I have recently been diagnosed with sleep apnea and it has been recommended to used a CPAP (?). Does anyone use it and are there any disadvantages? Thanks

My husband uses one - it has saved his life and improved both our lives more than I can say.

For him, his apnea was so severe that he had NO problems adjusting to it - it was the first time he actually SLEPT in a long time. We wish it had a longer hose so he had more freedom to move at night, and of course we wish he didn't have to use it so we could cuddle better at night or fall asleep on the couch.

BUT we gladly give up that bit of freedom to have his quality of life back.

If they are recommending a CPAP, please try it at the very least. They are medically necessary for some, and since one has been prescribed for you the chances are you really need it to preserve your health.

thanks, i'm not too happy about the whole idea so appreciate your words of encouragement.

I have sleep issues. I don't have sleep apnea per se they found I just don't breath Deep enough. My oxygen levels just fall when I sleep. I ended up almost dying from not breathing I now wear oxygen at night. My bf had sleep apnea and needed cpap. She said it made such a diferrence! We were also both told no sleeping on your back. Side only. She had less day fatigue. Hope It helps you!!

I did mean to add that I'm sorry you have to do this. It takes a psychological toll, too. But getting a good night's sleep for once can help improve your mood, too!

I have a friend who was diagnosed w/it and was put on the machine. Several years later they decided she had to have her adnoids removed; she said that's when she had her first really good sleep. She no longer uses/needs the machine.

I use a CPAP. Took very little time to be accustomed to it and the benefits are life-saving. Plus, no one sees you rigged outside the bedroom.

I was so sleep deprived before I could be in bed all night, have breakfast, make my bed, lay on top "for a minute" and be there until lunch (summer, of course). I had to get DH to be sure I got up in time for work. Ha, ha, my GP diagnosed 'depression' and medicated for same which only made me sleepier. Finally, my visiting son observed my breathing stops when I went to sleep watching a movie with him, "Mom, you've got apnea." The CPAP was and is like getting my life back.

Local man retired from a job he loved because of constant fatigue--thought he was getting too old. He was later diagnosed with apnea, got his CPAP, and returned to his old, energetic self.

It helps to have a sense of humor.

This is so true.

We used to tell people, between his CPAP and my mouth guard NO WONDER we didn't have kids!

I was diagnosed 7 years ago - I couldn't get on with the mask that only covered my nose, but once I got the larger version that covers nose and mouth, I was fine. It is very much second nature to me now - in fact became so quite early on. Once you realise how much better you feel during the day (because you have slept more restfully) it is much easier to adapt to the situation.

And the machine is much quieter than you may fear, and certainly much quieter than the snoring you will have been doing (in case you have a sleep partner, they will notice a big difference too).

All airlines carry them free too, and for a long haul flight, I believe they will facilitate you using the machine during the flight.

If you feel you are struggling to adapt, do take advice from your Sleep clinic or CPAP supplier, it might just be a question of tweaking, or adjusting. I found that I felt the need for a higher pressure than I was prescribed, because I was taking the mask off in my sleep, now it has been adjusted up a bit, I am fine.

It might sound like the end of the world, but at least you don't have to take drugs for the rest of your life, and your daytime tiredness will be much less, so you should begin to feel the benefit quite quickly.

My husband and I have both been on the cpap for several years. We no longer lie awake making sure the other is breathing! It makes a big difference in our energy levels and is literally a life saver.

Schoolteacher, If they have recommended a CPAP machine, by all means follow through on that!

It does take some getting used to wearing that mask and using the machine, but the effects of NOT having one are so dire that there is no question about how worthwhile they are. Sleep apnea can kill you, if not in the night, then through the toll it takes on your internal organs and heart and brain.

I was just diagnosed this summer too. Moderate sleep apnea, stopping breathing every 3 or 4 minutes with very shallow breathing in between. I've had my CPAP about a month and am still working with my respiratory therapist to get it just right. But I would not go one night without it. The difference with how i feel during the day is too great. My mind is sharper, my vision seems clearer (with no dark edges) and I have far fewer of those crushing apnea headaches. Also, I have lost 5 pounds and it has not been through dieting. (My doctor says that sleep apnea slows your metabolism to a crawl.)

Being diagnosed with sleep apnea is only the beginning. It is disheartening in that you've basically been told you have a life threatening handicap. But on the other hand... it is such a blessing that there is something that can be done to help!

My husband uses one (after me telling him for years he had a problem), once diagnosed he sleeps and loves that he is full of energy and can really tell the difference. When we vacation he takes it along it helps so much.

It takes a few days to get used to it but is sooo worth it.

Oh, and I forgot! I medicated expensively for years for acid reflux which disappeared after CPAP. Same for my son.

I just got CPAP yesterday. I feel like a new person after one night. Just have to get used to it a little. I was so tired ALL the time and my BF said that I snored like a freight train whether on my back or side.
As far as the sense of humor, I told my BF that Halloween was coming. So I make those "breathing noises" like in the horror movies.
Hopefully now, I will have more energy to get things done after work. Good luck, it will help!!! :thumbup: :D 8-)

I really notice if I don't have mine to use. Tip for airline security, unzip the carrying case and lay it out flat for the xray and they told me that will save a lot of time. (and it does) Give it a try and I think you will be glad you did. I snored on my side and with my mouth closed, so machine really helps that.

My step-father uses one and loves it. I can see what a difference it has made in his life.

I agree with the others, if they say you need one, GET IT! It won't take long before you realize just how helpful it is.

I have had one for about 3 years - when I use it, I don't snore, feel more rested and don't get up during the night to use the bathroom. This last year I am just too lazy to set it up altho I really need to. My sister used it for one night and was ...claustraphobic...(I have NO idea how to spell that), so she took it back and continues to snore and stop her breathing at night. ---be determined--it WILL help you.

I use one. Recently I thought I could do without it and woke up with a terrible headache. They say that is from not enough oxygen during the night. I could not use the plastic masks, (tried several), but they have a cloth one that only covers your nose, and I can sleep with it. I have had trouble sleeping for years, but now sleep much better. It will take awhile to get used to it, don't give up!
Alicia

hahahaha!

Listen to your doctor...

My oxygon levels go so low when I sleep that it is critical that I use my machine. The first time I had a surgery even with oxygon, my levels were 76 when I went to sleep--not a good sign. The nurse kept waking me up and I told her to leave me alone, so she told the doctor I needed to go immediately for a sleep study. During my sleep study my numbers were in the upper 50's--very dangerous. If I fall asleep even for a short nap without my machine, I will have the headache that is miserable, so I am very careful. I never seem to be normal with most things, and my Apnea is different also. I am in REM sleep all but about a half hour each night.

I had no problem adjusting to my machine at all, but they told me I could die at any time without it. That kind of makes it easier to use.

THEY ARE THE MOST WONDERFUL PIECES OF EQUIPTMENT EVER! My husband took a month and half to get use to it at age 46. Once he did, he actually got a good night's rest, feels better, wakes up on his own and has great days whether he is working or playing. We are so happy to give up a litle snuggling (snuggle first and sleep later :) We have a king size bed and always try to get them when we are traveling. The cats and dogs don't mind it so we are all happier. I get a good night's sleep because I am not constantly pushing him all night to make him breathe!!! We don't go anywhere without it!! Even Spain, cruises and even around the state :) Try it :)

Good luck with it. I guess I'm next. I'm suppose to go have the test but I broke my leg 2 weeks before my appt. That was February. I still need to get another appt. I've chickened out a few times now. :shock:

I was ready to chicken out and am/ was strongly against the thing but after reading these comments, I am more able to make the adjustment when the time comes.

Please do give it a try - it could make a big difference to how you feel.

I recently read that it takes about 4 -5 weeks to get use to it, so be patient. The device will help you not only sleep better, but lose weight and add a general overall better health.

I wish it would make me lose weight.

It depends on the person if you have to get used to it. I didn't, and it might have something to do with attitude or maybe even the severity of your sleep apnea. My diagnosis is Critical Sleep Apnea, so it is pretty severe.

I have to agree with all the comments here in favor of the CPAP. My DH was a bear to live with because he was tired all the time. He knew he had sleep apnea but refused to get help for it. I finally demanded he go...or else!! Since he started using it and really getting sound sleep, his mood is much better, and our marriage is much happier!! The machine is very very quiet...I don't hear it at all.

My DH adapted to it much faster than that...probably by end of Week 1 he was fine.

I was diagnosed as a child and I was to try the machine but couldnt handle it because I am so clusterfobic I would go into a huge panic. I am now 24 and still do nothing for it.

My dad also has sleep Apnea, he had his adnoids removed and so did his brother but that did nothing for them. It freaks us out to sit next to my dad on the coach and listen to him snore and stop breathing.

They thought surgery may help me so the can make my throat wider because it is not the average size. Never did have the surgery. Every once in awhile DH checks me to see if I am alive because I stop breathing lots.

My brother has been working in sleep research for over 15 years, starting out at one of the top medical schools in the country and is now employed by one of the manufacturers of the portable CPAP machines. There are many studies being done to find the relationships of sleep and different diseases. Treating sleep apnea is a very good thing to do for your overall health.

Lose weight??? Not HERE!

I bet you would be surprised to learn just how many people are affected with sleep apnea...it is very common and many people have it but have not been diagnosed. My eldest son (42) has been wearing a CPAP for several years....myself...it will be a year in November. There are no disadvantages; if you have been diagnosed you should wear one. Just be patient as it takes everyone a different amount of time (days/weeks) to get used to wearing one. But once you get used to it...you will WANT to wear it every night. Good luck and sleep well!

I have had one for 6 yrs...what everyone says is true. I had no problem adjusting to it and am a MUCH better person since I got it! I had to learn how to sleep and get the hose so it didn't bother me at night -- I tuck mine it between the headboard and the mattress.

do you camp??? We have a travel trailer --- my DH rigged up a plug (cigarette lighter style) for it (we camp withOUT electricity), bought an inverter that they make special for them $65.00 6 yrs ago, and put an extra battery in the camp trailer. We've gone 3 nights without needing to run the generator to pump up the batteries again.

One thing that really burns me is that the medical equipment providers won't provide ANYTHING without you having a prescription. We got clear down into California when I discovered one little plastic part that cost all of $8.00 was missing (had washed everything and left it on the counter). Even though I said I'd pay and to not send it to the insurance company they couldn't provide it. SO -- get a prescription from your doctor for those "just in case" times......

I have the kind with "nasal pillows"......there is NOTHING in this world funnier than being almost asleep and SNEEZING!!!! DH said it was like I blew a head gasket!!! ROL!

I have one that is battery operated so when we camp without electricity I can go for 3 days (got a prescription for it from the doc) when I needed a new machine..with Medicare you're entitled to a new machine every 5 yrs, which was nice as when they tested my old machine it wasn't putting out the proper level!

If you use the search feature there are lots of threads about cpap on here and it will give you more support...I had an awful time getting used to mine. I would use it only a little and it bothered me, my doc said to use it as much as possible so I always at least try it every night and also use the ramp feature..it starts off lower so you can get to sleep and then in about 20 to 40 mins it gets stronger

My husband is like you - they estimated him at 45 minutes of sleep in an 8-hour period. His was so bad that he fell asleep immediately the first time they put the test CPAP on him -- and stayed asleep all night!

I have to add here that I never slept either before he started using the CPAP. It turned out that I was holding my breath in my sleep and if I ran out of air before he snored again I'd wake up, and wake him up. This was a Very Bad Time.

Also, my husband now sleeps with pillows and a blanket over his head and uses his CPAP like a scuba mask. Sometimes it's hard to tell if he's even in there.

Next, if someone passes gas in the night you won't smell it anymore, so you can use that to torture your loved ones.

On the other hand, if you or someone else passes gas too close to the machine's air intake... :twisted:

As a corollary to that last point, take care where you put the dog's bed.

I always use this feature with my machine. It isn't as much of an issue for people who have machines set to lower pressure, but mine is soooooo high that I never try to go to sleep with it on full power.

Having sleep apnea is very, very hard on your heart. When you stop breathing, your body goes into alarm mode, fires off a truckload of adrenalin and shoots your heart rate up. Your body wakes up enough to start breathing again, but now there's all those stress hormones floating around inside you. It is NOT good for your heart to be stressed like that all night long. Think about a time when you had a close call - barely avoided an accident, or maybe heard a noise outside your house and thought it might be a bad guy? Remember how your body reacted? It's doing that ALL NIGHT LONG with sleep apnea.

If you happen to be of the few people with sleep apnea that doesn't have the stress response, then you are risking brain damage and even death from lack of oxygen.

I strongly urge you to have a sleep study done. There are LOTS of options for machines and gear these days, it should not be difficult to find one that is comfortable for you. My husband has one, my mom has one, my brother-in-law has one. I find the quiet white noise it makes much more reassuring than the loud snores, then sudden deafening silence when my husband stops breathing.

ROLMAO!!! Yip - I can vouch for that!!!!!!!!

In order to help you get used to it (if you have trouble with that) try using it while you are watching a tv show. That way you are a little distracted and can maybe ease into using the CPAP. Also, some people just cannot use the full face mask, and some just cannot use the nasal pillows. Its a personal preference thing. If you find one isn't working for you, be sure to ask for a different kind. I believe there are quite a few different masks and pillow options out there. If you can get used to using the CPAP I think you will begin to feel so much better!! Good luck!

And now, for something completely different - My genteel, lady-like manner will not allow me to use the words I'd like to use to express my opinion of the c-pap. I got far less sleep than I had before the trial, the morning headaches were severe, I became zombie-like with a flat affect. I was a crank, and my husbands' professional opinion, (medical profession)was that I was bordering on suicidal. I need a full face mask because I am a mouth breather. I know that I have a deviated nasal septum, which is most likely a big part of my problem. However, Medicare won't allow the ENT docs to examine me until I go through all of this c-pap rig-a-ma-role.

Many of my c-pap friends are amazed to hear my stories because they absolutely love the way their machines work, and the way they feel. It just didn't work for me. Hope you have better results.