Cpap for two please

[walkin jack]

Well, it's official. Apparently Pam and I both will be getting the cpap set up. We had our sleep study done last night and we are both recommended for it. The sleep center is working out the details with the insurance company.

Last night was interesting if not fun. About a squillion wires hooked up to out heads, faces, necks, chests and legs. Two belts around us one at chest high and one at waist high and an oxygen monitor on the left index finger. I never knew that sleep could be such and adventure. They put us in separate rooms with a common bathroom. Good bed and pillows but just too dang many wires. They kept calling me on the bedside monitor and telling me to get on my back or blink my eyes 5 times and so on. Woke us up at 0530 and kicked us out. No breakfast... not even a cup of coffee.

We'll go back in for the fitting and orientation with the machinery. I'm counting the moments.

Some of y'all that have experience with Cpap (what DOES that stand for exactly) stuff have account of how it goes. Hard or easy to get used to. Does it really help and if so in what ways are you better off from using it.

Thanks for any info or comments.

[Florida Guy]

I don't envy you needing a cpap machine.
I've had one for around 2 years now, and yes, it does take some getting used to.
There are different types of masks available. I was finally comfortable with my third one, a nose mask.
They have 1). mask that covers entire nose and mouth, 2). nose mask with "pillows" which go into each nostril, and 3). just the nose mask, which is what I use after trying the other 2.
If you are old enough, Medicare covers entire cost. Mine came with a humidifier built-in. I don't know if they all come with them, but even with it, my mouth gets quite dry.
You also have to maintain these (clean them) so no bacteria grow inside the tube or mask. I still can't sleep through the night, but at least I don't get that weird feeling in my heart any longer. The place that supplies your equipment will adjust air pressure on the machine. Some people need a strong stream of air, some less. My machine is made by Res Med which is a popular brand. There is all the information you will ever need online... Google is your friend.
Good luck to you both.

[oneounceload]

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

I can't get to sleep without it anymore, and I have zero issues falling asleep because of it. Used to toss and turn for 1-2 hours when going to bed. Now, don't do that at all and get a better night's sleep - still not a full 8 hours, but 6 is better than 3. More rested, no snoring, more deep sleep. Basically two types of masks - one for only your nose, one for your nose and mouth. That will depend on what you prefer and how you breathe when you sleep. I opted for full mask. Amazing how much air pressure there is if you lift the mask slightly off your face, yet you feel nothing when it is positioned properly. Depending on your environment, and how much humidity you want (prevents dry chapped lips, etc.), you'll need to use distilled water too.

[walkinghorse]

Using CPAP therapy can be/is lifesaving. It can also be a aggravating process. Masks vary as noted and each individual has to find the one that suits them, which in itself is often not easy. In my case the mask that works can vary. Started with full face mask, and increasing claustrophobia soon ended that. Now it varies between a nasal mask and the nose pillows, with the nose pillows getting about 80-85% use. Using both of these requires me to use a head band which assists in keeping my mouth closed at night. Finding a head band for this that works for you is a process itself. I have also found that some nights I cannot use the CPAP and some nights it is not as effective as other nights, but your results may vary! Having a good doctor, and a good medical supply representative is the key. Hoping both you and your wife have an easy process!

[DWalt]

It takes some getting used to. I am now in my 8th year of using a CPAP. I now have no difficulty at all in using the mask which covers both the nose and mouth, but I did at first. I guess I am not very claustrophobic. The mask and hose should be cleaned occasionally, I just put the mask components in the dishwasher every week and flush the air hose with water. Under Medicare, you are usually allowed new mask components every three months and new masks and hoses every six months. I don't order them that frequently as they will last a lot longer than that, at least double. All I do is call the supplier when I need something and it is sent. The supplier takes care of billing Medicare. You will build up an inventory of used hoses and masks that are still good. I estimate I have at least six still-good mask and hose sets in my closet I will likely never use, and I probably should throw most of them away. You are allowed a new CPAP machine every five years. I keep my old original CPAP machine around in case my newer one goes out on me and needs repair. Keep a supply of distilled water (from the supermarket). You need to fill the humidifier reservoir every night, mine takes about a cupful. Tap water will work, but will scale up the heated reservoir.

I am now using a new mask design as of about a month ago, but I am not sure I like it any better than the old design I have previously used. But the face support straps are a little better and the new straps are heavier and will probably not lose their elasticity as quickly. That has been a problem in the past - the elastic straps losing their elasticity.

One thing to consider is that if you travel much, you will be doomed to carry your CPAP around with you. And that can be a pain.

[mcoe74]

Agree with others, using a CPAP is a life saver and will take a little time to adjust to using it. I've used a CPAP for about 14 years and I prefer using the nasal pillow mask. For me, it changed my quality of life for the better.

The most difficult adjustment is ensuring that you keep the hoses, mask, and humidifier tank clean. For cleaning, I use warm water, Dawn blue liquid dish soap, and White Vinegar. I try to replace the hoses, mask, humidifier tank, and air filter at recommended intervals.

[Coldshooter]

I had my older unit replaced with a new Philips. About $5000.00 but Blue Cross picked up 100%. When it was first in use the Doctor had a cell phone module hooked to it and could fine tune it after viewing results. That part was removed after 90 days. It is quiet and small. Like stated see the inhalation therapists for a good mask fit.

[dougb1946]

You may get some interesting dreams for a while. I had one that involved a python snake attached to my face. Amazing how far that mask can fly when you don't care about the straps.

[Mainsail]

I think there really are people that need these, but for many I think it's a scam. I never heard of these five years ago, now practically everyone is using them.

Of the couple dozen co-workers only three of us do not use one, and they're only half my age (54). Admittedly, I don't know much about them, just know I don't want one.

[MORSNO]

Does anyone else think it's unusual that everyone who has a sleep study in the past few years is told they need a cpap? I think it's another one of those medical scams, like millions of children are all of a sudden ADHD and are told they need medication. Weird.....

[gr8smiles]

I'll chime in here. My son and I have incorporated sleep therapy in our dental practice for the last year. We have 4 sleep study machines and send them home with patients. The data we are seeing is incredibly serious. Many patients will go for over a minute over and over without breathing. Pulse rates increase and oxygen rates drop dramatically. This causes a multitude of systemic and oral issues.

The medical community only has one answer which is a CPAP. Basically it's an air compressor hooked up to you. We make oral sleep appliances that pull your lower jaw forwards and open up your airway, often by as much as 200%.

Personally, I had one of the worst scores and with my appliance in place, my issues were eliminated. I won't sleep without it. The compliance rate with CPAPs is not very high.
Just my opinion....there are other options available

[shouldazagged]

Originally Posted by Mainsail

I think there really are people that need these, but for many I think it's a scam. I never heard of these five years ago, now practically everyone is using them.

Of the couple dozen co-workers only three of us do not use one, and they're only half my age (54). Admittedly, I don't know much about them, just know I don't want one.

Sleep apnea can be fatal, period. It can also produce chronic fatigue, which was a terrific problem for me on my last job before I retired ten years ago. I experienced great improvement after I went on the CPAP. (I adjusted to it very quickly and easily.)

The fact that sleep apnea is now more widely diagnosed could be at least partly because overweight is a major contributing factor, and that's very common in this country.

I don't think it necessarily follows that hearing more about a health problem indicates fakery. Sometimes, maybe, and it could well be that some doctors over-prescribe the CPAP as a catchall patient-pleaser, the way they used to prescribe valium for jock itch. But it can also mean greater awareness and better diagnosis.

[Diamondtreo]

I have been on a CPAP machine since 2000, I believe the 5th or 6th unit as well. My old insurance would change the unit out every 3 or 4 years, but now I'm with the VA & not sure of their replacement schedule. As far as sleeping - I cannot sleep without a CPAP - at all. I stop breathing, choke, etc., so for me it has been a lifesaver.
I recently purchased a small portable unit (sans humidifier) that runs off any electrical source available, from 12 vdc to 220 vac including 50 cycle ac. In addition, I purchased a lithium battery that will power the CPCP for 8+ hours and may be recharged using either the power cord for the CPAP or a USB plug. I have used it on long airline flights and traveling abroad in Europe wherre all the plugs are different (unit comes with interchangeable plug bodies as well). Best investment ever - the $900 or so I spent was well worth it.
As far as masks, I have a beard and mustache, so finding a mask to seal right has been a chore. I started with a jell-filled doughnut that covered my nose but now am using a lightweight silicone style that uses a feather-edge seal design as I find it doesn't need to be tightened as much and stays on even when I am sleeping on my side or face. My dad used a full-face mask because he couldn't keep is mouth shut while asleep & the air would escape thru his mouth.
My SIL, a Wounded Warior with PTSD & lots of other stuff going on, fights with his machine all the time - to the point of throwing the mask across the room in the middle of the night. When this happens, his service dog nudges him awake so he can retrieve it.

[Delta Expatriate]

I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea in 2010. A thread I read on this forum, when I was only a "lurker," helped convince me I should go ahead with the sleep study. I was waking up multiple times a night, etc., and dealing with some daytime drowsiness. I took to the cpap machine very quickly, and am somewhat dependent on it now. I use the the nasal pillows mask. It goes with me if I am traveling by auto, but I have not yet tried to fly with it. I suppose it can be somewhat inconvenient, but I realize it is important to my health.

[Marshwheeling]

Conchita won't kiss me if I have the nose pillows in.

[CajunBass]

Add me to the list of those who cannot sleep without my CPAP anymore. Even if I take a nap in the afternoon, I have to put it on. Once it's on, I'm asleep in about ten minutes. I don't even know how long I've been using it, I've had it so long, but my wife and I have been married for 17 years, and I had it before she and I got married. She uses one too by the way.

[llowry61]

Originally Posted by gr8smiles

I'll chime in here. My son and I have incorporated sleep therapy in our dental practice for the last year. We have 4 sleep study machines and send them home with patients. The data we are seeing is incredibly serious. Many patients will go for over a minute over and over without breathing. Pulse rates increase and oxygen rates drop dramatically. This causes a multitude of systemic and oral issues.

The medical community only has one answer which is a CPAP. Basically it's an air compressor hooked up to you. We make oral sleep appliances that pull your lower jaw forwards and open up your airway, often by as much as 200%.

Personally, I had one of the worst scores and with my appliance in place, my issues were eliminated. I won't sleep without it. The compliance rate with CPAPs is not very high.
Just my opinion....there are other options available

I can't speak for anyone, but myself and relay my experience. Sleep apnea is a real affliction. I snored like a banshee for 20 years and never slept more than an hour at a time during that same period. My sleep study was 2 nights, first night baseline and second night with a sleep machine. My life changed the moment I woke up after the 2nd night. I closed my eyes at 10pm and did not stir until 4:45 am when they woke me up. It had been so long since that happened I forgot what it was like to really sleep ! I use it every night, period. My sleep specialist noted, that my compliance was the best he had ever seen during a checkup. I told him you do not have to sell something that works. He noted that I use it when I take a nap, which is 100% correct. I'd never heard of this affliction until my wife said I stopped breathing all the time while I was sleeping and it was worrying her. So, I went and got it checked out.

I know there are naysayers out there and I understand it. I am not a hypochondriac and have no other afflictions of any kind. I will say it again, that CPAP changed my life for the better.

[BearBio]

I have used C-PAP for about 5 years now. I went when my wife mentioned to my Dr that I would stop breathing at night, combined with horrible snoring. My first test was marginal, a couple of years later showed very bad disruption (appx 40 interruptions per hour). A few things to watch out for:

1. Medicare DOES NOT cover C-PAP unless you have Medicare B. Some stupid blonde (yes, I subsequently met her and she is blonde!) told me Medicare A would cover it but I HAD to get a consultation referred to by my primary Dr., then do the test and get a prescription, instead of taking the test as recommended by my dentist, then getting a prescription (this meant a delay of almost 6 months). I did so and then was told "Sorry, I was wrong==Medicare doesn't cover it!==giggle, giggle!!" Fortunately Blue Cross did cover all but about $11 per month! That was NORCO.

2. I have the nasal pillows. Took about one weekend to adjust.

3. I have taken mine to Alaska and stayed in a SMALL cabin with it propped on a chair.

[sousana]

I used to run a Sleep Study clinic. I've found that the Quattro Air masks are the best. As long as you have spare inserts in case the rubber seals break. On warm nights you can set your humidifier to 70 degrees and sleep comfortable, in winter up it to 75 or so to keep warm air coming.

Continuous
Positive
Airway
Pressure

You might also want to invest in one of those CPAP cleaners, you drop your mask in it for a about 10 min or so and it cleans and sanitizes your mask and tubing.

Also, you might want to use a small microfiber rag on the back of your neck to alleviate the stress from the back strap holding the mask.

You'll find a lot of information here: CPAP.com - CPAP Masks

[DWalt]

I agree about the Quattro masks, no complaints about them. Up until last month that's what I have used for the last 8 years. I have never had the seals fail on me. The latest mask sent to me by my supplier was different, an Air Fit, and it doesn't seem to fit me as well as the Quattro. The problem with the Quattro mask is that the elastic headgear loses its elasticity fairly quickly. The Air Fit headgear seems to be more substantial, but time will tell.

[kthom]

Been using my CPAP for nearly five years. I had to be dragged kicking and screaming to even go for the sleep test. That was an experience. Would not return the messages left to find out the results. Just didn't think I needed it. They finally snagged me on the phone and I asked why it was necessary when told I needed to return to be tested again with the machine to see what settings were necessary for me. Was told that my oxygen level got down to 51 twice during the test night. I knew enough about that to understand it was dangerous! So I went back. Got the machine and got used to it fairly quickly. After about two weeks, my wife and I made a trip to check on her dad. I didn't think I needed to pack it all up for three nights away from home. Wrong! I've never left home without it again.

I immediately began to wake up feeling rested after sleeping soundly all night long. Will occasionally awaken to make the obigatory trip to the little room to use the faciites. The best thing the machine does for me is provide moisture and warmth to the air I breathe during the night. I was used to waking up so dried out from the very dry air where I live, especially during the cooler weather when the central heating was operating, that I had to take a drink first thing before I could even spit. The humidity provided by the CPAP does wonders for my sinuses.

I feel strongly that the trouble it takes to get used to the machine and use it every night is well worth the trouble. It is somewhat of a pain at times, but after I got used to sleeping on the tether of the air hose and learning not to turn my head on the pillow so as to break the mask seal, the benefits far outway the negatives. I really had no clue how much sleep and rest I was missing. My wife needs one too, but I haven't convinced her of that yet. If your test shows you need the machine, just duck your head and make up your mind that you will do what's necessary to use it. It may take a bit of time to find exactly the most comfortable set up for you, but it truly is a matter of life and death! I'm very glad the folks who sent me for the test did so, and I'm glad those at the testing facility stayed with me to convince me of the need for me to have it.

[Bro. Dave]

Add me to the list of long-time CPAP users who feel it quite likely saved their life. I don't even take a nap without using mine.

One thing I found that I need to share is the "No-mask" nasal interface. If headgear bothers you and you have upper teeth, check out No-Mask dot com.

It uses a boil and bite mouthpiece to hold the nasal puffs in your nostrils. It is hard to describe, but the pictures on the web-site illustrate it well. It is manufactured by Stephenson Industries and I have no financial interest, just a very satisfied user.

[anoblefox]

I fell asleep at the wheel and THAT prompted me to get evaluated and tested. I have been using one now for about 9 years. I had had FOUR sleep studies done. Although I am somewhat overweight, the Eyes Ears and throat Doctor said I have a small airway and loosing weight would not alleviate this condition. As others have stated, I will not think about sleeping without it. My mother and mother in law had cpaps and never would use them. I knew that I would stick to the routine because the alternative for me was not a pretty picture. Yes it takes perseverance to get used to the mask and tube. My pressure level is high, the small nose only type mask seals and works best for me; less is more! YMMV

[SteveFi]

i got one about 10 months ago & couldn't stand CPAP, after a month they gave me a BiPAP & that was much better but then they decided I needed an ASV machine - once I got to BiPAP and then especially the ASV machine my overall mood has improved greatly.

I use a full face mask & currently using the newer airfit 20 - don't think i can use the nasal pillows or nasal mask. i got used to the machine pretty quickly once I got to the BiPAP machine . Still fiddling some with the masks - first was a quattro but that killed the bridge of my nose, the airfit 20 was much better but still bothers the bridge of my nose. tried the amara view & doesn't bother my nose but is hard to adjust & leaks a lot. currently trying the airlift 20 with memory foam - harder to adjust than the older airfit but doesn't bother the bridge of my nose so hopefully that one will work well once I get used to it