CPAP users?

[Frank46]

Have been using a cpap for about ten years now. Took me about 6 months to get used to the feeling of the mask on my face. Mine has a heater unit to deliver warm humidified air. Keeps the inside of the nasal passages moist. Without the humidifier I would get bloody noses from the nasal tissue from being dried out. I have a vein or artery up close to the skin in my right nostril and without the humidifier I get bloody noses. Some of the so called blood thinners thin out blood too much. And when I got a bloody nose it usually meant a trip to the emergency room. Then had to get the bleeder cauterized at least three times before it stopped. Frank

 

[ohiobuckeye]

I was very skeptical about CPAP, but it does work. Don't give up too easily...It took a few weeks for me to find a mask I could tolerate long enough to stay comfortable all night. I ended up using a lightweight mask that only has a small head strap and contacts nothing but the nostrils. It takes some effort but it is well worth working past the early minor discomforts and getting enough SOUND sleep to wake up well rested. Be sure to get the one with the built in humidifier...use distilled water and it stays much cleaner.
The best long term solution for most CPAP users is to lose weight and exercise to get in better shape. Many sleep problems are caused by being overweight. I've used CPAP for two years and have lost thirty pounds in the past 4 months and hope to rid myself of the CPAP. I've already noticed I can sleep much better now when I occasionally sleep without the CPAP. Another 25 pounds and I hope to put the CPAP in storage.

 

[Shootemup]

Have you ever heard of anyone who was not prescribed a CPAP?

 

[Dave from Pa]

I had a study done but didn`t follow through,I didn`t want to be hooked to a machine etc.At my wifes urging I went again,by then my snoring was unbearable to say the least.During the second test I had stopped breathing almost 100 times an hour. It was so bad the person giving the test called my doctor and had a machine for me when I left that morning.I started using it and have never looked back.BD GREEN gave anexcellant summary as others have.If you need it get it.A CPAP will save your life.It took about two weeks to get used to my machine.It goes wherever I go,I can`t be without it now.The benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

 

[walnutred]

A friend of mine took one of those studies, and he found out alot more and some of it led to him getting away from the CPAP machine.

Just guessing but like most American health issues some people control sleep apnea and get off of CPAP machines simply though weight loss and exercise. Everyone in the house sleeps better when I'm on my CPAP.

 

[CelticSire]

Another vote for CPAP. Sleep apnea at first glance seems benign, "aww, I just snore really loud, that's all." No. Sleep apnea is a killer, bottom line. I have been using my CPAP for a little over four years now, and the only issue I have is sometimes I wake up with a sore shoulder. I have pretty bad bursitis in my right shoulder, and if I fall asleep on my right side, I don't move during the night and my shoulder is a little stiff in the morning. I'll take that over not sleeping any day. As others have said, it may take some time to find a mask that is comfortable for you, but stick with it. You will live long enough to be glad you did.

 

[Jst1mr]

Thanks for the testimonials everyone - I now find myself looking forward to this instead of dreading it, it is still a few weeks away.

 

[gamedic]

I had a study a few years ago and was told that I snored, but didn't have sleep apnea. The doctor didn,t prescribe a cpap for me. Several of the guys I work with have cpap machines and they all swear by them.

 

[BillBingham2]

I hate to beat the well rested horse some more but I’m on CPAP too. Like it, no, hell no, but I like living a how lot more. Some nights I fall asleep before I put it on and my wife wakes me up after an hour and tells me to put it on. Most nights I snore loud enough that my kids hear me on a different floor, or at least that is what they say.

There are lots of different masks and machines that you can try. I do not use a humidifier because travel a lot and it’s more thing to carry and clean (I’m lazy too). The ramp up button works wonders for getting to sleep. I don’t take mine when I camp as I do not snore when camping and I’m not into taking a deep cycle 12 volt into the woods. I figure a week of gambling is OK. It should be noted that I also use my CPAP when I am able to catch a nap too.

There are a lot of options (computer interface) that you can use to track your usage and be sure that your mask is working well. I’ve stuck with the nose plug type and it’s worked OK for about four years or so. There is an alternative that works for some people, some bite-thingy that pushed your jaw up. I have not tried it as CPAP is working well and I’m not sure what that fix will break.

One side affect of my not using a humidifier option for me has been that I do not smell things quite as well. On the very positive side I always had a clogged nose and it’s been very clear for the four years I’ve slept sounding like Darth Vader. I’ve had a cold for a couple of days where I wished I had a mouth mask but I was able to only miss a day or two.
I have felt much better after sleeping with a CPAP than without it.

As Tiger Woods says, just do it, no that was Mr. Jordan, no it’s……Just do it dude. Otherwise your wife will be selling your collection some time soon.

B2 ->

 

[luangtom]

I am scheduled to go in next week for a sleep-study. After reading all of these testimonials, I feel more at ease and will do what I gotta do......

 

[Murphy2000]

luangtom,

I've been on my cpap for 5-6 years now. Like all the rest, I wasn't happy about wondering how well I would get along with a Cpap mask. I learned quickly. Within 2 weeks I felt like a new person. Much more energy, etc.

These days when I get home and hit the recliner for a bit, if I happen to dose off for a short nap thinking I'll enjoy it...I wake up feeling worse than the nap was worth.

I believe (just my opinion) that the choice of mask is one of the major factors in how well you'll adapt to the machine. A good fitting mask is of major importance. If it doesn't fit well? You'll get leaks, funny sounds..etc. Try to get a chance at trying several different masks before deciding which one. I've seen the nasal plug type and just don't think I'd fair well with it, while others wouldn't use anything else.

Murphy2000

 

[BillBingham2]

The sleep study was a breeze. The stick 40 or 50 wires all over and will let you fall asleep and then wake you up half way through to try a CPAP on you.

Remember a change of clothes and give yourself time to shower. The sticky they use in your hair takes a few lather and repeats to get out.

I had to sleep through sleep studies on my sons and my snoring drowned out anything they did.

Good luck, you will do fine.

B2

 

[BillBingham2]

Murphy2K is right, a good mask makes all the difference. Try what they suggest but if it does not work try another, there are dozens out there. Different sizes and styles. I use the nose plug and like it where M2K not so much.

Kind of like pistols, some like K, others N, others M&Ps. Find what works for you and use it!

B2 ->

 

[Jst1mr]

Stupid question...what about facial hair? I know with respirators an airtight seal is necessary and facial hair is not allowed...will a CPAP mask work with a beard?

 

[BillBingham2]

I do not think so

My guess is they will try a nose only approach. It really needs a tight seal. Remember there are three or four different sized adapters to fit your nose. Some folks like large, others small. You can try them out awake without a problem.

I could be really wrong on the beard but I know when my head straps loosen up I can hear it.

 

[yncrogers]

Don't have it myself but my brother-in-law does. After several car accidents he still didn't want to do the sleep study. Finally, after setting a kitchen on fire (he is a chef) he relented and did the study. He has been using the CPAP for several years now and couldn't be happier!

Don't know your weight but losing weight if you are heavy is a big plus. My bro-in-law was 6'6" and went close to 375. He has trimmed down to 275 and has noticed a big improvement in sleep quality (not to mention his knees).

Good luck with the study!

 

[walnutred]

I've had either a full beard or mustache and goatee since before I started using a CPAP. There are masks that work with facial hair. I tried the nose plugs but didn't like them. The mask I use now just fits over my nose.

 

[CW Spook]

Stupid question...what about facial hair? I know with respirators an airtight seal is necessary and facial hair is not allowed...will a CPAP mask work with a beard?

No beard, but I have a thick mustache. I use a Fisher & Paykel 432 full-face mask and have no problem with interference.

 

[fiddleback]

I received my first CPAP about 8 months ago; a ResMed S9 (super quiet). I started out using a nasal pillow which I found very comfortable and un-restricting. The only drawback I had with it was my mouth would often open while sleeping and it dried me out something fierce! I had to resort to a chin strap to keep my mouth shut (wifey thinks I needed to wear the strap during the day too). Anyway, the strap works about 80% of the time for me. So, I just recently received a full face mask to try. Since I'm a side sleeper, it took a few weeks for me to get used to it, but it is worth it. It's sure nice to breathe easy at night AND SLEEP! I don't know what was messing with my sleep more, my snoring and short cycled breathing, or my wife jamming me in the ribs to wake me up cause she thought I was dying every time I stopped breathing. That said, I love my CPAP and wish I would have got one years ago.

 

[dragonslayer808]

I have been using a CPAP for 10 years now, if I had not done the sleep study I would be dead now. Once I started on the machine my health improved imediately. I honestly don't remember haveing to get use to it, I so looked forward to putting on the nasal pillows and going to sleep. I now have 2 machines, one for home and one for travel and as a backup if the home machine gives out. Allready wore out the first machine and was miserable until I could get it's replacement. Good luck to you and sweet dreams.