CPAP users?

[CatOfDaVille]

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.)

That's awesome. I have one more amara view mask to go through and then I'm going to check out the resmd. I've got my Amara View dialed in now. Since my doc lowered my pressure, it's not leaking and I've been sleeping straight through the night for the last week. Feel like a champ!

 

[CatOfDaVille]

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.

Very glad to hear this. I've only been on my machine for 3 months, but I feel night and day better throughout the day. Focus, mood, etc.

Not to mention that it's saving my life at the same time.

 

[BBUK]

Whatever you say, fatso.

http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/31/Supplement_2/S303.full

Yeah, you and your done deal clown cohort probably run the streets looking for older men to blind-side coldcock. Probably hit women too if the truth be known. At the least you are googlers whose online education allows you to spout as know-it-alls AND with confidence!

I just got on the train for my near daily commute. Several of us commuters talk with each other. One is a Colonel in the Air Force and I happened to see the signs on his face that he wears a CPAP mask.

I talked to him a bit about it. He's been wearing it for near twenty years (his words). I asked him has he been overweight previously. He laughed stating it "yeah, some peoples weight is a factor but it's not the only factor by far." The Colonel is a doctor. He stated he has never been heavy in his life. (He looks like an Air Force recruiting poster as far as his shape.)

I stated all this to state to you ignorant posters. Go ahead and do what you do. I just hope you don't someday bully the wrong person as it may hurt you or, cost someone their life. Think about that, or at least....goggle it and think about it...

 

[Mossip]

K

 

[Creed Bratton]

I am getting a home sleep study done in a couple of weeks. While I am not a "fatso" as some posters on here like to say I do have issues with snoring and a few times have woke up to find myself sitting up in bed and trying to catch my breath. Hopefully this will answer some questions.

 

[Rockford]

few times have woke up to find myself sitting up in bed and trying to catch my breath.

Creed, you are coming to the CPAP Club.

Welcome

It's a small inconvenience but more than worth it. I'm betting you'll be a proud member.

 

[Creed Bratton]

Creed, you are coming to the CPAP Club.

Welcome

It's a small inconvenience but more than worth it. I'm betting you'll be a proud member.

Yeah my doctor said we would do the test to be certain but to be prepared to wear a CPAP based on my initial visit and answers. My father snored like a freight train and had issues with blood pressure, had a heart and had a stroke. Staying alive to raise my kids and see my grand kids mean more to me than some internet poster making fun of me over a CPAP machine.

 

[Rockford]

I thought I didn't have any problems, but everyone that loved me told me I did.

After just first night with CPAP I awoke and thought, "What the hell? I can feel good in the morning? This is great"

I've actually would up sleeping less and feeling much much better.

Life changer for sure. I'm 62 5'7 160

 

[CatOfDaVille]

Yeah my doctor said we would do the test to be certain but to be prepared to wear a CPAP based on my initial visit and answers. My father snored like a freight train and had issues with blood pressure, had a heart and had a stroke. Staying alive to raise my kids and see my grand kids mean more to me than some internet poster making fun of me over a CPAP machine.

It will absolutely change your life for the better. I've had my CPAP for about 2 years now, and I freaking love that thing. It took a few weeks to get used to it and to find the right mask, but once I did I cannot sleep without it.

6 hrs of sleep with a CPAP>>>>>>>>>>>>>9 hrs of sleep without.

 

[Creed Bratton]

It will absolutely change your life for the better. I've had my CPAP for about 2 years now, and I freaking love that thing. It took a few weeks to get used to it and to find the right mask, but once I did I cannot sleep without it.

6 hrs of sleep with a CPAP>>>>>>>>>>>>>9 hrs of sleep without.

I have been looking at mask and reading reviews. I want to try the Dreamwear Full Face mask. Anyone every tried it? A co worker said he tried the Nasal Pillows but they irritated his nose. He also said he didn't like the full mask that come across the bridge of the nose.

 

[CatOfDaVille]

I thought I didn't have any problems, but everyone that loved me told me I did.

After just first night with CPAP I awoke and thought, "What the hell? I can feel good in the morning? This is great"

I've actually would up sleeping less and feeling much much better.

Life changer for sure. I'm 62 5'7 160

Same here. My wife made me get a sleep study not because of my snoring (which was awful) but because she would wake up in the middle of the night and sit and watch me struggle for air in my sleep. It scared her enough that I agreed to it because I wanted to give her peace of mind.

I am trying to get my dad and brother to get sleep studies now. My dad 100% has apnea but is stubborn as a mule.

 

[Creed Bratton]

Same here. My wife made me get a sleep study not because of my snoring (which was awful) but because she would wake up in the middle of the night and sit and watch me struggle for air in my sleep. It scared her enough that I agreed to it because I wanted to give her peace of mind.

I am trying to get my dad and brother to get sleep studies now. My dad 100% has apnea but is stubborn as a mule.

Yeah I am sure my dad did too which lead to his health issues. He passed at the age of 66 due to complications from his stroke and heart. I prefer to live longer than that and if sleeping with a CPAP machine can help then I am all for it.

 

[CatOfDaVille]

I have been looking at mask and reading reviews. I want to try the Dreamwear Full Face mask. Anyone every tried it? A co worker said he tried the Nasal Pillows but they irritated his nose. He also said he didn't like the full mask that come across the bridge of the nose.

I tried a nasal only mask at first, but because I'm a mouth breather, it didn't work for me. I've had the Amara View mask for over a year now, and it's great. It only comes up to the bottom of your nostrils, so it might irritate your nose, but it's fine for me. I like it because it covers my nose and mouth without going over the bridge of my nose.

Most of the respiratory supply places will let you try a mask for 2 weeks, so I would suggest trying a few and finding out what works best.

 

[Creed Bratton]

This is the one I was talking about and it seems to be similar to yours.

https://www.thecpapshop.com/respironics-dreamwear-full-face-cpap-mask-bundle

I tried a nasal only mask at first, but because I'm a mouth breather, it didn't work for me. I've had the Amara View mask for over a year now, and it's great. It only comes up to the bottom of your nostrils, so it might irritate your nose, but it's fine for me. I like it because it covers my nose and mouth without going over the bridge of my nose.

Most of the respiratory supply places will let you try a mask for 2 weeks, so I would suggest trying a few and finding out what works best.

 

[BBUK]

Yeah my doctor said we would do the test to be certain but to be prepared to wear a CPAP based on my initial visit and answers. My father snored like a freight train and had issues with blood pressure, had a heart and had a stroke. Staying alive to raise my kids and see my grand kids mean more to me than some internet poster making fun of me over a CPAP machine.

It takes a couple to few weeks to get used to it, don't give up after a couple nights use. It will frustrate the heck out of you at first. It is a proven method of revesring some fatal disease.

Usually some adjust the pressure too high. It is all in the pressure adjustment and mask choice. (There are many masks. Take the time to find "the one" that works for you.)

 

[Creed Bratton]

I think the biggest thing that convinced me to get a test was twice I have awaken as I was jumping out of bed. The only way to explain it was like getting the breath knocked out of you and I was trying to catch my breathe again. It was like before I woke up my body went into fight or flight mode and sprang out of bed out of instinct. It scared my wife to death. She said "What in the world are you doing"?

 

[Creed Bratton]

It takes a couple to few weeks to get used to it, don't give up after a couple nights use. It will frustrate the heck out of you at first. It is a proven method of revesring some fatal disease.

Usually some adjust the pressure too high. It is all in the pressure adjustment and mask choice. (There are many masks. Take the time to find "the one" that works for you.)

A lady I work with was diagnosed and she said she couldn't stand sleeping with it. She tried for a couple of weeks and didn't sleep hardly any. She said she would rather die in her sleep than the slow death of restless nights with that thing on. haha

 

[TruBluCatFan]

A lady I work with was diagnosed and she said she couldn't stand sleeping with it. She tried for a couple of weeks and didn't sleep hardly any. She said she would rather die in her sleep than the slow death of restless nights with that thing on. haha

Well she may get her wish.

I cannot sleep without mine. I have the nasal pillows and love them. But it’s all about finding out what works for you.

 

[Creed Bratton]

It truly must have been a horrible experience for her. She has had several back and neck surgeries and said none of that was as bad as sleeping with her mask. I don't really know why but it sounded like it was just having the mask on and the air blowing into it was something she just couldn't adjust to.

 

[Creed Bratton]

By the way for those that like the Amara it looks like CPAP.com has them on sale if you need a new one.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/pr-amara-view-fit-pack

 

[CatOfDaVille]

This is the one I was talking about and it seems to be similar to yours.

https://www.thecpapshop.com/respironics-dreamwear-full-face-cpap-mask-bundle

Yeah pretty much the only difference is that the Amara has the hose connected at the mouth instead of on the top of your head. Looks like the Dreamwear would be better for side or stomach sleepers because of that.

If you end up getting the Dreamwear, come back in a few weeks and let me know what you think. I might try it out since I hardly ever sleep on my back.

 

[KyFaninNC]

How do you get used to it? I've tried, but I wake up about two hours later usually. If I don't wake up completely, I'll find the mask on the floor about 5 feet away where I've thrown it off in the middle of the night.

Love mine. You have to find the right mask for you. I am a mouth breather and have small nostrils so I ended up with a mask that covers nose and mouth. I use the resend f20 with the memory foam cushion. Much better seal.

 

[UpstateNYCat]

By the way for those that like the Amara it looks like CPAP.com has them on sale if you need a new one.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/pr-amara-view-fit-pack

Thanks for the link, may check into that.

 

[Creed Bratton]

Thanks for the link, may check into that.

I just happened to see they were reduced quite a bit and since some of the posters on here used them thought I would pass it along.

 

[Creed Bratton]

Looks like there was a lot of discussion on the mask types but what kind of machine do you have and where did it come from an online store or local medical supply store? I am sure, since I haven't met my deductible it will all be out of pocket for me.

 

[BBUK]

A lady I work with was diagnosed and she said she couldn't stand sleeping with it. She tried for a couple of weeks and didn't sleep hardly any. She said she would rather die in her sleep than the slow death of restless nights with that thing on. haha

Have to be smarter than what you are working on...

 

[rick64]

Been using a CPAP for several years now. Sleep study showed that I stopped breathing about 19 times per hour. My wife was actually the one who noticed I wasn't breathing while I was asleep. She'd nudge me or touch my shoulder and I'd start breathing again. Agree with others that it takes a couple of weeks or so getting used to have that mask on your face.

 

[BlueRaider22]

For those that use one, did you have issues sleeping before you got one?

My wife and sister-in-law think that I might have apnea. I'm not denying that I do, but I don't have cognitive issues throughout the day, I don't have BP issues, I don't have heart issues, I don't get fatigue throughout the day, I don't nap much at all, I'm not irritable, etc.

 

[CatOfDaVille]

Looks like there was a lot of discussion on the mask types but what kind of machine do you have and where did it come from an online store or local medical supply store? I am sure, since I haven't met my deductible it will all be out of pocket for me.

After I had the sleep study and the sleep center recommended a CPAP, they just sent my script to a local respiratory supply store and had them contact me to make an appointment to get my machine and get fitted for a mask. It wasn't until later that I talked to my doctor and realized that I can get my equipment from any supply store or online, not just the one they sent me to. I haven't switched since the original place has what I need, but I think you would just have to get your sleep center to send over your script.

For my place, they did a rent-to-own of my machine. Charged me something like $150/mo until I had paid the full $1300 or whatever the machine costs. My insurance does pay for part of my stuff throughout the year, but once my deductible is met towards the end of the year, I'll order a bunch of extra masks, hoses, filters, etc. and stock up before Jan 1.

 

[Creed Bratton]

Have been looking at various websites and honestly WalMart seems to have the best prices. A Phillips Dreamstation, Dreamwear mask and heated tube at WalMart is $300 cheaper than CPAP.com.

 

[CatOfDaVille]

For those that use one, did you have issues sleeping before you got one?

My wife and sister-in-law think that I might have apnea. I'm not denying that I do, but I don't have cognitive issues throughout the day, I don't have BP issues, I don't have heart issues, I don't get fatigue throughout the day, I don't nap much at all, I'm not irritable, etc.

It's important to note that snoring is a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea but doesn't mean that you have it. Apnea is when you stop breathing periodically throughout the night. In my case, I stopped breathing for at least 10 seconds about 50 times per hour. Anything over 5 times per hour I believe is considered moderate sleep apnea, and over 30 or something is severe apnea. You would need to get a sleep study to confirm. I was able to do my study at home rather than at the doctor's office...they sent me home with a machine that I strapped to my chest that monitored my breathing.

If it's just snoring, you can get a mouth guard or some other thing to help with that. If it's true apnea, a CPAP is pretty much the only treatment I'm aware of.

As far as my symptoms before I had my sleep study, I was just always tired. I would get home from work in the afternoon and fall asleep on the couch before dinner. It also affected my mood and ability to remember things. Basically the same symptoms as being sleep deprived. I felt like I was sleeping fine because I didn't wake up during the night, but I was never actually getting any REM sleep...which is when you really get the rest you need to function. Your body will never get into a deep sleep state if you have untreated apnea because your brain keeps waking your body up as it loses oxygen. It's not enough to wake you into consciousness (unless you're Creed who apparently jumps out of bed and scares the shit out of his wife), but it's often enough that you don't get into a REM cycle. That's the reason why I could sleep for 9-10 hours and still wake up tired.

Now with the CPAP, I am dead to the world at night and get sweet, glorious deep sleep.

 

[Creed Bratton]

It has only happened twice that I can remember but I promise it happened.

...which is when you really get the rest you need to function. Your body will never get into a deep sleep state if you have untreated apnea because your brain keeps waking your body up as it loses oxygen. It's not enough to wake you into consciousness (unless you're Creed who apparently jumps out of bed and scares the shit out of his wife), but it's often enough that you don't get into a REM cycle. That's the reason why I could sleep for 9-10 hours and still wake up tired.

Now with the CPAP, I am dead to the world at night and get sweet, glorious deep sleep.

 

[CatOfDaVille]

Have been looking at various websites and honestly WalMart seems to have the best prices. A Phillips Dreamstation, Dreamwear mask and heated tube at WalMart is $300 cheaper than CPAP.com.

I have the Dreamstation machine. It's nice. Comes with an app that will update via Bluetooth so you can track how you're doing (how many apnea events per hour, how many mask leaks throughout the night, etc.).

I don't have a heated tube, and I've never had a problem with the air being too cold. I would also recommend getting a cleaning machine unless you want to hand wash all of the stuff a few times a week. You still need to wash with soap and water a couple of times per month, but this bad boy will get rid of 99% of the germs that build up in those things in between deep cleanings.

This is the one I have:

Amazon product ASIN B07X9KXYVH

 

[UpstateNYCat]

For those that use one, did you have issues sleeping before you got one?

My wife and sister-in-law think that I might have apnea. I'm not denying that I do, but I don't have cognitive issues throughout the day, I don't have BP issues, I don't have heart issues, I don't get fatigue throughout the day, I don't nap much at all, I'm not irritable, etc.

Wife claimed I stopped breathing while asleep, I snore so loud that she slept in the car one time on a vacation trip. Did a home sleep study many years ago and nothing was confirmed regarding SA. Did another a few years ago after complaining to my Cardiologist about fatigue and he setup an appt with a Pulmonary specialist who then recommended another sleep study.

I was diagnosed with low tier SA, only about 6-8 events an hour but worrisome enough to be prescribed a cpap machine. I still don't sleep through the night with it and even now get irritated with the mask/hose. As slight as it's been the sleep has improved. A whistling sound seems to be an issue of late, change the mask out once a month, use the So-Clean for cleaning(Hey, Barb!).

 

[KyFaninNC]

I have the Dreamstation machine. It's nice. Comes with an app that will update via Bluetooth so you can track how you're doing (how many apnea events per hour, how many mask leaks throughout the night, etc.).

I don't have a heated tube, and I've never had a problem with the air being too cold. I would also recommend getting a cleaning machine unless you want to hand wash all of the stuff a few times a week. You still need to wash with soap and water a couple of times per month, but this bad boy will get rid of 99% of the germs that build up in those things in between deep cleanings.

This is the one I have:

View embedded media

Waste of money. I checked into a So clean and it says you still should wash everything at least once a week with mild soap. I clean mine every week.

 

[Oldblueone]

Took the sleep study in 2014 or 2015, and was diagnosed with pretty severe sleep apnea. Like CatOfDaville, was having 60+ episodes an hour. After the study, they told me I needed a BiPap machine, quoted me some ridiculous price of like $8,000 or more, and highly recommended I do it due to the severity of the condition. I said screw that, I'll deal with it, and never pulled the trigger.

It's still an issue, I never feel rested and my overall health just doesn't seem up to snuff in my opinion. Started doing some research and found a place here in Louisville (www.napscpap.com) that seems well reviewed, and the prices on their site aren't anywhere close to what I was previously quoted.

Saw this thread, and made an appointment for another consultation at American Sleep Medicine on Wednesday. They told me I may have to do the study over, but I'm hoping not.

Anyways, any of you guys use a BiPap machine? What did you pay for it? Did your insurance cover any of it, particularly Humana if you have it? Anyone dealt with NAPS in Louisville?

I use a BiPap machine. It’s my first BiPap and I have had 3 CPap machines. Anthem always covers all but about 300. Like everyone says, I don’t even try to sleep without it even if it is just for a nap.

 

[BBUK]

For those that use one, did you have issues sleeping before you got one?

My wife and sister-in-law think that I might have apnea. I'm not denying that I do, but I don't have cognitive issues throughout the day, I don't have BP issues, I don't have heart issues, I don't get fatigue throughout the day, I don't nap much at all, I'm not irritable, etc.

Not arguing at all but I will add, that you know of. I am what the techs at the VA call a super user. I use my machine religiously. I don't sleep without it. (For the other poster who asked, I use the dream station machine. It is the most quiet and easy to maintain.)

Getting back to my statement "That you know of." Until you get used to and use regularly a CPAP machine I doubt you know what rest is. Your body is not getting the full supply of oxygen. Once you get used to the CPAP machine revisit this again. I bet you will then state you did not realize what you were missing but was at where you thought was normal.

I guess you can call me overweight. The VA calls me 6 foot but I call me 5'11" (That is what the Army always called me.) I weigh at or under 210. My Army weight was 185 but I was about 22 at that time. (I have been a porker but those days of eating three times what I ought to are behind me.)

Get the CPAP machine working for you and I bet you feel better than you have in a long, long while. Good Luck to you, it seems you are trending in the right direction. (Don't stop)

 

[CatOfDaVille]

I use a BiPap machine. It’s my first BiPap and I have had 3 CPap machines. Anthem always covers all but about 300. Like everyone says, I don’t even try to sleep without it even if it is just for a nap.

Same. Big fan of the old pap-nap.

 

[BBUK]

I have the Dreamstation machine. It's nice. Comes with an app that will update via Bluetooth so you can track how you're doing (how many apnea events per hour, how many mask leaks throughout the night, etc.).

I don't have a heated tube, and I've never had a problem with the air being too cold. I would also recommend getting a cleaning machine unless you want to hand wash all of the stuff a few times a week. You still need to wash with soap and water a couple of times per month, but this bad boy will get rid of 99% of the germs that build up in those things in between deep cleanings.

This is the one I have:

View embedded media

I am going to have to try that app. My machine has a modem in it the VA keeps tabs for me but I bet I can too. Thanks

(I use my fitbit now and like the sleep part of the app. That is about all I use it for now other than to also monitor my steps. I usually average about 8000 to 8500 steps a day.) My sleep quality ranges normally between 75 to 92.)

 

[CatOfDaVille]

I am going to have to try that app. My machine has a modem in it the VA keeps tabs for me but I bet I can too. Thanks

Yeah, you have the same machine as I do so I'm sure you can. My sleep Dr also keeps tabs via the modem and can adjust my pressure remotely if necessary. I take the SD card out and take it to the doc once a year.

The app is called DreamMapper.