Sleep Apnea Support/Questions Thread

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by hotreds

Actually, I had to discontinue use of the machine when I had my latest cold- I was stopped up and had to breathe thru my mouth. I remain unconvinced about the whole rigamarole, but I reckon I might as well keep using the dang thing as my BOTL here indicate its usage is a positive- and I'll believe them over any brochure that tells me so!

Couldn't you use a full mask, Hugh?
My mask covers my nose and mouth.

[hotreds]

Originally Posted by pnoon

Couldn't you use a full mask, Hugh?
My mask covers my nose and mouth.

I was given just the "nose pillows" as it was observed during my study that I slept with my mouth closed and didn't need the full mask. FWIW. Interesting thing is that when I was traveling recently I didn't use the machine at the hotel(1 night) and sure didn't feel any better or worse. But, with the BOTL here telling me it takes quite sometime to notice a difference- esp. if you weren't feeling bad to begin with- I guess I should use it- and will.

[Tenor CS]

I tried the nose pillows at first. Hated them. When my mouth would fall open, I'd feel a gurgling, choking sensation. My full-face mask is much better.

[hotreds]

Yes, indeedy; opening my fresser makes me choke! Yawning becomes difficult!

[BeerAdvocate]

Originally Posted by Tenor CS

I tried the nose pillows at first. Hated them. When my mouth would fall open, I'd feel a gurgling, choking sensation. My full-face mask is much better.

You can get a chin strap and that will fix your mouth falling open.

[Tenor CS]

Originally Posted by BeerAdvocate

You can get a chin strap and that will fix your mouth falling open.

Tried it, hated it.

[Emjaysmash]

I just got my machine today! Going to use it tonight!

[kelmac07]

Originally Posted by Emjaysmash

I just got my machine today! Going to use it tonight!

Great news MJ!!

[CigarNut]

Originally Posted by Emjaysmash

I just got my machine today! Going to use it tonight!

May it bring you many nights of peaceful sleep!

[Commander Quan]

I went for a sleep study last night, I'm not sure how successful it was, I don't feel like the amount or quality of my sleep represents how I normally sleep, but I guess I'll see at the follow up in a couple weeks.

[BigCat]

Originally Posted by Commander Quan

I went for a sleep study last night, I'm not sure how successful it was, I don't feel like the amount or quality of my sleep represents how I normally sleep, but I guess I'll see at the follow up in a couple weeks.

I would've sworn I slept a couple hours max during my sleep study...turns out they got all the intel they needed from me. I bet you'll find the same.

[Emjaysmash]

Originally Posted by BigCat

I would've sworn I slept a couple hours max during my sleep study...turns out they got all the intel they needed from me. I bet you'll find the same.

;tpd;
They know you might have trouble sleeping, but once you are asleep you generally sleep much the same as you would at home. All they need is a few hours of you sleeping to tell if you have it or not.

[Tenor CS]

I felt similarly when I had my study. I got there at 9:30 pm ish, got all hooked up to the machines, didn't fall asleep till at least midnight. They woke me at 5 am to go home. I hardly ever sleep that little at home.

I've had my CPAP since August of last year. Last night was great. I don't have school today, so I could sleep in. Went to bed at 10:00, fell asleep before 11, woke up at around 10:15 this morning. Ahhh, that felt good!

[PeteSB75]

Interesting article and, if it pans out, very positive development for anyone with OSA.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-27083_3-10456870-247.html

[Emjaysmash]

Originally Posted by PeteSB75

Interesting article and, if it pans out, very positive development for anyone with OSA.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-27083_3-10456870-247.html

You gotta have that thing surgically implanted??

I'll stick to my "bad-halloween-costume" mask, thank you.

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by Emjaysmash

You gotta have that thing surgically implanted??

I'll stick to my "bad-halloween-costume" mask, thank you.

I'm starting to get used to the mask/machine. If nothing else, my AHI has gone from a whopping 29 (sleep study prior to CPAP) down to an average of 1.2 over the last 7 days.

[hotreds]

I already have a surgically implanted device in my chest, so I guess this wouldn't work for me!

[Emjaysmash]

Originally Posted by pnoon

I'm starting to get used to the mask/machine. If nothing else, my AHI has gone from a whopping 29 (sleep study prior to CPAP) down to an average of 1.2 over the last 7 days.

...

(Whats an "AHI"?)

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by Emjaysmash

...

(Whats an "AHI"?)

The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) is an index of severity that combines apneas and hypopneas. Combining them both gives an overall severity of sleep apnea including sleep disruptions and desaturations (a low level of oxygen in the blood). The apnea-hypopnea index, like the apnea index and hypopnea index, is calculated by dividing the number of apneas and hypopneas by the number of hours of sleep.

Essentially, it is the number of "events" per hour.

[BigCat]

Originally Posted by pnoon

The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) is an index of severity that combines apneas and hypopneas. Combining them both gives an overall severity of sleep apnea including sleep disruptions and desaturations (a low level of oxygen in the blood). The apnea-hypopnea index, like the apnea index and hypopnea index, is calculated by dividing the number of apneas and hypopneas by the number of hours of sleep.

Essentially, it is the number of "events" per hour.

Anything 5 or less is considered "normal", so at 1.2 you are doing great! If you up the pressure a little bit on the cpap you may be able to get it under 1. My DME left the instruction card for changing the settings on the machine with me when he dropped it off. I'm not sure he was supposed to, but I used it to adjust mine up .5 and saw the AHI drop. I'm not sure that is making any significant difference, but I figure it can't hurt. My doc was impressed when I told him last year.