Alternatives to CPAP for sleep apnea

I am currently exploring the INSPIRE device implanted under skin at right chest area. many nites I wake up to find my cpap off.
last Friday I had DISE (drug induced sleep endoscopy) to see if I'm a candidate. it's a wire that stimulates a nerve to move tongue out of way to open airway. I passed! but then I had sinus ct scan that showed chronic sinusitis. I had covid in November and it felt like a terrible sinus infection. now it's chronic so need to get rid of that before ENT implants this device. I'm still hopeful!

I was recently diagnosed with severe sleep apnea after a sleep study that was ordered by a neurologist. I had been experiencing migraines after starting fosamax. The headaches stopped after the fosamax was discontinued. I had a CT and the doctor didn't think I needed an MRI, but ordered the study. I'm overwhelmed by all of this. I can't see myself hooking up to a mask every night. What really bothers me is that Medicare monitors my usage. I guess I am just an aging hippie and doesn't like my data 'out there .' Right now I am waiting for a call from a company to give me a machine. I read that CPAP can cause an increase in BMI as well as insulin resistance. Does anyone know of side effects from using a CPAP? I already have osteoporosis and don't want to add more to the list if I can help it. Thanks in advance for any input.

@jillebeanwright If the CPAP is paid for by Medicare they do monitor your data to see if you are using it. I guess they have rules about payment if not usedThey say that's all they want it for. I have never heard that, but it wouldn't surprise me much. I use a Resmed CPAP device which does monitor my usage, but that is indispensable for me. Any time I want I can log in over the internet and see stuff that tells me what's working and not working. For example I can see when my mask is leaking and how well the sleep apnea treatment is going.

From my reading, the study results on increase in BMI indicate a small increase in BMI happens quite often. There are lots of educated guesses about why, but the scientists haven't nailed that down yet. From my reading it looks like CPAP usage does not cause insulin resistance, but untreated sleep apnea does.

Resmed allows advertising which means they are giving away statistics on the data, so advertisers can target their ads, but they say they don't sell data anywhere. Of course just about anything could be a target of hackers.

All these issues are complicated big time, but I thought I'd put my somewhat educated opinions out there anyway. For me all these negatives are small, and the benefits of using my CPAP are far greater. I really want to know what's going on with my treatment, and my data shows the treatment has been successful. I call all that other stuff noise.

Hi Timbrownfl,
Thank you for your response. I received more information from you than the doctor. My big hurdle is being able to tolerate the mask. I am a side sleeper, but with all the attachments in the sleep study, I had to be supine. I am awaiting a call from the company the doctor uses. I was considering ResMed 11 which is variable and has a humidifier. How long did it take for you to get used to the mask, if you don't mind sharing. Thanks again.

Hello
Please consider the dental device. It pushes your jaw forward which keeps your airway open. It really works for me.
It does not take long to adjust to it. It is worth it.
Migraine, speak to your neurologist about B2 and magnesium. This resolved my migraines. I hope dr can get you on another med for your osteoporosis.
You will be much more comfortable being able to sleep without the cpap.
I know it is a wonderful device but I could not sleep well with it.
Best of luck to you
Take care

Hi @me49, I'm happy to see that you've received some good suggestions and information from @timbrownfl. I'm also a side sleeper using a CPAP. The mask is a major hurdle for a lot of folks first starting out with a CPAP. I'm a mouth breather and needed a full face mask. I have tried many different ones that seemed to work for awhile and then just caused issues for me after short periods. The one I've finally gotten used to and can tolerate is the ResMed AirFit F20 full face mask. What helped me tolerate the mask better was a cloth comfort cover recommended by my sleep medicine PA at Mayo Clinic - https://cpapcomfortcover.com/.

Another device that helped me manage the CPAP hose was a stand that held the CPAP hose above the head and off of the pillow to keep it from getting tangled. There are quite a few different brands/styles but I just bought a cheap one that fits on the floor or can slip under the mattress on your bed - https://www.amazon.com/PurePAP-Holder-Stops-Tangles-Improving/dp/B08P2F95QR/.

Hi johnbishop
I appreciate your advice. I need information so I can speak to the PA or whoever is giving me the cpap. The two people I know with a cpap either gave up on first try or could only tolerate an hour. I recognize it's importance. A rule of thumb for a behavior to become a habit is 10x. I hope I can navigate the hurdles and really appreciate any suggestions. Thanks again!

I wonder if you might find the following article from the American Lung Association helpful.
--- Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Sleep Apnea (OSA):
https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/sleep-apnea/questions-to-ask-your-doctor.

Thanks, John
I wish I had this before my visit to the doctor. It's a good framework to guide doctor/patient discussions.

I am having problem using the cpap machine to include causing cardiac symptoms, headache, internal fever, and sleep disturbance. Now, I am reluctant to wear the cpap equipment since it sets panic attack from previous medical experiences wearing it.
Does anyone have an advice that will help me overcome this trepidation?