I have mild sleep apnoea & refused to try the CPAP machine my arrogant specialist was pushing as my physio was "pushing" proper breathing thru nose not mouth. We all start life breathing thru our noses (nursing babies breath while sucking!) but later "learn" to breathe thru our mouths. My physio plays a lot of sport & never puffs or gulps for breath, no matter how much effort she's exerting (ever listened to a jogger approaching from behind?)

I considered the Dr an arrogant know-all as he did not read my file notes (many people with sleep apnoea have bad sleep habits - a long list, including drinking alcohol or coffee at night & I didn't do any of those things that he kept urging me not to do) & wanted me to come back for another appointment (ie. pay him more money) when I refused to try the machines so he could give me other alternatives for treatment!

I preferred to follow the physio's treatment - practice breathing thru my nose & sleep with a tiny piece (about 1") of micropore tape on my mouth so that if I roll onto my back I don't start breathing thru my mouth. (ps. the tape does not cover my whole mouth so I'm not in any danger of choking & I've slept that way for almost 3 years.

I recently had to breathe deeply thru my mouth for a medical test & found it very difficult, but I did manage a few breaths & the technician got her readings.

I have 2 male friends who use CPAP machines & wouldn't be without them, but I also have an older female acquaintance with very bad sleep apnoea whose eyes are permanently weeping from the blasts of air from her machine. When I see her next, I'll tell her about the suggestions given above.

sandra