Okay, as part of this endless chain of fun, I have an appointment today with a Doc today that I am assuming is going to prescribe me a C-Pap. I have no background on them and don't know anyone close to ask about them. I have a beard and have no inclination to shave it off and am wondering if that is going to be an issue.

Any quick advice on this will be appreciated.

Thanks!

Moosetrot

I use a CPAP myself and have a beard. I've found that the nasal pillow type mask works better for me. The air hose is attached at the top and swivels if you turn in bed.  Have you had a sleep study done?

I have been using one for 20+ years. Takes a little getting used to, but sleeping is so much easier. I have a beard, no problem, just get a mask that fits well.

Moosie..I have a goat-tee ...and have no problem at all. I've had a c pap for probably 8 years now.

Best thing I evah did.

I got the full face mask...so I make believe iam painting a car..lol

The trick is to have the mask fitting loose on your face...

Do Not crank the straps down.

Loose-er is Bettah

A trick I've found...is when you put it on a lay down ...the air comes out slowy...and as you start dosing off

The air ramps up. But sometimes the air is too much...that's when I take my fingah

And gently lift the mask off my Hollywood face and let the air blow out..

Until the air stops...then let the mask back on my face...and the air starts off slowly again.

You might have to do that a couple times ...until you enter the magic kingdom

Me too. Had it for over 20 years. A beard is no problem. I’ve used lots of different masks, no trouble.

Right after I had my stroke they had me wear a sensor on my finger for two nights. The report said there were abnormalities in my sleep pattern and they wanted me to see a Doc asap.

They will soon realize that everything about me is abnormal...

Moosetrot

Good to see you back on TMan Moose! Wear your possum shirt next doctor visit and they will know you are back to your old normal self, not to mention the green and gold thong!

The Possum Shirt is so dang long the thong won't even show!

Good to be back, Walt!

Moosetrot

Another alternative is getting an implant device. No Cpap is required. I am considering it.

I have a large, bushy, luxuriant (according to Diane) beard. My C-Pap works well with the nose pillow, with virtually no leakage. It will make you look vaguely elephant like.

Keith

After reading the above posts I'm one of the newer people who use a CPAP machine I also have a goatee and use the I guess it could be called the nose pillow mask .

The getting used to it was quick and easy once I was home , the 2 sleep study nights didn't go well what so ever I may of slept a bit over 3 hours combined for those nights .

Distilled water is all you want to fill the tank with ! Then keep the hose and mask clean once a week but I'm sure you already know that ha ha .

After you get used to it you'll need more possums to count you'll be sleeping so much better ! Ha ha

And Moosie...once you get use to it...You will NEVAH get up in the middle of the night to wizz.

I am serious.

Doc told me ..the only reason you get up to peee ...is cuz your awake.

Anothah benefit....if you had acid reflux...that will disappear too..

And you'll have more pep in your step...and won't evah fall asleep watching the packers

Two major advantages of using a C-Pap, that often don't get mentioned, are that breathing filtered air, humidified with distilled water, eliminates allergic reactions and dry sinuses, while sleeping.

Keith

Thanks everybody! Saw the Sleep Doc today and she said the preliminary tests showed I have severe Sleep Apnea. She pulled some strings and got me the stuff to do an in-home sleep study tonight! She will get the results tomorrow and said she will prescribe a C-pap for me. All part of insurance requirements apparently.

This is all really lucky for me and nice of her because our out-of-pocket, deductibles, etc. are already met for this year so it will be at no cost to me as long as I got it all done this year. We even have a local C-pap store that is in my insurance network.

Wonderful Wife will just have to get used to it and truly believe I am still the handsome, virile Rugby stud she married 42 years ago!

Moosetrot

I've been on a CPAP with nasal pillow (and goatee) for nine months now. What it has done for my attitude, energy level and marriage is unbelievably amazing. The only thing that I regret is denying that I had a problem for 15 years.

Moosie....my wife video taped me pre C Pap....while sleeping.

I looked like a fish on a dock ...gasping for air...then not breathing for 20 seconds.

Pretty scary...I ran to the doctors Aftah watching that video.

Plus wifey will not have to listen to you snore anymore

My sleep study number was 95

I said to the doc ..A 95 in high school was excellent..

He said not here my friend .

That 95 number...means your waking up 95 times per hour !!!!!!!!!

Hey Mossie glad your back! I cannot add more than what others said. It changed my life. You will get used to it. I even took a portable unit and battery, with a solar charger to Northern Manitoba on a moose hunt this fall. I fell asleep in the middle of a conversation with my wife one time. She said I needed to see someone. LOL I already knew I needed help!

The mask you get will determine if you only need to have a mask over your nose or if you will have one that covers your nose and mouth. The one I use only needs to cover my nose. I know two persons who are using the devices other than the C-PAP and they are doing well. I have not been told if I am a candidate for those or not I have had mine for about 13 years now. Some also get what is a V-Pap instead of a C- Pap. The V means variable which means the air flow can vary as to need. C means it is constant and they are set at a narrower range and can be reset if needed.

Bryce

The portable units with a battery and a small solar charger allow you to get into the backwoods without toting a generator! mine fits in a surplus ammo can, and goes right into the pack pannier, let's me stay mobile!