Sideffects of CPAP for sleep apnea? And moneysaving treatments for side-effects?

Munchbunch

Hi Kaat

I haven't had a look at this thread for ages - sorry to hear that you've got it now too. I got my machine later than expected - picked it up a couple of weeks before Easter. I've only got a tiny nose, so was given the smallest nasal mask & have been ok with that, apart from sometimes waking up with strap marks from sleeping on my side where the strap is. The main problem that I've had is that my machine has a humidifier with it & 'cos my bedside table isn't lower than the bed, I sometimes wake up with a start finding water in the mask (without going snorkelling, lol!!) I don't have the humidifier turned up very high & don't really want to turn it off 'cos I've had my eyes zapped & I'm worried that any "dry" air would affect my eyes (yes, I know they're suposed to be closed when you're asleep!). I've actually slept with the machine/mask on much better than I thought I would, but can't say that I've felt much benefit from it yet apart from I'm sure that I've stopped snoring as I'm not waking up with a sore throat anymore! I'm still waking up just as tired as before & still have no energy & fall asleep at the drop of a hat though.

I have to say that my cats absolutely hate the noise of the machine, so I'm not getting many requests for snuggles from them when it's on! Like you, if I forget I've got the mask on & open my mouth to talk to them (as you do), the voice that comes out sounds like Minnie Mouse on helium!!

I've been on holiday in the States for 5 weeks & did take my machine with me, but have to admit I didn't use it much & haven't got back into the habit of using it again since I got back over a week ago. Tonight is the night I'm going to start using it again, otherwise I'll get told off at the hospital when I go back for my review in mid June! Think I expected too much really - an instant cure for my tiredness which hasn't happened. Will persevere & see if it gets any better - certainly won't if I don't use it!!

Hope you & Flea have stopped taking your masks off in your sleep!! Let me know if either of you start to feel any benefits/stop feeling as tired. x

KAAT_LADY

hello munchbunch and flea..

I still take my nasal mask off ,,,,,,but i do seem to feel less tired ,,and dont seem to need much sleep ,,so the quality of sleep must be better,, either that or i am getting old ..lolxx

I too have a small nasal mask but it still seems to blow in my eyes sometimes,,dont know what to do about that ,,xx

Violetta_2

Hi all, it just takes a while to get comfortable wearing your mask all night, well maybe not comfortable, but more used to it. I still actively dislike mine & truly wish I didn't have to wear it. I'm off to the hospital in the morning think they are going to lend me an overnight monitor as I have another app next week. I've fallen asleep a couple of times without my mask on & my oh said although I as snoring I wasn't gasping for breath, so I'm hoping the tests will show things have improved.

Steve_Harper

The benefits of sleep apnea oral devices are multifarious – there is a significant reduction of apneas for those who suffer from a mild to moderate case. This is particularly true if the snorer sleeps either on his back or stomach. These sleep apnea oral devices improve airflow for patients who suffer with severe sleep apnea. There is also an improvement in sleep, as well as reduction in the frequency and loudness of snoring. These sleep apnea oral devices show a higher compliance rate than CPAP devices.

flea72

Steve_Harper wrote: »

The benefits of sleep apnea oral devices are multifarious – there is a significant reduction of apneas for those who suffer from a mild to moderate case. This is particularly true if the snorer sleeps either on his back or stomach. These sleep apnea oral devices improve airflow for patients who suffer with severe sleep apnea. There is also an improvement in sleep, as well as reduction in the frequency and loudness of snoring. These sleep apnea oral devices show a higher compliance rate than CPAP devices.

'these' sleep apnoea devies. so which ones are those then? the ones you sell, or the ones we can win? (see other posts by steve harper)

If you really want to improve sales in the UK, then i suggest you learn how the British spell Apnoea first!

Flea

Munchbunch

Violetta wrote: »

Hi all, it just takes a while to get comfortable wearing your mask all night, well maybe not comfortable, but more used to it. I still actively dislike mine & truly wish I didn't have to wear it. I'm off to the hospital in the morning think they are going to lend me an overnight monitor as I have another app next week. I've fallen asleep a couple of times without my mask on & my oh said although I as snoring I wasn't gasping for breath, so I'm hoping the tests will show things have improved.

Hi Vi

How did you get on with your appointment/tests? Well I hope. Have you managed to get rid of the dreaded machine?!! I'm not getting to sleep very easily at the mo - very unusual for me - & the noise is makin it worse. Maybe I should move it to the side of the sofa where I can never stay awake, lol!! :rolleyes:

Violetta_2

Thanks munchbunch, they gave me a machine that seems to test how much pressure I need & responds to that somehow. I'm back on Monday morning to take it back & they download the results then. The nurse did say I was so bad when I was initially tested (114 episodes an hour:eek:) that they don't think I'll ever be completely clear of sleep apnoea well I'm not having that I've decided, so I'll show em. (well I'm gonna try)

Violetta_2

Well the machine measured my mask having lots of leaks all through the night, so they have given me a different mask & I'm to go back in a few weeks to see how I'm getting on.
So if you are struggling get back on to the sleep clinic they are there to help. Hope everyone is doing ok. xxVi

Munchbunch

Violetta wrote: »

Well the machine measured my mask having lots of leaks all through the night, so they have given me a different mask & I'm to go back in a few weeks to see how I'm getting on.
So if you are struggling get back on to the sleep clinic they are there to help. Hope everyone is doing ok. xxVi

Hi Vi

Sorry you didn't get the result you wanted. I go back to the clinic on Friday but don't really know if they'll be able to tell that much - I used my machine when I got it just before Easter, but hardly used it at all while I was on holiday in the US for 5 weeks. I've got back into the habit of using it again since I got back a couple of weeks ago. I should have a better idea of how I'm going with it by the time I go back to see the consultant at the end of July - so far I haven't noticed much difference in how I feel/how tired I am, but don't think my depression helps much either. Hope you get on ok with your new mask. x

Violetta_2

Thanks munchbunch, you do know that depression can be a symptom/caused by sleep apnoea? I know I don't get nearly as low as I used to before I was diagnosed. Only been 1 night with the new mask & it does seem a bit big (they only had a medium mask , nurse thinks the small 1 would prob be better for me) but it did seem better, less leaks & my face wasn't covered with the usual red welts & gouges that I've become accustomed to waking up with, so that's an improvement.