Packard
Member
I had sleep apnea. I lost 20 pounds and it went away. If you have a weight problem, I'd try that first.
Sleep Apnea Solution?
- Thread starter OLDFED
- Start date
There are, as you probably already know, several mask types. I have tried the nasal tubes, as well as the full mask (covers nose and mouth) and didn't like either of those. I use a small mask that just covers my nose, but doesn't insert into my nostrils, and I like that very much.
You may also not have slept well at the clinic because you were in a strange place, with a new experience (being wired up and a machine attached to you) but you may find that you sleep very well at home. I hope you get good results, and don't give up...if the first mask style you try doesn't feel good to you, try others.
kshock
Member
I used the CPAP but had a hard time adapting....always felt like I had a varmit on my face (the nasal puffs were by far the best for me). I now use a dental mouthpiece made by a dentist that specializes in TMJ and sleep apnea....no hoses or machines...works great but it is kinda expensive. Worth it to me...I highly value my sleep
amazingflapjack
US Veteran
breathing isn't optional. If someone realizes they need to lose weight-great-just keep breathing while you lose it! A sleep study does not require long periods of "sleep" to determine apnia. The study shows when-for what ever reason-sleep is interupted. In my case that was a continual stream thing. I used prayer and "self talk" to get accustomed to the face mask. I always had the choice of simply breathing through my mouth if I became anxious. Once I started to actually sleep-using that wonderful device was certainly no burden. It has actually become a mental que to sleep. When I put on the mask, I'm saying to myself that it is time for sleep. Go safely.
OP
OLDFED
Member
Thanks to all for the advice. I'm not/never been overweight, have done three sleep studies and two CPAPs. Guess I'm at the end of my trials where the surgery may be the only recourse. Thanks again!
Do you smoke?
My wife says that my sleep apnea has all but disappeared since I quit 2 1/2 years ago.
I also tried a couple of CPAP machines and they surely made a difference - I couldn't get to sleep with any of them.....
You can read this doctor's experience as a patient with turbinate trimming. My wife had similar surgery with no major complications.
For my OSA I'm taking the approach of CPAP and losing weight. I have to do the latter anyway, and it might help. Since I don't know you, I don't know if you're over weight or not.
I tend to go with the least invasive approach first whenever possible. Then again, I'm a chicken.
For my OSA I'm taking the approach of CPAP and losing weight. I have to do the latter anyway, and it might help. Since I don't know you, I don't know if you're over weight or not.
I tend to go with the least invasive approach first whenever possible. Then again, I'm a chicken.
Wheelgunner840
Member
I am picking up my CPAP tomorrow afternoon. I sure hope this works. I have had chronic headachesevery day for several years. I also have been getting cold/flu symptoms one after another. General aches and pains, and I am always tired, especially when I first get out of bed to go to work.
Opinions vary (as they have here), but there have been those who have said that the CPAP was literally a life changing experience for them. Not getting a restful sleep can take years off ones life.
I will report back in here after I have tried this CPAP for a while if y'all want me to do so.
OLDFED, I wish you the best of luck with finding a workable solution. As far as the surgery goes, my pulmonary Doc said that while it might work, in many cases the sleep apnea will return in 2-3 years.
WG840
Opinions vary (as they have here), but there have been those who have said that the CPAP was literally a life changing experience for them. Not getting a restful sleep can take years off ones life.
I will report back in here after I have tried this CPAP for a while if y'all want me to do so.
OLDFED, I wish you the best of luck with finding a workable solution. As far as the surgery goes, my pulmonary Doc said that while it might work, in many cases the sleep apnea will return in 2-3 years.
WG840
I have a friend who had that treatment and I can't say I would recommend going that route - must be some other way to deal with that issue other than the "turbinectomy". He was miserable and had bleeding for 8 months after the procedure.
Good luck with your decision sir.
Pete
Shooter6br
Member
I would avoid surgery if possible.I see alot of infections(MRSA) CPAP is common non surgical treatment. Rick R.N
smith revolver cop
Member
Good luck with the surgery. Sounds like you're already working with a sleep disorders specialist. I think I'm stuck with the CPAP. My doctor says I have a very large tongue... no surgery for that one!
I got a CPAP 6 years ago and it saved my life. The blower motor seized in my machine after 10,000+ hours so I had it rebuilt, which took 3 weeks. Those 3 weeks were the weirdest times of my life, as I wandered about like a zombie after not having had a good night's sleep for 22 days.
My problem is that I'm a big man with a short, thick neck. My airway is also way too small for a man my size. The doctor explained it to me this way...
" A normal sized airway in a man my size is about as big around as a quarter. Yours is the size of a #2 pencil..."
It all made sense after he said that. Ever since I was a kid I was very fast and strong, but had absolutely no stamina. I had the fastest 50yd dash times in school, but the slowest 100yd times. My parents thought I had asthma, though in the late 70s-early 80s they thought I'd outgrow it. I could ride a bicycle or walk forever, but running left me gasping for air after not long. All along the problem was/is that after too much exertion I can't force enough air through my undersized windpipe to compensate for my needs.
My problem is that I'm a big man with a short, thick neck. My airway is also way too small for a man my size. The doctor explained it to me this way...
" A normal sized airway in a man my size is about as big around as a quarter. Yours is the size of a #2 pencil..."
It all made sense after he said that. Ever since I was a kid I was very fast and strong, but had absolutely no stamina. I had the fastest 50yd dash times in school, but the slowest 100yd times. My parents thought I had asthma, though in the late 70s-early 80s they thought I'd outgrow it. I could ride a bicycle or walk forever, but running left me gasping for air after not long. All along the problem was/is that after too much exertion I can't force enough air through my undersized windpipe to compensate for my needs.
I have been on a cpap for a little over 5 years now. It does take mental toughness to continue to wear the device, but my mind was made up in the beginning that it very well could save my life. I no longer fall asleep at work during boring training. You WILL have more energy to make it through the day.
michael thornton
Member
i went 2 nights for the (sleep) study, i dont think i slept 15 min out of 2 nights, i might try droping a few# im 6 4 260# i dont remember having this trouble when i was 220#
papajohn428
Member
I did the sleep study overnight, and was told that on a scale of 20, my SA was rated at an 18. NOT good. I tried the CPAP for several weeks, but it had to be strapped on so tightly that I wound up with compression sores from the straps. I gave up after a month or so, and haven't used it since. Not smoking and losing weight would help some, but it's not a cure-all. I discussed having surgery, but the doctor I talked to examined me and said he didn't think it would make much difference. I've been a heavy snorer since I was 12. Still looking for a workable solution.
DelFuego
Member
I've been a HEAVY snorer and have had issues sleeping at night for years . I could be heard snoring across the house. A friend of mine gave me an extra machine of his to try 5 months ago and my snoring has stopped completely and I am sleeping through most of the night while using it. I am 50lbs overweight and too lazy to work out. I used to run 45 miles a week, bike 300 miles a week, and swim about 3 miles a week. Yet, I am now a big couch potato.
BTW, it's kind of funny discussing this subject on a gun site.
BTW, it's kind of funny discussing this subject on a gun site.
C Broad Arrow
Member
CPAP and weight managment. I did both and it is a hell of a lot better than going under the knife for what amounts to temporary treatment.
I agree with the recommendations for weight loss, if that is indicated. When my wife was heavier she sometimes snored and showed other problems with night-time breathing. With significant weight loss her breathing is much clearer and easier.
On turbinectomy, I'd recommend you read up on the laughably named but completely serious "empty nose syndrome" before proceeding with that option. Some turbinate reduction can be helpful, but too much is NOT going to be in your long-term interests.
Full disclosure: 20 or 30 years ago, when I was only 10-20 pounds overweight, I would occasionally have apnea problems. I have no such problems now even though I am at least 40 pounds heavier than I ought to be. Whatever the cause back then, it resolved itself without intervention.
Good luck. I still remember the terror of coming to consciousness in the dark, realizing that I was not breathing, and not being able to move a single muscle to do anything about the situation. Then, after 30 seconds or so, I had some kind of muscle spasm that jerked me fully awake and brought me back to a familiar world. Those were bad half-minutes.
On turbinectomy, I'd recommend you read up on the laughably named but completely serious "empty nose syndrome" before proceeding with that option. Some turbinate reduction can be helpful, but too much is NOT going to be in your long-term interests.
Full disclosure: 20 or 30 years ago, when I was only 10-20 pounds overweight, I would occasionally have apnea problems. I have no such problems now even though I am at least 40 pounds heavier than I ought to be. Whatever the cause back then, it resolved itself without intervention.
Good luck. I still remember the terror of coming to consciousness in the dark, realizing that I was not breathing, and not being able to move a single muscle to do anything about the situation. Then, after 30 seconds or so, I had some kind of muscle spasm that jerked me fully awake and brought me back to a familiar world. Those were bad half-minutes.
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