 

[hiwaygal]

JUst found this thread tonight - BOY! AM I GLAD TO SEE YOU GUYS! Have my sleep study on the 10th and scared witless. And the thought of having to wear a mask to bed - OYE! I shoulda known the DIS would have the answers and encouragement! Thanks for being here!

Hi LindaBabe!

Try not to get too worked up about the sleep study. I know it's easier said than done, but it really isn't that bad. Think of it as a night at a hotel! The worst part is all the wires and stuff they have connected to you. Other than that, it's painless! You just go to sleep and they wake you up in the morning.

Is this your first study? When I went for my first study, they didn't put a mask on me...just monitored my sleep patterns. I went back for a second study when they wanted to try me on the CPAP machine.

At first, I had problems with the mask. I tried a full face mask (meaning it covers both your nose and mouth) and I got a little claustrophobic. So we went to a nasal mask (just covers the nose). That was much better. I actually liked the machine...it was nice to not feel like I couldn't breathe.

Now, I've had my machine for about 4 months. I just got yet another mask and wore it for the first time last night.

The hardest part, for me, is to find a mask that is comfortable. There are lots of smaller, less cumbersome masks and it's really not that bad wearing one while you sleep.

I have noticed some positive changes since I've been using the machine. I have more energy during the day and I don't have as many general "aches and pains".

Let us know how your test goes...and know that we are here if you need encouragement or support!

 

[meandtheguys2]

LindaBabe, I dreaded my sleep study, also! It was no where near as awful as I feared!!!

 

[Tyler's Dad]

I have been snoring for years and recently my wife said she has noticed my breathing stopping every once in a while. I was going to get a sleep test done, but I also just heard about something called the Sona Pillow that is supposed to help stop apnea. Has anyone here tried it?

 

[hiwaygal]

I have been snoring for years and recently my wife said she has noticed my breathing stopping every once in a while. I was going to get a sleep test done, but I also just heard about something called the Sona Pillow that is supposed to help stop apnea. Has anyone here tried it?

Hi Tyler's Dad!

I haven't heard of the Sona Pillow so I can't be of any help!

Keep checking back though, someone may have heard something!

 

[eeyoresmountainpals]

I just found this thread and wanted to post.

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea in January, although I have known for years that I've had it. I just never wanted to go through the sleep study and have the diagnoses. They found that I was stopping breathing an average of 91 times per hour, meaning I had not had a full minute of sleep for who knows how long.

I got my CPAP machine in the beginning of February but have had trouble getting a comfortable mask. I just got my third one but haven't tried it yet.

Now I'm going to go back and read all the posts on this thread. I'm so glad to have found this!

 

[Linda Bell]

I just found this thread and wanted to post.

Now I'm going to go back and read all the posts on this thread. I'm so glad to have found this!

Me too. Now I feel guilty. My machine which does everything but dance is on the closet shelf.

I had the panic attacks in the middle of the night. Just like the severe asthma attacks I had as a child.

The mask fits fine, I use the ramp up feature and the warmed air but...it just feels like there is no oxygen coming in. I gave it a month. Can someone with a similar situation give my how long it took them to get over the suffocation feeling? I am a mouth breather and have the full face mask.

Thanks,

Linda

 

[meandtheguys2]

That is so hard! I tried for 2 months solid, and hit the wall. Now, I use it every other night. I think I'm slowly adjusting. If i weren't so paranoid about taking meds like ambiem, I might be able to make faster progress.

Good luck, all!

 

[hiwaygal]

Me too. Now I feel guilty. My machine which does everything but dance is on the closet shelf.

I had the panic attacks in the middle of the night. Just like the severe asthma attacks I had as a child.

The mask fits fine, I use the ramp up feature and the warmed air but...it just feels like there is no oxygen coming in. I gave it a month. Can someone with a similar situation give my how long it took them to get over the suffocation feeling? I am a mouth breather and have the full face mask.

Thanks,

Linda

Linda...I'm so sorry you are having these problems!

I have only had those feelings a couple of times. The first time was at the sleep center when I tried to use a full face mask. I thought I was a mouth breather too...but quickly discovered that with the aid of the machine (and the air pressure) I was able to sleep quite comfortably with just the nose mask. The second time was just a few weeks ago with a new mask. Because I have three masks now I simply switched to a different mask and did fine.

Keep checking back in case someone else has some input...maybe Michelle's idea of every other night will help you too.

Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[Linda Bell]

Linda...I'm so sorry you are having these problems!

Keep checking back in case someone else has some input...maybe Michelle's idea of every other night will help you too.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Thanks folks. I ordered an Oracle mask today. Nothing over my nose and headgear not required. Sort of a scuba mouthpiece type system. From the reviews you love it or hate it so we shall see I guess. The scientific reviews gave it good marks for working so just maybe...

Oh for those of you that dry out no matter what I found a spray that works for at least half of the night...it is called Stopper 4 Dry Mouth Spray and you can get it at places like drugstore.com if not available in your location. Kind of surpised it is not for sale on the CPAP sites.

A restful nights sleep to one and all...

Linda

 

[mikeandeileen]

I have apnea too, I took my machine with me on my last trip to CBR, I simply cannot sleep without it. it makes me wonder how I slept prior to using it.

the only draw back is my 3yr old who likes to pull the mask off while I am sleeping.

 

[LindaBabe]

Hi All! I survived the sleep test and stopped breathing 627 times in 6 hours, which makes me wonder how I survive sleeping, or what passes for sleep. Howver it took a month to see the doc and would have taken another 10 weeks to get the second test and a m onth after that to actually get a machine, so I switched centers. They gave me a mask that fits over the nose only and I was able to sleep - until the fire alarm that forced us out into the street with our wires dangling. After that I had some trouble getting back to sleep - but did sleep only to awaken with a wicked headache from the bands around my head (worse than the normal morning headache).

I ,too , would like the answer to Linda Bell's question - for those of you who've successfully adapted to wearing the thing - how long did it take you? And what kind do you use?

 

[hiwaygal]

Hi Linda#2

WOW!!! What an exeperience that last test must have been! You poor thing! I can't imagine getting back to sleep after a fire alarm!

I have to admit that I too get headaches every now and again from the bands around my head. My guess is, yours might be just a bit too tight. But if you are like me, if it's much looser then you get some leakage and that will REALLY drive you bonkers.

I have one mask that I use almost exclusively and another mask that I wear sometimes just to not have something on my head.

The first one is the Comfort Lite 2 (this shows the right headgear, but I use a different nasal interface...the one that goes over the nose). And I use this one about 80-90% of the time.

The second one is the Mirage Swift. This one causes some discomfort as the air is forced into the nasal passage and at the nostrils, but it is VERY light and nothing on the face/head.

I was lucky, I was able to quickly adapt to the air pressure. I like having cold air to breathe and the machine helps that for me (I have never used the heated air function). The mask has been the hardest part for me. I'm still looking for the perfect mask (if there is such a thing), but the ones I have work for me for now.

I hope you are able to get used to it as quickly as I was. I've been on my machine for just over 6 months now and I do notice that I am not as tired as I used to be.

 

[eeyoresmountainpals]

I just wanted to share with everyone that I have FINALLY found something comfortable! I went through four different masks since February and had one problem or another with each one and none of them were comfortable.

I was in the hospital for 8 days recently and was on oxygen for six of those days. I never had any problems with having the oxygen cannula on. After I got home and got back on my feet I called the home-medical supply company and asked if there wasn't something available similar to an oxygen cannula. I was told there wasn't. So that night I went on line and found one, called the rep back at the supply company and told her about it. They ordered if for me and I got it that week. I had read enough on line to have an idea of how it worked and when I went in to get it I actually showed her how it worked. She was very impressed with it and said she would be recommending it to anyone else she came across that had been having as much trouble with masks that I had!! I LOVE IT!

Here's a link to the pic of it:

http://www.cpap.com/viewImage.php?PNum=1828&Image=NasalAire21.jpg

I've been using it for about six weeks now and haven't had a bit of trouble with adjusting to it. The hoses are very soft and pliable. If you sleep on your side that side of the hose tends to just flatten out and the other side moves the air in. Also, the pic shows the headgear that it comes with but I have found that just a little strap of velcro around the hoses at the back of my head keep it in place.

I finally feel like I've overcome this adjustment hurdle and am truly starting to feel the benefits!

 

[LindaBabe]

Got my machine on Friday. Some kind of mask with nasel pillows - doesn't hurt near as much as the over the nose mask I used at the sleep center. The problem that's making me nuts now is how much the full force gale at setting 13 hurts my sinuses. I can't imagine wearing this thing every night for the rest of my life.

 

[disneyfan551]

I go to the sleep Dr. tomorrow morning to discuss my 2 sleep studies. I really hate that I don't know what to expect, since the tech's didn't give me much info at all. Do they try to push certain machines/masks on you to purchase? During my 2nd study last week, I tried the nose mask first, and it was ok. But, I'm a side sleeper, and I eventually got a leak. She tightened it, and strapped my chin. I tried for a while, but then I felt very claustrophobic. I felt like I HAD to breath through my mouth! And, I'm really a mouth breather, so I was very conscious about that. I switched to the full mask and it felt better. However, I just don't know which one to try, since I don't feel like either were that great being a side sleeper, and a mouth breather! I did feel like I was able to wear the nose mask, and that I didn't need to breath through my mouth like I usually did. But, I must have started breathing through my mouth during sleep, in order for them to put the chin strap on me. I'm just so confused....