CPAP

Okay, I go next month to be "fitted" for my CPAP machine. I am really dreading it. My doctor keeps telling me how good I will feel, but I feel good now! Is it really going to be that wonderful?
What exactly (other than better sleep) is going to change for me?

3 Comments

CPAP

by J.B. - 2009-06-30 08:06:29

First may I suggest that you ask that doctor how many times he has slept wearing one? I got a sales pitch from my doctor that was very much like I think you have gotten and when I asked that question he was honest and said no he had never needed it.

Now what is going to change for you, probably nothing that you will notice, except you may feel better.

I've had a CPAP unit for about 18 months. Some of the pluses I've noticed is I go to sleep much faster, usually about 2 to 3 minutes. That is after you get used to it and accept the fact using it is for your own good. As said preciously, you may feel better when you wake up. I'm no even sure saying you may feel better is a good description because if you are like me I didn't feel bad when I woke up before I got the thing. My description of what I feel like after getting it was that I feel more alert when I wake up. One really noticeable thing is I now seldom get sleepy during the day. Also before I got the CPAP when driving long distances I had a tendency to get drowsy and now that is a rarity. Last but not least, my wife no longer gets concerned that I have stopped breathing during the night.

The down side is that it will take a few days to get used to the mask. Also, I have trouble wanting to breath through my mouth. Dry mouth from this seems to be even worse when I use the CPAP. It may not be for you, but to me it is. Also if you move around in your sleep, the mask or tubing may give you some problems. I frequently wake up with it out of place. Let me mention here there are several different types of masks and you may need a few tries to get the one best for you. I have accepted the fact that when I sleep with the CPAP on I'll be awakened by it at least every 2 hours to reposition the mask or tubing or something else about the CPAP. The good thing about thall that is that I can make the necessary adjustments and be back asleep in less than a minute.

Before I got the CPAP my oxygen level they tell me my blood oxygen level was dropping into the low 70% range which they tell me is not only unhealthy, it can be dangerous. I'll take their word for that with no further comment.

Finally, I hope you find at least all the pluses I have found and none of the minuses. Time will tell, but it will take a few days to a few weeks to really know.

Good luck to you.

J. B.

Father has one..

by turboz24 - 2009-06-30 09:06:50

My father has had a CPAP for 15 years+. During his sleep studies, he stopped breathing 500+ times during the night.

From his experience, I would say that it's going to be 100% positive if you get the correct CPAP as well as the correct mask.

Weight can be a factor in sleep apnea, but my father had problems when he was 120 lb and when he is now 240 lbs. He even had the laser surgery to correct his apnea, but it didn't really do much to help.

CPAP

by maryanne - 2009-07-01 01:07:31

Ok the good and the bad...are they annoying yes but only for those who have to sleep with the person using the machine. Oxgyen saturation is the 70"s like JB can be life threatening....as a nurse who has to deal with many sleep apenic patients it is a major concern...it is imperative that you keep your oxygen levels up while sleeping...the complications of low oxygenation saturations are numberous and you only have to check out the internet to get few of these complications.

An example of someone who has sleep apena post operative can extend their stay from a couple of hours to up to a day in hospital. It is nothing to take lightly.

CPAP machines can be annoying...but what is the alternative.....not breathing..or worse...cardiac arresst? I hope not.....have a life is what is in store for you...and yes a better sleep and hence a better quality of life.

Investigate CPAP machines and the pros and cons and you come up with your own decision.

All the best....cheers....Mary Anne

You know you're wired when...

You have an excuse for gaining an extra ounce or two.

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