OT Cpap for Sleep Apnea

[salsa red]

Anyone use a cpap for sleep apnea? Been snoring a lot and got a home sleep test. AHI was 9 and rdi was 14 which means I have mild sleep apnea. About 15% of my sleep was snoring and blood oxygen never went below 91%. I was recommended to get a cpap. Tried mouth taping and exercises for snoring. BMI is around 26 but I even snore when I was fitter

Wondering if it'll help me out. Have dark circles under my eyes and do wake up tired a lot more even with good sleep. Feels like I'm losing the battle and need to just get the cpap.

 

[NECoach31BB]

Anyone use a cpap for sleep apnea? Been snoring a lot and got a home sleep test. AHI was 9 and rdi was 14 which means I have mild sleep apnea. About 15% of my sleep was snoring and blood oxygen never went below 91%. I was recommended to get a cpap. Tried mouth taping and exercises for snoring. BMI is around 26 but I even snore when I was fitter

Wondering if it'll help me out. Have dark circles under my eyes and do wake up tired a lot more even with good sleep. Feels like I'm losing the battle and need to just get the cpap.

Use one that does over the nose only. It helps but is a process to get used to. I haven’t been able to do all the time but usually 5 or 6 days a week and it does help n

 

[timnsun]

Use one that does over the nose only. It helps but is a process to get used to. I haven’t been able to do all the time but usually 5 or 6 days a week and it does help n

I tried the nose one, just couldn’t get used to it… I have been much better off with the mask. Sleeping much better overall. @salsa red, I would recommend it.

 

[Laner2]

I tried the nose one, just couldn’t get used to it… I have been much better off with the mask. Sleeping much better overall. @salsa red, I would recommend it.

Ditto. You should adjust your machine to get an AHI of around 6. That's an ideal so you may have to go up from there.

 

[HuskerBruce81]

Yes get the nose covering mask. Don't go full face. And if it's recommended you get one, go ahead and do it. Try some melatonin along with it.

 

[NECoach31BB]

Your experience will determine. I couldn’t get comfortable with the full face type. Try and see what works for you. It’s helpful for me. Find what works best for you.

 

[HuskerHusaria]

I really need to try it again. I really hate **** covering my face

 

[timnsun]

My problem is when I sleep my mouth is open. The nose mask didn’t work for me as I would just breathe through my mouth. The nose mask just wouldn’t work for me. But it obviously works for many, so try it out. I tried 3 different masks before finding one that works for me.

 

[HUSKERFAN66]

I couldn't make cpap work full face and never tried nose. My sleep is terrible.

My wife says I quit breathing a lot. I am a side sleeper which complicates things.

Tried sleeping in recliner while trying cpap but no help. I see they have an implant. Bet that's not cheap

 

[Vanhusker]

Have a CPAP because I snored horribly and wife couldn't sleep. I was taking a super deep nap everyday at lunch, haven't had to since I got mine. It sucks but it has improved both our lives. Oh, and I use the nose only mask. Love to get the implant but I heard 20-30k which if remotely true is crazy.

 

[salsa red]

My problem is when I sleep my mouth is open. The nose mask didn’t work for me as I would just breathe through my mouth. The nose mask just wouldn’t work for me. But it obviously works for many, so try it out. I tried 3 different masks before finding one that works for me.

mouth taping does help. I use a snore recorder app and the amount of snoring goes down some when i tape. And you get less bad breath

 

[SaltyIowaTears]

Apologies in advance if this is a controversial take and not sure of any other health issues you may have OP, but I had obstructive sleep apnea and a CPAP machine for awhile. I could never get a comfortable fit with it so it remained largely unused. I was exhausted in the day time because of the poor sleep I was getting and my wife was about ready to kill me even if the sleep apnea didn't due to my snoring and gasping for air during the night.

Had a nurse tell me "lose some weight and your sleep apnea will likely go away." I think estimates are that something like 70-80% of Americans with sleep apnea are overweight or obese. Oddly, the doc that prescribed the CPAP didn't tell me that, it was a nurse when I was being prepped for a colonoscopy.

Lost 40+ pounds and the sleep apnea has disappeared. It was a lot of work and not always fun, but I have kept off the weight for a couple of years. Lots of other benefits to having lost the weight as well as losing the sleep apnea.

TL/DR: Losing weight will often lead to sleep apnea going away and eliminate the need for a CPAP machine.

 

[Baxter48_rivals204143]

I couldn't make cpap work full face and never tried nose. My sleep is terrible.

My wife says I quit breathing a lot. I am a side sleeper which complicates things.

Tried sleeping in recliner while trying cpap but no help. I see they have an implant. Bet that's not cheap

I believe they make an all cotton mask, not sure how it works, you should really try the nose if the mask doesn’t work well for you. From what I’ve read sleep apnea is hard on your heart if you start and stop breathing. I’ve been on one for 12+ years it didn’t take me long to the full face mask. Before I started the therapy I never dreamed, now every night from what I understand I wasn’t getting into rem sleep

 

[HuskerBruce81]

My problem is when I sleep my mouth is open. The nose mask didn’t work for me as I would just breathe through my mouth. The nose mask just wouldn’t work for me. But it obviously works for many, so try it out. I tried 3 different masks before finding one that works for me.

I'm the same way. Tell them about it and they'll give you a chin strap you put on before the mask.

 

[salsa red]

Apologies in advance if this is a controversial take and not sure of any other health issues you may have OP, but I had obstructive sleep apnea and a CPAP machine for awhile. I could never get a comfortable fit with it so it remained largely unused. I was exhausted in the day time because of the poor sleep I was getting and my wife was about ready to kill me even if the sleep apnea didn't due to my snoring and gasping for air during the night.

Had a nurse tell me "lose some weight and your sleep apnea will likely go away." I think estimates are that something like 70-80% of Americans with sleep apnea are overweight or obese. Oddly, the doc that prescribed the CPAP didn't tell me that, it was a nurse when I was being prepped for a colonoscopy.

Lost 40+ pounds and the sleep apnea has disappeared. It was a lot of work and not always fun, but I have kept off the weight for a couple of years. Lots of other benefits to having lost the weight as well as losing the sleep apnea.

TL/DR: Losing weight will often lead to sleep apnea going away and eliminate the need for a CPAP machine.

Weight is an issue for sure with apnea. My weight is usually pretty good and last summer my body fat was under 20% (about 24% now). Also lifting increases your chance of sleep apnea and I usually lift 3-4 times a week, I'm not ripped or anything but I am trying to resist the dad bod.

 

[Antwill]

Been using over a year. Highly recommend (and my wife more so).

Pro-tip: you don't have to put water in the water tank to use it. I was having to shake water out of the tube in the middle of the night and it made a bad noise. Now that I don't use water it is way better. I use the mask that covers mouth and nose. Tried the nose only but couldn't keep the seal.

 

[Vanhusker]

Been using over a year. Highly recommend (and my wife more so).

Pro-tip: you don't have to put water in the water tank to use it. I was having to shake water out of the tube in the middle of the night and it made a bad noise. Now that I don't use water it is way better. I use the mask that covers mouth and nose. Tried the nose only but couldn't keep the seal.

My machine heats the tank to vaporize the water. Pretty standard I assume. Do you just leave it there or is there a "heat off" function?

 

[Antwill]

My machine heats the tank to vaporize the water. Pretty standard I assume. Do you just leave it there or is there a "heat off" function?

I don't put water in at all. As long as I'm not breathing through my mouth I don't get dried out. Just leave the water reservoir in there empty.

 

[Kakdawg]

Anyone use a cpap for sleep apnea? Been snoring a lot and got a home sleep test. AHI was 9 and rdi was 14 which means I have mild sleep apnea. About 15% of my sleep was snoring and blood oxygen never went below 91%. I was recommended to get a cpap. Tried mouth taping and exercises for snoring. BMI is around 26 but I even snore when I was fitter

Wondering if it'll help me out. Have dark circles under my eyes and do wake up tired a lot more even with good sleep. Feels like I'm losing the battle and need to just get the cpap.

I've had a CPAP longer than anyone I know. I got mine in 2009. I can't sleep without it now. Yes it definitely helps and you get more quality sleep.


Holla

 

[Kakdawg]

Apologies in advance if this is a controversial take and not sure of any other health issues you may have OP, but I had obstructive sleep apnea and a CPAP machine for awhile. I could never get a comfortable fit with it so it remained largely unused. I was exhausted in the day time because of the poor sleep I was getting and my wife was about ready to kill me even if the sleep apnea didn't due to my snoring and gasping for air during the night.

Had a nurse tell me "lose some weight and your sleep apnea will likely go away." I think estimates are that something like 70-80% of Americans with sleep apnea are overweight or obese. Oddly, the doc that prescribed the CPAP didn't tell me that, it was a nurse when I was being prepped for a colonoscopy.

Lost 40+ pounds and the sleep apnea has disappeared. It was a lot of work and not always fun, but I have kept off the weight for a couple of years. Lots of other benefits to having lost the weight as well as losing the sleep apnea.

TL/DR: Losing weight will often lead to sleep apnea going away and eliminate the need for a CPAP machine.

A lot of people think it's all about weight but it's not. In MOST cases I agree but my dad is 5'10 165 pounds at his heaviest and has a more severe case than me or my brother who is also on the CPAP. My brother also isnt a "big" man.

I havent done any research on if it can be hereditary but it makes me wonder. I'm bigger than both of them but have the least severe case. Go figure...


Holla

 

[Antwill]

My doc said that if you have a size 16 or bigger neck size one your shirt there is a 90%+ chance you need one.

 

[HuskerMania257460]

There’s good evidence for dental (mandibular advancement) devices for mild sleep apnea. Especially if you don’t have he typical risk factors for OSA (BMI 30+, large neck size, etc.)

They don’t work well for moderate to severe apnea though and medical insurance doesn’t pay for them.

You can get them from your dentist but usually have to pay out of pocket and not every dentist makes them.

The cheaper models work decent and aren’t too expensive. The high end models will be costly, are more durable, but they can feel more rigid / less comfortable.

 

[meo1960]

Anyone use a cpap for sleep apnea? Been snoring a lot and got a home sleep test. AHI was 9 and rdi was 14 which means I have mild sleep apnea. About 15% of my sleep was snoring and blood oxygen never went below 91%. I was recommended to get a cpap. Tried mouth taping and exercises for snoring. BMI is around 26 but I even snore when I was fitter

Wondering if it'll help me out. Have dark circles under my eyes and do wake up tired a lot more even with good sleep. Feels like I'm losing the battle and need to just get the cpap.

I have an oxygen Concentrator hooked up to my CPAP.

I think you'll be surprised how much more refreshed you will feel upon waking.

 

[cavalot]

I hate having to wear one. It takes some getting used to. But I can't sleep without it. I left my power chord at home on a trip. Horrible 3 nights of sleep. Once you get use to all of the BS that comes along with it, it's life changing.

Nothing sexy about it but worth it if you suffer with SA.

 

[4norsemen]

Been using over a year. Highly recommend (and my wife more so).

Pro-tip: you don't have to put water in the water tank to use it. I was having to shake water out of the tube in the middle of the night and it made a bad noise. Now that I don't use water it is way better. I use the mask that covers mouth and nose. Tried the nose only but couldn't keep the seal.

You mean distilled water right? I need to get back on the BPAP but never knew you could use without distilled water.

 

[Antwill]

You mean distilled water right? I need to get back on the BPAP but never knew you could use without distilled water.

I use no water at all. Don't put any in reservoir. Still works fine.

 

[IM4NUAlways_]

mouth taping does help. I use a snore recorder app and the amount of snoring goes down some when i tape. And you get less bad breath

I bought a "mouth piece" and it stop my snoring totally first night. So, I am told anyway. I seep good but snored a lot.

Sleep MD was the brand

 

[Wasker77]

I’ve used a CPAP for about 15 years. Have no problem with using the nasal cannulas. I get great sleep. I am a napper. This time year after skiing in the morning and eating lunch I take about a 30-45 minute nap. I wear my cpap then too. I recommend you buy a SoClean machine to keep your headgear and hoses clean. I also bought a smaller, lighter machine that fits in my pack I always have with me when I travel.

 

[BigredN]

I’ve used a CPAP for about 15 years. Have no problem with using the nasal cannulas. I get great sleep. I am a napper. This time year after skiing in the morning and eating lunch I take about a 30-45 minute nap. I wear my cpap then too. I recommend you buy a SoClean machine to keep your headgear and hoses clean. I also bought a smaller, lighter machine that fits in my pack I always have with me when I travel.

If you have resmed cpap using SoClean voids the warranty. I use it anyway. Not sure about other cpap manufacturers.

 

[Lincoln gopher_rivals]

I've had a CPAP longer than anyone I know. I got mine in 2009. I can't sleep without it now. Yes it definitely helps and you get more quality sleep.


Holla

I am with you. Got mine about the same time because of snoring and high blood pressure. Can't sleep without it.

 

[Wasker77]

If you have resmed cpap using SoClean voids the warranty. I use it anyway. Not sure about other cpap manufacturers.

I used to use my SoClean to clean my Philips Respironics cpap.. After the controversy of the ozone (O3) being harmful to cpap machines I started just cleaning my headgear and hose only with my SoClean. You can buy a plastic adapter that fits on the end of your cpap hose to attach to the small hose coming out of the back of your cpap machine. Throw the headgear into the SoClean, connect the small SoClean hose to your cpap hose and start the SoClean. I dont know how this could affect your warranty. The SoClean is never coming in contact with your machine. I have a Resvent machine now.