One week ago I joined the ranks of many who have been diagnosed with moderate to severe sleep apnea, and now use a Cpap machine.
Probably should have done this a few years ago... as I've always been a "snorer", but it has gotten unbelievable in the last few years.
Made an appointment with my Doc and had a very complete physical (yeah, that too), then a referral for a sleep study at the local hospital. All in all not too bad an experience. They have rooms setup like a decent motel, but "wired".
The worst part is when they wire YOU! After "gently buffing" the areas for the electrodes (with 60-grit toothpasty stuff) they stick about 18 electrodes on you - legs, chest, chin, corners of the eyes, and head. Then 2 elastic bands around your chest, and a microphone on your adam's apple. Then you're trial fitted for a nose mask (for later).
Once wired up (and receiving radio Moscow through all the wiring) all the stuff is bundled into a harness and you're plugged into the headboard of the bed. "Ok John, just try and go to sleep..."
As it turns out, my airway was collapsing/being blocked more than 90% of the time I was asleep, and was in a near constant state of semi-awakeness - NEVER into deep REM or "good" sleep. The nurse came in, woke me and put on the (previously fitted) mask. (So now I've got the wiring harness, elastic bands around me, AND 1/2 of a scuba mask on my face... "OK John, just try and go back to sleep..."
Well I did, and via remote control the technician was adjusting the airflow in the mask, to the point of where my airway remained open.
The next day I was setup and sent home with my very own Cpap machine. I'm using the little "nose pillows/nostril things", not the full nose/face headgear.
I've gotten used to it, and after a week I really do notice the results. I'm not tired at 2:30pm, not nodding off at 7:30, more energy during the day, and Sheryl can sleep without earplugs, checking to see if I'm dead, or rousing me to breathe!
If you've got some of these symptoms, I'd really advise you to see your doctor and maybe have a sleep study done.
Lost in the 60s said
Feb 11, 2012
Have they gotten the machines quieter ? My father in law had one years ago and it was so loud, the MIL moved into a separate bedroom. I'm not ready to have that happen. My wife is a VERY light sleeper and has woke me many times over the years because I stop breathing.
Pushrod said
Feb 11, 2012
Yeah the new machines are vert quiet cant even hear em I cant sleep without it.
OscarZ said
Feb 11, 2012
I can't sleep without mine either. When I travel Shannan actually misses the "white" noise of my CPAP.
John D said
Feb 11, 2012
The machine isn't much bigger than a clock radio, and it is really quiet. You probably don't even hear the machine, any noise is probably the "excess" air (when you're not inhaling) exhausting from the mask.
Imagine "shushing" a little kid during a conversation - just making the "shhhhhh" sound - that's the sound and it's about that loud. The wife will probably not hear it, as she will be sleeping better, as a result of you not making noise or thrashing about!
The only two side-effects I've experienced are:
- I've had to play with the humidifier adjustment a little to not wake up with dry sinuses/throat.
- I had a wierd pain in the abdomen, just below my ribs for the 1st few days. I'm guessing it was my diaphragm. You have to exert a little effort to exhale now, and that muscle isn't used to doing that.
I think it would be fine with the noise. After all, we cant sleep unless there is a fan on. But that thing on my head would probably drive me nuts.
bowtie said
Feb 11, 2012
I should probably look into that, just haven't gotten a round tuit. I know I don't sleep soundly, though when it's just me it's better since I'm not getting kicked from snoring. Normally, I try to get 6-7 hours per night but I wake up a couple times usually.
Robredy said
Feb 11, 2012
I have had my C-pap for almost a year. I swear by it to. I was aware that I was in need of one for several years, but was hesitant to go through the process. Both for the anixety of wearing the mask and the extra hassles it causes on my DOT physical. I got to the point that I was tired of being tired. I have the full face-mask. It covers both the nose and mouth. Sometimes if I am facing my wife and am sleeping to close to her the air from the mask hits her. They are very quiet now days. If anybody thinks they need one. Check into it. You will not regret it.
-- Edited by Robredy on Saturday 11th of February 2012 11:22:57 PM
John D said
Feb 12, 2012
I wasn't sleeping soundly, and guaranteed I had to get up & hit the bathroom at least once... No more. Once asleep I'm out for the night and the alarm clock wakes me (which hasn't been the case for 2 years).
Getting used to the nose thing is easier than you'd think. Most of it is mental, and when you realize you have to wear this thing you just do it. Once adjusted properly it's very comfortable. Once asleep you really don't move around that much.
I used to go to bed at a time that would give me at least 7 hours until waking. Even then I was tired and wiped out by 2:30/3:00 in the afternoon. Now I go to bed at the same time, but am still awake and "peppy" at 8:30/9:00pm. It's really quality of sleep more than quantity.
Pushrod said
Feb 12, 2012
My sleep Dr said lack of sleep is an epidemic somthing like 4 out of 5 men and 2 out of 5 women suffer. during my study I was awaken 88 times an hour due my not breathing and I didnt come close to REM the first 2 hours before they put me on the CPAP
John D said
Feb 14, 2012
Had my follow-up check this afternoon. The machine has a thumb-drive/memory card built in, and it logs all the parameters of use. They take the thumb-drive and (assuming) using a program, download it and do a print-out in graph and data charts.
All's I can say is HOLY CR*P!!
I got to see the data from my sleep test. In a nutshell, when I fell asleep my airway basically closed. Period. No air in. The oxygen level in my blood went from high 90%'s down into the 60's. I'd wake up a bit, breathe/snort/whatever and the oxygenation would climb, then dive down again. NOT GOOD.
The data from the memory card shows that the machine is doing exactly what is needed, and my oxygenation level is consistantly staying in the high 90's throughout my sleep periods.
The Doc also says I've got a narrow airway to begin with, and combined with being 30 or so lb's "overweight" for my frame... well, I need to drop a few.
Guys... If your wife's complaining about snoring, elbowing you to breathe or stop thrashing/kicking around in bed, you're nodding off in the middle of the day, you've got no energy after work... these are all warning signs and you should seriously think about getting tested for sleep apnea.
gearlube said
Feb 14, 2012
Before I had my surgurey I had to use one because of snoring. I hated the mask. But I am not a person who like to have things as accsesories. I don't wear a watch or necklace etc. but I snored big time. I was about 60 lbs down after surgurey and stopped using it. My wife said I didn't snore any more. I am down 90 lbs now and will never go back to that machine. Though am happy it has worked for all of you. If you hate the machine losing weight can do it too as mine sleep apnea was weight induced.
bowtie said
Feb 14, 2012
I'm with you Tom. I'm pretty sure mine is weight related. I'm not typically tired after a regular day of work, and I generally need a while to wind down to fall asleep.
I know I'm a good 40# up from anywhere acceptable weight and I'm on a (5mg dose) of BP med too. Just got off the treadmill, started mixing in a little running too. For me, losing weight is as much about making it past 65 as it is about looking better and being in better shape.
Chris R said
Feb 14, 2012
bowtie wrote:
I'm with you Tom. I'm pretty sure mine is weight related. I'm not typically tired after a regular day of work, and I generally need a while to wind down to fall asleep.
I know I'm a good 40# up from anywhere acceptable weight and I'm on a (5mg dose) of BP med too. Just got off the treadmill, started mixing in a little running too. For me, losing weight is as much about making it past 65 as it is about looking better and being in better shape.
Im about the same as you. Not tired after work really, although some days ill take a nap if its early enough in the day after getting home from school. But I wont say im beat when I get home. Weight is definetly up and the herniated discs last year didnt help. Im also taking BP meds too. I probably should excercise more. As for the sleeping, it takes me a while some nights to wind down and get to sleep. I snore some nights off and on and some nights not at all, sometimes, I only snore laying in one direction or not the other. But its never been frequent enough to consider a machine yet.
4-door Chevelle said
Feb 16, 2012
I got mine last year. Pretty quiet, got the humidifier and mine is just over the nose as well. It did take me a week to get use to the "pressure" but after that break-in period it was tolerable. Sometimes my sinuses close up at night so the mask comes off on those nights. I lost 15 pounds after my recent surgery and following problems so I am actually at my ideal weight according to the medical profession. I haven't ben able to wear it for some time now due to urgency issues down there but have been doing OK I think without it.
I think I have 3 more payments on that sucker.
Dave Seitz said
Feb 19, 2012
I've had one for about 9years because I snore just a little bit. The worst thing about the machine for me was the mask would either hurt my nose with the small pads or the bridge of my nose with a mask. My sister got me 6 masks to try to find one I liked so that is a great bonus.The CPAP machines will drop your BP too and leave you more relaxed if you use them. Now I can't sleep because my back is screwed up and just laying on the firm bed hurts the low back. After going to a benefit for a friend with cancer yesterday we went looking for a new bed. Went to one of the better places in St.Cloud and checked out all sorts of beds of course the bed that is the most comfortable is one of the most expensive. Sales people really do try and get you to buy that adjustable base so you can lift head and legs. After 4 1/2 hours we had wound up at the Sleep Number Store and bought one of their models in the hope we will both be happy now.
One week ago I joined the ranks of many who have been diagnosed with moderate to severe sleep apnea, and now use a Cpap machine.
Probably should have done this a few years ago... as I've always been a "snorer", but it has gotten unbelievable in the last few years.
Made an appointment with my Doc and had a very complete physical (yeah, that too), then a referral for a sleep study at the local hospital. All in all not too bad an experience. They have rooms setup like a decent motel, but "wired".
The worst part is when they wire YOU! After "gently buffing" the areas for the electrodes (with 60-grit toothpasty stuff) they stick about 18 electrodes on you - legs, chest, chin, corners of the eyes, and head. Then 2 elastic bands around your chest, and a microphone on your adam's apple. Then you're trial fitted for a nose mask (for later).
Once wired up (and receiving radio Moscow through all the wiring) all the stuff is bundled into a harness and you're plugged into the headboard of the bed. "Ok John, just try and go to sleep..."
As it turns out, my airway was collapsing/being blocked more than 90% of the time I was asleep, and was in a near constant state of semi-awakeness - NEVER into deep REM or "good" sleep. The nurse came in, woke me and put on the (previously fitted) mask. (So now I've got the wiring harness, elastic bands around me, AND 1/2 of a scuba mask on my face... "OK John, just try and go back to sleep..."
Well I did, and via remote control the technician was adjusting the airflow in the mask, to the point of where my airway remained open.
The next day I was setup and sent home with my very own Cpap machine. I'm using the little "nose pillows/nostril things", not the full nose/face headgear.
I've gotten used to it, and after a week I really do notice the results. I'm not tired at 2:30pm, not nodding off at 7:30, more energy during the day, and Sheryl can sleep without earplugs, checking to see if I'm dead, or rousing me to breathe!
If you've got some of these symptoms, I'd really advise you to see your doctor and maybe have a sleep study done.
Have they gotten the machines quieter ? My father in law had one years ago and it was so loud, the MIL moved into a separate bedroom. I'm not ready to have that happen. My wife is a VERY light sleeper and has woke me many times over the years because I stop breathing.
Yeah the new machines are vert quiet cant even hear em I cant sleep without it.
I can't sleep without mine either. When I travel Shannan actually misses the "white" noise of my CPAP.
The machine isn't much bigger than a clock radio, and it is really quiet. You probably don't even hear the machine, any noise is probably the "excess" air (when you're not inhaling) exhausting from the mask.
Imagine "shushing" a little kid during a conversation - just making the "shhhhhh" sound - that's the sound and it's about that loud. The wife will probably not hear it, as she will be sleeping better, as a result of you not making noise or thrashing about!
The only two side-effects I've experienced are:
- I've had to play with the humidifier adjustment a little to not wake up with dry sinuses/throat.
- I had a wierd pain in the abdomen, just below my ribs for the 1st few days. I'm guessing it was my diaphragm. You have to exert a little effort to exhale now, and that muscle isn't used to doing that.
I think it would be fine with the noise. After all, we cant sleep unless there is a fan on. But that thing on my head would probably drive me nuts.
I have had my C-pap for almost a year. I swear by it to. I was aware that I was in need of one for several years, but was hesitant to go through the process. Both for the anixety of wearing the mask and the extra hassles it causes on my DOT physical. I got to the point that I was tired of being tired. I have the full face-mask. It covers both the nose and mouth. Sometimes if I am facing my wife and am sleeping to close to her the air from the mask hits her. They are very quiet now days. If anybody thinks they need one. Check into it. You will not regret it.
-- Edited by Robredy on Saturday 11th of February 2012 11:22:57 PM
Getting used to the nose thing is easier than you'd think. Most of it is mental, and when you realize you have to wear this thing you just do it. Once adjusted properly it's very comfortable. Once asleep you really don't move around that much.
I used to go to bed at a time that would give me at least 7 hours until waking. Even then I was tired and wiped out by 2:30/3:00 in the afternoon. Now I go to bed at the same time, but am still awake and "peppy" at 8:30/9:00pm. It's really quality of sleep more than quantity.
My sleep Dr said lack of sleep is an epidemic somthing like 4 out of 5 men and 2 out of 5 women suffer. during my study I was awaken 88 times an hour due my not breathing and I didnt come close to REM the first 2 hours before they put me on the CPAP
Had my follow-up check this afternoon. The machine has a thumb-drive/memory card built in, and it logs all the parameters of use. They take the thumb-drive and (assuming) using a program, download it and do a print-out in graph and data charts.
All's I can say is HOLY CR*P!!
I got to see the data from my sleep test. In a nutshell, when I fell asleep my airway basically closed. Period. No air in. The oxygen level in my blood went from high 90%'s down into the 60's. I'd wake up a bit, breathe/snort/whatever and the oxygenation would climb, then dive down again. NOT GOOD.
The data from the memory card shows that the machine is doing exactly what is needed, and my oxygenation level is consistantly staying in the high 90's throughout my sleep periods.
The Doc also says I've got a narrow airway to begin with, and combined with being 30 or so lb's "overweight" for my frame... well, I need to drop a few.
Guys... If your wife's complaining about snoring, elbowing you to breathe or stop thrashing/kicking around in bed, you're nodding off in the middle of the day, you've got no energy after work... these are all warning signs and you should seriously think about getting tested for sleep apnea.
I know I'm a good 40# up from anywhere acceptable weight and I'm on a (5mg dose) of BP med too. Just got off the treadmill, started mixing in a little running too. For me, losing weight is as much about making it past 65 as it is about looking better and being in better shape.
Im about the same as you. Not tired after work really, although some days ill take a nap if its early enough in the day after getting home from school. But I wont say im beat when I get home. Weight is definetly up and the herniated discs last year didnt help. Im also taking BP meds too. I probably should excercise more. As for the sleeping, it takes me a while some nights to wind down and get to sleep. I snore some nights off and on and some nights not at all, sometimes, I only snore laying in one direction or not the other. But its never been frequent enough to consider a machine yet.
I think I have 3 more payments on that sucker.
Now I can't sleep because my back is screwed up and just laying on the firm bed hurts the low back. After going to a benefit for a friend with cancer yesterday we went looking for a new bed. Went to one of the better places in St.Cloud and checked out all sorts of beds of course the bed that is the most comfortable is one of the most expensive. Sales people really do try and get you to buy that adjustable base so you can lift head and legs. After 4 1/2 hours we had wound up at the Sleep Number Store and bought one of their models in the hope we will both be happy now.