Sleep apnoea

[Jan 0]

Hi all

This is my first post! I am pre-op and have been diagnosed with this disorder. I am 29 years old.

Any of you have/had it? And the effects it had? How long did you have to get treatment for?

I have been sleeping with the CPAP machine for a week now, but it makes terrible marks on my ace around my nose. That area is so sore now! Red and a bit inflamed (seems like those zits under the skin, the red swollenness).

I've always had a very sensitive skin and this doesn't surprise me, although it frustrates me immensely. As I don't know what to do a about it. I have to sleep with it for six weeks before I am allowed surgery!

Any tips and advice? Do you sleep better now?

[lmcgloon 127]

I think I've had sleep apnea for years, but I wasn't formally diagnosed until I had to do the sleep study pre-op. I used the cpap machine for about 3 days and then I found I was sleeping worse with that than I was with apnea (for the record I apparently had "mild" sleep apnea so I don't know if that makes a difference). My Dr. tried to tell me to give it some time and I would see results, but I thought it was uncomfortable. I brought it with my to surgery (my doc required it) and haven't used it since.

I have noticed a difference in my sleep. I always slept on my stomach and now I find that I prefer sleeping on my back. Plus, I feel better in the mornings, and rarely get that groggy afternoon tired feeling like I used to preop. I'm down a little over 40lbs, and 10 weeks postop

[vachick64 32]

I think I've had sleep apnea for years' date=' but I wasn't formally diagnosed until I had to do the sleep study pre-op. I used the cpap machine for about 3 days and then I found I was sleeping worse with that than I was with apnea (for the record I apparently had "mild" sleep apnea so I don't know if that makes a difference). My Dr. tried to tell me to give it some time and I would see results, but I thought it was uncomfortable. I brought it with my to surgery (my doc required it) and haven't used it since.

I have noticed a difference in my sleep. I always slept on my stomach and now I find that I prefer sleeping on my back. Plus, I feel better in the mornings, and rarely get that groggy afternoon tired feeling like I used to preop. I'm down a little over 40lbs, and 10 weeks postop[/quote']

So I'm confused are you or are you not using the machine still?

Sent from my iPad using RNYTalk / surgery date March 5, 2013

[mitzie46 116]

I have severe sleep apnea and have used a c-pap for over 2 years. I had problems initially and the medical supply company gave me a gel strip that went under the mask on my nose. It was really helpful. I no longer need to use it. I hope it gets better for you. I never sleep without my machine. It makes a huge difference for me. You also need to make sure your face is clean and dry before you put your mask on. There are also nasal pillows to try if the mask doesn't work for you.

[lmcgloon 127]

So I'm confused are you or are you not using the machine still?

Sent from my iPad using RNYTalk / surgery date March 5, 2013

I'm not using the machine. I used it for about 3 days when I was pre-op, the day of my surgery, and not once since. I found it uncomfortable

[francesmcg 11]

I'm a Respiratory Therapist and I can tell you that sleep apnea has a significant effect on your heart. You decrease the oxygen supply to your brain when you stop breathing during the night. Once you get near your goal you can have another sleep study and get rid if the cpap machine. This is about improving your health and is important. Sleep apnea is nothing to be lax about. Trust me in this one

[francesmcg 11]

Anyone who tells you don't worry about is has NO medical knowledge and does not understand the side effects of sleep apnea. It takes awhile to get used to the machine but your heart and lungs will thank you. How do I know, well I still have sleep apnea after 90lb weight loss (30 more to go) and I still wear my cpap machine.

[Jerrie Ann 57]

My mother has sleep apnea. It was partially found because she has A-Fib. She sleeps with a cpap. That machine & mask, while uncomfortable, really does help her. I'm grateful she uses it.

my superpower is......

[Apryl Jones 5]

Hello. I am new to this site. I had my surgery over a year ago. I also had sleep apnea. I remember my mask doing the same for me. The provider of my machine had creams to help with the skin sensitivity, you can try to look online. I started washing my face and using an oil free moisturizer before I put the mask on. That helped my skin be less irritated, but I was never able to get rid of the marks on my face. Turned out, I had the mask too tight and I had to get another one because it didn't work for my skin.

I did sleep better with the machine and felt better. I had to "learn" how to deal with something on my face, it took me a few weeks. I am happy to report that I was able to return my machine 5 months ago. I was retested and no longer have apnea (I thank the surgery for that). I hope the same thing for you.