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Sleep Apnea?

11,451 Views | 84 Replies | Last: 2 mo ago by KidDoc
pagerman @ work
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AG
Getting a CPAP was an absolute life changing event.

I've had a CPAP for decades. I took mine with me when I was in Iraq (06-08) and I had had it probably 10 years prior to that.

When I originally got tested, I had to go to a sleep center in a strip mall. First night they wired you up and just recorded your sleep. Once they determined you had sleep apnea you came back and they tested you again with a CPAP to determine what the settings should be, etc.

Walking out to my car the next morning (it was early, and I'm not a morning person) I remember thinking so this is what all that stuff about "waking up refreshed" is all about. I had never felt that good from waking up, and I had gotten maybe 6 hours of sleep.

Since then the technology has gotten so much better, you can order replacement parts on line, and there are a ton of accessories available to make using it easier (heated hoses, multiple masks, humidifiers, etc.).

I have never understood the complaints about the masks, etc. I have never had an issue, and while I can technically sleep without it, it is lousy sleep and I wake up with a sore throat from snoring.

Personally I cannot recommend a CPAP highly enough in terms of the quality of sleep and quality of life.
“Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy. It's inherent virtue is the equal sharing of miseries." - Winston Churchill
KidDoc
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AG
Did my first home CPAP last night. The modern machines are pretty dang slick and easy to use and quiet. I slept all night with the nasal pillows in place. Had some mild dry throat this morning so I'm going to crank up the humidity a notch to see if that helps. Woke a few times with a mild leak from the nasal seal due to rolling over but overall wasn't bad at all.

I feel about the same as usual but I didn't start due to chronic fatigue/sleep deprivation symptoms. Mostly had issues with wife complaining then was a bit alarmed with running 88% SaO2 overnight which is not good for recovery and long term cardiopulmonary and mental recovery.
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Johnny Goodbull
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AG
Mind sharing what brand/style of CPAP machine you are using?
KidDoc
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AG
Johnny Goodbull said:

Mind sharing what brand/style of CPAP machine you are using?
ResMed Airsense11 autoset

Mask is ResMed Airfit P10
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
88Warrior
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KidDoc said:

Johnny Goodbull said:

Mind sharing what brand/style of CPAP machine you are using?
ResMed Airsense11 autoset

Mask is ResMed Airfit P10


I've got the same ResMed 11 but I use the Airfit 20 mask..easy to use and has made a world of difference…I travel every other month for work so I'll be adding a travel unit after the first of the year…
Sims
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AG
This may be a bit out of direct line of the conversation but do these sleep studies give any indication or direction as to why someone is unable to fall asleep? I realize it's a "sleep" study and not necessarily a "going to sleep study," but if it could help I think it would be worth trying.

Specifically, I'm not sure my wife has slept more than 3 - 4 hours in a night in the last 3 months. During the day, it's like she is back to that period of time when we had newborns and we were just walking zombies. She was diagnosed with hypothyroidism about 10 years ago and that's managed - she gets blood drawn about every 6 weeks and her levels have been comfortable to the doctors. She's not obese, works out/walks almost daily, usually no caffeine after noon and she drinks plenty of water.

She's tried melatonin, prescribed sleep aids, cbd...anecdotally, I think I recall the 2 best nights of sleep she's had in recent memory were 1) after having several glasses of wine and 2) after taking a couple large dose ibuprofens.
KidDoc
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AG
Sims said:

This may be a bit out of direct line of the conversation but do these sleep studies give any indication or direction as to why someone is unable to fall asleep? I realize it's a "sleep" study and not necessarily a "going to sleep study," but if it could help I think it would be worth trying.

Specifically, I'm not sure my wife has slept more than 3 - 4 hours in a night in the last 3 months. During the day, it's like she is back to that period of time when we had newborns and we were just walking zombies. She was diagnosed with hypothyroidism about 10 years ago and that's managed - she gets blood drawn about every 6 weeks and her levels have been comfortable to the doctors. She's not obese, works out/walks almost daily, usually no caffeine after noon and she drinks plenty of water.

She's tried melatonin, prescribed sleep aids, cbd...anecdotally, I think I recall the 2 best nights of sleep she's had in recent memory were 1) after having several glasses of wine and 2) after taking a couple large dose ibuprofens.
Yes they can diagnose restless leg syndrome as well as OSA with a sleep study at a sleep study center.
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
Sims
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AG
You know it's funny you mention restless leg syndrome - my mother in law has complained about "my restless leg" since the day I met my wife. May be something to that. Maybe my wife's unwillingness to connect those dots is related to the fact she tries every day not to be like her mom
Guitarsoup
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AG
My biggest regret in life may be not doing a sleep study earlier. I feel so much better overall since getting a CPAP.

The guy at the sleep study actually woke me up and said I could go home because they had enough data. During the consult after the sleep study, they let me know I measured at 65 AHI.

I also used to take forever to fall asleep. The CPAP seems to work kind of like Pavlov's Bell. I put it on, let the air flow and my body is ready to sleep. I fall asleep so much quicker and easier than I used to.
Kool
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AG
A sleep study isn't helpful in diagnosing insomnia. Actigraphy employs a wearable that someone can use to help diagnose different sleep disorders, but not every sleep center does those. For insomnia, there are several online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia apps that can help. A few below:
Go! to Sleep
DrLullaby
SleepEZ
Conquering Insomnia
Stellar Sleep
Sleep Reset
A Mindful Way
Sleep School
Sleep Easy
Somly
Full Sleep
Insomnia Solved
Sleepio
CBT-i Coach
Free CBTi
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
DannyDuberstein
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AG
Anybody with a sleep study recommendation in the Plano/Frisco/McKinney/Allen area?

50 now, most of those years not as a snorer, but have become one in the last 4-5 years and more tired than I used to be. Still fit, so trying to figure if I've just become a rattly old guy or someone a cpap could help.
GeorgiAg
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AG
I finally have been able to get used to the nasal pillows for CPAP. IMHO it is much more comfortable than the full face mask.
Philip J Fry
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AG
Great to hear.
88Warrior
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Update:
Had my semi annual checkup yesterday and 6 months in with using the CPAP machine my BP is down 10 points, weight is down 10 pounds and A1C is now in the 6's… not to mention feeling 100% better!…no change to my diet or exercise routine only the CPAP so put me in the believer category…
KidDoc
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AG
I had to take a break for a few days this week. Had one night where I was having big leak problems so I kept trying to tighten up the strap. Finally got up and got a new set of nose pillows and it worked but the damage had apparently already been done. Woke up with redness and skin breakdown on both nares. All healed up now after 3 days off so started again last night.

Key point: don't overtighten your strap in the middle of the night!
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
 
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