Posted on 05/31/2022 11:12:20 PM PDT by Kevin in California
About 6 months ago, I was diagnosed with severe sleep apena and am now on a machine. This has turned my life around as I'm now able to sleep much better at night. Just wanted to get some pros, cons, and thoughts from those of you who are too on a CPAP machine.
I’ve been using one for 10 years and my husband for more than 20. It has made a world of difference in our sleep, and by extension, our marriage.
I know a few people who need one and couldn’t get used to the mask, but they never asked to try different masks to find the one they would be comfortable with. Hint, stick with the mask that covers only your nose. Spend a few minutes adjusting the headgear until it fits comfortably. It should have you sleeping like a baby.
Been on one since 2008, changed my life.
I have used a nasal mask for four years and it has been a lifesaver for me. I was having 18+ events every hour and now I average 1.8-3 events per hour. I sleep well, and certainly have more energy even at 70.
Getting up to go to the bathroom at night is not a problem.
The nasal mask is so much better than the older full face mask.
Apnea will kill you. CPAP works and you can sleep like a baby.
Been using one for about 6 years now. I had a Phillips Respironics Dream Station APAP (the A is for Adaptable pressure vs. C for Constant pressure). With the Phillips recall ended up with a new Dream Station 2. I also was granted a new machine by my insurance at 5 years and have a new ResMed APAP. Of the 2 I prefer the Phillips machine since the ResMed like to jack the pressure up too often.
My personal recommendations. Make sure to use only distilled water in the humidifier and get heated tubing. For masks I’ve used full face from the start since I tend to sleep with my mouth open. I used a ResMed Airfit F10 for 5 years. It seals nice but leaves strap marks on your face and isn’t comfortable to lay against. I’ve recently switched to a Phillips Amera View which is a combo nasal pillow and covers your mouth. Much more comfortable but tricky to get placed just right. That said white less tightness and the right positioning it is a dream to sleep with. Also if you wear glasses you can wear with the mask on.
Last word of advice, if you are u comfortable with the mask setup you receive, complain, make sure you have the right sized mask and the right type for your comfort. First mask I got was A medium size and was way to small for my face. The tech never officially sized me, just had me put it on, had a look and left. If I had stuck with the wrong size I would have quit long ago.
Snoring is indeed a hallmark of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, but all snorers do not have OSA. A sleep study should be done to determine if OSA is an issue. Some studies have shown the higher mortality of Sleep Apnea, in fact one showed that 50% of patients who had “moderate” sleep apnea, 15-30 episodes an hour, died within 8 years if it was untreated. For reference, 0-5 episodes are considered normal, 15-30 episodes are moderate OSA, and over 30/hr are considered severe.
This condition is serious and should be treated. Treatments can include weight loss, avoidance of alcohol near bedtime, positional changes while sleeping, but most should use a more aggressive treatment. CPAP, BiPap or AutoPap are the most common modalities used. There are surgical procedures performed by ENT surgeons, uvulo-palatopharyngoplasty with or without tonsillectomy) and a more innovative procedure to stimulate the hypoglossal nerve while sleeping (Inspire procedure) which uses a pacemaker type implant generally under the right collar-bone with the implantation of “a wire” to provide nerve stimulation.
In more mild cases, a dentist trained in sleep apnea treatments can fashion an oral mandible advancement device that is worn while sleeping. Follow-up study should be done while wearing this device to assure that it is reducing the episodes of apnea and the resulting decrease in blood oxygen levels caused by the apnea episodes.
Successful treatment is life improving and potentially life-saving.
Search for the Epworth sleepiness scale (www.Nasemso.org) to assess your risk and if this indicates you are in moderate or high risk, talk to your Internal Medicine Physician or a Sleep Medicine specialist.
Simple snoring without sleep apnea can be treated by a dentist or oral surgeon with a oral device used while sleeping, or a more simple palatal surgical procedure.
This may be a long, more-than-you-wanted-to-know response, but I hope it helps someone here !!
I already knew all these things (in spades) but thanks for posting.
Not trying to downplay the seriousness of sleep apnea, of course. However, it’s good to consider how expensive it is to treat and how much equipment is required.
I don’t think I have sleep apnea myself - except perhaps during a bad allergy season - but I admit the snoring is a drag sometimes. I’m not as happy with it as I seem.
I got mine in 2009 after a sleep study where I clocked in at 59 events per hour.
It worked perfectly from day one. I had forgotten that you dream when you sleep. I use it religiously; even when I travel.
The facemask straps leave marks on my face and back of my neck. They also have causes cowlicks and “wear spots” on occasion. I fixed that by wearing a skull cap
Did you get VA disability for sleep apnea? It’s an automatic 50%.
This is a good post.
I bet a significant portion of people with apnea problems would have them reduced if they lost weight.
It’s no guarantee, but it seems like everyone I know who is lean or at a healthy weight either don’t snore much at all, or snore but without any obstructive/interupted breathing.
Sleep apnea damn near killed me several times.
The USAF found my sleep apnea after a heart attack at 40 years of age. I was in weight standards, passing my physical fitness tests, and went to the gym daily.
Check out post #25
I tolerated the strap marks for a good seal. Then I tried the Phillips Amera View. Can wear the mask much looser with a good seal once you get the hang of it. It’s frustrating that it cost so much to try different setups. Everybody’s face is different and fit is so important.
My Dad had trouble using one.
I’m an EMT and tried him on low flow oxygen and a nasal cannula.
Worked like a charm.
Nope, never applied for it.
I tend to believe that disability should be paid to those who are unable to work out those whose ability would be seriously impacted.
Apnea never impacted my ability to work so, though I would’ve qualified for that and other reasons, I would’ve felt like a thief.
Not judging anybody who decides to file for VA disability, I just wouldn’t have felt right about it.
Thanks for the link. That looks interesting.
I’d rather die in my sleep than live that way. Younger folks-that’s different.
I lost 50 pounds and threw my CPAP away.
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