Sleep apnea

[likemeagain 5]

Who was diagnosed with sleep apnea in this process and can you tell if the cpap makes a difference?

[bosslady46 51]

Who was diagnosed with sleep apnea in this process and can you tell if the cpap makes a difference?

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea during this process. I've had my cpap for about two weeks and it has been the best sleep I've had in years. Definitely noticed a difference as I am not dozing and fighting to stay awake while driving to work!

[JanaAZ 16]

I've had mine for 3 months. I have been unable to use it most nights. I feel like I'm living in Darth Vador's world with that awful breathing noise he makes. The few times I've been able to use it for the night I didn't notice ant difference in the morning. Seems like it works for most people but I haven't had success with it.

[rhonda2006 64]

Hi, I had sleep apnea for years. The only mask I could tolerate was the full face shield. When I could keep it on it was wonderful. It kept me from falling asleep all the time. I could not wear mine all night though. I had a restrictive lung problem also and had trouble breathing so the mask was off and on. But it's a lifesaver

[inittothinit 145]

I was diagnosed about 2 years ago. The machine makes a world of difference. Put it this way.......imagine that you have a sleep reservoir...... Well with apnea, you are always empty.....bone dry so to speak. That's why I am guessing you take lots of naps and are constantly tired, especially late afternoon..... The mask allows you to get a good nights sleep and that helps you fill the sleep reservoir back up. I try to wear it several nights in a row and then If I do miss a night of wearing the mask, my reservoir is topped off and I'm still fine the next day. I am always lucky enough to have a sleep script which makes the mask tolerable when I do wear it but I'd guess that OTC meds can help you sleep as you get used to the mask. Stick with it and make an effort to get use to the mask. You will notice a huge difference in your alertness and how you generally feel during the day.

Who was diagnosed with sleep apnea in this process and can you tell if the cpap makes a difference?

Edited February 18, 2014 by inittothinit

[scarlet333 386]

I was also diagnosed with sleep apnea during this process. I tried using the machine for about 2 weeks but could never make it through the night with the mask and then gave up. Stopped using it altogether. Since I am almost at goal I am hopeful that I no longer have sleep apnea but can't bring myself to go for the sleep study again.

[Lori228 60]

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea before I had surgery, in fact, it was my pulmonologist that suggested I check into surgery so he was instrumental in me checking into and eventually getting my surgery. I originally had the face mask and the second go around I got just the nasal pillows and they work well for me now and I don't feel so covered up. There is the noise but I love getting a good night's sleep. Makes a big difference really sleeping.

[sassypants 674]

I was diagnosed with it 8 months before because I kept falling asleep like people talking to me and I would fall asleep, be working at the computer and wake up when I dropped the mouse, and I would find myself sitting up a lot in my sleep falling asleep sitting up waking up again it was so random so they tested me and yep I had it.

So for 6 months I had the dearth Vader mask it’s a massive difference honestly but not very comfortable if I am honest.

Had the op didn’t use it in the hospital so when I come home I thought just let me heal I will be fine within a month I was totally fine no odd sound no stopping breathing no scaring the sh*t out of my family with the sounds I made when sleeping.< /p>

Once the weight had gone down off my neck and boobs I was fine and no longer needed it.

I gained weight on my face and neck last and my boobs had got really big that’s when I got it too much weight on my neck.

Cpap helps you rest and get the much needed sleep you require the op can eliminate the need for one if it was due to weight.

[likemeagain 5]

Thank you for the responses. I should get my machine later this week so was hoping I see results. I never fall asleep during the day, but feel tired, hard to focus, ect. I hope I get positive results.

[pharmd08 18]

I don't have sleep apnea, but my husband does. His CPAP machine makes an incredible difference. He says he has never slept that well in his life. We went out of town one weekend and he accidentally left the cord at home. He felt horrible the whole weekend. He uses the full face "dark vadar" type mask. He might not have been too keen to use it in the beginning if I hadn't pestered him so much about it, but it has been wonderful since he got used to it. And I sleep much better now too.

[BlondeBanshee 91]

I have been using my cpap for 8 or 9 years. I now use the nose pad instead of the full face. Both work, I have just stuck with this under the nose thing. I can not breathe thru my nose without it!

I don't think I ever want to go without! I have cpap addiction!

[Melodica 64]

I was diagnosed with mild apnea back in October. I got a machine and an over the nose mask and I can't stand it. I've tried and felt worse in the morning every time I've used it. I even went back and got a different pressure and different masks and nothing has helped.

A few of the other doctors required a letter of compliance (which means wearing it at least 4 hours for 70% of the time). Thankfully the doctor I'm using for my surgery now does not require compliance, just that I bring the machine with me to use in the hospital. I can deal with it for a couple of days.

I've heard that some people love it and adapt quickly. I'm the exact opposite. Hopefully you'll be able to get used to it and have improved sleep!

[katesuccess 990]

I was diagnosed when I went in looking for help with fatigue and daily headaches, and then fitted with a mask. They also set me up with an APAP ("A" for automoatic instead of "C" for Constant) and I'm told it's much better than the older CPAPs. The main thing is the mask though --the fit and style you get makes a HUGE difference! It has to be what works for your face and sleep position. I use one called a Wisp mask, and it's small, light and easy to sleep with. It also stays on and makes the machine seem nearly silent to me. I tried on the bulkier one and thought I'd go nuts, (heavy, forehead piece felt awful) and then the pillow type which just didn't feel secure, and i hated the blowing affect in my nose. There's others too, but those are the three I tried. Anyway, wihtin two weeks I was waking up headache free! Another week after that my energy started returning to normal. My husband (saint that he is) has put up with my snoring for thirty years now, and cannot believe it's really over. I will say it takes a while to adjust though, so wear it for fifteen or twenty minutes before you go to sleep, and forgive yourself for pulling it off midway through the night a few times--just put it back on when you realize it's off. I also had to talk myself through that patience of having it on my face - weird feeling, weird sound, ugly looking, all that. But once I was patient and concentrated on breathing calmly and what it could do for me, it was great. I even travel with it, and airlines are wonderful. Good luck - and sleep well!