CPAP machines

[Bill]

So I’m trying to convince a friend to keep trying to sleep with one. Because he was diagnosed with sleep apnea.

I hear many people who are diagnosed can’t or won’t use the machine.

Me, I fought with mine for weeks but kept at it. Now I can’t sleep without it.

Who hates them? But more important who kept at it and loves it?

If you hate it have you worn it for months?

Just curious

 

[Bowsnbucks]

One of our camp members had sleep apnea so bad he used to fall asleep standing up in the kitchen of the camp !!! He was constantly exhausted from lack of deep sleep. Since he got a CPAP he's a completely different person. No more falling asleep in the middle of a card game.

 

[Da U.P. 'eh]

My CPAP changed my life! I didn't like it at first, of course, but now, like you, I won't sleep without it. It made all the difference in the world now. I seldom get tired during the day whereas I used to be tired all the time! Priceless!

 

[bueller]

Wife told me for years that I had a problem. I thought it was just snoring. Then I went on a hunting trip where I shared a motel room with two friends. The first morning they described how they were counting the seconds in between my breaths while I was sleeping and at times thought I was dead. They debated waking me up multiple times but just before doing so I would gasp for air. After the trip I went to the doctor who ordered a sleep study. Minutes into the study they woke me and told me I need oxygen NOW. Been using it every night since. I wear the full mask. Not pretty but I sleep and feel much better. On the day following a night which I didn't use the machine for whatever reason I drag ass and the headaches that were constant before my diagnosis return.

 

[Bill]

I did a three night at home test with a modem on the thingy to send the data to my Doc.

He outright said using one isn't optional because I stopped breathing 30 to 40 times an hour.

 

[nitro27]

15 years for me on one, can't sleep without. Key factor is find the right mask.

 

[JFK52]

I have been using a CPAP machine for over 35 years. It saved my life. Before use, I was sleeping 12 to 14 hours a day and was always tired. I had no insurance when I was diagnosed with sleep apnea, so I had to buy my own machine. I used it for over 25 years and it still works. Since getting health insurance, I have gotten two ResMed machines.
I would suggest a few things. Get a heated water reservoir to go with the machine. Look into getting heated tubing also. I just got this accessory with my latest machine and I love it. As nitro27 stated, finding the right mask is very important. I use Nuance Pro gel nasal pillows for my set up. I can not use a full face mask as it is too confining and I just do not like the feeling of having a mask on my face.
I wear mine every night and also when I nap during the day. I had two friends who I convinced to get a machine and use it. Both thanked me for that. Sleep apnea is a very insidious disease. It is easily treated by the use of a CPAP machine.
When my friends were questioning me as to why they needed to use a CPAP machine, I brought up the case of the late great Green Bay Packer player Reggie White who died at 43. One of the causes of his death was sleep apnea. I think that opened their eyes to the seriousness of the disease.

 

[bueller]

Does anybody know anyone who had the surgery that supposedly corrects the causr of sleep apnea? My doctor mentioned it to me because of my young age but online reviews from those who have had it were not good. Many wished they never did it because of pain and it was not uncommon for some to have to go back on CPAP anyways.

 

[Jordan Selsor]

CPAP and BIPAP has saved many a CHF and COPD pts in moderate to severe respiratory distress on the ambulance! Just used it last night on a call! Worked awesome!
My father n law just got one about a yr ago and has made a huge difference for him... He isn't napping as much throughout the day now due to actually getting some sleep at night...

 

[JFK52]

CPAP helps in that the sleep one gets with the machine is deep REM sleep. I was sleeping before I used the machine, but it was almost a restless sleep with many instances of me waking up gasping for breath.
Bill, it is ultimately your friend's decision to use a CPAP machine. Please encourage him in every way possible to make a life enhancing choice by using a CPAP machine. He will thank you!

 

[cavey]

10 years using mine and I can count the number of nights I've been without it on only two hands... At first I went and did the sleep study because I thought I just snored loud - well, very loud at times. Found out I was having a fair amount of sleep interruptions so getting the c-pap and using it has turned out to be one of the best moves I have ever made... Made a huge difference on how I feel now.... Life saver!!!! It is not only a life saver for the user but anybody your sleeping with or near for that matter... Tell your friend if he doesn't believe you, that they can talk to anyone of us, i will give you my email or number what ever you need- but tell them they will get used to it, trust us - for some it takes time and that they will never regret it... they will regret not using it.

oh ya, and I dragged the thing all over France and Italy on a 3 week trip without any issues... and they are getting smaller every year and easier to wear. It really isn't that big of a deal once you get used to using it and in fact you'll want it... I sleep better with it and live better because of it.

 

[Bill]

I have been using a CPAP machine for over 35 years. It saved my life. Before use, I was sleeping 12 to 14 hours a day and was always tired. I had no insurance when I was diagnosed with sleep apnea, so I had to buy my own machine. I used it for over 25 years and it still works. Since getting health insurance, I have gotten two ResMed machines.
I would suggest a few things. Get a heated water reservoir to go with the machine. Look into getting heated tubing also. I just got this accessory with my latest machine and I love it. As nitro27 stated, finding the right mask is very important. I use Nuance Pro gel nasal pillows for my set up. I can not use a full face mask as it is too confining and I just do not like the feeling of having a mask on my face.
I wear mine every night and also when I nap during the day. I had two friends who I convinced to get a machine and use it. Both thanked me for that. Sleep apnea is a very insidious disease. It is easily treated by the use of a CPAP machine.
When my friends were questioning me as to why they needed to use a CPAP machine, I brought up the case of the late great Green Bay Packer player Reggie White who died at 43. One of the causes of his death was sleep apnea. I think that opened their eyes to the seriousness of the disease.

The heated water and tube are a must for me..otherwise I'm all dried out. I do dunk the tank and tubes in water with a bit of bleach once in a while to keep it from getting moldy.

Does anybody know anyone who had the surgery that supposedly corrects the causr of sleep apnea? My doctor mentioned it to me because of my young age but online reviews from those who have had it were not good. Many wished they never did it because of pain and it was not uncommon for some to have to go back on CPAP anyways.

My brother got the surgery about 15 years ago. He was back to snoring and on a CPAP again within 5 years. Maybe it's better these days but for me the machine is easier.

 

[Red Picqua]

I am more curious as to everyones different masks. I went through a few of them and have been on the res med fit p10 nasal pillows. Agree with others.. greatest thing in the world. I don't think I have slept without it since I got it 10 years ago.

I have a friend who has the full face mask!!!! Every once in a while he sends me a selfie and says. Jacque Cousteau jokes. or neil armstrong. the list is endless. His wife one nite taped a "pinup girl" on the front of it. When he woke up he was dying!! I crack up everytime I see his watermelon head in one. the thing covers his eyes, nose, and mouth!!! He tried them all but LOVES this one. He is nuts!

 

[bueller]

I use a res med quattro fx full face mask. It's the only one I've ever tried. Been tempted to try the nasal pillows but was told they won't work for me since I'm a mouth breather.
https://www.resmed.com/us/en/healthcare-professional/products/masks/quattro-fx.html

 

[Bowsnbucks]

You guys all sound like my fellow camp member. ( post #2 ) He couldn't believe the difference in his energy levels, much as you guys describe.

 

[Red Picqua]

I use a res med quattro fx full face mask. It's the only one I've ever tried. Been tempted to try the nasal pillows but was told they won't work for me since I'm a mouth breather.
https://www.resmed.com/us/en/healthcare-professional/products/masks/quattro-fx.html

Yea... when I mean full face.. I mean full face!! :)

 

[Red Picqua]

I use a res med quattro fx full face mask. It's the only one I've ever tried. Been tempted to try the nasal pillows but was told they won't work for me since I'm a mouth breather.
https://www.resmed.com/us/en/healthcare-professional/products/masks/quattro-fx.html

I was a mouth breather too.. but the dr told me that if you do the "motorboat" (we all know what I mean!!) you will close your mouth. I haven't needed a chin strap or anything for years.

 

[Bill]

I use a resmed P10 also. That’s my favorite. Second is a Philips Respironics Nuance Pro Nasal Pillow System.

Bueller I was a mouth breather too.
As soon as you start to inhale any way the pillow forces air down your pipes.

Nasal pillows fall off easier but once you’re used to it you won’t go back.

I get my masks and filters off Amazon. Anyone found a cheaper source?

 

[bueller]

Yea... when I mean full face.. I mean full face!! :)

View attachment 18045

Oh my

 

[Aaron]

I have a love and hate relationship with my cpap. I sleep lots better than before. I have a small nasal pillow type mask and wear a chin strap. It stays on the best for me.