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ROBWILLIAMS1
8/6/07 7:00 A
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| Hi, I'm 19 and I started using CPAP about 6 months ago. After a sleep study, the doctor told me that on average when I'm in deep sleep I wake up every 48 seconds!
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TACOMANGRAMPS
7/23/07 10:41 P
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| YEP I HAVE IT. sleep WITH MY WIFE AND MY MACHINE EVERY NIGHT. IM HOPING THAT BY LOSING THE WEIGHT I WANT TO I WILL NOT NEED THE MACHINE ANYMORE. IM SHOOTING FOR A LOSS OF 78 LBS OR MORE IF I CAN.
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SCOOTERGPX
7/13/07 8:45 A
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| I good weight loss will for most people eliminate your sleep apnea. I have had a lot of experiance with this issue and trust me once the weight is off and you notice you sleep better check with your doctor and I will bet your able to get off the machine.
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TODDFMILLER
7/12/07 8:54 P
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Sleep apnea, oh yea!
Used the CPAP machine for about a year. Lost 60 lbs and quit strapping it to my head. Wife is still able to sleep beside me and the weight loss has 'cured' it.
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| I had it really bad when I weighed 305lbs but now that I've lost 124lbs it's almost completely gone.
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Hello. I found that if I get my mask on too tight, it will leak. What I do now is just put it on snug, and let the pressure from the pump sort of inflate it to seal the rim to my face. It is actually pretty comfortable to wear, but I used to work in the chemical industry so I was used to different types of masks.
You might try that and see if it works out for you.
Boatman
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| I am a newbie to apnea. I got CPAP machine about 2 monhths ago. Regarding masks, I have to use the one that plugs into the nostrils. My harness can be adjusted horizontally and vertically. I would like to switch to the mask that covers the nose but when I use that attachment it leaks around the base of the nose. I set the horizontal to max to push the mask over my nose on the face. Anyone have a suggestion on what I might do so it does not leak?
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I have used a CPAP machine for about 7 years and it is set to 11cm. I almost feel like I have a psychological dependence on it since I get worked up and cannot sleep at all if there is a power failure or something else prevents me from using it.
I am hoping that after I lose the weight that I will no longer need it, but we will just have to see.
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hello! i've been diagnosed with sleep apnea for about 6 years. my dad had it, he passed away last summer at age 59. my brother has it. Gotta love the cPAP! Without it I can't sleep. For those wondering about life expectancy and risks heres some info i got in class the other night.
Untreated sleep Apnics have a greater instance of:
Malignant Hypertension (life threatening high blood pressure)
Cardiac disease including Heart Attack (like obesity doesnt hurt enough...if you have sleep apnea and dont treat it your chances of having heart disease go up like 20%)
Stroke (goes along with the hypertension)
Treating your sleep apnea DECREASES the risks for all of theese, ergo it helps you live longer. Get it treated and stay on top of it, is the best advice I can give. Oh yeah loosing weight= good thing too! I just have to remind myself of that! Good luck.
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BENLEWIS70
6/17/07 9:42 P
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| has anyone tried the tempur-pedic bed and tempur pedic pillow? i got both last year and they are amazing. have no idea if it has helped my snoring, but the only reason i wake up now is to pee (thanks to all of the sparkpeople water is now more often). even more impressive is i routinely wakeup in the EXACT same position i fell asleep in. there is no tossing and turning. compound that with the fact that i am 24 months of back surgery (L5 Disectomy) and could nto sleep for more than 1-2hrs before. still cant sleep on the back or the left leg goes numb but roll me to a side and talk to you in 8hrs
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LOSINGIT61
6/16/07 3:39 A
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| One more thing. My doctor told me that one of the options of getting rid of the sleep apnea was to lose weight. Thats the option I'm going for. Cause I'm getting tired of wearing that mask on my head at night when I go to bed. Hopefully losing weight will help. Have a great night.
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LOSINGIT61
6/16/07 3:36 A
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| You need to go have that checked out Garint. See if your insurance will cover it. If they will go talk to your doctor. I've known 2 people that have died from sleep apnea. They both had heart attacks and died in their sleep. Its not something to mess with.
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| I really need to get checked for it. My wife has had to wake me up several times in the past because I stopped breathing. The last couple of times it happend. I woke up on my own but couldn't breathe for a couple of seconds. On one hand its my health and life on the line but on the other, i dont know if my insurance would cover something like that.
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LOSINGIT61
5/30/07 12:30 A
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| Great to hear your getting your old energy back Boatman. Glad to hear your doing better. Have a great night.
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| I got tested for sleep apnea because of my snoring, repeat awakenings and the fact that I'm just a really big guy - lucky for me I don't have it. Turns out my sleep disturbances are more environmental with one-off noises waking me up and then not repeating. I'm a single guy in an apartment so it took a friend sleeping over to clue me in.
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Well, I have narcolepsy according to my last sleep test which included a MLST test the following day. My apnea is well controlled, but I need to take Provigil now 2x a day, but it has made a big difference. I'm getting my old energy back!
I'll drop in now and then and keep reporting back.
Boatman
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Yes, I had my pressure raised to 11.5 once and it was way too much. Had to put it back at 9, but now I need a chin strap because my mouth opens during the night. Then I wake up gasping, as you say. It's just one thing after another!
Boatman
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| My weight has varied quite substantially over the years and have noticed that I have the apnea at all weights. Since using a cPAP machine and stopping smoking I can actually sleep. But recently, I've woke up gasping for air using the machine. Does anyone have any idea about this problem? It seems my mask has a good seal and i can't have my machine set above 9.
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| I haven't seen any info on the life expectancy. As long as you use your machine at night it seems like you would live a long life. I've also heard many people say that losing weight helped them to get off of the cpap and some didn't. It must be an individual thing. Have a great day.
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Not sure about the long term affects after you start treating the problem but i'm pretty sure my dad died of a heart attack at 62 because he had it and at that time no body knew what sleep apnea was. I'm 57 and was diagnosed with sleep apnea, after my wife pushed me to go for the test, at age 49.
My ENT explained to me recently that losing weight would improve the sleep apnea by 50% and he could get another 40% with surgery. So being here is probably the best thing you can do for yourself and your longevity.
Good luck with the process.
By the way, since I quite smoking and started the sleep apnea treatment(both 7 years ago), I have felt better and had more energy. I also had an almost imediate drop (20 points) in blood preasure after starting the CPAP use. I can't waite to see what taking of 50 pounds will do for my energy level and quality of life.
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I think you have one of the newer machines. Does it say "Automatic" or anything like that on it? If so, it will find the best pressure for you all by itself. I had one for 14 days, and then they looked at what that machine was doing and set my regular machine to the pressure indicated.
My regular machine is a REMstar pro. It does not have the automatic feature, but does have the C-Flex. That option allows the pressure to ramp up slowly and will let you select from 3 different back pressures (on the exhale) so it's easier to exhale.
Good Luck with your machine!
Boatman
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| Do any of you know what the long term affects are after being treated for sleep Apnea? This sounds sad but what is the life expectancy having sleep Apnea?
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PIRATE_BEAR
5/2/07 8:39 A
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| New to the board, but have a c-pap, and have just been running on the flexible setting, does anyone know if it is important to go back in and have the clinic set it to a perminant setting. when first tested dr. said i was waking up about 95 times every hour.
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| I got through about 3/4 cup of water a night with the humidifier on 5 (highest setting). Dr says that will be the best to keep things moist. I want to get off of the machine period but I am waiting that miracle.
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Well, I used an Automatic machine fir 14 days and that told the sleep experts that I only needed 9 on the machine. So they set it back to nine. Now, I still need to get the extra water out and play around with the humidifier controls.
I will be getting another sleep study in May and this one will include a daytime sleep study. They want to rule out narcolepsy. I hope I don't have that!
Boatman
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SLAPOJACKS
11/27/06 2:20 P
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I have a severe case of sleep apnea. When I was tested Dr. said I was only getting about 1 hour of sleep per night. My c-pap machine is set at 12.5 Dr. said that is the high he has ever seen. Since I've been on c-pap I get about 6 hours of solid sleep before my diabeties kicks in and I have to use restroom.
Jack
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I set my C-Flex to 3 but there is still too much positive pressure. I'll try to get that fixed this week. I had my hernia repair surgery Wednesday and will be off work for 2 weeks,so I'll have plenty of time to get it done.
Boatman
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Hey there and welcome.
Be sure to ask for the huimidifier/heater to go with your machine. You will want to have that option if the air dries you out or it's too cold. Also, be sure the back pressure is set low enough that the air won't blow out your mouth. That will dry out your mouth in short order and wake you right up!
If possible, get detailed instructions on how to set the pressures. The last tech that set mine messed up the back pressure setting and now I can't use the machine as it blows air out my mouth. I'm calling the sleep Center on Monday to get it reset and searching the web for the manual on this machine. Then I can set it up myself in the future.
Good Luck!
Boatman
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KRISTINMAUE
11/19/06 3:31 A
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I have a sleep study the day after Thanksgiving for sleep apnea. I can sleep for 8 hours a night and feel like I havent sleep at all. I cant wait for a cpap machine so I can start sleeping better.
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CHRISTOPHERD
10/27/06 8:45 A
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| I have had it but not seriously, Its a bit scary when you wake up and cannot breath! I have noe experienced it for some time now!
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LISA_IN_CA
10/23/06 11:09 P
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| MSLT stands for Multiple sleep Latency Test : )
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TXKITTEN71
10/23/06 10:40 P
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Hey folks! I just went thru my 2nd sleep study and MSLT (don't have a clue as to the acryonym meaning). I have been using a CPAP for about 2 years now at a setting of 12... They are now going to up the pressure to 16. I can tell a difference in that I can't fall asleep without the machine. That said, I also feel like crap the next day w/o it.
I had the MSLT study done because I have a family history of Narcolepsy and have a lot of daytime drowsyness. This study showed that I do fall asleep quickly and require medication to aid in daytime wakefullness. I asked whether this could be narcolepsy and the answer was that it is a "cousin" of narcolepsy -- sleepiness w/o the hallucinations or other symptoms. So, we are going to see if the meds really do work or if something else needs to be done.
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Hello everybody,
I, too, have sleep apnea. I've been using my CPAP for a litle over a year now. I don't notice much diference in my energy level during the day if I don't use it, but try to anyway. I fall asleep at work all day long - just little "blackouts" for a few minutes at a time. This has been happening for 20 years or so, and the CPAP made no difference. Well maybe a little difference. I'm thinking I might suffer from Narcolepsy? (sp). I have to talk to my Dr. about that next week when I see him. Could lead us in a different direction as I have many other health problems as well.
Be back later,
Boatman
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| I'm amazed how many other people have sleep apnea! I've been using a CPAP machine for a few years now, and would not be without it! Hopefully, I may not need it after losing weight, but I have a lot of weight to lose first! Thanks for setting up the group, Powerguy!
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GINGERLY1
10/16/06 8:22 P
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Good Point Power Guy
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THEPOWERGUY
10/16/06 7:26 P
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MORNINGDOVE
10/16/06 4:51 P
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GINGERLY1
10/13/06 11:30 P
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| Excellent idea!! I was hoping there was one. Ty Powerguy!! I didn't realize this was the Guys Lounge, I was looking for apnea people...
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LOSINGIT61
9/4/06 11:30 A
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| Thanks Powerguy, that was a good idea. I'll go check it out. Have a great day.
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| Thanks PowerGuy, good idea!
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THEPOWERGUY
9/3/06 1:32 P
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Just to let everyone know, As I was surfin' around SP I noticed that they didn't have any groups for sleep Apnea (except for this little area in the message boards)
So if anyone is interested I started one. Just another place for people like us to share news, seek help, etc.
http://www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/groups_individual.asp?gid=3461
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LOSINGIT61
8/26/06 11:29 P
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| I know exactly what you all are saying. I'm not as compliant with mine as I should be. But when I don't use it I can sure tell the difference. I have a bipap cause I couldn't tolerate that continuous flow of the cpap. I also use a flexifit full face mask that I like alot. My wife has a nasal mask, and says she doesn't know how I use the full face mask. I can't keep my mouth shut for one thing, cause I have a lot of troubles with my throat. to me its more comfortable for me. Well, time to go see the cpap mask for 8 hours. Good night fellow hose heads.
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| I gained weight too at first, and have similar apnea numbers to yours, When I asked my doc she said that is common, because your body isn't working to make up for lack of o2, I think I had about 1000 hours on my machine when I started really feeling better. It may take a while to overcome years of damage. Like Barb my condition is likely congenital. My mom remembers me snore as a baby. I have over 6000 hours on CPAP and I can live with it. Sure is better than the way I used to feel
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| I also have sleep apnea, was diagnosed 5 years ago. After recently losing 50 plus pounds, I saw my doctor. She was amazed at the weightloss, measured my neck, found I didn't lose much around the neck. She proceeded to check my throat and decided I had a very narrow passageway. She said I was probably one of the unfortunate ones that will have to use a C-PAP for the rest of my life. I don't mind using it, I now can sleep 6 hours without waking up. Before I used to hate to go to bed because the nights were sooo long. I use an activa mask which only covers the nose. I recently started using a new machine that is very small and has a humidifier on it. It also varies the pounds between 6 and 12. Hope everyone has good luck with their machines and hopefully everyone will be able to stop using them.
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Hello,
I have sever sleep apnea. During my sleep study I stopped breathign 48 times an hour and my o2 levels dropped to 80%. I am on a CPAP set at 9. I use the Swift Nasal Pillow mask and its the only mask I can tolerate.
I feel slightly better than pre diagnosis but not great. Dr said if I lost a significant amount of weight he would schedule another study to see if the pressure cna be reduced ot come off the machine period. Its been 10 months now and I have gained weight not lost. Hopefully one day I can.
I am starting to think about surgery options but I have to sit down with my doctor and see if it can help or not.
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LOSINGIT61
8/21/06 10:24 A
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| If you do have air leakage. I don't know if you have a nasal mask or a full face mask, I have a full face and I was told that when you have the mask on and the machine running, you can blow into the mask and it will make the seal better. It works. And if you have a nasal, I guess you could blow through your nose. I'm not sure how that will work, but its worth a try.
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| you may have air leakage through the mouth. This will cause excessive drying during the night, and excess saliva production by day (body is compensating. a chin strap might help.
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WALKINGLOU
8/20/06 12:30 A
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| Has any one using the C-PAP noticed any side effects?. I had none for about two years, but now I think it is making me produce a lot more saliva.
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LOSINGIT61
8/19/06 11:32 P
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| CSROETTER, Respironics has come out with a machine that is right up your alley. Its a new M Series that fits in the palms of your hands, its 2.2 lbs, and you can get a battery pack to go with it.
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LOSINGIT61
8/19/06 11:26 P
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| Your dr's right. I know of a couple people that didn't wear their cpaps and died of a heart attack while sleeping. If I don't wear mine I don't feel good at all the next day. My bipap pressures are set at 8 and 11. I've have heard that too if you lose weight you could possibly get off the cpap. Thats one of my goals too. Have a great night.
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LOSINGIT61
8/19/06 11:21 P
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| When I first started wearing my THEPOWERGUY. I did the same thing. I would put it on at night and wake up with it on the nightstand. Then gradually I started keeping it on all night. Can't do without it now. Give it some time and it'll get better.
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I too, have sleep apnea. I never used to snore when I was younger and trimmer, so I seriously hope that by ditching the weight, I can loose the C-Pap.. It helps and all, but I miss being able to sleep on my stomach..
Ditto on the acid refulx! Since I went back on the diet and excercise, I have not had a single case of heartburn/reflux.
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CS_SPARKS
8/16/06 11:33 P
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| I have severe obstructive sleep Apnea. After losing 25 lbs they dropped the pressure from 8 to 6. I have over 5000 hours on my machine. I use the breeze mask and it works well. My sleep doc had never seen this so severe (almost one a minute) in someone who was not obese. Turns out I was born with it and it just gets worse as you age. The surgical corrections are too radical for me so I'm stuck with sounding like Darth Vader when I sleep. but it is far better that leaving it untreated. There are new machines that are battery operated, and I hope that when i get one I can go backpacking again
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MICKYMAZDA
8/15/06 1:11 A
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Jeff, I read your message and just realised I haven't had heartburn since I started this diet, not once. I've had it bad all my life and would average 2 or 3 packs of antacids a week. Now, nothing. 
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WALKINGLOU
8/14/06 11:30 P
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| I have been using a C-PAP for a couple of years. It really has made a difference. I now get a good night's sleep, and feel a whole lot better. I used to always be very sleepy during the day, but not any more, since I started using the C-PAP. My Dr. says not using it could be fatal. You can die in your sleep, and it can have very negative health consequences. I hope I can stop using the C-PAP after loosing some weight. My goal is to loose 50lbs.
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I had it bad, I'd stop breathing for 30-40 seconds or something but after losing some weight it never happens anymore. I even stopped snoring for the most part, so my better half says. Another thing along the same topic is I never get heartburn anymore. Amazing what 70 lbs off will do for you.
Jeff
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| Sleep apnea is rough. My wife noticed it more than I did when I was 450. I'd stop breathing, she'd wake up and hit me (Now I know why I was so sore some nights. Why she'd hit me during the day, I'm still not sure. Maybe it's something I said) It took about 60 lbs weight loss before I stopped having apnea attacks
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THEPOWERGUY
8/14/06 3:47 P
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| I have a C-Pap and it has a setting of 8. I've been told that isn't very sever. I have had it for just over a year and I still put it on at night as I go to bed and find the mask some where on the floor in the morning. There are times I am able to keep it on all night, but for some reason that is few and far between. But I still feel better that I did before the machine. And they also say that if you keep using the machine the weight does come off easier.
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LOSINGIT61
7/19/06 11:29 P
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Welcome Kelly, post here anytime. I also have the bipap. I'm not as compliant as I should be. But I do feel alot better in the morning when using it. I've also heard that Matt. That if you lose weight you can get off of it. I believe we can beat it too. Hope you all have a great night.
Lee
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No worries, everyone is welcome in the Guys Lounge. My dad used the Bi-pap machine as well. But within months of losing the weight he was able to stop using it. Good luck with your goals!
matt
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KEVINKELLY
7/18/06 11:27 P
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I have it and it stinks. It is on my list of reasons to lose weight. I have a severe case of it I have a Bi pap machine set at the strongest setting with a liter of o2. Yikes! But I cant sleep without it. I have heard of a lot of people not having it anymore when they lose weight. I dont know how my husband puts up with all the noise at night but he does. Hang in there maybe we will beat this thing.
Kelly
OH I hope I didnt intrude I just relized I was in the guy's lounge. I dont know how that happened. Sorry.
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My dad used to have sleep apnea. After he had Gastric Bypass and lost 150+ lbs the sleep apnea stopped. My brother also has it. Fortunately I've never had to worry about it, it's a scary thing.
matt
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LOSINGIT61
7/18/06 11:12 A
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| Just thought I would throw a topic out there. I have sleep apnea, and I was wondering if anyone else has it or if they have had it. Hope you all have a great day.
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