[unkus]

Ping

[ImJustAnotherOkie]

My doc said it depends on how bad off you are. If you stop breathing 60+ times per hour and are at 13+ pressure it won’t do you much good.

It’s just a one way valve that lets pressure stay in your nose from what I gleaned.

[JPG]

I have moderate obstructive sleep apnea and have been using a CPAP machine for almost 3 years now. Yeah, the mask sucks but with continued use you CAN and DO adapt to it. I use it 100% of the time because I do sleep much better and I'm also protecting my health.

Untreated sleep apnea can kill.

[rightly_dividing]

CPAP helps me a lot, but I yank it off my face in my sleep.
Different masks have not helped any.

[Thorliveshere]

From the sounds of it, neither the CPAP or the Provent would work for me.

Has anyone ever had the operation to stop those muscles from collapsing? I know it’s a long recovery time ,but how are results?

[jtal]

[Paleo Conservative]

I have moderate sleep apnea, and I use a mouth piece custom built to my dental impressions to keep the airway open. It’s much easier to travel with than a CPAP.

http://www.somnomed.com/Products/The_SomnoDent_sup____sup__MAS_Product_Guide_.aspx

[Cicero]

A possible solution for some people might be something like a Breathe Right nostril strip.

It’s like an elastic bandaide, which goes over the bridge of the nose, sticks to the sides of your nostrils, and holds them open. I tried it when I had trouble with a sinus stuffed nose, and it definitely allowed me to breathe easier.

Worth a try, maybe, at least for some people.

[aruanan]

Now an alternative form of C.P.A.P. is gaining popularity: a patch that fits over the nostrils. Called Provent, the patch holds two small plugs, one for each nostril, that create just enough air pressure to keep the airways open at night. It is far less intrusive than the traditional C.P.A.P. machine. It is also more expensive, and it doesn’t work for every patient.

My CPAP machine has the nostril device. When I first used it, I didn't like it. It turns out it was just adjusted incorrectly. Now that's the only thing I use. I've had sleep apnea since high school (and in my case it has nothing to do with weight). I've used a CPAP machine for a little over 3 years now. It feels great to be able to breathe so easily. My machine also monitors air flow so that if I do stop breathing it kicks up the pressure enough to compensate.

[Montana_Sam]

Had sleep apnea with window-rattling snoring until about seven years ago when a doctor advised me to do a saline gargle daily. I experimented a bit and found that by gargling the saline solution up into the bottom of the nasal cavity at the back of the throat that the sinuses would drain. About two weeks after starting that treatment I quit snoring and no longer suffer from the effects of sleep apnea. I wouldn’t recommend the treatment unless you check with your doctor, but I haven’t snored since. My wife is glad this small treatment works, too.

[Marie Antoinette]

FYI

[commish]

MY CPAP has been a huge blessing. I have severe apnea (scores were off the charts) and the CPAP has helped immensely.

MY biggest problem is I am a mouth breather (Dems will have a field day with that admission LOL) and have had to work diligently to stop that aspect. Tried a chin strap and it was unbelievably uncomfortable so finally settled on a full face mask and just training myself to keep my mouth shut (something my wife wishes would happen during waking hours too).

Also have severe sinus/allergy issues that I have had to treat with meds but also have begun using a Nedi Pot nightly to keep the airways clear (works like a charm even during pollen season).

Final problem is Ihave a full beard and stubbornly refuse to shave it off.

it has taken many months to find the right combo of strap settings, sleeping positions etc to prevent leaks and also training myself how to sleep and learning ways to effectively treat my sinus issues, but I finally hit the right combo and for the last 6 month or so my life has completely turned around in respect to energy, overall feeling, mood, etc.

Final peice of advise - WASH YOUR MASK! WASH YOUR MASK! WASH YOUR MASK! at a minimum weekly, but every few days if you can remember — Warm water and a soft soap (Johnson’s baby shampoo works wonders). Keeps the seal soft supple and working like a charm. Also regularly clean all other parts (Especially the water resevoir for the humidifier) and replace filters when recommended.