Sleep Apnea

[frequentflier]

I went to a specialist today on the insistence of my family doctor. I have had two sleep studies done in 20 years and I definitely have SA however, I absolutely cannot stand the CPAP machines and instead of making me sleep better, they caused me further poor sleep; leaving me even more tired and cranky. My doctor was very persistent and said I would like the lady and she was right. I was straight up with her- I am not wearing a CPAP mask, no way no how. She said that they have not made much progress with them since I last had one. She cringed when I told her I threw away the last machine I had!
There is a new procedure with a surgically implanted device, similar to a pacemaker, that you turn on before going to sleep and it stimulates your tongue to keep your airwaves open. I am doing an in home sleep study at the end of the month and we will talk about this procedure after that. Has anyone had any experience with this??
FWIW, I had my tonsils and uvula removed when I was in CA about 18 years ago (talk about pain!) to help and it did. This doctor said I could lose weight (yeah I really need to) but when I was originally diagnosed, I was not overweight. I have always snored thick neck (hereditary), have a deviated septum and have always been difficult to intubate.
Thanks for any input.

 

[Bonehead]

I am going to ask a stupid question, have you tried a nasal pillow type CPAP ? The procedure you describe sounds very radical.

 

[frequentflier]

I am going to ask a stupid question, have you tried a nasal pillow type CPAP ? The procedure you describe sounds very radical.

Not sure what that is but she did say there was a newer cpap that goes on your nostrils and it has not been well received. She would not recommend it.
Do you use one?

 

[MiddleGround]

How long did you take to adjust to sleeping with the CPAP?

I ask because it took about 3 weeks for my friend to get used to it. He said it took him forever to fall asleep and it didn't feel like it was working. After he got used to it on his face, he said it was some of the best sleep he's had in years.

 

[frequentflier]

How long did you take to adjust to sleeping with the CPAP?

I ask because it took about 3 weeks for my friend to get used to it. He said it took him forever to fall asleep and it didn't feel like it was working. After he got used to it on his face, he said it was some of the best sleep he's had in years.

The first time, I tried for weeks even adding a humidifier to it since it dried me out so bad. The machine was loud and it is unnatural to sleep with a mask over my nose and mouth and a hose following me around the bed!

The second time, again, I tried for weeks and I just couldn't do it! And I have talked to people that say the CPAP changed their lives.

I have always been a poor sleeper; even as a child. The CPAP made it worse.

This is the first time I recall actually seeing and talking to a Doctor. The first in Burbank, CA and the second at a different place in PF, I don't recall ever talking to a doctor. I went in for an overnight sleep study and then they sent a company to install the CPAP and give basic instructions. This doctor sounds like she is going to be involved with whatever I choose to do.

 

[mitzi]

I slept with a CPAP for a couple years and I didn't like it at all. Keep us posted what you find out. I'm interested.

 

[Merlin99]

I switched to taking Ambien instead of using the mask. It doesn't work on obstructive sleep apnea, but it did wonders for my central sleep apnea.

 

[Bonehead]

Yes I am a CPAP user. My wake up was falling asleep while driving home from work one day.....wound up in the median. The system I use has nasal "mask".

 

[lucky_bee]

My husband uses a CPAP. Recently got a new one from the VA that is SO so quiet. It's night and day from what he used to use - which kept me up all the time. He still doesn't use it every single night. And when he does he tends to wait til he's half asleep to turn over and slip the mask on...he says that helps him fall asleep with it on

I mentioned the surgically implanted one to him and he said he'd heard of it but doesn't know much more about it, but would like to learn more. However it'd have to go thru the VA for him to get that.

 

[frequentflier]

So an update. After another stern lecturing from my family doctor, AGAIN, about my brain and body not getting enough oxygen, I went back to sleep doctor and agreed to try a newer and nicer cpap machine. Last night, upon her recommendation, I tried it while watching tv and fell fast asleep! Tonight I will try it for real sleep in the bed.
I have to say this new machine is impressive with all the adjustments and being able to control and tweak the amount of pressure and humidity. It gives me a reading in the morning as to how well I slept. Of course there is an app I could put on my phone (ah, no thanks). I fitted the straps on my head and the nasal cups to find where it was comfortable. There was fabric with Velcro to cover the parts that would pull at my hair. It is super quiet. I am impressed with the company I am dealing with- their customer service has been excellent and I feel if I have any questions, the lady I have been dealing with will be able to answer them. My Dr can also access my progress. Of course, so can the ins co so if I am not using the machine, they will bill me for it.
Anyways, I hope to be one of those that can say it changed my life and I always feel great from having a good nights sleep which has always been a rarity for me.
Sweet dreams!

 

[Toxick]

I ask because it took about 3 weeks for my friend to get used to it. He said it took him forever to fall asleep and it didn't feel like it was working. After he got used to it on his face, he said it was some of the best sleep he's had in years.

I had one a long time ago because I had apnea. It took me exactly one night to get used to it. The night I wore it the first time - I hadn't slept that deeply since I was a baby, if then.

Then a bunch of things happened, and I didn't have apnea any more.

Now I have it again. So I'm going to be getting a sleep study done within the next few weeks and get back on it. I can't wait.

 

[glhs837]

You must have the Phillips Respironics Dreamstation, I think. I was going to suggest you ask about because the wife and I both have them. She uses the nasal pillow, which I tried, but switched to the full mask because with the nasal pillow my mouth was still dry . Even with the built in humidifier, if I'm congested it gets that way, but normally I sleep much better than I used to. I saw the folks in Prince Frederick. Very nice and helpful.

 

[Kyle]

Took me weeks to get used to the mask and hose. I tend to move a lot in my sleep.

Gotta admit, I do sleep a little better.

 

[frequentflier]

My sleep last night wasn't good. I need to tweak the mask as it isn't as tight as it needs to be and I kept losing air. I tend to sleep on both sides and when I would roll over, it would need adjustment. When it was in adjustment, though, I could see it providing good sound sleep. It may also mean I have to learn to sleep on my back.
As opposed to the other times I have had a cpap machine, this time I am determined to make it work. I want to sleep well and wake up feeling rested.

 

[frequentflier]

Update: I do sleep much better and wake up feeling more rested now that I have gotten used to the cpap. Where I have always woken up in the middle of the night and have been unable to shut my thoughts off and go back to sleep, the cpap rhythm seems to help me go back to sleep. Most of the time, anyways.
I have to admit that my doctor was right and though she ragged on me big time, I am glad she did!