Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

My Sleep Apnea Cured!



Recommended Posts

I can feel you're pain. I also wear a CPAP. I have been using it diligently since December. This is my third try with it. Two times before I gave it back. Now I can't sleep without it. You have to get a mask that works for you. There are literally hundreds on the market each with small differences. They even have special pillows for people who are belly and side sleepers. I like you couldn't handle it at first but found that if I used Carmex lip balm on my lips before I went to sleep it kept me from gettinb too dried out at night. It actually worked, after about 3 days I noticed i woke up at 6:00am (my usual wake up time) and it was still on.

Oh, and don't keep it too tight a small leak is acceptable.

If you would like to PM me I can give you more info, I'm a Respiratory therapist and work for a sleep center so I may be able to give you more tips based on what you are experiencing.

Hope this helps and just keep trying.It'll get better and the benefits are worth it. :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It really does get better, and it's SO important to get a mask that fits you, doesn't leak, and (perhaps most importantly) works with your preferred sleep position. I'm a back sleeper, so the last one doesn't affect me much, but folks who sleep on their stomachs or sides may have to shop around a little.

Don't give up -- once you get the CPAP working properly, it's a miracle, truly. You won't BELIEVE how differently you feel.

Of course, at this point, I'm hoping to kick the CPAP entirely, but even if that doesn't happen, I wouldn't trade it for anything. A good night's sleep is priceless.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have been using a CPAP machine for 15 years - it has been a life saver and I do not know how I would have gotten by without it.

I can only reiterate the advice of others in this thread - the key is finding a mask that works for you - like an earlier poster I use a gel mask that just covers my nose. For a short time, due to damage to my palate, I had to use one covering my nose and mouth and found that more cumbersome. But your medical support should be able to get one that fits and works for you - there is so much variety these days and the masks are so much more comfortable and do much less damage to skin (in the early days I was warned about something charmingly called "toilet seat face" where the pressure from the mask would make a permanent red indentation around your nose - remarkably similar in appearance to a toilet seat!) that they have no excuse for not looking after you well.

That said, I wish I had not had sleep apnoea - many missed opportunities to go camping and sleep rough etc - and will be interested to see whether the VSG and (hopefully) subsequent weight loss will cure a long time CPAP user like me.

Best wishes

Bob, Canberra, Australia

weight.png

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hey, Maddie. Hope you are doing better with your CPAP. I finally had 3 nights in a row without taking off the mask in the middle of the night. It's been about 3 1/2 weeks for me now and I think I'm finally getting used to it. I was haven't serious doubts at first that I would get used to the CPAP, but finally, I think it's gonna be OK.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Terri, 3 nights in a row sounds TERRIFIC! I'm still working at it. Thanks again to everyone for suggestions and encouragement, it really helps.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Maddie, I started using a C-PAP just over one year ago. My doctor prescribed a mild sedative for me to use when I first started using it to make the transition a little easier. I was miserable the first week or so but finally was able to get use to it. Now I really notice a difference in my energy level if a skip a night. It has really helped me feel much more rested.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LadyVeteran1

      Sleeve surgery is on April 14th.  I am counting the days!!  Can't wait!
      · 2 replies
      1. Brookie2shoes

        Me too girl!! Are you in the full liquid diet right now? It’s sooooo hard!

      2. LadyVeteran1

        Not yet. I was told I only have to do 24 hours of a liquid diet. But I have my pre-op tomorrow so I’m going to confirm if I need to do longer.

    • buildabetteranna

      Down 33 lbs and slightly stalled, but I'm gonna reevaluate and push through. I started back to work last week after 2 years of being disabled due to mental health as well as my weight. It's a great job and I'm just so happy to have this opportunity at a second chance at life. Hope everyone is having their best journey ❤️ Together, we got this!
      · 2 replies
      1. DaisyChainOz

        Great work Anna! Keep it up 😁

      2. buildabetteranna

        Thank you ❤️

    • Bashbee91

      Hey guys new to the process looking forward to this new life. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Bugg

      Hi everyone! I’m brand new here. I just went through all my pre-op requirements per my insurance company and now everything has been submitted and I’m just waiting for final approval and my surgery date. I’ve been doing research, watching YouTube videos, TikTok’s, ect.. trying to prepare my mind and what to expect so I’ll be ready for the surgery. I was so sure and so set and so ready and excited. However, now that I’ve done everything & it’s almost here, I am sooooooo scared! I know why I want it bc I’ve tried everything and I just don’t feel like I can lose weight by myself. I’m tired of being overweight my entire life. I’m miserable, but I keep psyching myself out afraid of GERD bc I know how that can be and I don’t want to have to get a bypass after already gaining the courage to even get VSG. I’m scared of complications like I’mgoing to regret doing it and be depressed that I didn’t just be more disciplined and try again to lose the weight on my own even sitting here typing this knowing in my mind i just can’t and don’t possess the discipline. I’m also afraid I won’t be able to handle the restrictions of the sleeve. What do I eat? I don’t know how to eat healthy really and don’t enjoy healthy food. I don’t know how to do this! I feel so defeated!Someone tell me they felt anything similar to this or am I not ready? I thought I was. I am so tired of being sick and tired and so tired of myself and so tired of being stuck and stuck in this body and somebody different on the outside from what I feel inside. I just want to ball up and cry.
      · 1 reply
      1. stevieoriole

        Am feeling this right now. My surgery date is 4/1. Sign the consent tomorrow. I feel like I overloaded myself with too much info, too many opinions. Got to the point where I was wondering if I should do this. Then I thought of my reasons for taking this step and that settled my nerves. Still get moments of doubt but am striving forward. Am just going to follow my book from the surgeon. Joined this because I was told by my dietician that I should do this for support

    • buildabetteranna

      over 20 lbs down since4 the pre surgery diet and surgery on the 14th
      · 1 reply
      1. Selina333

        Yay!! Congrats. I know how good that feels. 🤩

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×