Does anyone use a CPAP? Opinions please

[piecemaker]

I was glad to see this post
I go this week to get my test results and my machine. Can't wait to get it DSIL let me use his machine for a few day (I know it is not set up for me) but boy what a differenct it made.
More later when I get my own machine

piecemaker

 

[chicknmania]

My husband had one. He actually ended up in the hospital b/c of sleep apnea and it was a problem. When he came home they gave him a cpap machine and I hated it. It was very noisy and interfered with MY sleep, but it did help him and he did get a more restful sleep. He doesn't use one now and I am thankful, though I am worried that he may have to again some day if he doesn't watch his weight.

 

[Dunkopf]

I was supposed to get one. I had a gastric bypass instead. Once the triple chin and neck were gone so was the sleep apnea. I read up on it and it is very scary stuff. Breaks down the lining in your veins or something to that effect. Can't remember for sure, it was a while back, but the damage it does is not reversible. Some people still have it after they lose weight though.

To the OP. Good luck.

 

[CoyoteMagic]

Ok, I admit it, I'm one of those people who doesn't use mine. I've had it for 10 years and have tried and tried and tried again to use it. I know the thing makes me feel so much better. And with my heart condition it is almost REQUIRED, but can't seem to get through a night with it on. I have about 6 different masks. Like someone said, no mask is perfect.

My biggest problem is something that happen to me when I was 16 years old. I was attacked while I was sleeping. The person put they hand over my nose and mouth. I haven't slept soundly since. The slighest noise and I'm awake, heart pounding. You can just imagine what it was like to wake to find this "thing" covering my nose and mouth. Can you say, flashbacks?

 

[LovinMyPeeps]

Quote:
In your case Coyote, you may want to consider the surgery, or at the very least have 02 by nasal canula while you sleep. If you have a heart condition, keeping an eye on your overnight O2 is imperative.

 

[chickensioux]

CoyoteMagic, that sounds horrifying! I can see why you have trouble sleeping.
I DO plan to give it a good college try. I heard it can take a couple of weeks to get used to and that my insomnia will also be an issue but I will try, try try.
I can't stand anything touching my face tho', so it will be difficult for me and I tend to "coccoon" in my sleep. That's what I call it where you lie on your stomach, then your side, then your back, then your other side and so on. I'll probably end up strangling myself.....

 

[Dunkopf]

When I had my sleep study done, I had to take an Ambien. There's no way I could sleep with that mask on without it. They tested me for 4 hours without the mask, then 4 hours with it. I kept taking the mask off in my sleep.

You might try Ambien. It works, but it is psychologically addictive. Better than the damage that sleep apnea does though.

 

[FarmerJamie]

Quote:
My doc advised against sleep aids - can't remember the exact reason, but the effect was as bad as the apnea. Seek a doctor's advice first.

 

[chickensioux]

Quote:
My doc advised against sleep aids - can't remember the exact reason, but the effect was as bad as the apnea. Seek a doctor's advice first.

Not a big fan of sleep aids. I have been a life long insomniac and have never opted for them. I usually just say "it is what it is" where that is concerned. But the apnea worries me, so I will do what I need to do. I may not be able to tolerate it and I will go from there.

 

[TifsBroodyBabes]

I've had my CPAP machine for almost 2 yrs. and I can't sleep without it. I had sleep apnea for 8 yrs and didnt know that whole time why I just couldnt sleep.When I went in for testing they had me sleep for 4 hrs without the mask and 4 hrs with it on and I'll tell you that was the best sleep I had for years-I was mad when they told me the test was over.Just get the mask that covers you nose and mouth if you sometimes open your mouth when you sleep.