Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread

[Nabinger16]

Originally Posted by ahc4353

Links or pics to the models you use would be a big help for those looking.

>>ResMed Mirage Liberty<<

[BigCat]

Originally Posted by ahc4353

Links or pics to the models you use would be a big help for those looking.

With a gotee I have leak issues. Interested in options for those of us with goats. :SS

I'm a mouth breather as well so not sure if pillows will work for me. What is this "mirage liberty which has the nasal pillows and a mouth mask" you speak of? Any links or pics?

Thanks for all the info!

http://www.cpapxchange.com/cpap-mask...sk-resmed.html

Here you go!

Originally Posted by BigCat

http://www.cpapxchange.com/cpap-mask...sk-resmed.html

Here you go!

Thanks for the link. Never knew they made such a mask. Never done the pillows, seems like they would "hurt" but might try it to get away from the full mask.

Thanks again.

Edit: Adding a thought.

Maybe I should ask what type works best for a mouth breather with a goat? Any thoughts on this?

[SmokeyJoe]

Originally Posted by ahc4353

Thanks for the link. Never knew they made such a mask. Never done the pillows, seems like they would "hurt" but might try it to get away from the full mask.

Thanks again.

Edit: Adding a thought.

Maybe I should ask what type works best for a mouth breather with a goat? Any thoughts on this?

I use the nasal pillow... works well with my beard/goatee. The wife says I was a mouth-breather when I slept prior to getting the machine. I have always had a deviated septum and some congestion issues that caused me to breathe through my mouth when asleep.

Since getting the machine, I don't breathe through my mouth anymore. The positive pressure of the air has opened my nasal passages enough that I don't need to open the mouth. Plus, the mask seems to "encourage" me to keep my jaw closed. Not in an uncomfortable way, but it does help.

The nasal pillow:


Hope you find something that works, bro!

[Don Fernando]

Originally Posted by ahc4353

With a gotee I have leak issues. Interested in options for those of us with goats. :SS

[kelmac07]

Sorry to hear that Michael. Before my study and getting on the machine I would wake up and be so tired it was hard to stand up.

Maybe your settings are off. Any chance for another study to check if your pressures? I know have a study done every three years to check for changes.

Just saw the doc two months ago...told him I didn't feel any different. He checked everything and said I was fine. I didn't feel tired before the CPAP machine...wife says I feel better, I just don't know it...now that she doesn't have to hear the grizzley bear every night!!!

[kelmac07]

Thumbs up to the Mrs!!

[eber]

well I had my sleep study and I was diagnosed with "severe sleep apnea" I had 85 respiratory issues per hour. I must say that the sleep study sucked, it felt like I was awake every hour. I have the CPAP machine now and I will have my first night with it tonight.

[PeteSB75]

Originally Posted by eber

well I had my sleep study and I was diagnosed with "severe sleep apnea" I had 85 respiratory issues per hour. I must say that the sleep study sucked, it felt like I was awake every hour. I have the CPAP machine now and I will have my first night with it tonight.

Good luck man. It might well take you some time to get used to using it. You will also see the biggest results within the first 2-3 weeks. It's amazing how much more rested I am than before I was being treated.

[kelmac07]

Good luck with it Erik...hope it makes you feel well rested.

[kaisersozei]

Came across an interesting feature in today's Washington Post, thought I'd share:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...id=smartliving

[kelmac07]

I use my CPAP just fine with my goatee...just have to test it every now and again to ensure the seal is tight. Does your machine self test?

Originally Posted by kelmac07

I use my CPAP just fine with my goatee...just have to test it every now and again to ensure the seal is tight. Does your machine self test?

Ummmmm

My wife is going in for her sleep test tonight.

Originally Posted by Junior

My wife is going in for her sleep test tonight.

Please tell her congrats from me!!


Anyone else have any updates?

[Tenor CS]

My name is Christian and I have sleep apnea.

I went to a well-regarded ENT and told him about my sleep difficulties. My wife often noted that I choke or gasp in my sleep. The ENT ordered a 2-part sleep study. I have completed both parts and have my follow-up with the ENT tomorrow. I'm guessing he will order me to get a CPAP machine.

We'll see what happens next.

[Tenor CS]

Saw the doc today. I have mild/moderate apnea. My RDI was 10.3. My lowest O2 saturation was 86%, which was the number that disturbed him. I should have my CPAP machine in less than 2 weeks.

On a positive note, he said that with the CPAP machine plus losing weight (I am severely overweight, almost 375 lbs at a height of 5'8") I will be able to avoid surgery. They also scoped my nose and throat and found normal anatomy. No polyps, ulcers or lesions. A little bit of allergy-related redness, but nothing to worry about. Oh, and I have a deviated septum because of breaking my nose so many times in wrestling.

[kelmac07]

Christian...don't you just love doctors?

[Tenor CS]

Originally Posted by kelmac07

Christian...don't you just love doctors?

Actually, I lost my teaching job and am currently on Cobra. I'm trying to get as much medical stuff done as possible while I can afford it, since I've already met my deductible. I've had 4 surgeries in 5 months, stocking up on my BP and thyroid meds, got allergy tests and the sleep studies done.

The thing that SUCKS for me is that because of the surgeries (which were on a tender area,) I am in horrible pain and can't exercise even though I want to. There are times when literally every step is agony. I'm practically living on Vicodin and muscle relaxers. I see that doc tomorrow.

[kelmac07]

Sorry to hear about all the pain...good news is you will be healthier after all is completed!!! Wishes and prayers your way Christian!!