Sleep Apnea

[GDUL]

Apparently, I can replace my mask every 6 months.

I'm going to get a copy of my prescription to take to another supply place. Some of the masks aren't TOO bad in cost. I'm willing to try one, maybe two and just consider them as "spares" if they aren't what I want, you know?

Glad to hear that you can replace your mask every 6 months! The key is to keep trying until you find a mask that works for you. One of the biggest reasons as to why users are not compliant is the mask. It's so important to use a CPAP if you've been diagnosed with OSA! Sometimes we just have to keep working at it!

I use a ComfortGel mask. It doesn't even feel like I have a mask on - I wear it pretty loose - the cushion over the gel mask keeps the seal when the CPAP is on.
http://comfortgel.respironics.com/

Good luck trying to find a mask that works for you!

 

[mamaprincess]

I have a 3 year old that has always had stop breathing episodes during the night. She breathes through her mouth at night or when sleep. When she has a cold it's frightening because she struggles so much harder to breathe when she is sleep during a cold. We sleep with her and shake her. Could she possibly participate in a sleep study. Could she have sleep apnea?

 

[hiwaygal]

I have a 3 year old that has always had stop breathing episodes during the night. She breathes through her mouth at night or when sleep. When she has a cold it's frightening because she struggles so much harder to breathe when she is sleep during a cold. We sleep with her and shake her. Could she possibly participate in a sleep study. Could she have sleep apnea?

Hi mamaprincess...sorry I didn't see this sooner!!

You know, I don't know if she could do a sleep study, but I would certainly talk to your pediatrician about it!!

Let us know, okay?

 

[King Triton]

I have sleep apnea too and have to use a CPAP. I'm so glad to see this post because at first I felt like the only person in the world going through this. Now I don't feel so all alone. All my best wishes and respect goes out to all who have sleep apnea.

 

[hiwaygal]

I have sleep apnea too and have to use a CPAP. I'm so glad to see this post because at first I felt like the only person in the world going through this. Now I don't feel so all alone. All my best wishes and respect goes out to all who have sleep apnea.

Hi there, Triton!!

I'm kind of a newbie to all this apnea stuff so that's why I started the thread...I want to be able to find out answers to my questions quickly...and I have been around the DIS long enough to know that there is someone who knows something about everything here!

How long have you been using the CPAP? I've had mine for almost two weeks. And I'm still not completely comfortable with my mask...and I'm not sure how much of it is just getting used to it or needing to look for something that I am more comfortable with...

I'm glad you found a place where you don't feel alone!! IMO this is an easy "condition" to deal with...yes, the mask can be uncomfortable, but you do it in the privacy of your own home (unless you are at Disney )...and the alternatives are so much worse!!!

Did you notice a big difference in how you felt? I haven't noticed that change yet...but I know it takes some time!

Anyway...welcome to the thread and I hope you'll give us updates whenever you can!

 

[GDUL]

I have a 3 year old that has always had stop breathing episodes during the night. She breathes through her mouth at night or when sleep. When she has a cold it's frightening because she struggles so much harder to breathe when she is sleep during a cold. We sleep with her and shake her. Could she possibly participate in a sleep study. Could she have sleep apnea?

There are more and more sleep centers that are beginning to do studies on children due to sleep problems. They are finding that children have about as many sleep issues as adults, unfortunately. I'm not sure where you are in Illinois but I'm pretty sure that Rush Childrens, U of Chicago, and Children's Memorial in Chicago have done pediatric sleep studies. If you're not near Chicago, the best bet would be to call a Children's Hospital in your area and see if they have a sleep lab and if that lab performs pediatric studies. You would, of course, have to get a referral from your daughter's doctor. Has he / she given you any ideas about your daughter's sleep difficulties?

 

[King Triton]

Thanks Denise for the welcome!!! I've been on my CPAP for about a year now. I do feel a big difference. Once I started using it, I started dreaming again. That's because I wasn't waking up all the time through out the night. I also felt more rested. It does take a while to get used to the mask. You just have to keep adjusting the straps to get that perfect fit. If the mask is still not comfortable for you, then look into getting a different mask. There are many styles to choose from out there. My wife loves my CPAP because she doesn't have to hear my snoring anymore. She would tell me my snoring would rattle the walls. When I traveled to Disneyworld, I brought my CPAP with me. IT was well worth it. Thank God for my CPAP - it's a god send.

 

[Hermosa11]

My DH has sleep apnea and uses CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine for past 7 years. At first I was excited to not hear the snoring! We had moved dh into son's room and son was sleeping with me. I decided he (son) was getting to old for this and told dh to DO something about the snoring! He was diagnosed and received the machine. I use foam ear plugs to void out the air noise and I sleep like a freaking baby! now! I use the earplugs when he is away even! ha ha

 

[hiwaygal]

My DH has sleep apnea and uses CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine for past 7 years. At first I was excited to not hear the snoring! We had moved dh into son's room and son was sleeping with me. I decided he (son) was getting to old for this and told dh to DO something about the snoring! He was diagnosed and received the machine. I use foam ear plugs to void out the air noise and I sleep like a freaking baby! now! I use the earplugs when he is away even! ha ha

Hi Hermosa!!

You should see if your DH can get a new machine! Even if the one he has is still good, the newer machines are SOOOOOO quiet! My DH often asks if I have it on!

 

[disney kid at heart]

I'm happy to hear that the titration night went well and that you felt "pretty good" in the morning!

Just remember that if things aren't going quite right when you start using the machine at home to not stop using it per se. They can be adjusted in pressure, using BiPAP instead of CPAP, readjusting the mask, trying a new mask, trying CFlex or BiFlex, etc. There are so many other health benefits to using a CPAP machine beyond the obvious ............. for example, studies have shown a connection between OSA and CHF. Work with your doctor and the sleep lab until it works for you!

CPAP - it can change your life!

you are soooo right. sleep apnea is extremely dangerous and there are so many that have it. I had pneumonia and my Pulmonary Doc made me have a sleep study. I am claustrophobic but I eventually got used to my bipap with o2. I won't lay down without it on now. My DH is on one also, but like you said work with them and they will get the pressures right. When we go to DW I call Apria and they send everything we need to where we are staying. I wish people knew all the problems it can cause by not getting the real rem sleep.

 

[disney kid at heart]

I have to - I'm a Respiratory Therapist - it wouldn't look good otherwise - LOL!

I knew you had to be in the medical field. I was til 10yrs ago.

 

[disney kid at heart]

Hi there, Triton!!

I'm kind of a newbie to all this apnea stuff so that's why I started the thread...I want to be able to find out answers to my questions quickly...and I have been around the DIS long enough to know that there is someone who knows something about everything here!

How long have you been using the CPAP? I've had mine for almost two weeks. And I'm still not completely comfortable with my mask...and I'm not sure how much of it is just getting used to it or needing to look for something that I am more comfortable with...

I'm glad you found a place where you don't feel alone!! IMO this is an easy "condition" to deal with...yes, the mask can be uncomfortable, but you do it in the privacy of your own home (unless you are at Disney )...and the alternatives are so much worse!!!

Did you notice a big difference in how you felt? I haven't noticed that change yet...but I know it takes some time!

Anyway...welcome to the thread and I hope you'll give us updates whenever you can!

highwaygal, did you try the gel mask? I sleep on my side and it's easier for the gel to adjust to your movements.

 

[GDUL]

highwaygal, did you try the gel mask? I sleep on my side and it's easier for the gel to adjust to your movements.

Another nice thing about gel masks is that the warmth of your face allows the gel to "soften" and conform to the contours of your face resulting in less leaks.

 

[GDUL]

I knew you had to be in the medical field. I was til 10yrs ago.

Yep - I've been an RT since 1979 working in a trauma center, an open-heart hospital, and homecare. I've been a consultant for a major respiratory medical equipment company for the past 10 years or so working primarily with invasive and non-invasive ventilation. I still get involved with OSA issues and treatment quite frequently though (not to mention using a CPAP).

 

[hiwaygal]

highwaygal, did you try the gel mask? I sleep on my side and it's easier for the gel to adjust to your movements.

Hi dkah!

No, I haven't tried a gel mask...yet!

I have a follow up with the sleep doc on Feb. 8 so I'm going to talk to them then and ask about switching masks and stuff.

Right now I have two different headgear thingys: THIS ONE and THIS ONE so I switch them up.

I'm beginning to think that none is perfect or will work for all situations, but I make do with what I have.

I was going to ask the sleep doc about one LIKE THIS but I don't know...I'm so confused!

 

[tinabheart]

I was going to ask the sleep doc about one LIKE THIS but I don't know...I'm so confused!

That's basically the style that I've had for 10 + years and I really like it. I had the gel mask for awhile and liked it, but for some reason went back to the regular kind. I don't remember why. I never thought about the part where your face would warm the gel to get a better seal...that makes sense. Maybe I'll try the gel again next time!

 

[disney kid at heart]

Hi dkah!

No, I haven't tried a gel mask...yet!

I have a follow up with the sleep doc on Feb. 8 so I'm going to talk to them then and ask about switching masks and stuff.

Right now I have two different headgear thingys: THIS ONE and THIS ONE so I switch them up.

I'm beginning to think that none is perfect or will work for all situations, but I make do with what I have.

I was going to ask the sleep doc about one LIKE THIS but I don't know...I'm so confused!

Give the comfort gel mask a try. It is really nice, also wanted to tell ya, if you notice your nose being sore in am from the dryness you can get the humidifier that connects to your machine. A lot of times in the beginning I would have that problem but not anymore. There has been times also when I have a cold that just a few squirts of normal saline in each and it was easier to breathe. There are all kinds of things that can make it easier to get used to. Once you find the right everything you'll not want to sleep without it. We'll all be here if ya need help.

 

[hiwaygal]

Give the comfort gel mask a try. It is really nice, also wanted to tell ya, if you notice your nose being sore in am from the dryness you can get the humidifier that connects to your machine. A lot of times in the beginning I would have that problem but not anymore. There has been times also when I have a cold that just a few squirts of normal saline in each and it was easier to breathe. There are all kinds of things that can make it easier to get used to. Once you find the right everything you'll not want to sleep without it. We'll all be here if ya need help.

Thanks so much for the encouragement! It means alot.

A few weeks ago, I was a little discouraged, but it's getting better now. I think because I'm really starting to see some difference. I notice I don't have to take pain pills (for my back) as often and I'm not as tired when I get home in the evenings.

My machine has a humidifier "built in"...I have to fill it with water every night. I don't turn the heat function of it on though, 'cause I like cool air. So, I'm lucky and don't have the dryness.

Actually, depending on which mask I wear, I sometimes notice my nose being sore from the pressure!! That usually happens when I wear the nasal pillow thingys. So then I switch to the full nose cover part.

Theres a medical supply place close by, and I'd like to get there and see if I can try on different masks before I make a decision. Right now, the problem is how my script is written (for a SPECIFIC mask) and I plan on asking my doc to change that.

I don't mind paying out of pocket for some of the masks, if it means more/better comfort...but there are SOOOOO many out there to choose from.

 

[corinnak]

Just a heads up - a few weeks ago we were flying out of MSP and my DH's bag with the CPAP inside got flagged to be screened separately, which has happened a few times, but mostly it has just gone through. The TSA agent then told us that there has been a recent change and that CPAPs should never go through without being flagged at this point, unless we take them out of the bag (like a laptop) and run it through in one of the bins, which we can do, of course. We just didn't know! Has anyone else experienced this in the last month?

I thought some of you other CPAP bearing air travelers might appreciate the forewarning and the opportunity to expedite your trip through security.

 

[hiwaygal]

Just a heads up - a few weeks ago we were flying out of MSP and my DH's bag with the CPAP inside got flagged to be screened separately, which has happened a few times, but mostly it has just gone through. The TSA agent then told us that there has been a recent change and that CPAPs should never go through without being flagged at this point, unless we take them out of the bag (like a laptop) and run it through in one of the bins, which we can do, of course. We just didn't know! Has anyone else experienced this in the last month?

I thought some of you other CPAP bearing air travelers might appreciate the forewarning and the opportunity to expedite your trip through security.

Thanks for the heads up. I'll bet that agents at different airports will do things differently (even though I don't think they're supposed to).

I don't travel by air very often, so I can't offer any experiences of my own.