Sleep Apnea & CPAP

Geezer

Geezer

Mama Tried
Staff member
2A Bourbon Hound 2024
2A Bourbon Hound OG
Charter Life Member
Benefactor
Supporting Member
Multi-Factor Enabled
Joined
Dec 16, 2016
Messages
25,956
Location
Silsbee, TX
Rating - 100%
84   0   0
Some of you may know that I work in the CPAP business. I've been involved in this for about 9 years. Every day many people are diagnosed with sleep apnea and our office sees several new patients each week. Some people take to the therapy right away, some struggle, and some just can't or won't do it.

I'm sure that we most likely have some CPAP users in the CFF family. If anyone is looking for some answers to questions, hints on how to care for the machine and equipment, or just general questions about CPAP therapy, here is a place to ask and discuss.

While I don't claim to have all the answers, I do have some knowledge in the field and I have access to a lot more knowledge. If you have any questions or comments, post them up.
 
How does a person come to realize they need one of these? My dad had apnea and I can recall watching him nap in a chair and stop breathing, then start again. So I know what it is but everything happens while you're sleeping.
 
I was diagnosed last year. Apparently the size of your neck is the key factor and it doesn't matter if that size comes from fat or muscle.

I didn't believe I had apnea because I'm in really good shape and pretty muscular. But an 18.5 inch neck is an 18.5 inch neck.

I use mine every night. I use the nose pillows and sleep much better. Been on it for about 6 months now. Still not completely caught up on the years of sleep I lost but getting there.
 
A lot of times a sleep partner will notice the other person stop breathing during sleep, excessive snoring, sleeping all night and waking up tired, nodding off during the day, these are all some signs of sleep apnea. When we stop breathing during sleep, even for a few seconds, oxygen levels drop and the heart has to work harder to keep the oxygen level up. While you may be asleep, your heart is working over time, and you wake up as tired as you were when you went to bed.
 
Ok. So I currently dishwasher the reservoir and wash the tube and pillow by hand. It's cheap but a pain in the ass.
Are the cpap sanitizer I see worth the money?

They're pricey at $300 but if they actually work and save me the hour of washing and scrubbing the hose every week it would be worth it.
 
Chdamn said:
I was diagnosed last year. Apparently the size of your neck is the key factor and it doesn't matter if that size comes from fat or muscle.

I didn't believe I had apnea because I'm in really good shape and pretty muscular. But an 18.5 inch neck is an 18.5 inch neck.

I use mine every night. I use the nose pillows and sleep much better. Been on it for about 6 months now. Still not completely caught up on the years of sleep I lost but getting there.
Click to expand...

Neck size, being overweight, are signs as well. But, there are a lot of petite ladies that have sleep apnea, too.

I'm not a sports fan and I guess I should know his name but a few years ago a NFL player died in his sleep from sleep apnea. Some of you may know who it is.
 
My wife uses one. But the last sleep study she had done didn't indicate a need for one. So when the one she had quit (fan started making a squall like a bearing going out) I ended up getting her a new one off Craigslist. Fortunately I was able to find videos on Youtube that told me how to set it up.
 
Chdamn said:
Ok. So I currently dishwasher the reservoir and wash the tube and pillow by hand. It's cheap but a pain in the ass.
Are the cpap sanitizer I see worth the money?

They're pricey at $300 but if they actually work and save me the hour of washing and scrubbing the hose every week it would be worth it.
Click to expand...

Elaine had been using one for about 3 months. That much ozone will kill anything!
 
I was diagnosed with sleep apnea. I was issued a CPAP machine. I could not sleep any way I tried. As my insurance didn't cover the study and most of the machine cost, I simply sent the machine back and said to hell with it.
I am back on night shift and I am using physical means to keep me laying on my side, I rest fine and no more headaches.
I never had any problems until I had surgery and was intubated. I think this practice causes a large portion of sleep apnea problems.
The CPAP machine forced me to sleep on my back, making me even more dependent on the machine. No offense, and this is not an indicting statement, but I've spent my life being treated by doctors who simply treated a symptom, rather than fixing the cause.
 
I recommend anyone who has a history of snoring take the time to have the sleep test done. When I got married my wife told me I needed to do it because the noise was too much. When I went, they informed me that I was ceasing to breath multiple times a night. A stupid number of times I can't remember.

So much so they woke me up 2 hours into the study and said "Nah...we need to put this on you NOW."

I remember falling back asleep and waking up in a state of awe and I looked at the nurse and said "what happened to me?" And she said "you finally slept for the first time in years."

She was right. Now, 10 years later I can absolutely tell a difference between when I sleep with my machine and the rare instances I don't (camping, falling asleep on the couch, etc.).

Geezer is an amazing resource as well. Take him up on whatever aid he can give.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Chdamn said:
Ok. So I currently dishwasher the reservoir and wash the tube and pillow by hand. It's cheap but a pain in the ass.
Are the cpap sanitizer I see worth the money?

They're pricey at $300 but if they actually work and save me the hour of washing and scrubbing the hose every week it would be worth it.
Click to expand...

I see those as a gimmick. I have no first hand experience with them but I have talked to patients that bought one. If you wash the tubing out with warm soapy water once a week, clean the water chamber (use distilled water) with a vinegar solution weekly, and wipe the pillows or mask down with a baby wipe, you're good to go. And, no insurance will cover the cleaning machine, it's all out of pocket.
 
After I had my first heart attack, the DR sent for a sleep test. I was not overweight, no high blood pressure, no high cholesterol, no heart issues. It was like BOOger said,they woke me up after a few hours. I think they were scared I might die on them. Set up the machine and I slept like a rock the rest of the test.
Asked them if they gave me sleeping pills or something. I was stopping breathing something like 68 times an hour.
Been using it now about 2 1/2 years. Don't seem to be as effective as it used to be.
 
When I finally got a study done and brought my machine home, the difference was like night and day. People ask me if it makes that much of a difference, I always tell them, "I'll trade 4 hours of my sleep for 8 hours of yours "

Couple weeks ago mine was tossed out on a sidewalk like a piece of trash by a crazy woman. I have the machine, don't have the power cord and I'm not sure it'll even work. I've got to get it to the place nearby to be checked out. I haven't used it in 3 weeks now and I can tell a difference
 
Burt Gummer said:
When I finally got a study done and brought my machine home, the difference was like night and day. People ask me if it makes that much of a difference, I always tell them, "I'll trade 4 hours of my sleep for 8 hours of yours "

Couple weeks ago mine was tossed out on a sidewalk like a piece of trash by a crazy woman. I have the machine, don't have the power cord and I'm not sure it'll even work. I've got to get it to the place nearby to be checked out. I haven't used it in 3 weeks now and I can tell a difference
Click to expand...
After you get the CPAP machine straightened out, I'm holding a forum seminar on how to pick women. I need a case study and I'll pay you by the hour for yours.
 
Geezer said:
I see those as a gimmick. I have no first hand experience with them but I have talked to patients that bought one. If you wash the tubing out with warm soapy water once a week, clean the water chamber (use distilled water) with a vinegar solution weekly, and wipe the pillows or mask down with a baby wipe, you're good to go. And, no insurance will cover the cleaning machine, it's all out of pocket.
Click to expand...

I use blue dawn on the whole thing and distilled water and I've never had an issue. I always empty it every morning open the reservoir up and let it dry during the day. Refill at night and wash it about once a week and I bought some CPAP mask wipes. Not sure if they're better than baby wipes. But they smell good lol
 
I was diagnosed about 7 years ago. Never could get used to that mask on my face! Used it half dozen times and shitcanned it under the bed. I'd put it on and it would end up in the floor. My problem is that I don't sleep at all! 3 am and I'm up walking the house. This is only in the last 6-7 years after my last deployment.
 
I had a sleep study done back in 2011. This was after I had to be nudged to breathe during a sedated colonoscopy. I was 310 pounds then. Also, in recovery, I set off of the O2 alarm 4 or 5 times. It goes off when PSO2 drops below 80.
My wife also noticed that I would stop breathing then gasp in breath while I slept. One can be a louder snorer and no have sleep apnea.
During my sleep study, I scored a 75 with for normal sleep. Dropped to 0 with the CPAP section.
The score indicates how many times you stop breathing for 10 seconds or more in an hour.
Haven't had to use the CPAP in 3 or so years. Still snore sometimes but I no longer stop breathing.
Weight related obstructive sleep apnea.
 
I can't remember how long I've used one. 7-10 years at this point? The breaking point came when my wife couldn't sleep anymore due to a combination of all kinds of noises I was making.

I'm overweight, but not super obese. Diagnosed with sleep apnea in my early 30's. Combination of extra weight, neck size, shape of my jaw and something else I can't remember. Like everything was just a little off, and the combination of everything was horrible.

I've slept with a mask every night since I got the machine, with the exceptions being probably 3 nights total on various Father/Son campouts at church.
 
Larry, do you deal with the diagnostic testing or the equipment? Thanks for the attention to the problem, great heads up for folks.
 
BigWaylon said:
I can't remember how long I've used one. 7-10 years at this point? The breaking point came when my wife couldn't sleep anymore due to a combination of all kinds of noises I was making.

I'm overweight, but not super obese. Diagnosed with sleep apnea in my early 30's. Combination of extra weight, neck size, shape of my jaw and something else I can't remember. Like everything was just a little off, and the combination of everything was horrible.

I've slept with a mask every night since I got the machine, with the exceptions being probably 3 nights total on various Father/Son campouts at church.
Click to expand...
Luckily I'm a strictly nose breather when sleeping. I got away with the smaller nose rig. Had to change how I slept though. I am a 3/4 turned belly sleeper. I generally can't fall asleep on my back.
Thankfully I do not need it anymore.
 
Dan said:
Larry, do you deal with the diagnostic testing or the equipment? Thanks for the attention to the problem, great heads up for folks.
Click to expand...
No, I don't work for a sleep lab, we are the provider of the equipment. And also, there are home sleep studies available now. Instead of going to a sleep lab, you do the test in the comfort of your own home. You are mailed the equipment, you use it for 1-3 nights, and return it. Your information is retrieved and the results are sent to the ordering doctor. If your events qualify you for CPAP you are put on an auto titrating machine.

Many insurance companies are going with the home sleep test as it is a lot cheaper than going to the lab.
 
I have sleep apnea too and I have tired the nose mask and the full mask and can't seem to get used to either one. I have tried numerous times to wear it and just can't do it. I lay there wide awake and can't fall asleep until I yank the mask off anad then I will fall asleep.. What is a nasal pillow. Maybe that is the answer for me.
 
airfitnasalpillowmaskbyresmed_zpslfnpuoo4.jpg


This is a ResMed P-10 nasal pillows mask. The mask has a cushion that fits into the nose openings.
 
fishgutzy said:
Luckily I'm a strictly nose breather when sleeping. I got away with the smaller nose rig. Had to change how I slept though. I am a 3/4 turned belly sleeper. I generally can't fall asleep on my back.
Thankfully I do not need it anymore.
Click to expand...
Sorry...I meant "generic" mask when I said that. I've never used a full face mask. I've tried nasal pillows before with decent success, but have been using a small nose mask for the last couple years. Actually ordered a brand new style that came in a couple days ago. Tonight may be the first night with it.

I've also recently tried a chin strap. Sexy. My wife says I do open my mouth some at night, and that noise wakes her up. The machine itself hasn't really bothered her. I've tried to train my body to sleep on my side, and also try to prop myself that way with pillows. But, I end up on my back every night.

Lucky for me, but not for her...none of it really wakes me up. :D
 
We have had more success with the Respironics Wisp nasal mask that any other nasal mask in a long time.

wisp_zpsnnm1wgeo.png
 
Geezer said:
We have had more success with the Respironics Wisp nasal mask that any other nasal mask in a long time.
Click to expand...

This is sort of like the mask I use. When insurance was paying for the supplies they always sent me a bunch of stuff every few months. We had some sort of billing issue where I paid them, had a bank statement showing I paid them, and still didn't get credit for it. I told them to kiss my ass. I'm still running of the extra supplies. When they run out Ill get them on eBay, they're pretty cheap there
 
Geezer said:
We have had more success with the Respironics Wisp nasal mask that any other nasal mask in a long time.

wisp_zpsnnm1wgeo.png
Click to expand...
How does this mask work for mouth breathers?
 
Dan said:
How does this mask work for mouth breathers?
Click to expand...
Not good. Some people can get by with using a chin strap along with a nasal mask.
 
I'm going on 12-13 years with my cpap machine. My new pulmonary specialist said he has no idea how to program the machine...
So he wants a new sleep study- I told him after I'm finished with chemo, I've got enough to deal with right now.
I have the Res-Med nasal pillow mask, works really well.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-J120AZ using Tapatalk
 
Geezer said:
Not good. Some people can get by with using a chin strap along with a nasal mask.
Click to expand...

I am a nose only breather but for the first month I had to wear a chin strap as well. The pressure from the air blowing through my nose would push out of my mouth, forcing my mouth open.

It was a really odd sensation. Lots of air blowing in but I couldn't breathe because it was all rushing out my pie hole.

The chin strap was only needed for about a month to train my tongue not to raise up and redirect the air flow.

The combination of the snuffleuppagus tube and the chin strap was dead sexy though.
 
not to be an alarmist, but i hear people can hack the new ones through Bluetooth and kill you in your sleep
 
CHdamn,You have trained your tongue? Mine gets tired to quick.
Geezer, for the last few years I have purchased headgear off ebay. Is there any way to size that wisp nasal device without getting fitted? Website?
 
Geezer said:
We have had more success with the Respironics Wisp nasal mask that any other nasal mask in a long time.
Click to expand...
That's the one I've been using. The new one I just got to try is the ResMed AirFit N20. Uses magnets for the two lower attachments points.

I know I destroyed the first Wisp contraption pretty quick, but the last two have held up well. Not the mask piece itself, but the silver/gray piece that holds it.

@Dan

In case anybody didn't know, there are plenty of options out there to buy masks without prescriptions. I prefer to do this because I refuse to pay the money to go visit my doctor just to have them ask me if I'm using the mask, and then write a new script.

Several of the online places will sell you all the piece, with different part numbers, without a script. Sometimes it a little more expensive, sometimes it's not. For example, the one I just got was something like $66 and $31 for the two pieces, vs $97 for the whole setup. Previously I'd spent $10-$15 more for the pieces, but it was cheaper than paying for a doc visit to get a new script.
 
Geezer said:
Not good. Some people can get by with using a chin strap along with a nasal mask.
Click to expand...

I have to use a chin strap, also. I'm using a ResMed with the nasal pillows. I dream! No more headaches and well rested. My wife forced my hand on getting the study by printing out a half a book of information telling how stop breathing while sleeping WILL kill you. I've been using a CPAP for about 15 years and when I don't use it (if I get a rare cold or something) I feel like I went on a bender for 2 days.

I used to drive for a living, which used to be a pain, because I had to show (doctor's) proof I was using the device. Then I got a newer device that stores EVERYTHING on a SD card that I take to the provider to download and send to medical, or to my doctor to monitor my usage for problems. I've retired so now I don't have to worry about medical being up my butt about usage (they were a real PITA). Before I knew what was wrong, I used to nod off while driving....very serious s**t! I'd stop and walk around the truck to wake up...

My wife thanks me frequently. She gets to sleep, too!

I came from a long line of snorers on my father's side. My grandmother could wake the dead. I was not overweight. Like said before, it's just how lots of people are built. The most important thing is, if you are tired, have headaches when you wake (and aren't hitting the juice) or are told by your partner you stop breathing....GET A SLEEP STUDY!!!! You could save your life!

Thanks, brother, for starting this thread! Bravo Zulu!!
 
My wife has been on CPAP therapy for about 10 years now. She was a mouth breather during sleep and had to use a full face mask. The mask caused bags under her eyes and she wasn't having that. She changed to a nasal mask and a chin strap and, like @Chdamn said, she trained herself to keep her mouth closed. Now, she wears the Wisp with no chin strap. She can sleep on her back, sides, stomach with no problems.
 
Dan said:
CHdamn,You have trained your tongue? Mine gets tired to quick.
Geezer, for the last few years I have purchased headgear off ebay. Is there any way to size that wisp nasal device without getting fitted? Website?
Click to expand...
When you get a new Wisp it will come with 3 different size cushions; Small/Medium, Large, and X Large. Once you determine the correct size for you, you can buy only the cushions in your correct size. The headgear has enough adjustment for most people but they do make a larger headgear.
 
Oneofsix said:
My new pulmonary specialist said he has no idea how to program the machine...
Click to expand...

With access to Google and You Tube he has no excuse. Yes, a respiratory therapist is supposed to set the pressures in the machine but with the internet there are no secrets any longer.
 
Geezer said:
With access to Google and You Tube he has no excuse. Yes, a respiratory therapist is supposed to set the pressures in the machine but with the internet there are no secrets any longer.
Click to expand...
Yep. That's how I figured out how to up mine a bit to save a trip to the doc.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom