Those with Sleep Apnoea, your advice please...
Discussion
Hi all,
I have been diagnosed with moderate sleep apnoea. And I am being referred to Oxford for CPAP but the waiting time is currently over 3 months.
I will be attending this appointment, when it comes, but for now I have purchased a second hand CPAP machine, which is an auto pressure one, in order to see me through.
The machine I have bought is this...
https://www.eu-pap.co.uk/sleepcube-autoadjust-plus...
But second hand, for considerably less.
I now need to find a mask, and have asked the wife if I breathe through my nose or mouth during the night to which she replied "well, kind of both, through your mouth but you sound really 'nasally'"
So after hearing that I think I need a full face mask? I also worry that with a nasal mask only, what if I have a cold? And a stuffy nose?
I'm new to all this so advice appreciated.
I have been diagnosed with moderate sleep apnoea. And I am being referred to Oxford for CPAP but the waiting time is currently over 3 months.
I will be attending this appointment, when it comes, but for now I have purchased a second hand CPAP machine, which is an auto pressure one, in order to see me through.
The machine I have bought is this...
https://www.eu-pap.co.uk/sleepcube-autoadjust-plus...
But second hand, for considerably less.
I now need to find a mask, and have asked the wife if I breathe through my nose or mouth during the night to which she replied "well, kind of both, through your mouth but you sound really 'nasally'"
So after hearing that I think I need a full face mask? I also worry that with a nasal mask only, what if I have a cold? And a stuffy nose?
I'm new to all this so advice appreciated.
stevensdrs said:
I had one for 3 months, full face mask on auto pressure. Hated the damn thing as it would go onto full blast and wake me up. I went on a carbohydrate free diet, lost 3 stone and the apnoea went away. I really enjoyed handing the machine back for some other poor sucker to use.
I fear i will also hate it, but I absolutely have to try and stick with it. My health, and happiness, and life for that matter depend on it. I am 6ft, and 12 stone, so i cant lose any more weight!
I have the Resmed machine ( https://mysleep.resmed.com/GB/en/CPAP-Machines/Hom... that I got via the NHS and been using for about a year. I started with a mouth and nose mask but kept getting bad seals and leakage. I then changed to nasal 'cushions' and use these along with a chin strap to keep my mouth closed overnight.
I have had the odd blocked nose when it's impossible to use the cushions so have reverted back to the mouth and nose mask for those nights, or not used the machine at all for one night.
Using either of the above does take some getting used to, but I feel much better for it.
I have had the odd blocked nose when it's impossible to use the cushions so have reverted back to the mouth and nose mask for those nights, or not used the machine at all for one night.
Using either of the above does take some getting used to, but I feel much better for it.
silvagod said:
I have the Resmed machine ( https://mysleep.resmed.com/GB/en/CPAP-Machines/Hom... that I got via the NHS and been using for about a year. I started with a mouth and nose mask but kept getting bad seals and leakage. I then changed to nasal 'cushions' and use these along with a chin strap to keep my mouth closed overnight.
I have had the odd blocked nose when it's impossible to use the cushions so have reverted back to the mouth and nose mask for those nights, or not used the machine at all for one night.
Using either of the above does take some getting used to, but I feel much better for it.
Is that the machine they usually give out on the NHS? Seems very good...I have had the odd blocked nose when it's impossible to use the cushions so have reverted back to the mouth and nose mask for those nights, or not used the machine at all for one night.
Using either of the above does take some getting used to, but I feel much better for it.
Speaking as someone who has recently been diagnosed with suspected sleep aponea (pending a sleep study), it kicked me into going on a virtually carb free diet combined with working with a personal trainer in my local crossfit place. My aim is by the time I get to the sleep study in October that I won't really need the mask.
SultanOfSwing said:
Is that the machine they usually give out on the NHS? Seems very good...
Yes, that's the one. They also supply a mask that fits / suits you, I had been given 3 different ones before settling on the nasal cushions.To the others that have replied, it's not all about weight, but good for you if you can sort it by weight loss!
silvagod said:
SultanOfSwing said:
Is that the machine they usually give out on the NHS? Seems very good...
Yes, that's the one. They also supply a mask that fits / suits you, I had been given 3 different ones before settling on the nasal cushions.To the others that have replied, it's not all about weight, but good for you if you can sort it by weight loss!
I was diagnosed last summer after complaining about snoring. The resmed machine is what I was given by the NHS & a full face mask to start with. The ENT guy gave me a CT scan and scheduled an operation on my nose as apparently I couldn’t breath through it. I had never really noticed.
The machine takes some getting used to at first, but you do get used to it.
Ive had the nose operation, trimmed down from 15 stone to 11 & 3/4. Next step is some plastic splints stapled to the back of my throat, recommended by ENT guy but cant be done on NHS. Simple procedure done under a local in about 20mins, costs about £900. But the ENT guy though I would be suitable for it and would help reduce my apnoea.
Once that all done then I really hope a new sleep study will show I have reduced my apnoea enough to not require the machine anymore.
What will help you depends on your build. I am told I don’t look like a sleep apnoea patient by both the ENT guy and the anaesthetist.
The diagnosis was a great thing though! Since using the machine I have found so much more energy and enthusiasm for life! So although it not great news, be thankful you know about it and can seek treatment.
SultanOfSwing said:
silvagod said:
I have the Resmed machine ( https://mysleep.resmed.com/GB/en/CPAP-Machines/Hom... that I got via the NHS and been using for about a year. I started with a mouth and nose mask but kept getting bad seals and leakage. I then changed to nasal 'cushions' and use these along with a chin strap to keep my mouth closed overnight.
I have had the odd blocked nose when it's impossible to use the cushions so have reverted back to the mouth and nose mask for those nights, or not used the machine at all for one night.
Using either of the above does take some getting used to, but I feel much better for it.
Is that the machine they usually give out on the NHS? Seems very good...I have had the odd blocked nose when it's impossible to use the cushions so have reverted back to the mouth and nose mask for those nights, or not used the machine at all for one night.
Using either of the above does take some getting used to, but I feel much better for it.
They'll probably give you a nose mask after measuring you up. What you'll find is your nose can't block up 100% so you'll always be able to breathe. Because you've got pressurised air against your nose you won't be able to use your mouth to breathe in anymore.
I'm on NIV (non-invasive ventilation) for OSA and nocturnal hypoventilation.
Everyone is different regarding masks. Just because one mask works for one person, doesn't mean it will work for you. For example of all the different masks available I can only use one mask which covers my whole face (and just happens to be the most expensive one on the market at £175).
Some clinics are very restrictive with regards to different masks being available (some only have one model of full face mask and nasal mask). Others have a lot of choice. Every clinic is also different with regards to the machines they give out. Some give out automatic pressure ones with full data and some give out basic fixed pressure versions with no data recording apart from hours the machine is used.
Also weight isn't always the cause of OSA. I know a few people who have lost weight and they've had to have the pressure on their machines increased.
Everyone is different regarding masks. Just because one mask works for one person, doesn't mean it will work for you. For example of all the different masks available I can only use one mask which covers my whole face (and just happens to be the most expensive one on the market at £175).
Some clinics are very restrictive with regards to different masks being available (some only have one model of full face mask and nasal mask). Others have a lot of choice. Every clinic is also different with regards to the machines they give out. Some give out automatic pressure ones with full data and some give out basic fixed pressure versions with no data recording apart from hours the machine is used.
Also weight isn't always the cause of OSA. I know a few people who have lost weight and they've had to have the pressure on their machines increased.
Thanks very much for all the info thus far. Very helpful.
Another question, do I need to notify the DVLA? This has not been mentioned at all by the Sleep Specialist Doc who has diagnosed me. I also note that the term 'excessive sleepiness' has not been used.
I have read that Moderate Sleep Apnoea without mention of excessive sleepiness does not need to be reported.
I will check with Doc but wondered if anyone on here knew.
Another question, do I need to notify the DVLA? This has not been mentioned at all by the Sleep Specialist Doc who has diagnosed me. I also note that the term 'excessive sleepiness' has not been used.
I have read that Moderate Sleep Apnoea without mention of excessive sleepiness does not need to be reported.
I will check with Doc but wondered if anyone on here knew.
I seem to have developed SA over the last year.
I used to be 18 stone (I'm 5ft 8) I slimmed down over 2 years to 10st12, I've since come back upto about 12st5.
I had a SA test done about 2 years ago and it came back fine, been sent a letter awaiting an appointment.
Just been given private medical insurance by my company, hoping the documents come through soon so I can get it sorted through them.
I used to be 18 stone (I'm 5ft 8) I slimmed down over 2 years to 10st12, I've since come back upto about 12st5.
I had a SA test done about 2 years ago and it came back fine, been sent a letter awaiting an appointment.
Just been given private medical insurance by my company, hoping the documents come through soon so I can get it sorted through them.
AJB88 said:
EDITED
Just been given private medical insurance by my company, hoping the documents come through soon so I can get it sorted through them.
I hope you won't be disappointed but don't hold your breath (to coin a phrase). Just been given private medical insurance by my company, hoping the documents come through soon so I can get it sorted through them.
BUPA told me that it won't fund anything to do with SA.
SultanOfSwing said:
Thanks very much for all the info thus far. Very helpful.
Another question, do I need to notify the DVLA? This has not been mentioned at all by the Sleep Specialist Doc who has diagnosed me. I also note that the term 'excessive sleepiness' has not been used.
I have read that Moderate Sleep Apnoea without mention of excessive sleepiness does not need to be reported.
I will check with Doc but wondered if anyone on here knew.
Your doctor / sleep clinic will decide if they need to notify the DVLA. Providing your CPAP is working and helping, then there should be no need to tell them. I was informed it wasn't my choice though.Another question, do I need to notify the DVLA? This has not been mentioned at all by the Sleep Specialist Doc who has diagnosed me. I also note that the term 'excessive sleepiness' has not been used.
I have read that Moderate Sleep Apnoea without mention of excessive sleepiness does not need to be reported.
I will check with Doc but wondered if anyone on here knew.
SultanOfSwing said:
Hi all,
I have been diagnosed with moderate sleep apnoea. And I am being referred to Oxford for CPAP but the waiting time is currently over 3 months.
I will be attending this appointment, when it comes, but for now I have purchased a second hand CPAP machine, which is an auto pressure one, in order to see me through.
The machine I have bought is this...
https://www.eu-pap.co.uk/sleepcube-autoadjust-plus...
But second hand, for considerably less.
I now need to find a mask, and have asked the wife if I breathe through my nose or mouth during the night to which she replied "well, kind of both, through your mouth but you sound really 'nasally'"
So after hearing that I think I need a full face mask? I also worry that with a nasal mask only, what if I have a cold? And a stuffy nose?
I'm new to all this so advice appreciated.
Just out of curiosity, do you have a short jaw?I have been diagnosed with moderate sleep apnoea. And I am being referred to Oxford for CPAP but the waiting time is currently over 3 months.
I will be attending this appointment, when it comes, but for now I have purchased a second hand CPAP machine, which is an auto pressure one, in order to see me through.
The machine I have bought is this...
https://www.eu-pap.co.uk/sleepcube-autoadjust-plus...
But second hand, for considerably less.
I now need to find a mask, and have asked the wife if I breathe through my nose or mouth during the night to which she replied "well, kind of both, through your mouth but you sound really 'nasally'"
So after hearing that I think I need a full face mask? I also worry that with a nasal mask only, what if I have a cold? And a stuffy nose?
I'm new to all this so advice appreciated.
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