Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 1, 2013 19:37:04 GMT -5
This is way off topic but it has been years since I have had a really restful night of sleep. Always tired during the day. Usually end up taking one or more naps, Finally, at the urging of my mate, I had a sleep study done. They put you in a room, hook about two dozen electrical sensors to various parts of your body. . .then tell you to go to sleep! Right. Anyway, after a night in the sleep lab I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea. That's when your airway closes up constantly during the night and you stop breathing. That causes your brain to wake you up to start breathing again and then the cycle starts over so you never get real rest. Also puts a strain on your heart and causes assorted other health problems.
So next week I'm supposed to get my very own CPAP machine (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). Have to wear a mask attached by a hose to this machine that pumps air into me at night, keeping my airway open so I can stay asleep. I thought it would be difficult to sleep that way but in a try out it seemed to make a big difference in how I sleep and how I feel when I wake up in the morning. I had reached the point where just about ANYTHING would be better than tossing and turning all night. This therapy has become fairly common, at least in the states. When we travel I see a lot of people sending their CPAP machines through airport security. I was wondering if any other forum members are familiar with it?
W.
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Post by olroy2044 on Jun 1, 2013 20:01:07 GMT -5
Boy, am I ever! Mo suffers from it, and so does one of my counter people from my shop. His is bad enough that he had to go on 100% disability. Even with the CPAP, he has to keep oxygen on hand.
Mo's is not as bad as his, but she has an awful time sleeping with out the machine. The mask does bother her, but she sleeps much better with it.
My best to you, Wayne. Follow your Doc's directions. That's nothing to fool with.
Roy
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Post by John Farrell on Jun 1, 2013 21:05:06 GMT -5
One of my sisters uses a CPAP machine. She gets along fine with it.
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Post by olroy2044 on Jun 1, 2013 21:52:14 GMT -5
I mentioned this thread to Mo, and she just told me that my oldest stepson was just diagnosed with this crap this week! Don't know how bad his is, but he gets his CPAP next week.
Roy
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lloydy
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Post by lloydy on Jun 2, 2013 3:05:53 GMT -5
I first got a CPAP about 20 years ago ( I'm 60 in a few weeks ) and it changed my life - it almost certainly saved it. A lot of people think it is only the obese that suffer from aponea but it isn't. I'm a bit overweight but not much. I was told that for many people the 'wiring' that tells the body which muscles to relax during sleep also tells the airway muscles to relax, which causes the windpipe to collapse - stops us breathing and we wake up. The job I was doing back then meant I drove a big mileage, and after falling asleep at the wheel of the Landrover twice and crashing I went to the doctor and eventually a sleep clinic. The very first day after using the CPAP I felt fine, I've never dozed off at the wheel since that day. Now I sleep well for at least 7 hours a night and don't feel tired all day.
The machines aren't a bundle of fun, but the effort to get used to them is absolutely worth it. The newer machines that vary the air flow to demand and have humidifiers are excellent, as are the latest small silicone masks. I also use a climate controlled tube which maintains a constant temperature of air, essential in a cold climate.
I couldn't manage without mine now, the difference to my quality of life is that great.
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mickeyobe
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Post by mickeyobe on Jun 2, 2013 4:21:22 GMT -5
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 2, 2013 11:32:05 GMT -5
I'm a little overweight but the doctor said apnea can actually be part of the cause. My mate used a CPAP machine for several years. She has slight to moderate apnea and recently switched to an oral mouthpiece and doesn't have to use the machine anymore. That was the original reason I was willing to go in. Figured I could get a mouthpiece. But they often don't work for people with severe apnea like me. Oh well. I figure when I go to bed I'll pretend I'm a fighter ppilot and its my oxygen mask.
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Doug T.
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Post by Doug T. on Jun 2, 2013 11:49:13 GMT -5
Wayne,
I have one as well. It took a little getting used to, but it helps a lot. I seem to have more energy, and the snoring and jerking around in my sleep have stopped. I tried a mask that just went over my nose, but prefer the one that covers both my nose and mouth. The machine is small and easy to take on trips, which is nice. Good luck with it.
Doug
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 3, 2013 11:39:13 GMT -5
I'm starting with a "pillow" mask that doesn't completely cover the nose --actually goes into the nostrils. Has only one strap. I tend to toss and turn and it's supposed to stay sealed better than a face mask. We'll see. Just wish the stuff would get approved by insurance quickly. I'm tired of being tired.
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truls
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Post by truls on Jun 5, 2013 5:06:15 GMT -5
Some sort of diet decreases symptoms, my wife had similar symtoms some years ago. She began on the paleo diet, she sleeps much better and all snoring is gone. I believe what we put in our mouths are of great significance of quality of life. I also joined paleo diet, and my overweight are gone, my healt is a lot better, also sleep and general fitness during the day. Wish you all the best!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 8, 2013 21:48:16 GMT -5
Well, I'm in the third night of using the CPAP machine and am pleased to report that so far the experience hasn't been awful. Takes a little getting used to turning over in bed when you have to deal with the hose but according to the data the machine records, I'm getting more real sleep. Today I didn't need a midday nap and as I write this in early evening I'm not dozing off!!!!! I find it interesting that just about all the major brands of machines are made in Holland (Phillips), Australia (ResMed) and the P&K ICON (my machine) is made in Auckland New Zealand. And I think it is actually made there --not in China.
W.
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Post by caperunner on Jun 9, 2013 4:37:01 GMT -5
Hi, Fisher & Paykel are in Auckland NZ and perhaps your machine is one of that make.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2013 12:04:10 GMT -5
Been on CPAP almost a month and definitely feel better. Actually look forward to going to bed now. I did make one change. Talked my doctor into changing from my F&P Icon machine (made in New Zealand) to the ResMed S9 machine (made in Australia), Both do essentially the same thing but I liked some of the additional features of the ResMed better.
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lloydy
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Post by lloydy on Aug 3, 2013 18:52:49 GMT -5
I've had a ResMed machine for a while and like it, it's very quiet. But, my wife liked the noise of my old machine because she has bad tinnitus and the old cpap made a very good white noise.
I'm glad you're getting used to the cpap Wayne, it was a life changer for me, despite the initial discomfort.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2013 22:24:22 GMT -5
Yep. I'm doing well and enjoying nights (and days) A LOT more. One small correction: ResMed may be an Aussie company but the machine is actually made in Singapore.
W.
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