Sleep Apnea

[Jackofalltrades]

So after years of putting it off I finally went for a sleep study. I know I have sleep apnea and finally decided I want/need to address it.

Neurologist said I have "severe" sleep apnea and recommended the CPAP therapy right away. So now I'm just looking for thoughts/tips/opinions from anyone who has any experience with the machine.

Any information is useful and highly appreciated.

[Darth Biscuit]

Dude I work with got a CPAP and it works really well for him... he used to fall asleep in seminars and stuff now he's fine.

[Hawk]

I sleep like crap

[Panthro]

My CPAP will have saved my life...or so I've been told. My breathing was stopping almost 100 times and hour, I was exhausted during the day, and snored pretty badly.

I have the nasal pillows although some people prefer the mask. Sometimes I wake up a bit claustrophobic but it easily passes. My old man is having a tougher time adjusting to having one than I am.

[Jeff L]

I have had my CPAP for about six months and can not get used to it. I tried the mask first and am now using the nasal pillows. My doc gave me 30 Ambien to take (one a night smart asses!) and had little to no problems falling asleep. Since the Ambien has run out I have had a tough time. Sometimes I can fall asleep with it on but usually end up waking up in a few hours and can't fall back to sleep with it on.

[Panthro]

You also have to change your going sleep habits. The bedroom should be for sleeping and schtooping only...

[Johnny Rockets]

I have had my CPAP for about six months and can not get used to it. I tried the mask first and am now using the nasal pillows. My doc gave me 30 Ambien to take (one a night smart asses!) and had little to no problems falling asleep. Since the Ambien has run out I have had a tough time. Sometimes I can fall asleep with it on but usually end up waking up in a few hours and can't fall back to sleep with it on.

Same here, tried a CPAP and then a BiPap....I winded up turning the thing back in after 2-3 months of trying. No sense paying for something that I couldn't get used to. I only have mild apnea (waking 60 times an hour) but snore really bad and might consider surgery if it gets worse. I have huge tonsils and the roof of the back of my throat needs to be bridged opened more.

[LifeisaGarden]

Does the CPAP machine eliminate or reduce snoring if you have sleep apnea?

[Mr. Scot]

57 times an hour for me. CPAP also likely saved my life. I felt awful before it and 100 times better after. Also no more snoring.

Nasal pillows for me as well. It takes some getting used to, but you feel so much better once you do.

[LiQuiD]

I wonder if this could be the reason why I can't seem to wake up refreshed in the mornings. Seems like I never can get enough sleep.

[Panthro]

It completely eliminated my snoring.

mine too

[Hawk]

I wonder if this could be the reason why I can't seem to wake up refreshed in the mornings. Seems like I never can get enough sleep.

100% me too

[Jackofalltrades]

Thanks for the feedback. I don't know how many times an hour it was for me, they just characterized it as severe. It's obstructive and I'm actually looking forward to getting it taken care of.

I slept with the mask for a couple of hours and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, perhaps being in the Corps and a fireman helped with that. I don't think it'll take too long to adjust, at least thats my hope.

I do sleep with my mouth open, so I guess the mask is really my only real solution.

As for the condensation we generally keep the temp, at night, around 60.

I guess the biggest thing for me is, assuming this works as it should, how much better will I feel? I can't remember the last time I felt rest, or didn't wake up with a headache. IF nothing else, if I can get one of those problems resolved it would be life altering.

Thanks again for the info, if you think of anything else please feel free to share.

[Hawk]

do you have to be a snorer to suffer from sleep apnea as discussed? I typically sleep on my side and pretty sure I snore very little to none. I also don't ever remember waking up gasping for breath or anything...