Guest FourAces Posted April 4, 2012 Share Posted April 4, 2012 I have sleep apnea but do not use a CPAP machine. However, the past few months I notice my sleep to be very poor and even during the day falling alseep at unexpected times. So I'm wondering does anyone here use or have used a CPAP machine? Did it help? Any downside? Thanks! Sleepless In the Southwest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caeron Posted April 4, 2012 Share Posted April 4, 2012 I have positional sleep apnea. If I don't sleep on my side, I have issues. I tried a CPAP and just couldn't do it. It was far too disturbing, though for those who can, I'm told it's really effective. If you have sleep apnea and it isn't positional, you really need to use one. Sleep apnea can cause some serious health problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members RA1 Posted April 4, 2012 Members Share Posted April 4, 2012 I hope you are seeing a specialist for advice about this condition. He or she can offer a variety of treatments, after a "sleep" evaluation. The CPAP has helped a lot of folks and they offer a variety of masks which you can change periodically to see if one suits you better than another. There WILL be a period of adjustment to get used to the mask. The pump does make a small amount of noise. But, once you get used to it, you will not leave home without it. You likely will be amazed about how rested you are after a very few days of use. Best regards, RA1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members BigK Posted April 5, 2012 Members Share Posted April 5, 2012 I've used one for years and it's great. I never had a discomfort issue with the mask. I travel with my CPAP because I don't want to miss a night without one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members eeyore Posted April 5, 2012 Members Share Posted April 5, 2012 I was diagnosed with sleep apnea in December. I'm using a CPAP machine and still struggling with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members RA1 Posted April 5, 2012 Members Share Posted April 5, 2012 eeyore- Please keep "struggling". There are at least half a dozen different masks that you can try. I am hoping your "pump" is quiet and a good, recording one? But, if all else fails, please go back to your doc and tell him. There are other alternatives. Listening to the radio or something with a timer on it to "ease" one into sleep can be helpful. Once asleep, the CPAP becomes "almost invisiible" so to speak. Keep reporting. Best regards, RA1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members eeyore Posted April 6, 2012 Members Share Posted April 6, 2012 Thanks RA. I've been experimenting with different masks. The nasal mask is the most comfortable but I seem to be mouth breathing so I've been trying several full face masks (FFMs). They all hurt the bridge of my nose but I'm still playing around with them. My sleep issues are several: 1) I have delayed sleep phase syndrome - a fancy name for insomnia, which means it takes me a LONG time just to fall asleep, 2) apnea, 3) random/restless leg syndrome. I know this from the sleep study. Unfortunately, it took so long for me to fall asleep during the first study that the doc only has about two hours of 'hard' data to work with. But he said that during the 2 hours I did sleep that apnea was definitely a problem. The second study was for the pressure titration...Well I don't have any titration pressure because I never fell asleep during the titration study, even though I took a prescription sleeping pill (with the approval of the clinic). The technician couldn't send me home with a CPAP machine that morning since, as a technician he was not authorized to release me with a machine without a definitive titration pressure. The next day I saw the doc and he set me up with a CPAP machine with a script pressure to be set anywhere between 8-12. I started at 8 and had the DME tech gradually increase it to 10 since the 8 pressure didn't seem to help my fatigue levels. During this time I did a lot of online research into the different machines and therapies available. I saw the doc about two weeks ago and insisted that he write a script for a state of the art auto titration machine (which monitors your breathing sleep wave patterns and adjusts to give you the correct pressure based on what it is sensing). The sleep MD had no problem with this. I guess he started me on the cheaper machine just to get me use to sleeping with the mask and pressure. No sense in buying a first class ticket if you won't even fly coach. Anyway...the new auto titration machine seems to be helping. The pressure stays low while I'm trying to fall asleep and then ramps up when I finally do. It also stores a wealth of clinical data which I can download and review with proprietary software. (I'm not supposed to do this, but the apnea forum boards tell you how to access the clinician manuals and software. I haven't done this yet but that's my next project). It's frustrating not to be able to get an accurate titration pressure after spending money on a clinical study, but it's really not their fault. If you don't fall asleep then they can't get an accurate pressure. Hence, my insistence on the auto-titrate machine for now. Still trying to get a mask that fits comfortably with minimal leaks and nose pressure pain. As for the other sleep issues, well the doc said the random/rapid leg movement may take care of itself if we can get the apnea under control. As for insomnia, well who knows.? Ambien REALLY helps me fall asleep on nights I just toss and turn, but as we all know taking prescription sleep meds is like making a pact with the devil, so I try to use it sparingly or only on nights when I absolutely, positively HAVE to get some sleep. Stay tuned for more as I progress. P.S. The moderators might want to move this to the health forum. I know there are others here who are apnea sufferers with more experience who might want to weigh in, but this has nothing do do with the chasing cute boys forums. Except, well...Ambien can make for some incredibly vivid erotic dreams. Once I dreamed that I was in a harem of beautiful Montreal boys who just couldn't get enough of me (really!) When I woke up I was so depressed that it wasn't real, so I went back to sleep and incredibly picked up right where I left off. (True Ambien sleep story.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members eeyore Posted April 6, 2012 Members Share Posted April 6, 2012 eeyore- Please keep "struggling". There are at least half a dozen different masks that you can try. I am hoping your "pump" is quiet and a good, recording one? But, if all else fails, please go back to your doc and tell him. There are other alternatives. Listening to the radio or something with a timer on it to "ease" one into sleep can be helpful. Once asleep, the CPAP becomes "almost invisiible" so to speak. Keep reporting. Best regards, RA1 I've recently downloaded some white noise apps for my iPhone. I bought a small speaker from Best Buy that plugs into my iPhone. I set it next to the CPAP machine and it helps drown out the whining noise. Still experimenting with different white noises. I find the 'floor fan' app works pretty well..lol. And you are right, once the machine runs for awhile it gets quieter. An engineer on one of the apnea forum posts said that's because you basically have a closed system: the machine, tubing, mask, and your body. It takes awhile to pressurize the system - like pumping up a tire. Once clinical pressure is established, then the CPAP pump only has to supply enough flow to MAINTAIN pressure, i.e., it pumps just enough to compensate for the designed mask vent leak and any extraneous leaks. Make sense to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members RA1 Posted April 6, 2012 Members Share Posted April 6, 2012 eeeee- I am pleased that you are still trying to get the best results possible from your CPAP. Putting the recording pump on a carpeted floor helps in two ways, one, it provides a quieter "platform" for the pump to work from and, two, it is a little further away from you which tends to make it quieter. 10 PSI seems to be a "magical" number for guys. I also think that listening to the radio or any "pleasing" noise is helpful "White" noise seems to be the descriptive term, whether it is "surf", "nature sounds" or "slot machines" putting coins in your pocket. Eventually you will find a mask that works for you and also a combination of "room situation" that works for you or so I think. Just keep trying, please. The recording pump helps the doc evaluate what is going on with you and provides some guidance about what to try or do next. I personally have no objection to limited use of Ambien. I have used it in the past but a few years ago I found that I did not need it any longer. I attribute this to putting my daytime problems aside when I go to bed partly by listening to the radio which will delineate a LOT of problems other folks have "worse" than yours. Otherwise I try to do enough during the day to become tired at bedtime. Best regards, RA1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TotallyOz Posted April 6, 2012 Share Posted April 6, 2012 I also have sleep apnea. I was diagnosed several years ago after a sleep study and California. The doctor prescribed it for me a CPAP machine. Sounds great, right? I have gone through at least 10 different kinds of masks. I have tried the full face mask, the part face mask, the nose mask, and every other freaking mask get my hands on. Not once have I ever fallen asleep with a mask on. Over and over and over and over again I have tried for hundreds of nights and not once have I fallen asleep with a mask on. . I did download several of the white noise programs for my iPad. And while that seems to help, I can't quite get over the fact that I think something will happen in my sleep if I fall asleep with the mask on. Perhaps unconsciously I take the mask off or it may even be consciously. But I haven't been able to sleep with it yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members RA1 Posted April 7, 2012 Members Share Posted April 7, 2012 I think it is more likely that something will happen if you don't use the CPAP than if you do. Probably the most serious possible symptom of sleep apnea is the cessation of breathing while asleep which the CPAP machine prevents. Maybe you don't need to sleep. Just lay there with the machine and mask on for 8-9 hours and see if you don't rest more. Best regards, RA1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest lurkerspeaks Posted April 7, 2012 Share Posted April 7, 2012 I had my sleep apnea test last week, and just got the results today. I did stop breathing many times, but they did not use the cpap machine that night. I have to go back for another study, using the machine to figure out how much it will help/which mask, etc. I am up for anything if it helps me get more/better sleep. My one question which I will have to ask the doctor/tech is do I take the machine with me when I go on vacation? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest hitoallusa Posted April 7, 2012 Share Posted April 7, 2012 Aww poor FourAces.. I usually hug my pillow if that's a hot hubby and it works like a charm when I'm restless and can't go to sleep. I think it relaxes me. I have sleep apnea but do not use a CPAP machine. However, the past few months I notice my sleep to be very poor and even during the day falling alseep at unexpected times. So I'm wondering does anyone here use or have used a CPAP machine? Did it help? Any downside? Thanks! Sleepless In the Southwest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members RA1 Posted April 7, 2012 Members Share Posted April 7, 2012 I had my sleep apnea test last week, and just got the results today. I did stop breathing many times, but they did not use the cpap machine that night. I have to go back for another study, using the machine to figure out how much it will help/which mask, etc. I am up for anything if it helps me get more/better sleep. My one question which I will have to ask the doctor/tech is do I take the machine with me when I go on vacation? Absolutely. It should be supplied with a handy carrying case. Like a laptop, it will have to be taken out of your other carry-on luggage for separate inspection by the TSA. Of course, you could check it in your checked luggage or not ride the airlines. Best regards, RA1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members eeyore Posted April 8, 2012 Members Share Posted April 8, 2012 I had my sleep apnea test last week, and just got the results today. I did stop breathing many times, but they did not use the cpap machine that night. I have to go back for another study, using the machine to figure out how much it will help/which mask, etc. I am up for anything if it helps me get more/better sleep. My one question which I will have to ask the doctor/tech is do I take the machine with me when I go on vacation? As RA said, the CPAP machines are very portable - easier to carry than a laptop. I've had absolutely no problem with the TSA. It's listed on their website as an approved medical device. You do have to take it out of the carrying case to send it through, just like a laptop. And it doesn't count toward your carry on bag limit since it's a licensed medical device. I carry a copy of the prescription with me, but I've never been asked to show it. The TSA seems to know exactly what it is. For traveling, I bought a longer hose than what is normally supplied since you never know what the layout of the bed/nightable, etc. will be and this gives you more configuration options. Also, you will need to buy distilled/purified water for the humidifier when you get to destination. Most hotel vending machines have water bottles, which is handy if you arrive late. I was worried about traveling with it before my first trip but it really is a no brainer. You could put it in your checked luggage, but you of course risk damage, theft, or lost delayed bag. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members eeyore Posted April 8, 2012 Members Share Posted April 8, 2012 I also have sleep apnea. I was diagnosed several years ago after a sleep study and California. The doctor prescribed it for me a CPAP machine. Sounds great, right? I have gone through at least 10 different kinds of masks. I have tried the full face mask, the part face mask, the nose mask, and every other freaking mask get my hands on. Not once have I ever fallen asleep with a mask on. Over and over and over and over again I have tried for hundreds of nights and not once have I fallen asleep with a mask on. . I did download several of the white noise programs for my iPad. And while that seems to help, I can't quite get over the fact that I think something will happen in my sleep if I fall asleep with the mask on. Perhaps unconsciously I take the mask off or it may even be consciously. But I haven't been able to sleep with it yet. Oz, have you considered getting fitted for a dental device. It's one of the alternative treatments for patients who are not CPAP compliant. I talked with a friend recently who went this route and it's working well for him. He puts it in before sleeping. It juts the jaw in a way that allows the airway to stay open. Apparently it take some getting use to (it's uncomfortable at first and you adjust it to it's maximum setting gradually over time) and it doesn't work for everyone, but it might be worth a shot. He said after the break-in period they gave him a take home apnea device that monitors your breathing in the comfort of your own home so you can tell if it's working. There is also a surgical procedure that is usually recommended as a last resort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members seattlebottom Posted April 8, 2012 Members Share Posted April 8, 2012 I've been using a CPAP for a couple of years. At first I didn't notice a difference but eventually I did start getting a more restful sleep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ez2plz Posted April 10, 2012 Share Posted April 10, 2012 I was diagnosed several years ago with really severe apnea and it took a solid month of pulling the mask off my face in the night to get used to it. Now I can't imagine life without cpap. Pretty sure it saved my life! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest FourAces Posted April 10, 2012 Share Posted April 10, 2012 WOW - I been following this thread and it has provided me with some exceptional information. I had no idea it would receive such a response and that so many others have sleep apnea. It appears from what I have read here and what others I know have told me that the CPAP can make a difference in ones sleep. So I will be making a call tomorrow and following up on my sleep study test to get fitted with the CPAP. And to the few who are having issues with it I hope that you will get those worked out or find an alternative. Thanks for sharing your experiences guys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members lookin Posted April 10, 2012 Members Share Posted April 10, 2012 Relevant article in the New York Times yesterday. The comments provide some useful info and experiences too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest lurkerspeaks Posted April 10, 2012 Share Posted April 10, 2012 I have my second sleep apnea test scheduled for this Friday. They will be testing different masks and hopefully will find one that I like and again hopefully it will make a difference in my sleep habits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members RA1 Posted April 10, 2012 Members Share Posted April 10, 2012 Regardless, lurker, keep trying until you find one that "works for you". It is important. Best regards, RA1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members eeyore Posted April 10, 2012 Members Share Posted April 10, 2012 Relevant article in the New York Times yesterday. The comments provide some useful info and experiences too. Interesting article. Thanks for sharing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest FourAces Posted April 24, 2012 Share Posted April 24, 2012 Well my test is this Monday. They are gonna try to do a split study so I can take care of it all in one visit. I sure hope they're able to do so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members MsGuy Posted April 24, 2012 Members Share Posted April 24, 2012 Good luck, FourAces. I would miss your blog if you keeled over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
