Sleep Apnea and CPAP

[Gryffindorian]

I've had mild obstructive sleep apnea at least for a few years now but just recently got retested and given a CPAP machine by my medical provider.

After having received some orientation on this condition and the use of the machine, I used a CPAP for the very first time last night. I must say the whole experience felt somewhat uncomfortable. First of all, the whole mask looks ridiculous; when I put it on, I can't help feeling like Darth Vader. The head gear attachment that wraps itself around my head to secure the mask in place can be quite a hassle to remove and replace whenever I get up to go to the bathroom at night. The nasal mask feels snug, but depending on my position (mostly sleeping on my back), it feels a bit tight, especially around my upper lip.

I realize sleep apnea is a serious condition that needs to be treated, and I've heard all kinds of horror stories from CPAP users who struggled with using the apparatus. There are other options like surgery, but I'm going to stick with this treatment for now unless I have a major issue with it.

Any CPAP users on this board? Let me know how yours is working for you. I've looked at websites like www.cpap.com that sell supplies (they're not cheap either), but I can't seem to find one I would be comfortable using.

 

[Misfit Toy]

I've used CPAP for about 3 years or so. Instead of a mask I use the ResMed Swift Nasal Pillows (pause for laughter at the name).

I have a full beard and 'stache, so regular masks won't seal correctly for me. It took a couple of weeks to get used to the thing, and to get used to air basically being forced into me, but I am sleeping better and am healthier as a result. Give yourself a chance to get used to it - apnea IS serious and this can only help.

 

[The Boy Who Cried Worf]

I have apnea and I have used a CPAP for almost 10 years now. It has made a world of difference in my life. Before it when i woke up in the morning the only thing I wanted to do was desperately go back to sleep. I have never found wearing the mask was that much of a hassle in fact it kind of feels weird now without it.

You may have to do a little experimenting with which masks work best for you. For example I can't use full face masks, they slip off of me and are uncomfortable. I was also surprised that I wear a small in my mask type so size is important too. The mask doesn't need to be too tight it only has to allow no air to escape. I use a mask called Comfort Classic by Respironics. The headstraps are adjustable and the bottom ones snap off for easy removal.

Go to cpapauction.com to buy your supplies. You'll need to fax them your prescription, but you can find good deals there.

 

[ParticleMan]

I've been using a CPAP for nearly three years and I wouldn't trade it for the world...I started with the full mask, which was a pain, then eventually worked my way down to the nasal-only mask. I do have to use an elastic chinstrap sort of thing as well to keep me from opening my mouth when I sleep, but I've gotten used to it. And when I get up at night, I don't take off the mask. I just detach it from the main hose running to the machine, then reattach it when I come back to bed.

And be sure that you use distilled water in the humidifier...I used regular tap water for the first two years and the holding tank got nasty pretty quick...I've been sure to use the distilled since I got a new tank...

 

[BDJ]

I'm supposed to be using my CPAP but I just can't stand that mess on my head and face. I've tried and tried but I just can't get used to it. I've been using those nasal strips and they open my air passages very well. I sometimes have to sleep on my sides but it's much better than wearing all that stuff!!

 

[chardman]

I'm a BiPAP user (just like a C-PAP but cycles between 2 different pressures to make exhalation a bit easier). My apnea is so bad that I feel I'd probably die without it. Actually did die as a result of breathing problems back in 2008, (obviously, they managed to revive me in the ER). Was comatose for 6 weeks, and had a trachea-tube in my throat and oxygen for the next several months. Didn't like that at all, but it beat the alternative, which was not breathing at all. Had a partial relapse about a year later, which the doctors decided was caused by apnea. Did the sleep test, they prescribed the BiPAP, and it's worked wonders.

After all the crap I've been through, having to wear a goofy looking mask to bed isn't really all that bad, and it sure as hell beats that non-respiratory alternative. I absolutely love my BiPAP.

 

[Neroon]

I have been a CPAP user for over 10 years now. I do not sleep any longer than I once did, but I do sleep better. My greatest difficulty has always been congestion from allergies, etc. Getting used to the nasal pillows was never a difficulty, though a slipping headgear was. It can be a hassle, especially with the insurance company, but I've been able to manage. I've been through a couple of headgear and masks as time has gone by. These days the biggest hassle has been cleaning the thing. Supposedly there are dental appliances which one can wear that take teh place of a CPAP, but I haven't explored that option yet.

Here is the mask/head-gear setup I use

 

[RAMA]

I've had mild obstructive sleep apnea at least for a few years now but just recently got retested and given a CPAP machine by my medical provider.

After having received some orientation on this condition and the use of the machine, I used a CPAP for the very first time last night. I must say the whole experience felt somewhat uncomfortable. First of all, the whole mask looks ridiculous; when I put it on, I can't help feeling like Darth Vader. The head gear attachment that wraps itself around my head to secure the mask in place can be quite a hassle to remove and replace whenever I get up to go to the bathroom at night. The nasal mask feels snug, but depending on my position (mostly sleeping on my back), it feels a bit tight, especially around my upper lip.

I realize sleep apnea is a serious condition that needs to be treated, and I've heard all kinds of horror stories from CPAP users who struggled with using the apparatus. There are other options like surgery, but I'm going to stick with this treatment for now unless I have a major issue with it.

Any CPAP users on this board? Let me know how yours is working for you. I've looked at websites like www.cpap.com that sell supplies (they're not cheap either), but I can't seem to find one I would be comfortable using.

Just curious, are you overweight?? Many people can eliminate the use of machines for sleep apnea just by losing weight and becoming healthier (I know there are different causes). Which has a lot of other benefits as well. If you need help to get started you can PM me.

RAMA

 

[Kirby]

I have mild apnea, and have had for most of my life but I finally started using a CPAP about 3 years ago and has made a huge difference in how I sleep. I acutally wake up feeling rested. Also, I'm finally able to sleep on my back, which has gone a long way in resolving some neck issues too.

 

[Gryffindorian]

RAMA, my weight fluctuates and I tend to gain weight around the holidays and in the winter. I could probably shred 5 lbs., but my doctor said I have constricted air passages anyway and felt sleepy and lethargic even when I was lighter. So we'll see how it goes.

chardman, glad to hear you're doing better. Thanks for the input, everyone.

 

[Theodore Jay Miller]

I was just diagnosed with severe sleep apnea, and I'm supposed to be getting a BiPAP machine, but the person who was supposed to bring it and show me how to use it cancelled and hasn't rescheduled yet.

 

[Gryffindorian]

^ Better follow up and get everything taken care of a.s.a.p.

What I don't like right now (I'm still on a one-week trial basis until they can give me a permanent CPAP) is that I get a mark on the bridge of my nose when I get up in the morning, suggesting the nasal mask may be a bit tight. Another thing is that my mouth dries up at night, which is why I keep a bottle of water next to bed; so I'll probably get a humidifier. I'm still trying to get used to the feeling of hyperventilating when I first turn the machine on.

 

[the 4th hanson bro]

Diagnosed with moderate apnea last year, prescribed an intelli-pap machine which adjusts the pressure on the exhale so at higher pressures it's not so hard to exhale. Tried it for a couple months, just couldn't get it dialed in or get any result.

In the course of follow up, found I had a severely deviated septum -95% of the right nostril was blocked - which made it nearly impossible to get any result from the machine, as well as a small airway. I knew I had a small airway from previous knee surgeries.

The ENT proposed a septoplasty as well as removing my tonsils, uvula, and reducing the area of the soft palette. I did that last November and at the time it was the worst thing I'd ever done. The recovery was hell, especially the throat part.

But now I can breath out of both sides of my nose, I don't snore, and combined with losing 30 some pounds, I don't use the machine anymore and have restful, deep sleep. I'm due for a follow up sleep study in the next couple of months.

 

[Neroon]

Excellent to hear, bro! I've been on the verge of seeking a consultation on surgery to aid my own treatment. With the economy the way it's been, I always end up talking myself out of it because of the cost

 

[Chris3123]

My mother used a CPAP for a while, but she doesn't anymore. I never asked, but I assume her apnea isn't as bad as it was.

 

[Gryffindorian]

That's wonderful news, t4hb. That's what I call major improvement. I recall my previous doctor mentioning something about a deviated septum, but I didn't give it much thought at the time. Also, I tend to have chronic sinus allergies.

I still have an upcoming appointment with a head & neck surgeon to examine if there's anything (as far as a surgical procedure) that needs to be done. After that, I'll follow up with my primary-care doctor and get his input, too.

 

[Theodore Jay Miller]

^ Better follow up and get everything taken care of a.s.a.p.

I was able to get it rescheduled for this afternoon, so I'll see how that goes.