Sleep Apnea - How are you doing?
Discussion
Earlier in the summer I was struggling. Tired all the time and very grumpy. Finally the doc referred me to sleep specialist and I did a home sleep test study. As he assumed, I have sleep apnea and around on average 30 events an hour! I'm not overweight, reasonably healthy , but the snoring has gotten worse the last few years my wife tells me.
Fast forward a few months, I was provided a trial CPAP machine (Dream Station 2) and last week I was finally provided a new machine (ResMed AirSense 11 Auto). My events are down to on average 2.3 an hour!
It took a few weeks to get used to wearing a mask (nose type) and of late, I can only say I finally feel more human again and I've been having crazy vivid dreams as well, I couldn't recall the last time I'd had dreams (that i know of) in the last few years!
Overall, as much as I hate the concept of this machine on my bedside table and feeling like Darth Vader every night, it's certainly improved the way I feel!
So to you other CPAP users, how did you find it / how are you coping?
Fast forward a few months, I was provided a trial CPAP machine (Dream Station 2) and last week I was finally provided a new machine (ResMed AirSense 11 Auto). My events are down to on average 2.3 an hour!
It took a few weeks to get used to wearing a mask (nose type) and of late, I can only say I finally feel more human again and I've been having crazy vivid dreams as well, I couldn't recall the last time I'd had dreams (that i know of) in the last few years!
Overall, as much as I hate the concept of this machine on my bedside table and feeling like Darth Vader every night, it's certainly improved the way I feel!
So to you other CPAP users, how did you find it / how are you coping?
Edited by TudorSantos on Friday 18th November 19:33
I have bewen using CPAP for twenty years now (Have the same model as you) and it has been a lifesaver. Unfortunatekly my apnea went undiagnosed for five years at least and I went from a very fit 70kg athlete to a 110kg blob. I am down to around 91kg at the moment but am still trying to lose the weight.
The good news for you, is that you seem to have taken to it, some people don't.
Good luck going forward.
The good news for you, is that you seem to have taken to it, some people don't.
Good luck going forward.
Good to hear some positive stories about Cpap machines. I've been using one for 12 years and as others say, lifesaver. I have managed to aquire two, the first one provided by the NHS threw a fault code saying the motor was beyond servicable use. The local sleep clinic duly dispatched a new one and weren't interested in the old one which still works perfectly.
One is for travel and the other sits at home which avoids packing it up and unpacking each time I go away.
One thing I have noticed over the years is keeping clean shaven really helps avoid any leaks.
One is for travel and the other sits at home which avoids packing it up and unpacking each time I go away.
One thing I have noticed over the years is keeping clean shaven really helps avoid any leaks.
I started CPAP in August. On reflection I'd probably been suffering with severe sleep apnoea for about 3 years, I was tired but never excessively sleepy. My AHI was 56, now it's usually below 1 and never above 2.5, 3 month average on my AirSense 10 is 1.2.
I've not gone a night without it since I started, and bar the odd mask leak that's woken me I've slept like a baby every single night. I was getting up for a piss 2 - 4 times a night before. I had no real issues getting used to it. I felt 10 years younger after about 3 nights use.
The biggest issue I have is I use a full face mask and it irritates my skin. Switching to a foam cushion has helped and I've had to develop a skincare regime. It's not ideal, I look a bit flushed some of the time but it's worth it for me.
What I would say is anyone who suspects they might have a sleep problem just go and see your GP. A sleep study is a doddle these days - just sleep with some kit on at home for a night. The effects of untreated sleep apnoea are terrible for your health in the longer term - having seen my results I'm fairly certain I'd have had a serious heart attack or stroke before 50.
I've not gone a night without it since I started, and bar the odd mask leak that's woken me I've slept like a baby every single night. I was getting up for a piss 2 - 4 times a night before. I had no real issues getting used to it. I felt 10 years younger after about 3 nights use.
The biggest issue I have is I use a full face mask and it irritates my skin. Switching to a foam cushion has helped and I've had to develop a skincare regime. It's not ideal, I look a bit flushed some of the time but it's worth it for me.
What I would say is anyone who suspects they might have a sleep problem just go and see your GP. A sleep study is a doddle these days - just sleep with some kit on at home for a night. The effects of untreated sleep apnoea are terrible for your health in the longer term - having seen my results I'm fairly certain I'd have had a serious heart attack or stroke before 50.
Edited by quinny100 on Wednesday 23 November 23:40
My wife has been using a CPAP machine for about 6 months and it definitely helps her. We’ve had a few things going on the last couple of months so her usage has dropped off, and she has been more tired of an evening as a result. When she is using it an online score is given, and she gets annoyed if she gets less than 90%.
Great to hear some success and long term users.
I find the mask does slightly irritate my face during the day (when i'm obviously not wearing it).
Secondly, the ResMed machine is so much better than the Dream Station, especially the auto ramp function. I also noticed it uses a lot more water as well.
I guess it's the way of life now and I hopefully some improved health and fitness (as I'm less tired and want to exercise more)
Lastly, I've noticed a massive increase in morning glories as well!
I find the mask does slightly irritate my face during the day (when i'm obviously not wearing it).
Secondly, the ResMed machine is so much better than the Dream Station, especially the auto ramp function. I also noticed it uses a lot more water as well.
I guess it's the way of life now and I hopefully some improved health and fitness (as I'm less tired and want to exercise more)
Lastly, I've noticed a massive increase in morning glories as well!
[quote=TudorSantos]Great to hear some success and long term users.
I find the mask does slightly irritate my face during the day (when i'm obviously not wearing it).
Secondly, the ResMed machine is so much better than the Dream Station, especially the auto ramp function. I also noticed it uses a lot more water as well.
I guess it's the way of life now and I hopefully some improved health and fitness (as I'm less tired and want to exercise more)
Lastly, I've noticed a massive increase in morning glories as well!
I've never heard of a cpap using water before, what model is it? My new one is an Airsense 10 and is brilliant, auto pressure and full data facilities.
I find the mask does slightly irritate my face during the day (when i'm obviously not wearing it).
Secondly, the ResMed machine is so much better than the Dream Station, especially the auto ramp function. I also noticed it uses a lot more water as well.
I guess it's the way of life now and I hopefully some improved health and fitness (as I'm less tired and want to exercise more)
Lastly, I've noticed a massive increase in morning glories as well!
I've never heard of a cpap using water before, what model is it? My new one is an Airsense 10 and is brilliant, auto pressure and full data facilities.
Venisonpie said:
I've never heard of a cpap using water before, what model is it? My new one is an Airsense 10 and is brilliant, auto pressure and full data facilities.
This one, i guess mine has the humidifier option, hence the tank. I didn't know they came without them.https://www.cpapeuropa.com/product/resmed-airsense...
Agree on the data capture, really useful for sure.
Edited by TudorSantos on Friday 25th November 21:49
I don’t have a humidifier with my AS10. The Physiologist told me there were supply chain issues which meant they couldn’t get enough CPAP machines with humidifiers, so they ordered a batch without and found people actually took to CPAP more easily without them and the number of patients who reported issues the humidifier would help with was very small, so they’ve pivoted to issuing them without and adding them only where required.
During Covid a lot of people were put on CPAP machines if they didn't have severe breathing problems.
I have had one for 3 years,it took a while to get diagnosed by the sleep clinic despite being referred by a consultant anaesthetist who noticed it when I had a cardio version procedure.
These days if I fall asleep in the afternoon without the machine I wake up feeling awful .
I have had one for 3 years,it took a while to get diagnosed by the sleep clinic despite being referred by a consultant anaesthetist who noticed it when I had a cardio version procedure.
These days if I fall asleep in the afternoon without the machine I wake up feeling awful .
Gassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff