Life Sleep apnea. Anyone here? - Page 7

Holladay · 08-16-2016, 11:50 PM

The wife says I quit breathing whilst asleep. Yes, I snore but give a crap. We all do.

I just noticed this today when I was trying to take a nap. I kept waking up with a snort and out of breath!

I am 51 aged, 5'8", 180 lbs. I try and eat healthy. I don't get enough exercise, I have high bp and am taking cholestoral crap meds, drink too much et. al.

I did a sleep test 10 yrs ago with no bad results. I am thinking with age, things have changed. I seem to be tried all the time. I put it down as age, work etc.

I don't want to do the "C-Pap" machine, or cut out my uvula (not vulva). I was going to look into the mouth piece thingie that holds out your lower jaw?

I will probably do another sleep test, but think this time they will say I have a problem. Again, don't want to be hooked up to a machine at night (C-Pap).

Has anyone been through this and what was the best solution.

ArrowheadHawk · 10-26-2016, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KChiefs1

I've had my CPAP machine 12 years now. Can't sleep without it.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Very similar. Been using mine for 11 years. I just got my second machine. Oh my how things have changed in that time. The new one has a wireless modem that the patient supply company can download my data and I can see it on an app. The new tech is amazing. Also it has a range of pressures, my old machine just had one pressure.

**Fire Me Boy!** · 10-26-2016, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArrowheadHawk

Very similar. Been using mine for 11 years. I just got my second machine. Oh my how things have changed in that time. The new one has a wireless modem that the patient supply company can download my data and I can see it on an app. The new tech is amazing. Also it has a range of pressures, my old machine just had one pressure.

I've only had mine for about 2 years. But I learned on my very first trip out of town (I travel for work) that I really need to travel with my CPAP. I never leave town without it.

Frosty · 10-26-2016, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frosty

I'm on my third mask already. I think I'm hard to fit or something. I'm still holding out hope for my current mask, though. I made some more adjustments to it and have been able to get about 5 hours the last few nights. If that doesn't work, I'll try a nasal one. However, I can't get a new mask until late September unless I want to pay out of pocket.

One thing that bugs me when I go to the med center to get fitted for a new mask is they always do the fitting while I'm sitting up. That's great that it doesn't leak or anything while I'm sitting in a chair. However, I don't sleep that way. They need to be fitted while I am laying down.

I was due a new mask about a month ago and went in so I could try a nasal pillow. The idiot there didn't want me to try one because he didn't like it the one night he tried one (said he slept with his mouth open and it dried out his mouth).

I insisted and got a nasal pillow. It just fits across under my nose with two pods that fit across each nostril to seal. I love it and have actually been able to keep it on for most of the night unlike any full face mask I've tried.

The only issues are that I sometimes wake up with my nose a little sore and it will sometimes still leak when at full pressure and I'm on my side. I can usually resolve the leakage pretty quickly and I've been using a little lanolin on my nose to battle the soreness so neither are a big issue. The headgear is much lighter than previous masks, too, so it's more comfortable. Also, it turns out I don't sleep with my mouth open so I didn't need a chinstrap.

Holladay · 10-26-2016, 02:49 PM

All good comments. Very much hoping for more energy. I have thought it old age.

Holladay · 10-26-2016, 07:09 PM

This is the next procedures/process as I understand. I talked with a Respiratory Therapist and will make an appointment with the local hospital for the Cpap sleep study to determine which mask/pillows/pressure that works for me.

Do I purchase the machine or rent? Which one is recommended? What is the on-going cost? Insurance will not pay until the $1,500 deductable, which I think we will not reach. What are the other costs? Is it curable? With weight loss? Better diet/excersice?

Thanks for the on-going help and comments.

displacedinMN · 10-26-2016, 07:40 PM

I'm thinking I need to do this too.

KChiefs1 · 10-26-2016, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArrowheadHawk

Very similar. Been using mine for 11 years. I just got my second machine. Oh my how things have changed in that time. The new one has a wireless modem that the patient supply company can download my data and I can see it on an app. The new tech is amazing. Also it has a range of pressures, my old machine just had one pressure.

I still have my first machine. Need an upgrade.

What kinda mask do you have? Mine is a nasal mask but a friend told me he loves the face mask.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

bobbymitch · 10-26-2016, 07:58 PM

I wasn't given a choice - I own it. Granted, I had to pay for it over time, after the insurance companies paid their "share." Supplies run about $80 a quarter. I have the full face mask, so the quarterly supplies includes a face cushion per month, hose, water reservoir, and mask change per quarter. Twice a year I get a new headband.

Note- if one uses a full face mask, be aware facial hair can be a problem.

I was warned to bring a set of PJs for my sleep study. Not only do they hook you up with a dozen or so wires, but you are on a video monitor as well.

HonestChieffan · 10-26-2016, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

I was a Respiratory Therapist for 9 years. I use to work in a sleep lab and score sleep studies. There is a thread with all the information in it.

Stopping breathing is a big deal. It's at least at a minimum a threat to your health in the long term. In the short term you are not getting and staying in REM III sleep.

Spy
Respiratory Therapist
World class IT fixit
The list of shit you have been and the years associated with it makes you 108

Holladay · 10-26-2016, 10:08 PM

Quote:

I'm thinking I need to do this too.

When doubt, check it out (Ima poet

) Why do you think you need too? My wife has told me for years that I stop breathing and tired all the time which I thought was due to age etc. You can do a in HOME sleep test that costed me ~$200 for two nights, easy. If I tested good/bad/ok that is all good info. If you research what the NIGHTMARE sleep apnea really is, that forced my hand to find a solution...have Hi BP/chol/and close to Diabetis...none of these are in my family. Something is messed up. Thus the investigation of Sleep Apnea. I will report back after I am treated. Many prior post suggest a new man. Night and day difference, which I am looking forward too.

In theory, cheap to get my man card back!!

Quote:

I still have my first machine. Need an upgrade.

What kinda mask do you have? Mine is a nasal mask but a friend told me he loves the face mask.

So you bought yours? Not sure what they will determine for me as to mask or pillows.

Quote:

I wasn't given a choice - I own it. Granted, I had to pay for it over time, after the insurance companies paid their "share."

The insurance won't kick in until I hit the deductable of $1500/yr, which won't happen.

Frosty · 10-27-2016, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holladay

Do I purchase the machine or rent? Which one is recommended? What is the on-going cost? Insurance will not pay until the $1,500 deductable, which I think we will not reach. What are the other costs? Is it curable? With weight loss? Better diet/excersice?

Some insurance companies make you rent the machine for awhile and then they purchase it. My rental lasted for six months and then the machine was mine. Apparently, that is to make sure you are actually going to use it. In fact, the first three months were monitored and I had to make sure I used the machine at least 70% of the time or the insurance company wouldn't pay for any of it.

I hit my deductible on the hospital sleep study. That thing cost $4000.

If you do have to pay some out of pocket, check out cpap.com. Their prices are considerably lower than what my medical supply place charges for both masks and machines. You do have to have a prescription to buy from there, though.

OctoberFart · 11-02-2016, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holladay

This is the next procedures/process as I understand. I talked with a Respiratory Therapist and will make an appointment with the local hospital for the Cpap sleep study to determine which mask/pillows/pressure that works for me.

Do I purchase the machine or rent? Which one is recommended? What is the on-going cost? Insurance will not pay until the $1,500 deductable, which I think we will not reach. What are the other costs? Is it curable? With weight loss? Better diet/excersice?

Thanks for the on-going help and comments.

Obamacare has you covered.

ArrowheadHawk · 11-02-2016, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KChiefs1

I still have my first machine. Need an upgrade.

What kinda mask do you have? Mine is a nasal mask but a friend told me he loves the face mask.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have a full face mask. I sleep with my mouth open. New machine is awesome. Some of the features that are better than my old that I didn't mention before are: Heated hose to reduce condensation, I don't need a funnel to fill the resevoir, it's half the size of my old machine and it makes almost zero noise.

Holladay · 06-07-2017, 03:45 PM

An Update:

Well, I finally got the unit 5/5/17, a month ago. Insurance was a bitch. I had 74.9 episodes per night and O2 levels down to 88% for an hour and 1/2 per night...based upon the sleep study. After a months use, it is 3 per night. I haven't taken a nap at the office in weeks. I have quite a bit more energy. Not as much as I was hoping for, but better.

I had a nose mask for 3 weeks which was OK, but it is hard to wear glasses to read or watch TV. Last week I upgraded to a DreamWear Nasal mask without the nostril pegs. WOW, it is awesome. The hose placement and nose piece make it very comfortable. If you are a user, make sure you give it a look.

Quote:

Philips Respironics DreamWear - The unique under the nose nasal mask
DreamWear’s revolutionary design directs airflow through the frame to give cpap users the ability to sleep comfortably and unrestricted. DreamWear's unique design offers many of the benefits that pillows masks allow, but without inserting anything into the nose. The DreamWear mask allows more freedom of movement and provides exceptional comfort, in fact it feels like you are not wearing a mask at all.

Freedom:

Keeps tubing away from the face to offer freedom of movement during the night
Achieve any sleep position - stomach, side, or back
Clear line of sight to read or watch TV
Users rated DreamWear more stable, more comfortable, and more appealing than their prescribed mask
Minimal contact under the nose design
Comfort:

One mask offering the benefits of nasal pillow masks
Prevents red marks, discomfort or irritation in the nostrils or on the nose bridge
Soft, flexible silicone frame and fabric wraps provide a soft touch on the patient’s cheek
Simple and comfortable headgear
Hose Connection Location:

Almost every mask connects the longer 6 foot tubing at the front. The Dreamwear is designed with the elbow at the top of the head, allowing the hose to be perfectly situated. This new design will help keep the hose from being tangled and allow the mask cushion from shifting and leaking.

**Fire Me Boy!** · 06-07-2017, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holladay

An Update:

Well, I finally got the unit 5/5/17, a month ago. Insurance was a bitch. I had 74.9 episodes per night and O2 levels down to 88% for an hour and 1/2 per night...based upon the sleep study. After a months use, it is 3 per night. I haven't taken a nap at the office in weeks. I have quite a bit more energy. Not as much as I was hoping for, but better.

I had a nose mask for 3 weeks which was OK, but it is hard to wear glasses to read or watch TV. Last week I upgraded to a DreamWear Nasal mask without the nostril pegs. WOW, it is awesome. The hose placement and nose piece make it very comfortable. If you are a user, make sure you give it a look.

I don't understand this. Why are you wearing it when you're not trying to sleep? I don't put mine on until I'm ready to roll over. Am I weird?

08-16-2016, 11:50 PM
Holladay Veteran Join Date: Sep 2000 Casino cash: $129480	Sleep apnea. Anyone here? The wife says I quit breathing whilst asleep. Yes, I snore but give a crap. We all do. I just noticed this today when I was trying to take a nap. I kept waking up with a snort and out of breath! I am 51 aged, 5'8", 180 lbs. I try and eat healthy. I don't get enough exercise, I have high bp and am taking cholestoral crap meds, drink too much et. al. I did a sleep test 10 yrs ago with no bad results. I am thinking with age, things have changed. I seem to be tried all the time. I put it down as age, work etc. I don't want to do the "C-Pap" machine, or cut out my uvula (not vulva). I was going to look into the mouth piece thingie that holds out your lower jaw? I will probably do another sleep test, but think this time they will say I have a problem. Again, don't want to be hooked up to a machine at night (C-Pap). Has anyone been through this and what was the best solution.
Posts: 4,005

10-26-2016, 02:49 PM	#94
Holladay Veteran Join Date: Sep 2000 Casino cash: $129480	All good comments. Very much hoping for more energy. I have thought it old age.
Posts: 4,005

10-26-2016, 07:09 PM	#95
Holladay Veteran Join Date: Sep 2000 Casino cash: $129480	This is the next procedures/process as I understand. I talked with a Respiratory Therapist and will make an appointment with the local hospital for the Cpap sleep study to determine which mask/pillows/pressure that works for me. Do I purchase the machine or rent? Which one is recommended? What is the on-going cost? Insurance will not pay until the $1,500 deductable, which I think we will not reach. What are the other costs? Is it curable? With weight loss? Better diet/excersice? Thanks for the on-going help and comments.
Posts: 4,005

10-26-2016, 07:40 PM	#96
displacedinMN In Search of a Life Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Correcting papers Casino cash: $-590000	I'm thinking I need to do this too. __________________ #investigatecarlcheffers
Posts: 40,874

10-26-2016, 07:58 PM	#98
bobbymitch Starter Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Midwest coast Casino cash: $9883512	I wasn't given a choice - I own it. Granted, I had to pay for it over time, after the insurance companies paid their "share." Supplies run about $80 a quarter. I have the full face mask, so the quarterly supplies includes a face cushion per month, hose, water reservoir, and mask change per quarter. Twice a year I get a new headband. Note- if one uses a full face mask, be aware facial hair can be a problem. I was warned to bring a set of PJs for my sleep study. Not only do they hook you up with a dozen or so wires, but you are on a video monitor as well. __________________ This is the place where brilliant minds assemble to willfully pool ignorance with questionable logic in order to reach absurd conclusions.
Posts: 655