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Sleep Apnea and adjusting to a CPAP machine: Tips?

Sleep Health | Last Active: Apr 27 5:03pm | Replies (180)

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@wgatap21

Question? I have had two sleep tests(0n1 15+ yrs ago(moderate, so I tried (CPAP). Frustrated as I couldn't sleep with it. Next, 8 yrs ago and same outcome.
I have tried the dental piece, even a nasal piece from Mu:te by Rhinomed. Interesting but didn't seem to do the trick. My wife has always said that it is not really snoring, but very heaving breathing(very annoying). I don't seem to wake from it unless she nudges me. If you don't wake, and you have apnea,
I gather I don't get good sleep, even though you could go through the night with apnea, never wake up(that you remember) but not feel that refreshing
wake up even after 8 hours. I believe I have it right. Now I'm 70. In pretty good shape, check-ups 2x a yr....few pills I have to take but still bothering my wife
at times. So I actually saw this ad for a new full face mask(I believe by Resmid) where I can sleep on my stomach. Not sure my Medicare/United Health care
pays but waiting to get in for ANOTHER sleep test!! Determined it has much to do with how I feel during the day. Also, my wife could hear the machine
and is a light sleeper(yrs ago)..are they quiet now...Sorry for the diatribe!! Thx

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Replies to "Question? I have had two sleep tests(0n1 15+ yrs ago(moderate, so I tried (CPAP). Frustrated as..."

Wgatap21. Over the course of 16 years, I've had 4 sleep studies and quit cpap use for four or so years earlier in the course. The machine sounds, sounds of leaking mask fit on my face, and uncomfortable masks.
Over the past 5-6 years, I was successful in finding the right mask, actually two masks, both nasal. Respiron Dreamwear and Resmed Nasal Pillow. Dreamwear has worked successfully and comfortably. I like it and I like the quiet Resmed Airsense 10. All paid by Medicare, but I would pay out of pocket, if I needed to.
In conclusion, I don't want to use a cpap but I want to enjoy the best quality of life and I believe that I am getting that. Got used to using cpap system because I wanted to succeed in using it. I have. I don't notice it when using it. The results are profound...alert and energetic at 76 y/o. Disciplining myself to endure using CPAP has paid off.
Wish you success .

@wgatap21

I thought I'd have panic attacks from my being claustrophobic. From the first night in 2002, I slept well for the first time. I used a full face mask for 15 years, but after a sleep study two years ago, I was switched to a Bipap with nasal pillows (also called nasal cushions). Instead of constant air pressure, the Bipap has two settings, mine is set at 12 for inhale and 8 for exhale. I often think that the power must have gone out because I can't tell if it's on or off.

The full face mask worked okay, but I fought every night to move it so it didn't leak. It was frustrating for both my wife and me. I'm sure that the main problem with air leaks is my beard. Now, I don't wake up to my wife poking me. I have a Dream Wave machine and it is totally silent, and the cushions don't leak all the time. I wish the supplier had fitted me with nasal pillows years ago. My marriage might have been a notch better.

Jim