sleep apnea?

[BrantS1976 243]

I actually got the sleep studies done before I decided on surgery because I was never sleeping well. I only slept for 3-4 hours the night of my first study, so they had me come back to test with the CPAP (when my husband was able to get the one night split study). I didn't sleep well either time. The only reason I slept more and somewhat better the second time is because I took three Elavil. It's so uncomfortable! I have apnea, but apparently it's very mild and the sleep doc thinks weight loss should completely resolve it. However, I just CANNOT adjust to the CPAP. I've tried and it's the most miserable sleeping time that I have. I always wake up and yank it off and gulp in air. I feel so claustrophobic with it on. My pressure was 14, so I was told I couldn't use the nasal pillows and breathing out feels so difficult. I ended up going back to the sleep doctor and he set me up to auto titrate for five nights. Problem is, I'm having trouble wearing the thing for those five nights. I wore it for 4.5 hours the other night and was miserable. I know I need to complete the other four nights to see if the pressure changes, but it's so hard because I feel awful the next day - much worse than when I don't use it. At this point, I dread going to sleep when I plan on using it. Biggest issue for me is that the surgeon I decided on REQUIRES a letter of compliance. At this point, I can't be compliant because I can't wear it. I don't know what to do. I can't not get surgery because of that stupid thing when surgery would likely cure the issue, but I just don't know if I can wear it! Anybody else having this issue? Guess another question... anyone know of doctors near Alabama that DON'T require compliance?

That is exactly how I feel. Exactly. I try every night to wear it and can't. As for a letter of compliance, they haven't asked for one yet and if they do they aren't getting it. I sleep worse with it. Mines also on 14. I can't do it. It smothers me and I gasp and gulp air in when I finally rip it off.

I was never asked for a compliance letter, although i fully comply as I don't sleep well without it. For those that do need compliance letters, I believe it is a matter of them reading the data off your memory card. Theoretically if you found a friend who had the same machine and slipped them your card for awhile you could get the necessary data for compliance. Just a thought...

[BethinPA 305]

I have had sleep apnea for years, and I remember how hard it was to adjust to wearing a mask at first. I too would wear it for several hours and then rip it off in the middle of the night in order to be able to get some sleep. Part of my problem was the simple issue of adjusting, and part was that I wasn't wearing the right mask for me at first. Please be sure and speak up, and try different types of masks in order to find the one that works best for you. I persevered and kept using the machine because I was so afraid of the health issues related to untreated sleep apnea. Eventually it became a habit, and now I would say that I am habituated to the thing!

I have lost over 100 pounds, and it took that big loss for me to finally lose the sleep apnea as well. I recently had a home study (apparently insurance companies don't want to pay for studies in the sleep lab anymore) that showed I no longer have it. The scary thing is, I'm still using my CPAP, because I'm so used to wearing it to sleep! When I don't use it, the room feels so quiet, and I can't relax. I have to get over that.

So for those who are hesitating to get a sleep study done because it is a night from hell, look into getting a home study done instead - its a much nicer experience!

[BWaltD 87]

Haven't tried a cannula. I'll call and see if it will be something I can try. Thanks

ask your home care company about nasal pillows.

[carstanger 346]

I still have sleep apnea according to the at home test even though I lost over 109 pounds!????

[BWaltD 87]

It may be anatomical. There are several reasons for OSA.