Posted , 3 users are following.
I am expecting to be diagnosed with sleep apnoea (they are doing one more test to confirm it).
I am told that I will then be given a CPAP machine.
I have seen these and find the prospect of trying to use (sleep) with a face mask and rigid tube connecting to a machine, quite daunting.
Can anyone offer any reassuring guideance on managing this or even maybe confirm my worst fears!
Nigel
0 likes, 8 replies
We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.
craig84609 nandrews
Posted
I wish that I could help by saying that it is no big deal, but I absolutely hate my CPAP and I don't use it. I find it difficult to breathe through it. The air is to warm and moist, giving me the feeling of being in a steam room. I like the air to be cold and dry, but most tell me I am in the minority. I have found others with the same trouble. This doesn't mean that you will have trouble with CPAP, you may find it easy to get used to. Some take to it so well I have a hard time believeing this, but it seems to be the case. There are forums for sleep apnea and it can help to talk to others with the same problem. Apnea board is a good forum to check out and good luck to you.
nandrews craig84609
Posted
I have looked for websites and forum on the specific subject of apnea but this was only one I found that related.
If you could share the link to the one you recommended I would appreciate it.
Nigel
alpine craig84609
Posted
Hello Craig
Several years ago I was prescribed a CPAP machine but I found the noise prevented me from falling asleep. Since then I been using "BreatheRight" nasal strips but I don't feel that I get a good nights sleep.
I fall asleep during the day and never feel wide awake probably because I'm not getting enough oxygen during the night.
Two relatives plus a friend have new CPAP machines that are very quiet so I'm planning to give it another go. Alpine
craig84609 alpine
Posted
Yes, most of the new machines are nearly silent. Mine is very quiet, however the mask I have is another story. I have a ResMed Air Sense 10 Auto and it is a really good CPAP. The mask the was recommended to me is terrible, so one must spend some time looking for a good quality mask. That is difficult at times because I have yet to find a place that let's you try different masks to see what works best. This has been my biggest problem. My second big issue is the air from the machine is to warm and humid. I like cool to cold air that is dry or I have a tough time sleeping. I am going to try a new mask soon to see if it fixes things. Get a new CPAP like a ResMed or the Dream Station by Phillips. These are state of the art and are very quiet.
nandrews
Posted
Not heard back from you.
?I am interested to see what other devices there are and maybe one less intrusive.
?I have seen (on YouTube) one which is a very small pump (the sisze of a cigarette lighter!) which is 'plugged' into the nostrils and provides a postive pressure.
?Tho' I am thinking what air goes into your nose would maybe just exit thru' the mouth.
?Perhaps this is why the CPAP has a mask to cover nose and mouth.
?But I feel that I am likely to get claustrophobic when wearing the CPAP with all it's other impediments inc' stiff supply hose and noise.
I haven't yet been given a CPAP (tho' I have seen one) so this is all conjecture
Nigel
craig84609 nandrews
Posted
I doubt it would be strong enough to help one breathe. I have been fighting with my CPAP machine for a while now and the most important thing is to get a mask that you can live with. A quality machine is important as well, but the mask is the interface so it must fit well and be comfortable. Mine came off to easy so I got a different one that stays on well, but leaks air out a bleed hole and it drives me crazy, the noise it makes and the air blowing in my face. So get a quality CPAP like a ResMed Air Sense 10 Auto and then see if you can find a medical supply company that will let you try several masks until you find the best one for you. Get the Sleepy Head software and use it to map your progress with your treatment. SH software is free just Google it. The CPAP I told you about has data capabilities, you will need this for tracking your progress. If you buy a different CPAP them make sure it is an Auto and it has data that is supported by SH. Again check out Apnea Board for lots of info on all of what I have told you. Lots of helpful folks there. It isn't as bad as I make it sound. I have just had a hard time adjusting to it. Mainly due to what I have said, but also due to me needing cool dry air in order to sleep well. I am in the minority on this. Also if you have claustrophobia then a nasal pillow mask is what you want. I find them the easiest type of mask to tolerate. I hope this helps.
nandrews craig84609
Posted
All useful info, thanks for that.
?I am in the UK and so I am likely (initially) to get my CPAP supplied by the NHS. So I won't have much of a choice, if any. But perhaps I can pay for accessories to improve it.
?I prefer lying on my side (either side) and often change from one to the other and back during the night, when I wake up. I am guessing tho' the mask and everything restricts movement, or the mask will pull off. So that I will have to try to lie on my back when using it.
?I am still no closer to the Apnea Board you mention. I haven't found anything on Patient.info specific to apnea. Can you offer any directions to help me locate it. It sounds, from your recommendation, a place I should be looking.
Nigel
nandrews
Posted
Having located Sleepy Head I find a link there to the Apnea Board.
Cheers
Nigel