C-PAP

[old2soon]

Went for a sleep study last night which may be leading up to me having a C-PAP machine. My question is to those of you having/using C-PAP. Are you now sleeping better after getting used to it? I'm hearing anywhere from a week to maybe 2 weeks to get used to it. I was on one and In about 10 minutes or so my nasal passages and my throat were as dry as the desert. Also noticed Very difficult to exhale for me with mask on. Even after the nice Lady tech added humidity to the machine I was Still dry. I know there Will be a learning curve and a getting used to curve!    Has anyone here quit using a C-PAP after being put on one and Why? Had I but KNOWN of the negative effects of smoking I wish now I had NEVER picked up the first one!  RIDE SAFE.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I couldn't stand it. I don't know how anybody can sleep with those things on.

[Karen]

Still getting used to it, some nights only good for 3 or 4 hours, but I figure it's better than not using it at all. Humidity is adjustable, effectivity is hard to judge, still dealing with defib/pacemeker implant, not fully active yet. It's so easy, even a cave woman can do it... see you in 5 short months!

[BF]

I don't wear one...but the wife does. 

After my wife stopped smoking, she gained a lot of weight.  With it came the breathing thing and really loud snoring.  I was about ready to move out of the house if she didn't do something about it...really.  I couldn't sleep at night because of the snoring.  

She finally went to the doc and they put her on the C-PAP machine.  

After reading your post, I asked her about it.

She says that she took a while to get used to it, but according to her, she's finally used to wearing it.  She says that the hard part is getting a mask that fits well and works for you.  It took her a pretty long time to find the perfect mask that now fits best for her.  She's happy with the one that she has now, but again, it took her a while to find the one she likes the best.  

It's not a joy to wear the thing either, but according to her, you DO get used to it...with the RIGHT mask.  

And like you said, wearing it is a learning curve.  It took her a while to get the moisture adjustment right for her...she complained about being dry at first too.  

As for sleeping better....she says that she most definitely sleeps better at night now because of it.  I know that she does....because I'm not awaken at night with her slinging the thing across the room in the middle of the night anymore.  

[Hooter]

If anybody goes for a sleep study they end up with one. Mine was a perverbial pain in my ass. Used SCBAS in the fire service and still scuba dive to this day so I'm not geeked about confined breathing / spaces. This thing is (for me) nothing but annoying and I got less sleep with it over a month period than I did without it.

Some people I'm sure have no trouble but I know of more that hate em than like what they do and the benefits. To each his own.

[Moonshot_1]

On one.

Actually took me about a year to get used to it to the point of using it consistently. I found, at first, if I didn't use it till I was almost asleep or wait till I fell asleep and then woke up, (I would get up constantly at the time then fall back asleep then wake up....) I would then put it on and I would fall asleep faster than fighting it from the start.

Once you get used to it you almost can't sleep without it.

Mine has a humidity feature so it doesn't get so drying. I'm sure it is common.

Clean mine with Tilex mold and mildew cleaner. I'm sure it is not approved for this application but seems to work pretty good.

I do find myself sleeping better. Associated heart condition was the trigger to get on this.

There are a lot of different masks and assorted nose masks I guess is what you call them. Masks that fit over nose and mouth and units that use a nose apparatus instead. That is the one I use. (the nose only one)

It can be a royal pain to get used to a system. You may want to experiment with different ones if possible. I was lucky and used a pharmacy that specializes in this stuff. Tried different masks and found one that was the least intrusive.

It is worth the fight to get used to it. Will have to adjust some bedtime routines maybe.

Good luck with it.

[scooperhsd]

I'm supposed to be using one, but I CANNOT get used to it. Part of it is my sinuses - I'm pretty congested most of the time. The thought of getting an automatic titration machine has intrigued me - it just uses enough pressure to do the job - but they cost more.

The flip side is that not using isn't helping my sleep much. If I'm lucky - I get a good 4-5 hours of solid sleep. Usually more like 3-4 hours, then I just rest the rest of the night and attempt to fall asleep again. I can fall asleep in 5 minutes flat  - I usually fall asleep watching TV in the evenings, then wakeup long enough to go to bed.  Having Sleep Apnea is a real pain. I suppose if I could lose 60 pounds I wouldn't need it.

[Moonshot_1]

I'm supposed to be using one, but I CANNOT get used to it. Part of it is my sinuses - I'm pretty congested most of the time. The thought of getting an automatic titration machine has intrigued me - it just uses enough pressure to do the job - but they cost more.

The flip side is that not using isn't helping my sleep much. If I'm lucky - I get a good 4-5 hours of solid sleep. Usually more like 3-4 hours, then I just rest the rest of the night and attempt to fall asleep again. I can fall asleep in 5 minutes flat  - I usually fall asleep watching TV in the evenings, then wakeup long enough to go to bed.  Having Sleep Apnea is a real pain. I suppose if I could lose 60 pounds I wouldn't need it.

I've never heard it called a "Titration machine" before. If I had it would have intrigued me as well.   

[MAD6Gun]

 Dennis. I have been on Cpap for years now. It took a few days to get used to it. My machine is a Cflex. It puts out pressure but when I breath out the pressure backs off making it easier to breath. I use a full face mask because I'm a mouth breather. I can't breath through my nose for any length  of time. Anyway I got used to it. I CANT sleep without it. Now it just part of my evening routine.

[Valker]

Well, looks like I'm in the minority here also. I've been on CPAP for about 15 years now. My sleep study had me dropping to 71% oxygen sat at night. My mother had lung cancer, and when her lips and fingertips turned blue, I took her to the ER, She was at 73% then!! It was NOT hard for me to use the machine. I was so very tired from the apnea, that I immediately felt enough better that I readily accepted the mask. During my sleep study, the put the mask on me about 2:30 AM. They figured I might doze after that, but I slept like a rock until they woke me up at 6:00. That was the best I'd felt in several years. I even have a portable battery powered machine for when I bike camp and travel. I used to wake up dry mouthed every morning, but I started using a full face mask (covers my nose and mouth) and that stopped the dry issue. I can not sleep well without it. it is a small hassle with the hose and not having the pillow move the mask off my face, but the benefit far outweighs the hassle.

[..]

I've used a Cpap for years and no problem here.

Why you should use one if you have sleep apnea.

Some of you may know this some may not.

When you stop breathing your body shoots adrenaline into your system. Your body is determined to wake you up so that you will start breathing again.

If this happens multiple times EVERY NIGHT IT WILL F YOU UP. That's the technical term/

This is a copy and paste

In addition, whenever there is a sudden arousal from sleep, be it due to a nightmare or to upper airway obstruction from sleep apnea, there is a surge in sympathetic activity. As a result, there is a burst of adrenaline released into the bloodstream, blood pressure shoots up (sometimes extremely high), and — especially if there is a corresponding drop in blood-oxygen levels as frequently occurs during an apnea — heart rate can become irregular and dangerous arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation may develop.

So don't give up on the machine. Simple as that

[..]

Using a long ramp up period may help you nod off to sleep.

I set mine at 10 minutes.

Usually I'm lights out way before that.

I believe most machines have at least a 20 minute ramp up time.

I also use just a nose mask and no humidifier. Sometimes I wake with a dry mouth but that's very rare.

[..]

http://www.medpagetoday.com/PrimaryCare/SleepDisorders/298

[..]

Went for a sleep study last night which may be leading up to me having a C-PAP machine. My question is to those of you having/using C-PAP. Are you now sleeping better after getting used to it? I'm hearing anywhere from a week to maybe 2 weeks to get used to it. I was on one and In about 10 minutes or so my nasal passages and my throat were as dry as the desert. Also noticed Very difficult to exhale for me with mask on. Even after the nice Lady tech added humidity to the machine I was Still dry. I know there Will be a learning curve and a getting used to curve!    Has anyone here quit using a C-PAP after being put on one and Why? Had I but KNOWN of the negative effects of smoking I wish now I had NEVER picked up the first one!  RIDE SAFE.

Were you using a nose mask or a mouth/nose mask?

[Jess from VA]

My mom's been on one forever.  

Before she used it, her snoring cause the roof shingles to fall off.

Sleep Apnea is no laughing matter.

Speaking of laughing, don't make a mistake ordering on Amazon and get one of these.  It would probably help you sleep (and laugh), but it's worthless for Apnea.


This is not Air Force issue.

[old2soon]

Went for a sleep study last night which may be leading up to me having a C-PAP machine. My question is to those of you having/using C-PAP. Are you now sleeping better after getting used to it? I'm hearing anywhere from a week to maybe 2 weeks to get used to it. I was on one and In about 10 minutes or so my nasal passages and my throat were as dry as the desert. Also noticed Very difficult to exhale for me with mask on. Even after the nice Lady tech added humidity to the machine I was Still dry. I know there Will be a learning curve and a getting used to curve!    Has anyone here quit using a C-PAP after being put on one and Why? Had I but KNOWN of the negative effects of smoking I wish now I had NEVER picked up the first one!  RIDE SAFE.

           Full face mask-covering mouth and nose. The first one was rather small compared to my face and It danged near strangled me. Oh joy of joys cuz my tech informed me I might have to go thru the study AGAIN.  My brother Ross-A K A da prez-informed me he woke up with killer headaches from his C-PAP and was working with the V A to git the issue resoled. Some of my old gnarly Nam Vet ridin buds said a proper mask is key to being comfortable. The help here on various matters never ceases to amaze me. Thank to ALL my Friends here.    RIDE SAFE

Were you using a nose mask or a mouth/nose mask?

[Hef]

Been on a c-pap for 17 years now. Have a bad heart and my wife would elbow me at night and say I quit breathing. Had a friend who doctors say died from sleep apnea, so decided to have the sleep study. Resulted in the c-pap machine. Made up my mind that if I needed it I would use it. At first I had issues with the mask, but finally found one that worked for me. Sleep very soundly now, no snoring and sleep for entire night. I highly recommend them for those who need it.  

Note: Clean with hot water and white vinegar. Use only distilled water when using c-pap.

[bg]

been using one for almost 20 years and love it.
i use the nose pillows and they work great for me.
i'm one of the few who loves mine and i'd probably use it even if i didn't need too.......love mine.
hang in there, hope it gets better for you.

[Psychotic Bovine]

I am one of the rare people who adapted to it instantly.  I have severe apnea, and on the next sleep study they had me use cpap at the hospital.  It took me about an hour to fall asleep, but I slept for a solid 8 hours.  Never got up once.
After I got the machine, I fell instantly asleep (30 minutes is instantly for me) and sleep throughout the night.  Usually 7-9 hours, never getting up until next morning.  I use a full mask. 

[Moofner]

I've got one. I had to change out my mask that accommodated my facial hair better. Now I can't sleep without it. Took a month to get used to it and to find the right humidity setting.

I'm even considering getting a battery backup for it in case the power goes out. Sleep without it just isn't quality.

[pais]

    Old2 good luck! At worst this cpap is a slight challenge. The benefits far out way the challenges.
     Definitely use distilled water!
     Quality of sleep is outstanding! For me after 2 weeks of continuous use, I could feel the difference.
     Using this will get you real, deep, sound (REM) sleep.
     The health benefits far out way the minor inconveniences.
     Family life improves because, everybody is now getting good sleep. My kids were nice enough to record me one evening from various parts of the house. (I did not believe I snored as loud as they said I did) I was amazed and felt bad. The sound level on the second floor where the kids sleep (we sleep on the 1st floor) sounded as if it was right outside our room!! What I put my wife through, I cant imagine. I'd wake up numerous times throughout the night plus all the times my wife elbowing me and or shaking the bed. Getting up in the morning feeling like I hadn't slept and headaches!
      My doctor explained a lot to me about this subject. The one that stuck with me, was sleep apnea was the reason for people dying in their sleep. Problem was for a long time the medical field did not know the cause. So when I was younger and would read an obituary( I remember seeing these) and it said.....he died in his sleep. High % of the time the cause was sleep apnea!

[98valk]

cut out all caffeine, alcohol and increase magnesium levels and sleep better.

This is one of the most common conditions today. Magnesium deficiency can cause insomnia (inability to sleep), or make you wake up with muscle spasms or cramps or feeling tense and uncomfortable. Natural Calm (magnesium powder) can go a long way in relieving this restlessness, and make many of the common sleep problems simply disappear. There are countless records on file attesting to the effectiveness of Natural Calm (magnesium powder) in relieving and resolving sleep disorders.
http://www.mgwater.com/benes.shtml#insomnia

[Rams]

I've been using a CPAP about three years, should have been on one decades ago.   Yes, took a few  days to get used to but, I get more quality sleep now, feel better during the day and have no complaints.

One word of warning though.   Should you wake up during the night and have that loving feeling, you should most likely remove the mask before making those first moves toward your partner.   I'm told from a dead sleep, that's not the most romantic image for her to wake up to.   

[RDAbull]

I have been using mine for 15 years.  It took as couple of weeks to get used to it but now I can't sleep without it.  The electricity went out a few months ago and I had to go out to the trailer I pull behind the trike and get the jump box so I could plug in for the rest of the night. 
Make sure you have the heated humidifier, the pass-over type are useless.
Keep trying, you will get used to it and be thankful.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I've been using a CPAP about three years, should have been on one decades ago.   Yes, took a few  days to get used to but, I get more quality sleep now, feel better during the day and have no complaints.

One word of warning though.   Should you wake up during the night and have that loving feeling, you should most likely remove the mask before making those first moves toward your partner.   I'm told from a dead sleep, that's not the most romantic image for her to wake up to.   

Ron, quit putting that mask on your groin. (Sorry, couldn't resist)

[old2soon]

I've been using a CPAP about three years, should have been on one decades ago.   Yes, took a few  days to get used to but, I get more quality sleep now, feel better during the day and have no complaints.

One word of warning though.   Should you wake up during the night and have that loving feeling, you should most likely remove the mask before making those first moves toward your partner.   I'm told from a dead sleep, that's not the most romantic image for her to wake up to.   

         
                     I'm guessin here but by NOT removing the mask it would kill anything Before it Even got STARTED!   But rekemember-i are GUESSIN!   RIDE SAFE.

[98valk]

I've been using a CPAP about three years, should have been on one decades ago.   Yes, took a few  days to get used to but, I get more quality sleep now, feel better during the day and have no complaints.

One word of warning though.   Should you wake up during the night and have that loving feeling, you should most likely remove the mask before making those first moves toward your partner.   I'm told from a dead sleep, that's not the most romantic image for her to wake up to.   

Ron, quit putting that mask on your groin. (Sorry, couldn't resist)

 

[threevalks]

Damn, it looks like the whole gang uses these things.  I don't, I sleep fine, except up a couple time to P. If we had a fire alarm go off at 3am during Inzane it'd look like we'd been gassed.

[..]

Damn, it looks like the whole gang uses these things.  I don't, I sleep fine, except up a couple time to P. If we had a fire alarm go off at 3am during Inzane it'd look like we'd been gassed.

Thanks for the 

[..]

http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-apnea/features/cpap-machine#1

[therapist]

Been on it for about a dozen years. They think my heart blockages and two stents back in '04 may have been related to the sleep apnea. One of the things that happens when there is not oxygen in your blood, from episodes of not breathing during the night, is that the blood thickens and can cause such problems.
I am a nighttime mouth breather, have full face mask. I cannot sleep without it. It isnt just for heavy people, but also those with short/ wide necks. If they said you need it, why gamble with your life?

[Tx Bohemian]

If anybody goes for a sleep study they end up with one...

Not quite everybody.
I did the sleep study, twice.  And don't have one.

The morning after the first one I asked the tech how was it? and he hee-hawed around before he said I had some episodes. I could tell he didn't tell me everything.
(If I remember correctly the cost was about $3500 so he didn't want to tell me there wasn't that much wrong)
During the prep phase when they ask you a bunch of questions twice they asked my wife if I snore and both times she said "no" and they were always taken back! (I think they use that to their advantage to make it easier to sell)

My heart dr wanted me to do the sleep study because I have a-fib and he just wanted to cover all the bases.
He was the one who told me I wasn't that bad an didn't need it.  He also asked my wife if I snore, and got the same answer.

I do have a couple of friends that have used the CPAP for a few years now and both said, like most, that it takes some to get used to it but now they can't sleep without it.
One of them is a biking buddy of mine that does a lot of camping and he takes it with him. He has one that works off a 12-volt battery he packs.

[Moonshot_1]

Forgot to mention and didn't see it in the responses since, I also use a C-PAP in conjunction with nasal strips like the breathe right brand.

works pretty good. better than without.

[maelstrom]

Have to add my 2 cents worth - or should I say - 2 thumbs up for cpap. Used to wake up 8- 10 times a night & wife said I would stop breathing for 3-4 minutes before waking up. She never woke me up = guess she was waiting for me to stop breathing all together, ha !!
 Yes, it does take getting used to, but it's worth it = been using one for over 20 years, sleep 8-9 hours a night and get up once to p then back to sleep. Wouldn't think of not using it now !!

[The emperor has no clothes]

Have to add my 2 cents worth - or should I say - 2 thumbs up for cpap. Used to wake up 8- 10 times a night & wife said I would stop breathing for 3-4 minutes before waking up. She never woke me up = guess she was waiting for me to stop breathing all together, ha !!
 Yes, it does take getting used to, but it's worth it = been using one for over 20 years, sleep 8-9 hours a night and get up once to p then back to sleep. Wouldn't think of not using it now !!

My Dad lived with me for a while years back. He used to scare the crap out of me. He snored really loud and then would just quit breathing all together. When his body starting freaking out from not breathing it was like all hell was breaking loose.

[Dave Ritsema]

After exhibiting all the standard issues I had a sleep study and after reviewing the data decided I couldn't ignore what it was telling me. I actually started my CPAP for the first time at IZ2, as I knew I was going to be sleeping alone for a week and it seemed like a good opportunity to adjust without disturbing my wife.

I have been using it ever since without fail and am actually using the same machine. I am astounded that it has lasted this long. Late this fall we had a two day power outage and I never slept well the entire time and would wake up suddenly and out of breath. Maybe I have it easier as I have been using SCUBA and SCBA for the last 30 years but I would say do your best to adjust. It made a very big difference for me.

[RDAbull]

After exhibiting all the standard issues I had a sleep study and after reviewing the data decided I couldn't ignore what it was telling me. I actually started my CPAP for the first time at IZ2, as I knew I was going to be sleeping alone for a week and it seemed like a good opportunity to adjust without disturbing my wife.

I have been using it ever since without fail and am actually using the same machine. I am astounded that it has lasted this long. Late this fall we had a two day power outage and I never slept well the entire time and would wake up suddenly and out of breath. Maybe I have it easier as I have been using SCUBA and SCBA for the last 30 years but I would say do your best to adjust. It made a very big difference for me.

Dave,
I carry a jumper box/compressor on my trips and it is in the garage or truck other times.  When our electricity went out last year, I just went out to the garage and got it, plugged the CPAP in and slept like a baby.  Just need to make sure it is always charged.  It will last about 8 hours. I have also used it to jump bikes and cars.  Best 100 bucks I ever spent.

[old2soon]

ALL the information imparted here is appreciated. Should be hearing from my Doctor some time this week depending on his work load. After all the Mostly positive reviews And with the VA pickin up the tab I'd be foolish to Not use it. Sounds to me like a Quality of life for a better life issue thingy! Some nights-stressing Some nights I sleep rather well. BUT Most other nights-NOT so well on the sleep thingy.  Sounds to me from what I'm gathering on this is it WILL do the job and let this old fart sleep better!  I've Not only heard this BUT I'm shamelessly gonna say it here again-had I but Known I wuz gonna live this long I would have taken Much better care of myself!  RIDE SAFE.

[Dave Ritsema]

After exhibiting all the standard issues I had a sleep study and after reviewing the data decided I couldn't ignore what it was telling me. I actually started my CPAP for the first time at IZ2, as I knew I was going to be sleeping alone for a week and it seemed like a good opportunity to adjust without disturbing my wife.

I have been using it ever since without fail and am actually using the same machine. I am astounded that it has lasted this long. Late this fall we had a two day power outage and I never slept well the entire time and would wake up suddenly and out of breath. Maybe I have it easier as I have been using SCUBA and SCBA for the last 30 years but I would say do your best to adjust. It made a very big difference for me.

Dave,
I carry a jumper box/compressor on my trips and it is in the garage or truck other times.  When our electricity went out last year, I just went out to the garage and got it, plugged the CPAP in and slept like a baby.  Just need to make sure it is always charged.  It will last about 8 hours. I have also used it to jump bikes and cars.  Best 100 bucks I ever spent.

Thanks for the tip! Great idea!

[Reb]

My mom's been on one forever.  

Before she used it, her snoring cause the roof shingles to fall off.

Sleep Apnea is no laughing matter.

Speaking of laughing, don't make a mistake ordering on Amazon and get one of these.  It would probably help you sleep (and laugh), but it's worthless for Apnea.


This is not Air Force issue.

I do believe I may have one of these left over from college if anyone needs to borrow it. If my memory serves me correctly, it helped me sleep and eat almost every night.