Help: Sleep Apnea

Subject: Sleep Apnea
From: GUEST,Murray
Date: 18 Nov 01 - 11:46 AM

Just diagnosed with severe sleep apnea. I stop breathing 40 times an hour and have no delta sleep.(anyone know what delta sleep is?) So to fix this I've been told I need a CPAP mask. I tried this contraption at the sleep laboratory and found it extremely uncomfortable. (looks similar to a scuba diving rig) Anyone have any advise on this CPAP thing? Do you get used to it? Does it really improve the quality of life with more energy & clearer thinking? Thanks for any advise.

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: wildlone
Date: 18 Nov 01 - 12:03 PM

I found this site that may explain Click here
dave

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: nutty
Date: 18 Nov 01 - 12:14 PM

My sister was diagnosed with this condition last year.
It took her about six months to get comfortable sleeping in the mask but now she has no problems. She has benefitted by having far more energy and far less health problems than in the past.

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: GUEST,Nick
Date: 18 Nov 01 - 12:27 PM

My wife was given a CPAP but found a she was alergic to the mask material and the forced air dried out her sinusus and caused much discomfort. SHe no loger uses it. Nick

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Nov 01 - 12:32 PM

My brother uses it and it changed his life. He was waking 50+ times per hour and exhausted. If you can handle the Darth Vader look, it will help. An added plus: my sister-in-law gets to sleep now too.

I on the other hand do not snore! Curmudgeon and Linn say I purr...nice people.

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: Gypsy
Date: 18 Nov 01 - 12:36 PM

Have friend who went that rout....it revolutionized his life. And, his WIFEs life. Takes getting used to, but forgetting to breathe at night is not good.

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Nov 01 - 12:37 PM

When I had to go on oxygen because of a leaky heart valve resulting in low O2 saturation, I told them no mask, so I wear a canula. To avoid dried out sinuses, there is a water bottle attachment on my concentrator (takes O2 out the air and concentrates it, then sends it to me down the tubing) which hydrates the air as it passes through. I sleep much better. When I travel and use bottles instead, I carry a saline nasal spray which keeps me hydrated.

Hope this helps,

kat

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: GUEST,Murray1927
Date: 18 Nov 01 - 02:42 PM

Thanks to all who answered. I'm heartened by the good reports. Sinsull, maybe I'll learn to purr. Wildlone, that was the greatest site-I learned much. One lady was on the verge of suicide when she got the proper treatment.Kat, would you explain the canula thing?Thanks again folks.

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: raredance
Date: 18 Nov 01 - 02:46 PM

Been using CPAP for about 5 years. It really only took a week or two to get used to it and it sure helps getting to sleep. There are quite a variety of masks on the market varying from covering the whole nose to ones with little plugs that insert in the nostrils. Finding the best one for you can involve some trial and error. You also need to get the right size. Some are better is the bridge of your nose is wide, others better suited to a narrow bridge etc. I take my CPA machine with me when travelling. We have a cottage with no electricity and I even use it there with a deep cycle 12 volt battery that I can recharge with a gasoline generator.

rich r

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: IvanB
Date: 18 Nov 01 - 02:58 PM

I've used one for about 5 years also. The first one they gave me was the 'full' mask, which irritated the bridge of my nose to the point of having an almost permanent blister there. Then the doctor recommended I try the nose 'pillows.' They work much better and I've not been without the machine, even carrying it on when I fly anywhere. As I said in a earlier thread, the only drawback to me is that when we vacation at the seashore, my wife gets to hear the waves but I can't.

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: Mark Clark
Date: 18 Nov 01 - 03:23 PM

I've been using CPAP for over a year now and it's made a big difference in my alertness and mental state. You'll learn to adjust the tension so the nose mask doesn't press too hard on your face. As Rich said, it will take a week or two of perseverance but it will quickly become second nature and you won't notice it at all while sleeping.

Trying one out at the sleep clinic is awful. You're in a strange room that is never dark and never quiet, they've glued electrodes all over you, someone is always coming in to fiddle with electrodes and with the CPAP mask. The room is the wrong temperature, you have to wear pajamas, they tell you to lie on your back... and then they expect you to sleep. Whether you ever sleep or not, they come in at 3:00 AM and send you home.

At home you'll quickly learn to sleep in any position you like. and the new machines are so quiet you don't really hear them. Follow all the instructions, especially about the cleaning rituals and you'll have no problems.

Good luck,

      - Mark

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Nov 01 - 03:39 PM

Sure, Murray1927, it's a small tube which attaches to the longer one coming from the machine. There are two little nostril tubes which fit in your nostrils (naturally:-), then you loop it over the back of your ears, then that comes down in front, so it almost looks as though you have a necklace on, looped over your ears and hooked into your nose. NOT as bad as it sounds! Here's a picture

kat

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: MichaelM
Date: 18 Nov 01 - 05:01 PM

I was diagnosed with OSA 9 months ago. I went to the sleep centre after I worked my way up to 16 hours of sleep each day. I was still exhausted and found myself falling asleep sitting at traffic lights. The mask is rube-goldbergesque and the sensation of breathing against pressure all night is extremely difficult to get used to. (Because you have to maintain a seal for pressure reasons nasal cannula don't work.) A valuable resource online is http://www.sleepnet.com/apnea/apneainf.html

Good luck.

Michael

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: GUEST,Murray1927
Date: 18 Nov 01 - 05:53 PM

Thanks for your help folks. Kat, Ididn't realize that the canula & nose pillows were one and the same. That is in fact what they tested on me. I mislead you when I used the word mask. Sorry. I had a 6 hr. nose bleed when I left the clinic-so it must be very drying. Funny thing, all the while my nose was pouring blood, I felt GREAT! I wanted to go out and chop wood.Very alien feeling. It sounds as though you have the drynes beat with the water bottle attachment. I'll find out about that. MichaelM sorry it didn"t work for you. Funny, I thought only 2 or 3 people would answer-must be a lot of this going around. Most appreciatve for your help.

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Nov 01 - 06:13 PM

Murray, sorry, I think we are talking about two different things and my suggestions won't work for you. I am on O2 24/7 with the cannula and do not have to have a CPAP machine, just straight O2, so it's a horse of a different colour. Still, I hope you can get something figured out so you are more comfortable. Thanks,

kat

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 18 Nov 01 - 06:26 PM

Join a hash
Drink lots of beer
Run your fucking ass off
LOOSE WEIGHT!!!!!!

Drink milk when you wake up in the dark

Sleep like a baby.

Looking at the Mudcat Members photos is like viewing the scrapbook for pre-coronary Weight Watchers. You've gotta move something other than your fingers.

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Nov 01 - 06:30 PM

Loose weight??? Exactly! None of it is firm.

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Nov 01 - 06:40 PM

garg, why don't you send in your picture?

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: GUEST,Murray1927
Date: 18 Nov 01 - 08:49 PM

Would that I could.

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: Mickey191
Date: 18 Nov 01 - 09:00 PM

Why inject such foulmouth meaness? Someone is having a problem-they don't deserve such a vile response.

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: IvanB
Date: 18 Nov 01 - 11:03 PM

Murray, I've never had that much trouble with dryness, I'm able to control mine with a squeeze bottle of saline solution. However, you CAN get humidifiers for the CPAP that work on the same principle as what kat's referring to. You might also want to try the 'full' mask. It fits over your whole nose so nothing is protruding into your nostrils. Since I have both, I've used the mask for a couple of days now and then if my nostrils get irritated. Usually, the irritation is my own fault, from having the straps too tight. It's important to set the straps at the least tightness which will effectively eliminate leakage.

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 19 Nov 01 - 01:38 AM

Re Gargoyle's comment:

Sleep apnea is sometimes associated with overweight, and in some cases can be attributed almost entirely to one's weight. In such cases, the condition can be significantly helped by weight control.

There are, however, a number of other causes. I have personal experience with a family member who suffered from sleep apnea, who was not overweight, and who used the positive pressure breathing apparatus for some time. The condition was eventually "cured" by a rather drastic surgical intervention, so that the mask is no longer required.

Unfortunately - the surgical reconstruction of his breathing apparati did nothing to improve (or to harm) his singing.

Apnea occurs much more frequently than most people realize, and nearly everyone occasionally has episodes of breathing cessation or interruption during sleep. For most people, normal reflex action takes over, and there is little problem with it.

Recognizing when it is frequent and disruptive enough to require treatment is very difficult. Determining - and learning to use - an appropriate therapy is a challenge, but puts the "victim" well ahead of those who haven't figured out that they have the problem.

John

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 19 Nov 01 - 08:46 AM

It's a problem that nearly drove Sue (my ever-loving) to murder--me! I used to snore loudly enough to make windows rattle in the next street, and I found I was getting progressively more tired--"knackered" is a better word--as time went on. Sue said I would frequently stop breathing for a few seconds (she had no trouble noticing!).

I eventually had an operation I can't remember the name of (it includes "nasoplasty"), to stiffen the soft palate, remove my uvula and open up the nasal passages a little. The surgeon (not "doctor" in the UK) decided not to be as drastic as he would have liked in case it affected my singing voice; in fact, he said if I'd been a professional singer, he'd have advised against the op all together.

It helped to some extent, but I still snore. I use nasal splints: either the stick-on kind that goes below the bridge of the nose, or the springy plastic kind that goes in the nostrils. It helps my breathing, as my nasal passages are quite narrow. But the main problem is that my tongue ... [BTW,if this is too gruesome, feel free to skip it!! If you've got the problem, read on ...] falls back and partly blocks my airway, making the awful noise that sounds like an elephant coughing up a hairball; if it blocks the airway completely, this causes the cessation of breathing: "apnoea" (as we spell it over here). The effect is worse after drinking alcohol, because this makes the muscles even slacker. It's sometimes possible for this to happen permanently--you don't start breathing again--so you should take it seriously, just in case.

There are clever devices for keeping the jaw closed and pulled forward, which prevents the tongue falling back: masks, bandages, clamps; none of which I've tried (yet), but which seem very good for keeping you awake. In my case, it's not overweight (although I've certainly got some spare flesh); it seems to be mainly due to internal sructure, and generally getting older. Since the op, I only rattle my own windows.

Steve

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: GUEST,Murray1927
Date: 19 Nov 01 - 09:00 AM

Thanks to all you kind people for your help. I've learned a lot. I'm going to the DR. today for an evaluation on which would be the best setup for me, and to talk about the nosebleed. Thanks to you , I 'll be able to go with more knowledge. This is a wonderful site! God Bless.

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 19 Nov 01 - 09:45 AM

I have an uncle who sleeps with one of those devices that adds air pressure. I don't know the technical term. Apparently it does work and you do get used to it. Good luck.

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: Mr Red
Date: 19 Nov 01 - 08:19 PM

I lived with a lass who was 5 ft something and about 100 pounds (I wouldn't dare call it skinny) and rarely drank much more than a pint of lager. She always complained about not getting any sleep. On nights she kept me awake her "hours awake" were measured in minutes but when snoring (which SHE DIDN'T DO - OK?) I used to wish for silence only to have apperplexy thinking she was asphyxiating in those golden moments. Her wish to sleep-in in the mornings was legendary but it was tied-in with SAD also. Her negativity to most things was immense so any explanation of sleep apnea was a waste of time, and I certainly wasted my time with her.
I finally forced the issue on SAD by getting the clock (made by Outside In here in the UK) that switches a bright light on in the morning but brings it up slowly - just like the dawn. Within 3 days it had made a world of difference but within months her negativity was flooding back - I surmize now it would be down to a bout of disturbed sleep and her connecting it with the failure of the clock to do it's job.
Well folks I got custody of the clock and come September it is wonderful here in Red Villa. All of me wakes-up bright eyed bushy tailed and raring to go -
shame about the work but that particular clock has wound down.

I ramble, but I just wanted to share the evidence that the problem is not always alcohol or weight related.
GUEST,Murray - Just a thought but how are you come Sept? Craving candy then can be one more symptom of SAD.

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From:
Date: 30 Apr 04 - 05:59 PM

Hmmmm. I'm beginning to get the feeling I HAVE this condition!

Think I'd be best to hightail it to the Doctor's office on Monday, soonest.

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: GUEST,guest from NW
Date: 30 Apr 04 - 07:42 PM

i used to have a similar problem...loud snoring, stopped breathing, etc. my wife would wake me sometimes or get me to roll on my side which helped some. i knew people who did the mask thing but that sounded awful to me. so i tried to figure out why i was doing this stuff. i changed my diet and drinking habits , which helped a lot, but the thing that changed it for me was pillows. i would usually use one pillow at night and my head would slip forward to an angle that constricted my throat. i started using 3 pillows and propping my head up so it was more even with my body at a similar aspect as when i'm standing. i hardly snore at all anymore and my wife has not noticed my breathing stopping for months. i'm sure sleep apnea is a legitimate syndrome, but try analyzing everything about your body position and diet before you sign on to the mask i would counsel.

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 01 May 04 - 12:44 AM

I lost 40 pounds and the problem is 90% gone....loose 15 more and it will be no more....

The isideous relationship to the disease is....you are too tired to run....if you don't run you don't loose weight.....if you don't loose weight.....you snort, snot, hiccough, and strangle throughout the night....and feel like recycled recices-fecises in the A.M.

Loose the Weight!!!! WALK - CELEBRATE LIFE and MOBILITY

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: harpgirl
Date: 01 May 04 - 05:47 AM

BTW garg...how's the Longbeach Hash?

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: mack/misophist
Date: 01 May 04 - 08:56 AM

Second what gargoyle said. I, too, have severe sleep apnea and the CPAP machine didn't help. Weight loss has helped. Only 30 more pounds to go. It's often associated with weight problems.

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: DougR
Date: 01 May 04 - 02:43 PM

Not sure if I posted this earlier, but I agree with Garg too. I lost 25 lbs and haven't had to use the machine since.

DougR

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: Rapparee
Date: 01 May 04 - 05:32 PM

A true story. Happened to my very own brother.

Because of snoring so that the house loosened upon its foundation, his wife finally got him to the doctor. Yup, sleep apnea (and my doctor slammed me into a sleep clinic and I came out clean, but that's another story). So he was evaluated and put in line for three surgeries, the last of which was for a deviated septum (due to a fight in Vietnam). As the last surgery was scalpel and not laser, he had an EKG which turned up a faint, imprecise, anomaly. The surgeon said, "No problem, I'll do the surgery and afterwards have your own doctor evaluate this problem."

Well, he'd had rheumatic heart disease as a child, and everyone thought that this was just a manifestation of that old thing. And since he'd served 21 years in the National Guard, had traipsed all over west central Illinois hunting and fishing, sky-dived, and so on, that he was in pretty good shape. Overweight, yeah, but in pretty good shape otherwise.

Six weeks after the surgery he had an echocardiogram. He didn't go home from the hospital. Nope, not dead -- the next morning he was in surgery and had nine (9) bypasses.

He's okay, although now Agent Orange-related diabetes has been added to his list. The apnea surgeries helped a little, but he sleeps with a CPAP (which he's modified to run off house current or off a battery, so that he can use it when he goes to camp as a Scoutmaster). He's run as much as five miles per day, his heart and lungs are in wonderful shape, but it looks likes his overweight problem is genetic (so says his doctor, not me) and unless his genes are altered nothing much can be done about it.

Yes, he's on a diabetic diet. Yes, he still exercises regularily and far more intensively than I do. And yes, he can still lift 300 pounds if he has to -- but we won't let him, since we'd rather have him around than not, even though he says we're turning him into a wimp.

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: GUEST,jeff
Date: 25 Jun 05 - 01:00 PM

There's a new machine on the market available through a website called cpap.com. It's called a c-flex. The cost is 790.00(US) w/mask(full face or nose) and any straps(for holding your jaw closed) will be extra. You will need a prescription. The machine varies the pressure automatically as you breathe in/out so there's no 'suffocation sensation' to deal with and you wont need a sleep study. It ramps up from 4.0 to 20.0(or less...you can set it yourself) air pressure and can be set from a ramp time of 45 mins to 4 hours. Comes w/a booklet. Also, there's a hydration reservior attachment(uses distilled water) w/heater and it's detacthable. If you order the machine they will take some seemingly odd measurements over the phone to properly fit your mask. I recommend a gel, either nose or full face...much more comfortable and well worth any additional cost. The cost for everthing broke down for me as follows: (All in US currency)

             Doctor visit----- 120.00
             C-Flex----------- 790.00
             mask(nose)-------   65.00
             strap------------    2.00
             Flonase(spray)---   75.00
             Ambien(14 pills)-   47.00
             shipping(air)----   28.00

                     Total----- 1127.00(excluding any taxes)


This info is offered as a service to some 'catter's' who may not have health insurance, struggle with this disorder, and maybe weighing the options between good sleep and a pre-WWII Gibson mando. The Ambien helped in adjusting to the mask/strap assembly and is a 2 week supply of 10mg pills. The first night after obtaining it(the Ambien) I had 7 hrs. of uninterrupted sleep and woke up in the same position in which I fell asleep. Diet, losing weight, phyical activity all can play a role in correcting or controlling this disorder, but if you've a family history or a structural pre-disposition to sleep apnea none of those will eliminate the problem. Doesn't matter what your age, gender or physical specs. Shipping cost was because I was desperate, but they will ship UPS ground for free. Genuinely hope this info helps. I'll monitor this post for a while in case there's questions.

Cheers, Jeff

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 Jun 05 - 02:12 PM

HeyaJeff, thanks for the info. I'd forgotten about this thread and missed it when I was asking about apnea earlier this year.

The machine I have has a heated humidifer, ramps up and I don't have any problems with feeling as though I am suffocating. I have a NasalAireII, but I really like the looks of the nasal pillows at the site you posted. Thanks for that. The less straps the better as the darn velcro catches in my hair, even through a net. I have been sleeping better and my pulse o2 has been better, but some of that is the new heart valve, too.:-)

I've lost over 30lbs. With about 30 more I am hoping the apnea may go away. the docs are sceptical and say it can be a hereditary condition because of biological structuring and I do remember stopping breathing even when I was 110lbs, so we'll see. Either way, thanks for the additional info!

kat

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: GUEST,jeff
Date: 25 Jun 05 - 03:05 PM

Hey Kat, thanks for the response. Should've mentioned the unit I have is called the Respironics C-Flex. Sounds like your unit has a similar technology. Took a while to dial in the flow rate and ramp time, but once that was done and combined with the Ambien to deal with insomnia issues I'm a different guy. There's no 'barbituate hangover' either. Longterm studies have yet to be done in terms of side effects, but I'll take a good nights sleep and my chances unless something 'very' serious turns up. Have to monitor my exercise and food intake pretty closely. Need 5-6 hours after heavy meals or exercise before trying to sleep as part of insomnia is related to heightened metabolism whether or not it's anxiety driven. I remember complaining in my TEENS! about being tired and it was, sort of dismissed by my family as staying up too late, etc. So, this isn't an age/weight problem. Low frustration threshold, tiredness, road rage, impatience...I've had 'em all. Nevermind what the apnea may have been doing to my immune system. Much of it due to a lack of proper REM sleep. My girlfriend(who's a physical therapist and diagnosed my disorder)says a 'pleasant alien' has inhabited my body in the last month and she wants it to stay. Anyway, it's estimated as high as 30% of the population suffers from this disorder. Good for you on your weight loss as it can only contribute to overall quality of life. Keep going!   Jeff

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 May 09 - 07:52 PM

I don't use the cpap, anymore, haven't since heart surgery four years ago, but I am wondering if anyone has tried one of these: click Here.

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: maire-aine
Date: 19 May 09 - 10:39 PM

Although Gargoyle's comments may be harsh, he does have a point. Murray, when you see your doctor, discuss weight also. He/she may be able to get you into a weightloss program, too. Being overweight is closely associated with many cases of sleep apnea.

My father snored so loud, he could be heard all over the house, to the point where he'd wake himself up at night. He died unexpectedly at the age of 52, in the middle of the night. I'm convinced that sleep apnea contributed to his death.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 May 09 - 10:55 PM

Maryanne, sorry to hear that about your dad.

(Not sure Murray is still around. Perhaps I should have started a new thread, instead of refreshing this old one?)

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 20 May 09 - 03:50 PM

On the subject of weight-loss and its effect on sleep-apnoea, I was over 17 stones (238 lbs) and suffered very badly from apnoea. I lost in excess of 5 stones (70 lbs) through illness, and lo and behold - no snoring and absolutely no apnoea! I've put a few pounds back on over the past year, but still I don't snore or get the apnoea.

I'd recommend every sufferer to confront any weight issues they may have, before spending large amounts on infernal machines and contraptions. Worked for me! :-)

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: Jack Campin
Date: 20 May 09 - 04:41 PM

Gargoyle is half right, but "drink lots of beer", no. Alcohol is one of the risk factors, and not just because it makes you fat.

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: wysiwyg
Date: 20 May 09 - 04:46 PM

I have heard that some apnea considered to be due to weight is correctable by changing sleeping position, for instance adding some pillows to correct the reclining posture. This may sound silly, but our cat Isis shows this every time she curls up on top of Atticus. Her sleep-wheezing clears up immediately. I've had similar success with GRD corrected with pillows.

~S~

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: DougR
Date: 20 May 09 - 06:29 PM

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea a few years ago. I weighed 215 pounds. I lost twenty-five pounds and I no longer have it.

One does finally get use to wearing the CPAP though.

DougR

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: Ref
Date: 20 May 09 - 07:11 PM

Getting rid of weight certainly makes a big difference, but I'm convinced that getting on the CPAP can help you to lose the weight. I've lost about twenty lbs, but my overall health improved vastly on the CPAP before I lost any weight.

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 20 May 09 - 09:02 PM

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

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 May 09 - 10:07 PM

Yes, Sandra, I remember the recommendation of tape and followed that from you and a couple of others. I haven't needed to for quite some time, but I would use it again in a heartbeat if needed.

I never got used to the cpap and it did nothing to improve my health as I never got any decent sleep whilst tangled up in it.:-)

Subject: RE: Help: Sleep Apnea
From: Ref
Date: 21 May 09 - 09:37 PM

I guess I'm lucky, or else was so thoroughly miserable that the improvement made it worthwhile, but I took to the CPAP immediately. Being a back sleeper may help. Have you tried it with the "pillows" rather than the mask?