Cpap and getting better sleep: What's your experience?

Posted by steve1948 @steve1948, Feb 24, 2017

I was in the hospital for pneumonia and while I was getting a nebulizer treatment the therapist asked if I use a Cpap at home, at the time I didn't have one. Now mind you I was only sleeping for 2 hrs a night during my pneumonia bout (2 weeks) and the therapist asked if I were open to using a BPAP (what they call it in a hospital) it was a large machine and I said of course. Upon using it I still only slept for 2 hours but it was a very restful 2 hours of sleep and was welcomed. I told my Pulmonologist and got set up for a sleep study, and it is all history. I sleep more restful (have much less visits to the bathroom at night) and use it religiously. Medicare covered my testing and machine. After my test my doc told me I stopped breathing x amount of times a minute, and was restless (tossed and turned) an ungodly amount of time during my test. On the follow up test (with the Cpap) the number decreased significantly. My sister snores like a constant thunder storm and she went for a test and got her Cpap, and now she doesn't snore at all and tells me she sleeps much better.
There are two ways to use the machine, with a nostril mask (so to speak) and a full mask (you usually see on TV movies). The latter is what I use, I couldn't get use to the nostril application, and if you were to catch a cold, I don't know how well it would work, but I use the mask never the less. Hope this helps, and do read the instructions about your machine.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Sleep Health Support Group.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Feb 22, 2019

In reply to @jakedduck1 "I have a question re the Inspire device. I know virtually nothing about it but understand..." + (show)

Hi Jake @jakedduck1 -- I think there is a pretty good description of the device and who qualifies here:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/pulmonary-medicine/news/the-emerging-option-of-upper-airway-stimulation-therapy/mac-20431242

Leonard | @jakedduck1 | Feb 22, 2019

@johnbishop
I appreciate the information you provided very much. It answered a lot of questions I had. I’d like to hear, if possible, from actual users. Unfortunately some manufacturers are not always forthright with their research.
Thanks again,
Jake

carmella6 | @carmella6 | Jun 26, 2019

Has anyone have problems with memory loss due to sleep apnea machine?

Lisa Lucier | @lisalucier | Jun 26, 2019

In reply to @carmella6 "Has anyone have problems with memory loss due to sleep apnea machine?" + (show)

Hi, @carmella6 - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I moved your discussion and combined it with this discussion, "CPAP and Sleep." I did this so you could meet other members who have discussed sleep apnea machines, Please meet @steve1948 @johnbishop @gerryserafino @thankful @cece55 @alanbruce @bernese53 and others.

Have you noted memory loss since starting to use a machine for sleep apnea, carmella6? If so, will you share more about what you've noticed?

johnhans | @johnhans | Jun 26, 2019

In reply to @carmella6 "Has anyone have problems with memory loss due to sleep apnea machine?" + (show)

@carmella6 I have not had memory problems from my CPAP machine. I did have memory problems from a medicine I was taking. That ended when I stopped taking the medication.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jun 26, 2019

Hi, @carmella6 – I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with @lisalucier and other members. I have not experienced memory loss from using a CPAP machine but I have learned that severe sleep apnea can cause memory loss.

If You Have Sleep Apnea, Your Memory May Decline Earlier in Life
-- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/if-you-have-sleep-apnea-your-memory-may-decline-earlier-in-life/

Leonard | @jakedduck1 | Jun 26, 2019

Is there a scale that measures the severity of Sleep Apnea?
Jake

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jun 26, 2019

In reply to @jakedduck1 "Is there a scale that measures the severity of Sleep Apnea? Jake" + (show)

Hi Jake @jakedduck1 -- There is a scale of sorts. Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) measures sleep apnea severity. The AHI is the sum of the number of apneas (pauses in breathing) plus the number of hypopneas (periods of shallow breathing) that occur, on average, each hour. ... Fifteen to 30 is moderate, while a greater than 30 AHI is considered severe. When I did my overnight sleep study at Mayo Clinic mine was at 52 which the doctor told me was severe obstructive sleep apnea. Now with a CPAP machine mine is running between 3 and 5 most days.

More info here: https://www.sleephealth.org/ufaqs/what-is-ahi-represent/

Leonard | @jakedduck1 | Jun 26, 2019

Thank you John for the information. It’s very much appreciated.
Jake

carmella6 | @carmella6 | Jun 26, 2019

In reply to @lisalucier "Hi, @carmella6 - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I moved your discussion and combined it with..." + (show)

Thank you Lisa! I have been tested for memory loss and they can't find anything. I have lost my short term and long term memory. I have been tested for EVERYTHING. Memory loss started a few years ago, but has gotten worst. I am also loosing my hair on top.:(