Sleep Apnea and CPAPS
About 15 odd years ago an old friend and shipmate died from complications attributed to Sleep Apnea. I decided to look into it, had the evaluation and was told that I had the problem as well...I tried using the apparatus but could never get used to the full face mask and shelved the apparatus.
In the mean time, I acquired a pacemaker and subsequent tests showed a slightly enlarged heart and less than normal heart ejection factor numbers with the attendant swollen ankles , etc....about this same time, my family doctor and I was discussing my past difficulty with the CPAP and after I told him what I tried to use, he referred to it as being a dinosaur and recommended a new study which resulted in a new apparatus that used light weight nasal pillows that allowed me to get accustomed to the new apparatus with no problems...in fact it is hard to sleep without it.
The net result of the Biventricular Pacemaker and use of the newer CPAP resulted in some overall improvements in heart function...results being that the heart ejection factor has improved considerably...my enlarged heart has about returned to normal...and no more swollen ankles.
The point of all this is, had I just threw in the towel on the CPAP initial difficulties and moved on I probably would not have achieved any improvements in my heart issues...
There are improvements coming out all the time to improve lots of health issues and it behooves us to keep looking at new things...It ain't over till the fat lady sings.
In the mean time, I acquired a pacemaker and subsequent tests showed a slightly enlarged heart and less than normal heart ejection factor numbers with the attendant swollen ankles , etc....about this same time, my family doctor and I was discussing my past difficulty with the CPAP and after I told him what I tried to use, he referred to it as being a dinosaur and recommended a new study which resulted in a new apparatus that used light weight nasal pillows that allowed me to get accustomed to the new apparatus with no problems...in fact it is hard to sleep without it.
The net result of the Biventricular Pacemaker and use of the newer CPAP resulted in some overall improvements in heart function...results being that the heart ejection factor has improved considerably...my enlarged heart has about returned to normal...and no more swollen ankles.
The point of all this is, had I just threw in the towel on the CPAP initial difficulties and moved on I probably would not have achieved any improvements in my heart issues...
There are improvements coming out all the time to improve lots of health issues and it behooves us to keep looking at new things...It ain't over till the fat lady sings.
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Thank you for your post. I?ve struggled with my CPAP and full-face mask. I?m a mouth breather at night, so I went with the full-face mask. I will look into the nasal pillows some. 0 -
If you've got Sleep Apnea know that there are several options on mask size and type. A good doc/tech will help you find what you need.
I went too long before getting my CPAP and had severe depression and an enlarged heart when I did get mine.
I guess I'm lucky -- the first mask they used on me worked and I slept great through the test and every night since.
Can't sleep laying down without one. Took a trip last year and lost part of it and could only sleep sitting in a chair.
If I hadn't gotten the CPAP I don't think I would be here now.0 -
I've been using a CPAP for 5 years or so now. I love mine, I won't even try to sleep with out it. I use the Zest mask that covers my nose. Sometimes the mask is irritating but I've learned to ignore it, and the fresh pressurized air over comes any discomfort.
I also use a SoClean daily....if you don't have a SoClean they are totally worth the money. My systems is fresh and clean everyday.0 -
I have had my CPAP for 10 years and it was the best thing I have done. I was not sleeping more than a couple of hours a night before I got it and that was having a real effect in my work.
I have used the nasal pillows and full mask. Now I just use the full mask but they have come a long way. Not sure what brand of machine you have but my mask has a soft gel mask that is really comfortable.
I will not travel without my CPAP. I bought the Z1 travel CPAP to use when I travel. If I am on vacation I want a good nights sleep. The machine is small easy to pack and goes through TSA with out a problem because it is considered a medical device.
As was said I will not even try sleep without the CPAP.0 -
quote:Originally posted by SW0320
I will not travel without my CPAP. I bought the Z1 travel CPAP to use when I travel. If I am on vacation I want a good nights sleep. The machine is small easy to pack and goes through TSA with out a problem because it is considered a medical device.
I've been looking for a mini, battery operated CPAP to use for traveling and power outages. Think I'll give this a look over, thanks. When I went to my healthcare supply company and asked about battery powered CPAPs they looked at me like I was crazy.0 -
quote:Originally posted by shilowar
quote:Originally posted by SW0320
I will not travel without my CPAP. I bought the Z1 travel CPAP to use when I travel. If I am on vacation I want a good nights sleep. The machine is small easy to pack and goes through TSA with out a problem because it is considered a medical device.
I've been looking for a mini, battery operated CPAP to use for traveling and power outages. Think I'll give this a look over, thanks. When I went to my healthcare supply company and asked about battery powered CPAPs they looked at me like I was crazy.
I tried the same thing and got the same response. Ended up buying it on line. Was easy just got Dr. to fax prescription and had unit in two days.0 -
Just had the conversation with a Dr. about my sleep issues a couple days ago. I also only get a few hours sleep a night. My nose has been broken several times, I have a badly deviated septum. My nose only passes about 30% or so of normal.
We discussed a Sleep Apnea test, and the probable necessity of a Rhinoplasty. Although a Veteran, I have never been to the VA. I need to get my ID and start taking advantage of this benefit. Now that I am older (57) my health issues are catching up to me.0 -
I agree with most of the comments, and also like the mask that covers the nose. Anyone that cant find an option they love, is only being bullheaded! It turned my life around. 0 -
Been on CPAP/BIPAP for about 12 years. I went through several masks, and now use a Dreamwear nasal mask in conjunction with a chin strap to keep my mouth closed. The Dreamwear mask is the most comfortable I have found. The air supply goes in the top, and has a swivel so I can actually sleep on my stomach or either side without restricting the air flow. As said before, keep up with all the improvements available, you won't be sorry! 0 -
Been on it a while now. Full face is all I can do Because of mouth breathing.
If you are looking for battery backup at least at home during power outage look at getting a.
Mine will run my unit all Night. If you are traveling by car its also a good addition. Plus you have it for emergency. Will charge by ac and can charge while driving. Cost just a little over $100.00. The Battery pack I found for my Old CPAP was about $250.. and died an early life so did not work when I needed it.
If the Straps bother you look at
http://www.padacheek.com/
But the big piece they carry is the anti leak strap Love mine since we could not get a mask to fully fit my face and not leak. This strap has done the trick.0 -
Just ordered the Straps, since the Velcro only lasts about 3 months each. You could put on a stronger Velcro But it would rip your face apart. Now if you or your wife can Sew. Get one and make more. 0 -
I also was started on cpap about a year ago. They were surprised I had it due to my normal BMI, and the lack of snoring. They tested me because I was getting so tired by the end of the day that I was almost falling asleep driving home.
After going through several types of masks, I lucked upon this one that is pretty unique. I am able to keep the minimal straps loose, and get zero facial marks, or any kind of discomfort, with virtually no leakage. My AHI typically runs around .5/.8 now, and I was supposedly a 16 when I had my sleep study.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/fp-brevida-nasal-pillow-cpap-mask-headgear.html
This site can be of help if you decide you want to start using a program called Sleepyhead to monitor your own therapy, and make changes to your machine settings.
http://www.cpaptalk.com/CPAP-Sleep-Apnea-Forum.html
This is probably the same machine most of you use,....
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed-airsense-10-autoset-humidair.html0 -
My wife has one and it may help her but the noisy phuckin thing keeps me awake all night. If its not on perfectly it makes a whole assortment of different noises. Since she usually goes to bed hours before me, once I go to bed it makes it virtually impossible for me to fall asleep. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by armilite
My wife has one and it may help her but the noisy phuckin thing keeps me awake all night. If its not on perfectly it makes a whole assortment of different noises. Since she usually goes to bed hours before me, once I go to bed it makes it virtually impossible for me to fall asleep.
Mine is completely quite till I take the mask off or have a leak.0 -
quote:Originally posted by grdad45
Been on CPAP/BIPAP for about 12 years. I went through several masks, and now use a Dreamwear nasal mask in conjunction with a chin strap to keep my mouth closed. The Dreamwear mask is the most comfortable I have found. The air supply goes in the top, and has a swivel so I can actually sleep on my stomach or either side without restricting the air flow. As said before, keep up with all the improvements available, you won't be sorry!
+++++++1
I also have the Dreamwear nasal pillow mask......swivel on top and you can sleep on your side without restricting the airflow....works great0 -
I would fight to the death if someone tries to take mine away from me 0 -
I really don't think that folks who can't sleep w/o assistance are a viable species. 0 -
I have tried different masks and cannot get used to it so don't use the machine I have. 0 -
gotta agree with the nasal pillow, my machine is from the VA and the pillow is swift FX, it swivels and has soft gel straps maybe 1/4 inch wide to keep it on. I hardly notice wearing it, except the hose. small price to pay for good sleep 0 -
quote:Originally posted by armilite
My wife has one and it may help her but the noisy phuckin thing keeps me awake all night. If its not on perfectly it makes a whole assortment of different noises. Since she usually goes to bed hours before me, once I go to bed it makes it virtually impossible for me to fall asleep.
My wife would probably complain about my CPAP if she could hear it over her snoring!! [:p]0 -
quote:Originally posted by JasonV
I have tried different masks and cannot get used to it so don't use the machine I have.
You're missing out...give it another whirl.0 -
Has anyone tried one the of the Anti-Snoring Mouthpieces for their sleep Apnea? My dentist has suggested a mouthpieces that is molded to my teeth and it has these adjustable links to move the jaw slightly forward. It is supposed to prevent the tissue in the back of the throat from dropping down and blocking the air ways when a person falls asleep and also to protect a persons teeth if they grind their teeth when they sleep. I would like to try it but it's about a $1000.00 and I hate spending that amount of money if it won't work for me. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by bundy
Has anyone tried one the of the Anti-Snoring Mouthpieces for their sleep Apnea? My dentist has suggested a mouthpieces that is molded to my teeth and it has these adjustable links to move the jaw slightly forward. It is supposed to prevent the tissue in the back of the throat from dropping down and blocking the air ways when a person falls asleep and also to protect a persons teeth if they grind their teeth when they sleep. I would like to try it but it's about a $1000.00 and I hate spending that amount of money if it won't work for me.
I actually got the VA to fit me for one after about two weeks and the lack of sleep to stay awake I went back to the CPAP and a cheap mouth guard to prevent grinding of my teeth.
By moving your jaw like that at night it also cause great pain in my jaw. Plus now with a cap in its not a good Idea to use one as they do fit tight and will sometimes pull a cap off.0 -
CPAP/Full Face (Mirage Quattro) for well over 12 Years.
Boyhood Mishaps and playing High School Football did my naval passages in. Extra weight didn't help.
Cannot sleep without the Machine.
Tried the mouthpiece, but spit it out right away, and woke up.
Machine is the way for me...
Just got my second machine, a ResMed S10. Very Quiet! Self adjusts pressure, so no returning over time to get it adjusted. Hate the Humidifier, but it will do....
Dislike and am not using the reporting features.
The display is nearly useless, but I don't use it much anyways - expensive frippery.
Start/Stop on the top edge is Brilliant!
Nearly Silent is best feature.
Salesperson lied to me - said it could run off 12VDC, but it needs 24 VDC...So will have to run it off a (lossy) inverter to feed the computer-style corded power supply.0 -
quote:Originally posted by HandLoad
CPAP/Full Face (Mirage Quattro) for well over 12 Years.
Boyhood Mishaps and playing High School Football did my naval passages in. Extra weight didn't help.
Cannot sleep without the Machine.
Tried the mouthpiece, but spit it out right away, and woke up.
Machine is the way for me...
Just got my second machine, a ResMed S10. Very Quiet! Self adjusts pressure, so no returning over time to get it adjusted. Hate the Humidifier, but it will do....
Dislike and am not using the reporting features.
The display is nearly useless, but I don't use it much anyways - expensive frippery.
Start/Stop on the top edge is Brilliant!
Nearly Silent is best feature.
Salesperson lied to me - said it could run off 12VDC, but it needs 24 VDC...So will have to run it off a (lossy) inverter to feed the computer-style corded power supply.
Look at the batter charger I showed has built in Inverter and will run mine at least 8 hours.
PS it will also recharge your cell phone and other such devices.
Works great to jump a car off when there is no AC in the area.0 -
I'm sorry it didn't work for you so thanks for the heads up. quote:Originally posted by grumpygy
quote:Originally posted by bundy
Has anyone tried one the of the Anti-Snoring Mouthpieces for their sleep Apnea? My dentist has suggested a mouthpieces that is molded to my teeth and it has these adjustable links to move the jaw slightly forward. It is supposed to prevent the tissue in the back of the throat from dropping down and blocking the air ways when a person falls asleep and also to protect a persons teeth if they grind their teeth when they sleep. I would like to try it but it's about a $1000.00 and I hate spending that amount of money if it won't work for me.
I actually got the VA to fit me for one after about two weeks and the lack of sleep to stay awake I went back to the CPAP and a cheap mouth guard to prevent grinding of my teeth.
By moving your jaw like that at night it also cause great pain in my jaw. Plus now with a cap in its not a good Idea to use one as they do fit tight and will sometimes pull a cap off.0 -
Bundy They did say the pain would go away.
Glad I did not stay with it cause after I got my teeth fixed. To include a Cap. It would not have worked for me.0
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