CPAP users - what do you recommend?
I've gained a bit of tonnage and am starting to snore nightly. Enough so, that my wife often sleeps on the couch.
About 12 years ago I was diagnosed with sleep apnea and was prescribed a CPAP. The model they gave me was a big honker and was almost impossible to sleep with (I'm a belly & side sleeper).
I'm looking at those little nasal pillow models, hoping that they'll be less uncomfortable while I sleep.
Also (in the spirit of TMI), I'm up 4-5 times per night for a trip to the can. So, taking it off and putting it on needs to be easy when you're half asleep.
Any suggestions or opinions on what works well?
About 12 years ago I was diagnosed with sleep apnea and was prescribed a CPAP. The model they gave me was a big honker and was almost impossible to sleep with (I'm a belly & side sleeper).
I'm looking at those little nasal pillow models, hoping that they'll be less uncomfortable while I sleep.
Also (in the spirit of TMI), I'm up 4-5 times per night for a trip to the can. So, taking it off and putting it on needs to be easy when you're half asleep.
Any suggestions or opinions on what works well?
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Get an AirFit P10 or the F&P Brevida. The P10 is probably a little better for a rough sleeper, but the Brevida has a quick connect. I use either with a Resmed Airsense10 Autoset machine.
Really comfortable, and no leaks for me at least.
You do know that nocturia can be a result of sleep apnea,...right?
ETA: Obstructive sleep apnea is a strange condition. I've never been overweight. never been one that snores,....yet I was diagnosed with OSA last summer. Go figure.0 -
I use the Respironics "Dream wear" model with the nasal pillows. The nasal pillows connect to a hollow tube mask that connects to the hose at the top of your head. The hollow tube allows you to sleep on your side or stomach without blocking the air flow..
I started with the hard plastic mask that goes over the nose...the above mentioned mask is much more comfortable..
The Darth Vader helmet is optional...0 -
I cannot wear the nasal pillows and got no sleep with them.
I use a ResMes Air Touch mask that covers the nose mouth. Very comfortable and the first night I tried it I slept hard for 6 hours before waking. Now that I am used to it I regularly sleep with it on for 8 hours without waking.
I used to get up to urinate 3 times every night. Since stating the cpap I have not got up to use the bathroom even 1 time. The change was immediate for me.
No more nodding off during the day, more alert, better memory. I feel so much better.
The cpap clinic at my local VA is amazing. Helpful friendly and knowledgeable they changed my life.0 -
See if your doctor will prescribe you a BiPAP machine instead of a CPAP machine... I never could use a CPAP because of the constant pressure. A BiPAP senses when you exhale, and stops the air flow, that way you don't have to fight the machine to exhale. But as soon as you stop exhaling, it will start the flow of air again to make you inhale. It's One heck of a lot more comfortable machine to use 0 -
Several years ago I tried to use a huge CPAP with face mask...never could get used to it so I shelved it for about 6 years. While discussing SA one day with my Doctor , he told me the old machine was a dinosaur.
My new machine is a Philips Respironics Dream Station that operates with Airfit P10 nose pillows. The set up worked perfectly from the first night I tried it. Now I really can't sleep without it.
https://www.easybreathe.com/Respironics-Online-Store-72.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwrDe7MfF3wIVxbfACh2JeAj-EAAYASAAEgKHsvD_BwE
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed-airfit-p10-nasal-pillow-cpap-mask-headgear?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsdqRhMrF3wIVAp7ACh06OAmDEAAYAiAAEgIBrPD_BwE
Check it out.0 -
quote:Originally posted by JasonV
I cannot wear the nasal pillows and got no sleep with them.
I use a ResMes Air Touch mask that covers the nose mouth. Very comfortable and the first night I tried it I slept hard for 6 hours before waking. Now that I am used to it I regularly sleep with it on for 8 hours without waking.
I used to get up to urinate 3 times every night. Since stating the cpap I have not got up to use the bathroom even 1 time. The change was immediate for me.
No more nodding off during the day, more alert, better memory. I feel so much better.
The cpap clinic at my local VA is amazing. Helpful friendly and knowledgeable they changed my life.
Same set up I use. Very comfortable. I call it my adult pacifier, without it cannot get to sleep.
Before the CPAP I could not sleep for more than an hour at a time and wife said she could tell that I was not breathing for extended periods.0 -
I woke up repeatedly last night feeling claustraphobic. Enough so that
I had to get up and walk around several times. I about gave up around 3 AM. I finally prayed for relief, looked at the clock, it was 3:16. I took that as a sign. Went back to sleep for a couple hours after that.
I need to explore a sleep apnea study, and get diagnosed through the VA. I've never (not one time) been to the VA for anything. I need to go. Need hearing aids, and would like to take advantage of the eye glass program, after my next eye surgery, Jan. 31st.0 -
quote:Originally posted by 84Bravo1
I woke up repeatedly last night feeling claustraphobic. Enough so that
I had to get up and walk around several times. I about gave up around 3 AM. I finally prayed for relief, looked at the clock, it was 3:16. I took that as a sign. Went back to sleep for a couple hours after that.
I need to explore a sleep apnea study, and get diagnosed through the VA. I've never (not one time) been to the VA for anything. I need to go. Need hearing aids, and would like to take advantage of the eye glass program, after my next eye surgery, Jan. 31st.
The VA hospital in JC should not be far from you. My dad was in WW2 and he went there several years and received good care. I would check that out.0 -
Loose weight
Sleep apnea is self inflected......0 -
quote:Originally posted by Sam06
Loose weight
Sleep apnea is self inflected......
I have a badly deviated septum due to my nose being broken multiple times. I am in no way overweight. (6'1" 195#.)
My nose just does not work. I get very claustraphobic.0 -
I recently started with a ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset and use an AirTouch F20 mask. I'm not fond of the full face mask but I tried the nasal pillow gizmo with the teletubbie attachment on top of my head and I couldn't keep it in place and being a side sleeper I had problems with the air attachment leaking.
I typically get up 2-4 times a night to hit the head, however I don't have to get up as often using the machine. Often I don't have to get up at all.
I still struggle with it but I think most of that has to do with the comfort of the mask. Once I'm asleep I sleep well and don't notice the comfort issues.0 -
Two things that have helped me.
this keeps the hose up and lets you move under it
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/travel-hosebuddy-tangle-free-cpap-hose-suspension-system?gclid=Cj0KCQiA05zhBRCMARIsACKDWjff3DBphO_EUxi9ZLZV6KKWSXF-v0ANe870V4__eKEmFEbs8AEoUYwaAtxQEALw_wcB
This stops any leaks and helps keep straps in place. They also have pads that go over your straps to keep them from cutting in.
This one of the wife or you sew they would be easy to make . I just placed an order for 2 more straps I don't sew.
https://www.1800cpap.com/pad-a-cheek-anti-leak-strap.aspx0 -
WT, you need to see a specialist & get a "sleep study"; they can try different masks, & find which works best for you.
ENT's often do not want to discuss alternatives, such as a dental appliance or sleep apnea implant. May be worth taking a look, different devices work for different people.
Neal0 -
quote:Originally posted by nmyers
WT, you need to see a specialist & get a "sleep study"; they can try different masks, & find which works best for you.
ENT's often do not want to discuss alternatives, such as a dental appliance or sleep apnea implant. May be worth taking a look, different devices work for different people.
Neal
Tried the Dental Device it may have worked then but by then I was used to the CPAP. Now with a Cap and an Implant the dental device is out.
I used to sleep face down but with reflux I had to stop that Side and back only so the CPAP works just fine.
Weight may be a problem now but when this all started it was not.0 -
I know that I need to get a sleep test done as my snoring has been an issue for several years.
My brother recently gave me his old c pap machine to try out after getting a new one. I have been hesitant to put it on even though he put all new mask and connections on it. Pretty sure I should seek professional guidence first.0 -
For those who require "life support" while sleeping: there's a message in there somewhere. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by 84Bravo1
quote:Originally posted by Sam06
Loose weight
Sleep apnea is self inflected......
I have a badly deviated septum due to my nose being broken multiple times. I am in no way overweight. (6'1" 195#.)
My nose just does not work. I get very claustraphobic.
From what you described before it sounds like you had a panic attack or an anxiety attack. I have them all the time and I do what you did, get up walk it off.
My nose has been broken a bunch and I cannot breath through it all that great either so I understand, I also get claustrophobic.
Try melatonin pills they have helped me some.0 -
Yes, I know I need to get my nose worked on. My medical bills have been stacking up lately. (My next eye surgery is Jan. 31st.) You can only do what you can do, at any given time.
I woke up again, last PM around midnight due to claustraphobia, not being able to breathe. Stayed up until 2 AM, until I could go lay back down. It is a recurrent thread/situation.
It needs to be addressed, and will be, at some point.0 -
Thank you all for the input! I'm going to call my PCP this week and see if I can get my prescription (?) for a COAP renewed or whether I need to do another sleep test.
Once I know that, I'll check out the different nose pillow models. I don't recall them being an option / available back when I got my first CPAP.
I'd love to sleep thru the night without multiple head calls. And the wife will appreciate a sound(less) night's sleep.
Thanks guys!0 -
quote:See if your doctor will prescribe you a BiPAP machine instead of a CPAP machine... I never could use a CPAP because of the constant pressure. A BiPAP senses when you exhale, and stops the air flow, that way you don't have to fight the machine to exhale. But as soon as you stop exhaling, it will start the flow of air again to make you inhale. It's One heck of a lot more comfortable machine to use
Best choice I've used. CPAP was hard to use.
I've learned to lay on by back and not use a pillow, so I have a better airway. Took a while to get used to no pillow.0 -
quote:Originally posted by ltcdoty
I use the Respironics "Dream wear" model with the nasal pillows. The nasal pillows connect to a hollow tube mask that connects to the hose at the top of your head. The hollow tube allows you to sleep on your side or stomach without blocking the air flow..
I started with the hard plastic mask that goes over the nose...the above mentioned mask is much more comfortable..
The Darth Vader helmet is optional...
Have used at least 5 different mask combos in the last 10 years. The Dream Wear mask is the snits, I can sleep on my side or stomach without any problems. I have suggested it to several friends who made the change, and all of them are very happy with it. That said, I'm always on the lookout for anything better.0 -
A couple to things about my experience with sleep apnea...never got to serious about until a very good life long friend died from complications due to sleep apnea....it got my attention.
While being tested for my second Pacemaker they discovered the discharge factor was 35% (should be between 55 and 70)? my heart was enlarged and I lived with swollen feet and ankles...and low stamina.
The doctors implanted a three wire biventricular Pacemaker...the discharge factor greatly improved...no more swollen feet or ankles...and with the new CPAP addition the doctors think that it helped reduce my enlarged heart to near normal... These additions apparently reduced the workload on my heart which I can say I have more stamina than before the changes.
You will be surprised healthwise how a few simple fixes might improve your well being.0
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