[Misc] Sleep Apnea

[Taybha]

So I've been diagnosed with this and I'm on day 4 of using a machine ramp 9 Phillip's model which basically keeps your airway open as you sleep stopping you snoring which is a reflex to having stopped breathing normally , so I'm told .

My question is to anyone that uses the mask type airway how long does it take to get used to it because I've managed about 3 hours max sleep per night for 3 nights before I've woke up either choking or pain from the mask fit , also incredibly dry mouth , any info much appreciated.

 

[dennis]

Hello mate

Stay with it

Couple of weeks really

I suggest taking a bottle of water to bed as you’ll suffer with a dry throat to begin with

It’s getting used to the thing on your face more than anything

Don’t have it too tight and clean it every morning

You will get used to it

 

[horshamite]

I used to use a CPAP machine that had a water reservoir to keep the air flow moist. Took a while to get used to wearing mask and the noise of the machine. Eventually I found a nasal 'mask' which was much smaller and more comfortable.

 

[Taybha]

Lovely start thanks for the replies , I started with the nasal thing and I couldn't bare it at all , mind you I have got a big nose .

 

[dennis]

I would also suggest setting yourself a four hour target each night

Have the mask on for four hours and then take it off if you have to

I also used to watch telly for an hour in the evening with the mask on to help me get used to it

 

[robinsonsgrin]

ah this reminds me of the ex.. his one at his place was quiet.. he had an old one that he used to keep in the car for being awol.. sounded like i was sleeping next to darth vader. if there is a mrs... it doesnt take long to get used to sleeping next to a masked crusader.. does limit cuddling up etc.. but hey,,that could be a benefit. good luck.. i know the ex swears by the mask.

 

[matbha]

Strange I can't sleep without my mask takes a bit of time but it will become the norm

 

[Sheebo]

So weird I have an appointment at the sleep clinic at hospital tomorrow. Think I’ve got to do a test at home with something - does that sound right?

I’m also not sure what the danger is - that you just stop breathing for good?! I’m trying to lose some weight to help and have done half a stone in a week already.

 

[Knocky's Nose]

I used to have crap nights sleep snoring and waking myself up doing so. Then, I heard someone on the radio say they'd shoved some stuff under their mattress to elevate the head section.

I tried it, and it bloody worked! Best suggestion ever (apart from don't whistle whilst eating custard, obviously..)

 

[Ned]

I’ve been using a CPAP machine for about ten years now.
Just keep persevering with it and you’ll get there.
Like others have said start with small steps. Aim for four hours and build from there.
Don’t beat yourself up mentally for not getting x hours per night straight away, it’s as much a learning experience as trying to gain any new skill.
Mask types are very much a personal preference, but I have found the nose pillows (cushions) better as it’s a smaller less invasive mask.

 

[Bwian]

So weird I have an appointment at the sleep clinic at hospital tomorrow. Think I’ve got to do a test at home with something - does that sound right?

I’m also not sure what the danger is - that you just stop breathing for good?! I’m trying to lose some weight to help and have done half a stone in a week already.

There are multiple dangers if you have sleep apnea. Higher risk of stroke and heart attack for starters.

Sent from my LYA-L09 using Tapatalk

 

[Jam The Man]

A few years ago, I was officially diagnosed after nearly falling asleep whilst driving a few times, and feeling unusually tired far too often.

I tried 2 different machines. One covered the nose and mouth, the other just the mouth.
I could not get on with either as I continually would just get off to sleep and would then wake up in a panic as I felt suffocated.
And then I tried the non-equipment method:

I placed a huge sausage pillow in the middle of my side of the bed, and that forced me to sleep on my side.
I did that for 2 months, and my memory muscle kept me sleeping on my side since, and it 100% cured my apnea.

 

[Dick Head]

Lovely start thanks for the replies , I started with the nasal thing and I couldn't bare it at all , mind you I have got a big nose .

So, you've got a big nose. I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.









Sorry.

 

[AmexRuislip]

I have been working 12 hour shifts for over 30 years, and sleep apnea is a known affect of this.
My wife started to notice I had stopped breathing and was snoring heavily in the night.
After going to the docs, I ended up going to see a specialist at Harefield Hospital, who gave me this contraption to wear overnight to monitor my sleep patterns.
It was the most uncomfortable thing to wear and kept me awake that night.
Luckily my results proved I didn't have SA, but irregular shifts is the cause of my sleep issues.
I ended up having a septoplasty op to straighten my septum in my nose, I'm more or less getting some better night's kip.
I can only imagine what you guys are going through dealing with SA, and do sympathise with you.
I drink plenty of water and stay off the coffee in the evenings

 

[Muhammad - I’m hard - Bruce Lee]

Lovely start thanks for the replies , I started with the nasal thing and I couldn't bare it at all , mind you I have got a big nose .

Keep listening, there might be a bit about ‘blessed are the big noses’

 

[upthealbion1970]

I’ve had a Fisher & Payless Sleepstyle CPAP machine since May last year, its got a water reservoir to keep me from getting a dry mouth.

Had a sleep trial at Hurstwood park last April after the Mrs nagging me as I am a loud snorer and many times stopped breathing in my sleep, often waking up fighting to breathe and sleeping no more than 2 hours at a time. It’s quite normal to stop breathing upto 5 times an hour...... on my sleep trial I averaged 76 times an hour.

Personally I didn’t get on with the nasal mask and I suffered with the nose and face mask leaking until I tried one with a double silicon seal around it.

I still take it off in my sleep sometimes but using the phone app for the machine i can track it myself, I’m down to usually 5-6 incidents an hour and 5-6 hours a night. When I go to appointments I just take the usb stick from the machine so the nurse/consultant can see how I’m getting on

 

[Taybha]

Thank's all , 4 hours last night and less time nodding off due to the noise . ( that's noise not nose) .

 

[AmexRuislip]

Thank's all , 4 hours last night and less time nodding off due to the noise . ( that's noise not nose) .

That's more kip than I got on my night shift last night.

 

[MonkeyGland]

I have got a full face mask and I found using RemZzzs CPAP mask liners really helped me

Link:
https://www.eu-pap.co.uk/remzzzs-cpap-fabric-mask-liners.html

 

[Seecider]

Wrote to car off on the M4 between Bristol and Bath returning from the dreadful lunchtime 4-1 defeat at Cardiff 4 years ago having fallen asleep at the wheel. Referred myself tho th sleep study unit and have to use a CPAP machine now to keep my licence. Sometimes it feels like you are fighting with it all night long, but sick with it, you'll get the benefit and if you have a partner his/her sleep will probably improve more than yours.