I am a 57 year old, 250 pound male with a desk job. I am diabetic (as was my father, and 2 of my brothers).
I was diagnosed with sleep apnea in 2000. In retrospect, I definitely had had it for some time. Terrible sleep, waking tired, would drift of to sleep during the day, would have episodes when sleeping where my stomach contents would be coming up my throat, etc.
I have used a BiPAP nightly since being diagnosed in 2000.
It’s not a panacea. It is somewhat uncomfortable, although I am now quite used to it. If you don’t stay on top of keeping it clean, you can get bronchial infections.
The worst thing about it is that for it to work optimally, I have to sleep on my back. That was fine for a number of years, but I eventually developed a back pain problem.
I got one of those beds that allows you to sleep with your legs somewhat elevated. That has helped some with the back.
Nowadays, I get one sleep cycle (about five or five and a half hours of sleep). Then I have to wake up and sit up, in the middle of the night, usually at the computer, for an hour or two. My nasal congestion clears, my back relaxes, I start feeling sleepy again. Then, on good nights, I go back to bed and get another several hours of sleep.
Without the Bipap, I can’t get any quality sleep. If I hadn’t started using it, I am quite sure I would be dead by now.
The primary indicator of potential sleep apnea is a large neck. Anyone with an 18 inch neck or larger should get tested.
I use listening to clean my nose outside and swab it inside then put on my nose tape. Works better store brands are no good. Breathe right are best there’s is a dollar off coupon in every box.
I have a bunch of boxes from when Walgreen did promos so dont know current versions. The advanced ones dont work as good for me. If i had to pay money i would not use the advanced ones. Another product I use is called max air nose cones. I Iike the softer ones but I have a small nose
I swab my hubby’s nose with listerine outside to clean off oil and sometimes if he eats cheese or ice cream that clogs him with mucous I try to swab the inside to clean so he can breathe but he balks at me swabbing his nose inside. Then once I get his nose dry I put tape on his nose then I put a layer of Vicks vapor rub under his nose on his mustache topped with straight peppermint oil. In seconds he is sleeping like a baby without too much snoring. We have been married 30 years and I do this nightly for my own restful sleep. Works like charm for me too. Gotta be careful with straight peppermint oil, will burn the deal out of your skin and eyes if you don’t use with a carrier oil. Never get it to close to your eyes.