I went for the sleep study had 54 event per hour. I had no problem sleeping. Went back to and was monitored using the CPAP they were adjusting air flow to set correct pressure. Woke in the morning and was well rested and begging to take a CPAP unit home. Couldn't stand the mask and switched to a nasal unit. I was so tired I would sit down for lunch and fall asleep,couldn't drive down the highway on a rainy day with out pulling over couldn't stay awake for some reason. My life is way better with the CPAP. I first tried surgery it worked for about three months DON'T DO IT.

Interesting stuff here, first two times I did not sleep-third time Dr prescribed ambien and I was out, so much so that I never fully woke up when the tech put the mask on me or the several times he adjusted the mask.
On other items, I've had a 17" neck since I was 16 years old and weighed ~140#; I've had some symptoms of SA since I was in my early 20s and relatively severe symptoms since I was ~50; I was never in my life over weight til about age 60, so...
fwiw my BPAP settings are 22/18 mmH2O, pretty high, I think

With all the wires, hose and mask involved and two techs monitoring, I really don't see how a dyi home test could be substituted. They needed five full hours of deep sleep to get conclusive results and I haven't slept 5 hours solid in the last 20 years, the drug worked; but if I could have slept 5 or more hours at a time I probably never would have taken the test.

The machine works better for me for naps than for all night, because after an hour or two I start to reposition and disturb the mask/hose. It does end watching TV or reading at bedtime. I have also noted that on the occasions that I fall asleep without the machine, I sleep sounder than I could prior to BPAP training.

Maybe I need a new cpap machine. It's been sitting there next to the bed for years. I can't sleep with it on when it feels like someone ramming air down your throat.

According to Banner Health the ideal weight for a 6' man is 160-196 lbs. I am 6' 177 lbs. I was 215 lbs. and nothing has changed.

Skeptical is good, I'm skeptical about the ones that use the nasal things; if you can sleep breathing through your nose, what makes you think there is a problem...
However, I'll ask, how many people do you know that took the sleep test thinking that they had no sleep problem? Why would anyone test for any thing if they were not having some symptoms? It's not like a communicable disease that we need to test for routinely like TB.

You would be surprised tjm

Quite possibly your mask is leaking and the machine is increasing the airflow to compensate, that happens to me a lot, but a different mask can fit your face better or using a mask liner can gasket the mask to stop the leaking. For sure you need a new mask if it is that old, the recommended replacement is 6-12 months for the various parts, with daily care.
When my mask stops leaking and the machine synchronizes with my breathing all that pressure seems to disappear; sometimes that means taking it all off, turning the machine off and starting over.

A 1000 pound horse can be anywhere from 52" to 64" and still be perfect weight- legs don't weigh much at all, my brother is 1/2" shorter and his legs are 6" longer- any chart that relates height to weight is a farce, like a broken clock being right twice a day- that chart will be right when it works.

I've been seeing a lot of ads lately for this alternative to a CPAP machine. I'm skeptical of this:
https://www.inspiresleep.com

Never mind. I thought the title was CRAP.
I am a sucker for the "what really grinds my gears" posts.

If / when they have you try a CPAP machine, tell them that you experiencing difficulty exhaling against the pressure. Tell them that it bothers you and you cannot get a complete exhalation...

That is magic - then they will say that since you are experiencing difficulty, we can now offer you a BiPap machine. It does the same positive pressure when you inhale, but it reduces pressure when you exhale.

The cannot offer the bipap until you gripe about the cpap. Because the BiPap costs more.

BiPap is a better machine overall. You will wake more rested.

Best wishes.

I have had a cpap for 8 years. Won't sleep without it. I was snorer since I was kid. I mean at 10 I woke up my grandparents two campers away up smelting on superior. I had tonsiles, adnoids, removed, surgery on throat, braces, rhinoplasty several times. No relief. Fell asleep talking to my wife one day had a study, interruption every 17 seconds. Dead within 10 years stroke out. Since lost weight, better mood, rested, weight loss. Have a beard so Nasal pillows work best for me. Also since that day I started using, no sinus infections or colds.

Anyone try one of those cleaning devices advertised so you don't have to wash it every day? A so clean? If they work I'd buy one tomorrow.

I tried the nasal one but tell me how you use it if your nose is stopped up. LOL You don't have to tell me they don't . Too many allergies around here in Ky . full mask is only thing I could use......

I use a CPAP and have found the So-Clean to be a fine addition to my unit. It uses ozone to keep bacteria and mold from growing in unit, hose and mask. I also use distilled water in the humidifier. No more calcium build up.

jybrd63 ? are you saying you use a full face mask that that covers your mouth? If your nose is stopped up the nasal pillow works perfectly I have used them for fifteen years. So you must have sleep with your mouth open? So back at you being that you are an authority on CPAP LOL. Don't tell me what works for me YOU ARE DEAD WRONG!!!!!!!

I have been on one since 2006 can't sleep with out it.
J

15 years - same as illinideer. You can sleep without it but wont want to. I felt like super man the first night I used mine. I have both the mask and the nasal pillows. I switch off sometimes because the mask - though my favorite - digs into my nose.

I still get tired some days but it's because I'm working my tail off. As soon as I put it on I'm out like a light. I take it camping with me. I sleep in the back of my pick-up truck so nothing fancy. I put a second battery in my truck that runs an inverter and I just plug it into the inverter. I get about 4 nights out of the second battery before I need to drive around some.

It has been a great thing for me. If my nose is stopped up I just leave it on for a few minutes and after a few minutes it works.

Everyone is different but I hope this helps.

Larry Baer i do the same thing except I have a beard and the face mask dosen't seal. I use the nasal pillows. I use it at camp with a battery that's kept charged with a solar panel. Same thing with a stopped up nose it will clear your nose and you breath easy. I also have to have it or get too tired to function.

Where do you get this adapter to a marine battery?[i][/i]

I got mine from the supplier of the CPAP machine.

For people who are skeptical,you are screened before taking a sleep study,to see if you are a likely candidate.Insurance companies these days don't want to pay out for anything they don't have to.And when you take the test,you have to qualify or the insurance company won't cover a CPAP machine,maintenance etc.I also had to qualify by using the machine,at least 5 days a week,so many hours a night,I think,for 3 months,before they would pay.

The sleep study is not only looking for apnea but are also screens for other issues like restless leg syndrome,that can affect sleep as well.It is very thorough.


During my sleep study,I averaged 111 events per hour.30 is considered severe.For that reason,I have to use a BIPAP VS a CPAP.

For those who talk about alternatives like diet,chin straps,surgery,etc.,you have to understand,there are two types of apnea.In addition to obstructive sleep apnea that we always hear about,there are central apneas which have nothing to do with structure or obstruction but rather,you just stop breathing.Many people have both obstructive sleep apneas and central apneas.For sure,I do.

More of my 111 apneas were central than obstructive.The machine is the only fix for that and I won't lay down without it.

My brother also has the problem and he compares it to being "water-boarded",all night long,every night and he is correct.Constantly having your air cut off has devastating affects to your health.It is a major strain on your heart but also affects most everything else as well.

Taximan is an expert. He knows much about this.

I have central sleep apnea. It is miserable. Just stop breathing and fade away.

The experts believe that the babies dying from SIDS May have had undiagnosed central sleep apnea.