Sleep apnea, CPAPs and other sleep health solutions.

[beowulf]

Two things to add to the discussion that may be useful:
1) I used to use the breathing strips. I did this because I have a deviated septum that prevented easy nose breathing if I slept on my left side. The strips worked somewhat to let me breath when I slept that way. But they were a PITA and left me with some scarring on the nose. (true!). So, I started using silicone nose inserts and they work perfectly. You do, however, need to find the right size. Link below to what I bought.

https://www.amazon.com/Breathing-Relief-Nasal-Dilator-Breathers/dp/B07T15RSZY/ref=sr_1_5?crid=XTI67CCCHB8P&keywords=silicone+nose+inserts+for+breathing+large&qid=1668265432&sprefix=silicone+nose+inserts%2Caps%2C325&sr=8-5

2) If you wake up and cannot easily get back to sleep, try listening to the audible books. You will fall asleep - you just won't know where you were in the book when you do so. Downside, your parnter will also be listening to the books unless you get comfortable ear buds (one side will do) or a small under the pillow speaker. Gsganser - this may work for you when you wake up with your mind racing. It has always worked for me.

 

[Alan W.]

I am finally set for my overnight sleep over - on 11-30. BTW, when I initially consulted with my dr. about my concern about sleep issues (during a visit about something else) I indicated that I never woke up gasping or similar, but would wake up actually holding my breath which I would then wake up and 'puff' it out with a bit of force. He said there were two kinds of sleep apnea and what I described was one kind. He said it could be serious, thus the referral to a sleep study doctor. We shall see how this goes - another adventure for the old guy.

That is the way I would wake up. Not being able to exhale.
So much better now on my BiPap.

 

[not2old]

The better question that should be asked...

Has anyone ever gone into a sleep study not been prescribed a Cpap or Bipap?

It's a racket. A person is better off putting a piece of tape over their mouth and training their body to breath through their nose.

I had a sleep study in the early 2000's and had surgery twice as a result. First to my nose that did not include breaking any bones which was tolerable. The second, to trim my uvula which was a horrible experience. I wasn't prescribed a cpap until 2018 or 19 when I was diagnosed with COPD when I went to an allergist for a problem with watery eyes. FYI: In Canada, there is no charge for all this except for the machine itself which I had covered except for about $200. While I believe that some of the supplies are horribly over-priced, I don't think of this as a racket.

 

[not2old]

Too bad you don't live close. I'd loan you one of mine as I have 3 and all are Bipap machines.

Just making me aware of your experience is a huge help, I can't thank you enough. I've discussed this problem of swallowing air with at least three doctors, two respiratory therapists, and three of the people (don't know their title) where I got my machine and they still monitor it, but nobody had any suggestion about a different machine. Who would have guessed I'd get some valuable information from a website forum where a bunch of old men gather to discuss tractors.

 

[EarPlug]

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[5030]

I had a sleep study in the early 2000's and had surgery twice as a result. First to my nose that did not include breaking any bones which was tolerable. The second, to trim my uvula which was a horrible experience. I wasn't prescribed a cpap until 2018 or 19 when I was diagnosed with COPD when I went to an allergist for a problem with watery eyes. FYI: In Canada, there is no charge for all this except for the machine itself which I had covered except for about $200. While I believe that some of the supplies are horribly over-priced, I don't think of this as a racket.

By racket I don't mean equipment I mean the sleep study deal and if you are on Medicare you have to have a machine that will record your hours of use and the SD card has to be turned in to whomever to check or you loose your Medicare benefit. I'm on Medicare but I've never considered using that. No need to. I only have one machine that is card compatible, my travel one but it's never had a card in it and won't have.

 

[5030]

Has anyone ever gone into a sleep study not been prescribed a Cpap or Bipap?

And the answer is....NO. That end of it is a racket.

 

[QRTRHRS]

My wife and I also have sleep apnea. Hers is central sleep apnea. Twice our doctor tried to get her to use a BPAP but she cannot stand it.

For those using the Resmed Airfit mask, if you have not done so try the air touch mask. It has foam all around the mask where it touches your skin. Only, you have to avoid water and use the wipes to clean it.

I sometimes move around too much and would pull my machine off of the headboard on the bed. I took a plastic tray and put some screws through the tray so I cannot pull it off now.

When it comes to parts, I like my "F" plan supplement to medicare. New mask, tube, filters every three months, new tank every six, no co-pay.

As I posted a couple of years ago, the ozone cleaner was a bust for me. Purchased through our medical supply company, the maker would not reimburse us, said that we had to have purchased directly from them. Non insurance covered item by the way.

Anyway, even letting the CPAP blow free for 20 minutes would not clear the ozone stink. It also was staining the mask.

Scam or not, I suffer without it. My wife whom happens to be deaf prompted me to see the pulmonologist. She could feel me snoring, etc.

 

[5030]

Only thing I 'feel' is our Aussie when he parks himself between my wife and I and gently rocks the bed.... I run long hoses on mine so my machine is a ways away.

 

[kenmbz]

Do not use Ozone cleaners, they break down plastics.

The reason for the Philips Recall is people were using ozone cleaners and it broke down the sound deadening baffles in the machines.