Sleep Apnea? :/

[Djmohr 6,965]

It does take a little practice before you get used to it. You might also find that trying different style masks will work better for you.

My hubby and I found one that just goes over your nose. It seals better and is super comfortable. It is not the nose cannula one but it fits over just your nose. Once I got the mask right I got so used to it that I couldn't sleep without it, it became comforting.

It now took me a while to get used to sleeping without it.

[tappingmom 85]

When you go in for your fitting you will get try on different types of masks to find the one that will work best for you. The standard one they use in the sleep center is likely not the best model. I have a small silicone mask that goes over my nose and it's surprisingly comfortable.

As for the study, 5 hours of sleep is actually not too bad! They are looking for an improvement in the quality of your sleep for a full sleep cycle and they were likely able to get that in 5 hours.

Having sleep apnea actually improves your likelihood of getting approved for surgery. It just may delay the approval a bit while you adjust to using the CPAP and show you are compliant in using it. I needed to wear mine for at least 6 hrs per night for 30 days before they would sign off and submit to insurance. I had no problems with meeting that requirement, I was actually getting some quality sleep for the first time in years!

[Pinkgirl1234 761]

I just got my clap and it is wonderful it has a humidifier !!!!

Cpap

[BlueBongo 52]

I'm hoping I won't run into this issue. I had a sleep study last year, but my sleep apnea is mild (6 episodes per hour) and I actually feel like my sleep has improved. I guess I will find out... still waiting to here back from my patient advocate, but this Holiday stuff is in the way, lol. Likely next week... I wonder if I will have to do another sleep study. :x

[wlscanise 3]

I stopped breathing 7 times per hours. I have my CPAP machine now and I just need to get use to it lol

[allenjf 16]

I've had a CPAP for 15 years (I can't believe that as I look at it!). Once you get used to it, you'll wonder why you didn't have the sleep study years ago.

I stop breathing 66 times an hour, so pretty much I don't get sleep if I don't use it.

Most people who have apnea don't realize it. It's a very dangerous condition, because you're only sleeping for a couple of hours a night, and you've quite frankly forgotten what a good night of sleep feels like. I distinctly remember them coming into the room and putting a CPAP on my for my last two hours of sleep. I slept so well I didn't want to get out of bed!

I recommend, if insurance will cover it, to get an auto-titrating machine . It automatically adjusts your pressure as you sleep. Since you will be losing a large amount of your weight, it will save you on having to go in and get your machine adjusted.

On a humorous note, my wife calls it "our little marriage saver" since quite frankly my snoring peels paint without it.

[Pinkgirl1234 761]

I just got mine last week...very happy..should have had that sleep study done definitely a few years back!!!

[wlscanise 3]

Lol Allenjf. I have the auto adjust CPAP. It's hard but I'm trying. Last night I notice I did get some great sleep but the night before it was great also but I woke up the mask part was on the floor. I was well rested lol. I'm still trying to figure out how it came off.

[RNYDawn 160]

I have my sleep study this Saturday! I'm looking forward to the results. I have always woke up many times in the night but always attributed it to having to use the bathroom. I'm ready to find out for sure! (And my bariatric coordinator is kind of hoping I have it to make approval easier...)

[caines530 14]

I was very disappointed when I went in for my sleep study results. Not so much that I had mild sleep apnea because I knew it would count as a comorbidity, but because I found out I have to do ANOTHER sleep study and that I couldn't get clearance for surgery right away like I thought. I have come to terms with it a little more and just ready to get this last thing over with so I can get a surgery date finally.

[wlscanise 3]

Yes I'm also so ready to get my surgery date.

[allenjf 16]

You took it off in your sleep I woke up a few times when I dropped it on the floor, and one time I woke up with it in my hand.

It's definitely hard... I'm not looking forward to my next mask because they're starting to not make the one I have. And if this one doesn't ever feel right, make your technician try a different one.

You'll get used to it. Just make sure you order the supplies regularly... I waited too long on my last mask and I didn't realize how bad it had gotten.

Lol Allenjf. I have the auto adjust CPAP. It's hard but I'm trying. Last night I notice I did get some great sleep but the night before it was great also but I woke up the mask part was on the floor. I was well rested lol. I'm still trying to figure out how it came off.

[talkingmountain 83]

I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea about 15 years ago (stopped breathing 57 times a minute). At the time I only weighed about 215 lbs and the sleep technologist said I "had the breathing problems of a 500-lb man."

It took several extremely frustrating months to find a mask that I would wear through the night (apparently I'd rip them off in my sleep) and get used to it. I was in tears of frustration, anger, & exhaustion numerous occasions. If it weren't for my incredibly helpful respiratory therapist -- who gave me mask after mask after mask to try -- I probably would have given up.

But once I did, there was no going back! Once you know what it is like to really sleep, you will be amazed at how you have managed to function without true sleep all this time.

Hopefully your transition to wearing a cpap will happen without any frustrations. But if you do run into any roadblocks, Please DONT GIVE UP! Once you experience regular sleep. You will be so glad you stuck with it!

[Pinkgirl1234 761]

I have had this machine for a week and I must say I like it...

[RNYDawn 160]

I was very disappointed when I went in for my sleep study results. Not so much that I had mild sleep apnea because I knew it would count as a comorbidity, but because I found out I have to do ANOTHER sleep study and that I couldn't get clearance for surgery right away like I thought. I have come to terms with it a little more and just ready to get this last thing over with so I can get a surgery date finally.

Oh man, that must be so frustrating! It will be worth it and your surgery will be here before you know it! When are you anticipating your surgery? Mine probably won't be until early February. <3