Sleep Apnea and CPAP masks

[Cataholic]

I know three people that were dx'd with SA and used the CPAP. All three of them struggled with the fit, the sleeping on the back, and had minimal relief from it. All three of them went on to lose significant amounts of weight (two of these three people were a couple, not everyone I know loses weight), and all three of them are sleeping fine, and feeling rested, without the CPAP. I don't know that any of them went back to the sleep doctor or not, so I don't know if the SA went 'away' or is dormant, or what.

[caseysmom]

My brother had severe sleep apnea, unfortunately he never splurged for the machine, he died at 51, I often wonder if the lack of oxygen at night led to his heart problems, he wasn't a smoker nor a drinker and he wasn't overweight at all.

[cassiesmom]

I just got a new mask not long ago, gave up (reluctantly) one I really liked. This one is almost as good. I will check the brand. It has a little smaller gel pad that fits the bridge of my nose better than my old one, and it fits just about the same on the sides.

[Catty1]

Kim, it took me almost a month to get used to the mask and how to tweak it, and all. Now it's like brushing my teeth. It does take some time, and I know how frustrating it is.

Are there other alternatives to the machine? Breathe-right strips? Sometimes a minor surgery that removes polyps or etc helps snoring as well. There are also dental devices that position the jaw differently to help intake of air.

Did the doctor say what is causing it?

I hope you get some answers soon.

[catnapper]

Are there other alternatives to the machine? Breathe-right strips? Sometimes a minor surgery that removes polyps or etc helps snoring as well. There are also dental devices that position the jaw differently to help intake of air.

Did the doctor say what is causing it?

My problem is my seriously screwed up sinuses. they're what cause a lot of my migraines. I had surgery 2 years ago that helped, but now have scar tissue to deal with and am NOT having repeat surgery due to fear of more/worse scar tissue. The surgery repaired a deviated septum and its just as bad now as before the first surgery.

The funny thing is, I gained a ton of weight because of the snoring. I was always so tired and resorted to lots of sugary and fattening foods for comfort and quick zips of pep. I stopped walking Callie 2-4 miles a day. I just slept (badly), worked, watched tv, and repeated the same day over and over again.

I already see my normal energy levels coming back (I honestly expected my energy to increase sooner) and I'm looking forward to losing the weight I gained from the lack of sleep.

I just can't wait to find the right mask. As it is, my insurance won't allow me to switch styles anymore. the doctor's office is working with me and letting me "borrow" masks until I find the right one, and then they'll let me borrow it permanently until insurance does cover the change.

[Asiel]

Our son sleeps with some kind of sleep machine that the sleep center sent home with him after the testing. It helps some but not as much as he was hoping. Luckily he does fine on a couple hours sleep a night. He actually falls asleep on his feet during the day if he gets more than a couple hours of sleep, something the doctors are still trying to regulate. I just hate to see him behind the wheel of his car never knowing if he'll nod off. Lucky his job is very accomodating.
I don't know if this will be of any help to people with a snoring problem but we bought buckwheat pillows 2 yrs ago and both my husband and our son have stopped snoring completely since they've been using them.

[Nomilynn]

I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea and the doctor suggested the mask but I said absolutely not until we've tried surgery. I was only 27 and I didn't think having an elephant nose on at night was in any way sexy. How would I ever find a husband with a contraption like that?? For me, the surgery option worked wonders and now I only snore mildly, and only if I'm congested or have been drinking. Not sure if this helps, but perhaps a mask isn't the only option.

Good luck, I know how frustrating it is to always be tired and never feeling any relief.