CPAP users?
- Thread starter CatOfDaVille
- Start date
I can tell you CPAP is not over prescribed, neither is dental devices or the UPPP surgery. Every persons case is different. With CPAP some people become claustrophobic to the point of refusing to continue to be compliant and switch to dental devises or simple opt to go the surgery route. but the main goal is to treat the sleep apnea.
It all comes down to the structure of each persons airway limitations and their tolerance for each type of treatment. More people choose to use CPAP because with the types of masks that are being introduced they are becoming more simple treatment. Dental devises are good for advancing the jaw forward and opening airway for mild to moderate sleep apnea. Some people have it so severe that their doctor recommends the surgery route. I am glad their is more than one option, because if we are left with only one option sleep apnea will then go untreated for a lot of people.
It all comes down to the structure of each persons airway limitations and their tolerance for each type of treatment. More people choose to use CPAP because with the types of masks that are being introduced they are becoming more simple treatment. Dental devises are good for advancing the jaw forward and opening airway for mild to moderate sleep apnea. Some people have it so severe that their doctor recommends the surgery route. I am glad their is more than one option, because if we are left with only one option sleep apnea will then go untreated for a lot of people.
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All I can say is I was not offered any other option by the organization that did the sleep study on me and they seemed more than eager to get my signature on a piece of paper so they could start billing my insurance company $40/month. I have spoken to many other people that use or were prescribed theses devices that had no idea something as simple as a custom mouth piece could solve their program. IMHO it's just one tiny slice of the out-of-control abuses of prescriptions in our health care industry.
Sorry you or the other people you have spoken to wasn't told of the options. Would I be right in saying you went to a dentist or a referral to the dentist. Either way. Sleep center doctors will give their best advice or refer you to dental or ear nose and throat doctors for second opinions. And I hope people don't take your opinion and not see a sleep specialist simply because you feel that "IMHO it's just one tiny slice of the out-of-control abuses of prescriptions" when they prescribe CPAP as a treatment for this serious problem. Because I have been in sleep field for 24 years and have seen on a daily bases how it has changed lives.
I was referred by ear nose doc, but after I did my own research I consulted with my dentist, who as I mentioned above has severe sleep apnea. I'm not saying that there aren't people who need to use these devices, my dentist is one of them, and I'm sure not recommending people avoid getting tested if they have the symptoms of anything. All I'm doing is sharing my own experience and anecdotally that of others I know. BTW weight loss is another biggy. But how many docs tell their patients that if they put down the donuts and pizza, and got into he gym 2 or 3 times a week that could eliminate or substantially reduce their problem? But hey, there's no money in that. I'm sure you're an honest practitioner but that doesn't mean everyone is.
Good discussion Deeee, probably telling people to put down the donuts and pizza is about one of the first thing we hear from every good doctor. And that is probably the only free thing from the doctor. Its when we don't put them down is when the continued advise is going to cost us.
Side note to Los Gatos, That Bipap ST is a bad little machine. Within time you will see a big difference in your symptoms.
Side note to Los Gatos, That Bipap ST is a bad little machine. Within time you will see a big difference in your symptoms.
I am 6'- 5" and weigh 210. While I don't sleep with the CPAP, I do have sleep problems. My wife is a Respiratory Therapist and has been for 20 yrs. It wakes her up when I stop breathing at night.......so I guess I don't fit in to your category? But, how did you know I use bacon grease to cook every thing?
Not as old school as you would think. My wife had a patient who about lived in one of these at Kindred Hospital. She assisted him one time so he could go home for Thanksgiving to be with his family.....Go old school model.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3021364/
https://www.sleepapnea.org/weight-matters-obesity-and-sleep-apnea/
Google “obesity and sleep apnea” tons of actual academic articles if you use the “scholarly” filter on there. Kinda tough for anybody to argue otherwise. There is a slight chicken/egg argument, but at a basic level sleep apnea is obstruction of the airway because of visceral fat in the throat. Hell it’s why men get it more than women. Women put on weight in other areas i.e. not the neck/throat.
Keep sucking on those chili dogs you fat losers.
https://www.sleepapnea.org/weight-matters-obesity-and-sleep-apnea/
Google “obesity and sleep apnea” tons of actual academic articles if you use the “scholarly” filter on there. Kinda tough for anybody to argue otherwise. There is a slight chicken/egg argument, but at a basic level sleep apnea is obstruction of the airway because of visceral fat in the throat. Hell it’s why men get it more than women. Women put on weight in other areas i.e. not the neck/throat.
Keep sucking on those chili dogs you fat losers.
Two week check in...
Have had some good nights and some not so good nights. Even after the "not so good" nights, I feel slightly better in the mornings than I did prior to using the device.
I think it's simply a mix of adjusting to sleeping while attached to the machine and getting used to the mask. More often than not, the leaks are happening at one of the edges of my mouth. If I tighten the velco straps to counter that, I'll occasionally get a leak on either side of the bridge of my nose, forcing it to blow in my eyes, waking me up. Tighten those straps, and it's just too tight overall.
Went by NAPS today to speak to the sleep therapist about a couple of the issues I'm having. He has instant access to all the data the device logs each night. He suggested I change one of the settings for mask type in my Dreamstation, and gave me the memory foam version of my current mask to try to see if it helps. I've said it before, but if you need this kind of stuff and are anywhere near the Louisville area, these folks are tremendous.
Anyways, current setup is...
DreamStation BiPAP autoSV
ResMed AirFit 20 Infinity Seal (trying the AirTouch 20 Ultrasoft tonight)
Have had some good nights and some not so good nights. Even after the "not so good" nights, I feel slightly better in the mornings than I did prior to using the device.
I think it's simply a mix of adjusting to sleeping while attached to the machine and getting used to the mask. More often than not, the leaks are happening at one of the edges of my mouth. If I tighten the velco straps to counter that, I'll occasionally get a leak on either side of the bridge of my nose, forcing it to blow in my eyes, waking me up. Tighten those straps, and it's just too tight overall.
Went by NAPS today to speak to the sleep therapist about a couple of the issues I'm having. He has instant access to all the data the device logs each night. He suggested I change one of the settings for mask type in my Dreamstation, and gave me the memory foam version of my current mask to try to see if it helps. I've said it before, but if you need this kind of stuff and are anywhere near the Louisville area, these folks are tremendous.
Anyways, current setup is...
DreamStation BiPAP autoSV
ResMed AirFit 20 Infinity Seal (trying the AirTouch 20 Ultrasoft tonight)
Pretty sure I have sleep apnea and need a cpap. Are they loud or make any noise at all while running?
I think they are quiet and I classify myself as a light sleeper.
I keep mine in a drawer in the nightstand beside me. I close the drawer on the hose and it really mutes what little sound there is.
I keep mine in a drawer in the nightstand beside me. I close the drawer on the hose and it really mutes what little sound there is.
Gatos good job. And like you said it's the getting used to the mask and letting the mask conform to your face structure and adjustment of the straps. Sometimes you can go through several trials of masks to get the fit. All masks leak at some point in the night. But once you get the best feeling and correct size mask you will be fine. They can also give you a reading on how much of a leak % is happening each night. You have made it through the roughest parts of the adjustments, and just getting the mask issues ironed out and you will be set. Just make sure they get you your monthly replacement parts and change them out.
All machines made today are super quiet, CPAP machines blow a continues pressure and has a tendency to feel stronger against your exhale. BIPAP machines have two different pressures working together and it makes a sound as if it is pushing and pulling the air more or lease like its breathing with you.
Yep, I was surprised at how quiet it is. Doesn't bother my wife at all. The only time she can hear anything is if I readjust my mask in the middle of the night and the air rushes out.
I'v had one for about 15 years. Only used it less than a month. Stays in closet. I stay tired all the time, but I work nights, 12 hours. I don't know what normal sleep it. While using it I would wake with my lips stuck to my teeth. Very dry mouth. I have facial hair, so it was hard to keep a seal. I know I need to use. But how should I clean it before using? I know I should replce hoses and mask..
Simple way to clean them is soap and water then hang them up to dry. The dry mouth may be helped by using heated humidity being a 15 year old machine it probably has a water canister on it and has a dial to adjust the temp up until you get comfort. Just don't get the temp to warm.
I’ve gotten up to 3.5 hours with the mask on before inexplicably throwing it on the floor while asleep. The app tells me how long it’s on each night.
They have some formed pillows. May try using two pillows one on each side.
I use mine religiously. I am using the amara view but am waiting to change back to the resmed mirage liberty. (It is ordered.) That was always the best for me but they stopped allowing me to use it. If I see that chump again, I am going to adjust him. He changed my record and caused me almost two years of less quality sleep.
I use this one, Amara View. Covers the mouth, but not as obtrusive as other full face masks. Until I got this one, I couldn't make it a whole night.
I use this one now but found I can switch back to the resmed mirage liberty. It is much less of a hassle. It looks weird but works great...also doesn't mar your face as much.
I looked at that resmd mirage liberty and it looks like the pieces sticking up your nostrils might be uncomfortable. No?
Not at all, the mask comes with three different sizes of the nostril pieces. (The pieces actually seal against each nostril, not really inside, so much less face contact. The fit is excellent to where you get a good seal with little pressure.) There is so much less pressing against your face. My head is so cockeyed that I can't use a full face or the nose mouth cover without tightening the mask straps too tight.
You will be amazed at how well that mask works and doesn't press up against many areas of your face. (I had more of a mustache at the time and that was no issue. Tons more comfortable AND it is cheaper. The only reason I ever changed is when I was in Charleston that VA clerk stated I couldn't use that mask anymore. (I find out now, he had to do a special order and he didn't want to do the paperwork. They told me that here in DC. I still have his email address, I am going to do some serious complaining soon. He cost me a whole bunch of good sleep. Such a prick.)
The amara view works for me but it presses against all my nose too much. I have to keep adjusting it during the night. It leaks a lot after the first month or so of use.
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Thanks, I'm going to give it a try.
Agree about the Amara view. It's the best I've tried so far, but I wake up at least once or twice a night to readjust due to leakage. Go back to sleep fast, but it's still annoying.
To avoid leaks when the pressure gets high, I have to tighten enough that I've experienced my nose hurting in the morning like you mentioned.
I thought the resmd looked weird so I didn't try it. I will now on your recommendation.
Thanks and let me know. I am not much on recommending things or people but I do when I am certain. I have used at least a dozen different masks.
Cat, Respronics has come out with a Dream full face mask that will have the Amara View full face piece of the mask, but it will have the pillows instead of the cut out opening that your nose rests on like the Amara View.
Not Cat but thanks. That looks like countless other CPAP masks that cover your nose and mouth. I had issues with those due to the seal and the mark they left due to leaks but if you like it and it works for you that is great. Is this the one?
Resmed has so many of those like this one:
Philips has this type:
or this type:
For me, those styles just don't work but I guess for many they do.
I have used most of these but this one is still the best: (For me)
I used to box in high school and had my nose broke four times. I have issues with any type of mask around the bridge of my nose but I do hope the one your are talking about works out.
Didn't mean to pass your post up. (didn't notice it.) The newer machine are very quiet. There is a filter that if not changed can make your machine noisy. There is noise but no so much that it bothers my wife so I am good. You can tell your machine is running but it is not bothersome after a couple to few weeks. It is an acquired device that does take getting used to but the benefits are completely worth it in the short term and long term. be Good
I just received the Resmed Mirage Liberty mask today. (I already fitted it. I am sure looking forward to sleep tonight.) I know I won't be disappointed. I will report back tomorrow.
Working well. I have had two nights so far and now look forward to sleeping again. The last two nights have been better than the last couple years using the amara view mask. (I could wear that mask and have but it was not fun.) I am thankful again wearing the resmed mirage liberty. I sleep through the night now unless woke up. (The last two nights anyway.)
BBUK I appreciate that. My daughter had been after me to try again. As I mentioned before, after reading this thread I ordered the Amara View mask but did not have any luck.
Well, my a-fib and a-flutter has gone bat-crap crazy. I am scheduled for a cardiac ablation on the 24th. I am soooooo looking forward to that. I am sure it will help.
I then decided I had to try something else. My ex-wife always tried to tell me that even if I could get one hour's use out of it, that should help.... Well, I went online and figured out how to adjust my pressure. I lowered the pressure a bit and now I can use the mask for most of the night. Big improvement.
After my procedure I will see how it goes and possibly have another sleep study done.
Due to this thread, I tried again. Thanks guys.
Great to hear about you coming back to trying. I am not one to endorse or recommend anything but if any of you are having the mask around your nose problem (Like I do whethere it is a full face mask, the amara view or what. You might give a try to the resmed mirage liberty. It is weird looking but the nose pieces are interdependant and do not go into your nose, just seats against each nostril. The mask comes with three different size nostril pieces. The last two nights I am back to a good normal sleep like I used to enjoy a couple years ago.
