OT: Sleep Apnea

[Whtdmd]

I dislike the machine. I supposedly have extreme apnea. I go through streaks of using it, then getting lazy about it. I don’t notice a big difference with how I feel in the morning. If I wake during the night with the mask I can usually fall asleep again. My wife is not happy when I don’t use it because she thinks she’ll find me dead in the morning. I tell her that’s a possibility one way or the other. We travel a fair amount and I usually don’t bring it with me, although airport security protocols supposedly aren’t a problem. So I always have trip insurance that has decent body transport back home in case I don’t wake up in some far away place. And I feel guilty as I type.

I have one of those electronic mask cleaners. I asked the technician how you know if it’s actually cleaning. She said if you don’t get a lot of sinus infections it is working.

You must be thinking about Judge Scalia. He never had an autopsy but most of the medical world can deduce that he died of a heart attack during his sleep induced by extreme hypoxemia. He had severe OSA, Afib and COPD. It was rule by the ME an expected case after consulting his PCP. I would use oxygen at night if u cant tolerate the machine

 

[CTMike]

On an average night of 8 hours sleep..


... How many Migs do you shoot down?

I never call it a CPAP... always my fighter pilot mask.

 

[CTMike]

I'm wondering if I can bring my cpap machine when I go on a cruise, or maybe Disneyland.

I’ve used it on a cruise, on a plane... all good.

 

[temery]

there are supposed to be mouth guards that are good for traveling or people that can't sleep with the machine.

 

[CTMike]

Are you saying it work for the first two nights, but you’re no longer using the machine at all now ? Or, use the machine but if you do wake up, you scrap it for the rest of the night? Like OP, I just got diagnosed with severe apnea. Been waiting for machine for four weeks now. Wondering what kind of relief I should expect. Right now, I wake up approximately 8 to 10 times a night with my apnea, then that triggers me to go to the bathroom, which I really don’t need to do, but mentally I can’t go back to sleep unless I do, and then I wind up getting no sleep. Hopefully the machine helps, but now I’m worried based on everyone’s comments

4 weeks?? I went and picked mine up locally fairly quickly if I recall.

No two ways about it, it’s really freaking weird at first. Do try to give it a month... it gets a lot better. I don’t snore anymore, I don’t wake up with my heart beating like crazy.

As others have noted- alcohol dries you out and that’s not fun. Salty foods too (like take out Chinese)... need lots of water to not have me totally dry out.

 

[temery]

Are you saying it work for the first two nights, but you’re no longer using the machine at all now ? Or, use the machine but if you do wake up, you scrap it for the rest of the night? Like OP, I just got diagnosed with severe apnea. Been waiting for machine for four weeks now. Wondering what kind of relief I should expect. Right now, I wake up approximately 8 to 10 times a night with my apnea, then that triggers me to go to the bathroom, which I really don’t need to do, but mentally I can’t go back to sleep unless I do, and thehhn I wind up getting no sleep. Hopefully the machine helps, but now I’m worried based on everyone’s comments

Any chance Apria is shipping the machine?

 

[SouthBayHusky]

4 weeks?? I went and picked mine up locally fairly quickly if I recall.

No two ways about it, it’s really freaking weird at first. Do try to give it a month... it gets a lot better. I don’t snore anymore, I don’t wake up with my heart beating like crazy.

As others have noted- alcohol dries you out and that’s not fun. Salty foods too (like take out Chinese)... need lots of water to not have me totally dry out.

Long story on the four weeks. Will chalk it up to a communication breakdown. Sorry, one more question. Is your machine continuous type or the auto? I heard that makes a difference, with the continuous air constantly blowing into you it’s hard to get to sleep, where the auto blows the air, as needed, and I’m guessing at a time when you’re already asleep and don’t realize it. I’m just trying to be hopeful, but either way, like you said I’ll get used to it.

 

[temery]

Long story on the four weeks. Will chalk it up to a communication breakdown. Sorry, one more question. Is your machine continuous type or the auto? I heard that makes a difference, with the continuous air constantly blowing into you it’s hard to get to sleep, where the auto blows the air, as needed, and I’m guessing at a time when you’re already asleep and don’t realize it. I’m just trying to be hopeful, but either way, like you said I’ll get used to it.

They come with a ramp feature that can be set to your preference. Put the mask on, then tap the ramp button. If it's set to 15 minutes, the machine will start very low, and increase a little bit every minute. Hopefully you are asleep when it finally kicks into full pressure.

 

[Mokum]

Was diagnosed with it then undiagnosed after tonsils were removed. In between I had a hard time getting used to the cpap and the benefit was extremely mild
Others felt it was like a light was turned on in their world but not me.
My experience was over ten years ago so. I am sure things changed. Good luck!

PS Mokum you realize a cpap is not a drug? Not even the kind you like.

Yes I know. I had this problem but Only if I slept on my back. If I am on my side I don't have it

 

[Mokum]

You should feel better immediately. Don't listen to the BS about Marijuana here . It does not work for OSA or the insomnia a/w the OSA. We have medications like Provigil that takes away the daytime fatigue symptoms if u r compliant with the CPAP. If you sleep apnea is mild/moderate- go see a sleep dentistry and have a oral device place. IF this still does not work, go see a sleep specialist for another titration

I bet provigil is real good for you. We used to call it speed.

 

[Chin Diesel]

Are you saying it work for the first two nights, but you’re no longer using the machine at all now ? Or, use the machine but if you do wake up, you scrap it for the rest of the night? Like OP, I just got diagnosed with severe apnea. Been waiting for machine for four weeks now. Wondering what kind of relief I should expect. Right now, I wake up approximately 8 to 10 times a night with my apnea, then that triggers me to go to the bathroom, which I really don’t need to do, but mentally I can’t go back to sleep unless I do, and then I wind up getting no sleep. Hopefully the machine helps, but now I’m worried based on everyone’s comments

I don't use it at all anymore. I was getting less and less sleep each night before I'd wake up and then would go the remainder of the night without it. Plus, I travel a bunch for work and I am not lugging a machine around with me all the time.

I slightly envy those who were able to adjust. I went just the opposite.

My apnea is mostly based on jaw structure and nasal passageway. I don't normally breathe through the nose at night so any of those machines that give puffs through the nostrils were a no go.

 

[hardcorehusky]

I have the continuous machine for 9 years now. It took me 6 months to get to my first full night of sleep- I tried different masks, water, no water, and any combo in between. It used to keep me awake but once I figured it all out - I can't get a decent sleep without it. I am more alert and focused during the day. If you need one, it is in your best interest health wise to use it.

 

[CTMike]

Long story on the four weeks. Will chalk it up to a communication breakdown. Sorry, one more question. Is your machine continuous type or the auto? I heard that makes a difference, with the continuous air constantly blowing into you it’s hard to get to sleep, where the auto blows the air, as needed, and I’m guessing at a time when you’re already asleep and don’t realize it. I’m just trying to be hopeful, but either way, like you said I’ll get used to it.

The “ramp” feature like Temery said is good. I have mine set for 45 minutes before it gets to full pressure. Still an odd sensation but it’s not a punch in the face when you turn it on.

 

[uconnfan68]

If anyone here uses a CPAP machine for sleep Apnea, I'd like to hear your story, especially how long it took you to feel better, waking feeling refreshed.

Been using it for about 20 years. They are a pain, but after a while you'll be used to it. If they are prescribing it, it means you need it. Good luck.

 

[uconnfan68]

I'm wondering if I can bring my cpap machine when I go on a cruise, or maybe Disneyland.

Yes, no problems traveling. TSA knows what they are.

 

[Robertelamin]

There's trip insurance that covers body bag transport?

It doesn't cover which body comes home though.

 

[Whtdmd]

Yes I know. I had this problem but Only if I slept on my back. If I am on my side I don't have it

U actually don't need CPAP if your OSA is positional. U needs a positional device/shirt that u can get if u look online. Provigil is okay as long as you use it for its indications. It is a control substance like the narcotics but much safer

 

[CAHUSKY]

Been using one for years. Didn’t take me long to get used to it. Thought I wouldn’t need it after losing 50lbs but my girlfriend says I still snore like a freight train and sound like I’m going to choke to death every few minutes while I sleep. She won’t stay at my house unless I wear it. Which works out well when I want her to leave. Just tell her the cpap isn’t working.

I can definitely tell the difference when I don’t use it. My energy level isn’t as high and I’ll be tired and want to go to bed early the following day. As for traveling, I just went through airport security at Seattle 10 minutes ago and you don’t even have to remove it from the bag if you have TSA Pre check.

 

[Drytortugas]

”If anyone here uses a CPAP machine for sleep Apnea, I'd like to hear your story, especially how long it took you to feel better, waking feeling refreshed.”

I have central and obstructive, had them for years. My third machine is an ASV, auto serv, best by far. Youtube will show you how to tweak everything, even the prescription. My only advice would be to try everything to make it work, different masks, heat and moisture and ramp settings, and even putting up with some discomfort. The downsides can be enormous, heart problems, drowsy driving, etc.

 

[whosurdaddy2720]

I’m a relatively young guy (29 going on 30) that uses a cpap. Never really dealt with excessive sleepiness and honestly would’ve never made the leap if it wasn’t for my wife (fiancé at the time) practically threatening to call off the wedding if I didn’t do something about my terrible snoring.

Was in denial and tried a ton of over the counter oral appliances (zzquiet, zyppah, etc.) before I gave in and realized I needed something better. Took a home test that said my OSA was moderate bordering on severe and got a cpap about two weeks later. Everything about it was really freaking weird at first but once I played with the settings and got the air pressure and humidity right I now adore the thing and don’t know how I slept without it. Noticed a pretty significant difference right away in terms of morning alertness and less dry mouth and of course my wife is ecstatic she can finally sleep in peace.

I also got an automated cleaner after reading a few horror stories about recurrent sinus infections. Been about six months and I haven’t gotten sick with anything yet so I assume it’s working.

Been a breeze to travel with also. Usually take it out of my carry on like a laptop but not sure if you really need to. TSA knows what it is and usually doesn’t give you any trouble.

TLDR- Don’t let the stigma of using a cpap hold you back. OSA is serious and must be treated. Frustrating a first but very rewarding down the line. Highly recommend.

 

[MilliniumPrince]

I'm wondering if I can bring my cpap machine when I go on a cruise, or maybe Disneyland.

You can carry on a plane and it doesn't count as a carry-on item. If you can, buy a portable device for travel.

As for cleaning, it is as important as they say, unless you like getting sinus infections. White vinegar works just fine. Some say better than soapy water.

 

[jibsey]

Reggie White had sleep apnea which they think was a contributing factor in his death. I bet a ton of NFL linemen have undiagnosed sleep apnea.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Five years with cpap for me and it’s a great improvement. I sleep much better. I actually feel uncomfortable without it. Only negative for me is that my wife has bionic hearing and any leak wakes her up, usually meaning she wakes me up to fix it. Had to try a lot of masks to find the quietest one.

 

[HuskyHawk]

I'm wondering if I can bring my cpap machine when I go on a cruise, or maybe Disneyland.

I brought mine on Disney Cruise and have it right now sitting at Lowe’s Royal Pacific at Universal Studios. I bring it on all my travels. I did stop taking the humidifier attachment, which makes it half the size it was, easier to put in checked luggage. You need to find distilled water to use the humidifier anyway, and that’s not always easy.

 

[TheRogers]

I'm wondering if I can bring my cpap machine when I go on a cruise, or maybe Disneyland.

I do. You have to hand carry though. I hate to have it disappear at check-in.