Sleep Study

[Johnch]

Well last night was .....fun

I have not been sleeping
Not only can't I fall asleep without the sleeping meds from the Doc

I wake up a bunch of times

So last night was my night to go to a Sleep Study , I still might have to go a 2 night

Got to wear a whole bunch of wires atached to scensors atached to my head , chest , neck and legs
Sort of looked like a robot

So they found I have sever Sleep Apniea ( sp)
I had over 30 times a hour that I was not breathing
I guess I would wake up every time for a second or 2

So I get to wear a mask that sends presurized air to me

Go back to the Doc in a few weeks
And then again in 3 months
If just the mask isn't enough
I might have to have a bed or something to raise my head a bunch

Never been so bored in my life
Nothing to do after they glued the wires on me but wait till I was ready to go to bed
Did read a book , but I had reloading I wanted to do .....OH Well

More damage to my body from the fall

Not what I wanted

But if I can sleep better
I guess it is worth it

Anyone else go through a Sleep Study also ?

John

[runfiverun]

I haven't personally, but know many that have.
the majority of them get the mask and do sleep much better.

[R.M.]

Yup, been using a C-Pap machine for years. I don't fall asleep behind the wheel anymore, but I can't say that I wake up refreshed like I hear many people do. My O2 numbers were scary. They don't know why I didn't stroke out. You get used to the mask pretty quick.

[Hamish]

Yes, have the c-pap, after I go under I take the mask off, can't remember taking it off. I wake up feeling pretty good, but then I stand up and within a few seconds I feel like hammered you know what. Haven't slept well in years.

I truly hope it helps.

[doctorggg]

I went through one 5 years ago. I was stopping breathing 58 times per hour for up to 20 seconds. Basically once per minute. It was so bad they stopped the test and put a mask on me that night. Therefore I didn't have to go back a second time. I wore the mask for 2 years until i had 5 shoulder surgeries. So I haven't worn mine in 3 years. I decided it was time to go back to the sleep doctor last April. Got a new mask and have been trying to adjust to it. It's not as easy as one of the members stated. But i feel so much better when I wear it that i am determined to succeed. Some nights it's 3 hours, others up to 6 hours. My sleep doctor told me you need to wear it 5-6 hours per night to have a beneficial effect. I have more energy now than I have had in years. My machine is set on 12 out of a maximum of 20. I think it's cfm but not sure. Good luck.

[Dale in Louisiana]

I've used one for years. It was like night and day for me. I was dragging through the day, sometimes sneaking a nap to make quitting time.

After I got the CPAP, I felt twenty years younger.

dale in Louisiana

[waksupi]

I didn't go the CPAP route. I use a double sided mouth guard, that makes me breath through the nose. No more snoring, and I sleep like a rock. It's lots more portable, too!

[eljefe]

I have been on CPAP for almost 20 years. It took me about
2 weeks to get used to it, but it is well worth it. My pressure is
either 16 or 18, I can't remember exactly. I sleep like a rock, and
rarely get up in the night. Try sleeping in a recliner at first, so
that your head is elevated. Good luck!

[mikeym1a]

Well last night was .....fun

I have not been sleeping
Not only can't I fall asleep without the sleeping meds from the Doc

I wake up a bunch of times

So last night was my night to go to a Sleep Study , I still might have to go a 2 night

Got to wear a whole bunch of wires atached to scensors atached to my head , chest , neck and legs
Sort of looked like a robot

So they found I have sever Sleep Apniea ( sp)
I had over 30 times a hour that I was not breathing
I guess I would wake up every time for a second or 2

So I get to wear a mask that sends presurized air to me

Go back to the Doc in a few weeks
And then again in 3 months
If just the mask isn't enough
I might have to have a bed or something to raise my head a bunch

Never been so bored in my life
Nothing to do after they glued the wires on me but wait till I was ready to go to bed
Did read a book , but I had reloading I wanted to do .....OH Well

More damage to my body from the fall

Not what I wanted

But if I can sleep better
I guess it is worth it

Anyone else go through a Sleep Study also ?

John
Haven't had one, yet. I complained that I was falling asleep at certain times of the day, 10am, 2pm, 6pm, 10pm. I'd sleep 1/2 - 3/4 hr, and awake. Not a good nap. I am by nature a night person. Normal rhythm is 3:30am - 10:30am. Several years ago, I developed a blood clot in my lung following a surgery. I was put on warfarin for almost a year. It turned me into a classical stupid old man. Slept long hours, woke up exhausted. Couldn't remember s**t. (even worse than before!) After doing a lot of reading, I started taking Iodine supplements in the form of Iodoral. the mental fog left. I'm still trying to recover the strength that I used to have. I think that the warfarin damaged my thryoid, but, the VA docs won't investigate it. So, now I am supposed to get a sleep study. I sleep fine. It's falling asleep at odd times that I have a problem with. I don't go out at night anymore because of this. But, they think I have sleep apnea. So, some time in the next month or so, I am supposed to have one.

[Sweetpea]

Had one many years ago...

Turned out it wasn't quite sleep apnea...

My tonsils were so enlarged they blocked my airway. Easy fix for that!

And yeah, all those wires (and people watching you sleep) suck!

Brandon

[slim1836]

I too have a c-pap, cant sleep without it, had it for years. There are alternatives but have not tried them. Probably need a new sleep study made just to see if I need more or less air flow through the machine.
When camping, I use a power inverter and a 12 volt battery, however, some machines operate on 12 or 120.

Slim

[Hamish]

Just occurred to me, even if I could keep the mask on, I'd still be getting up 3 or 4 times a night to pee!

[Boyscout]

I had to develop some techniques for camping with a CPAP machine in cold weather. I use a dehumidfier on mine and it condisates in the cold (28 F). I was able to wrap the hose up in a towel and I didn't have any problems after that. My apenea led to arythmia and atrial flutter and eventually a incident of congestive heart failure after nearly at week of a 160 heart rate. The machine makes a huge difference.

[wv109323]

Hamish- If you are getting up to pee 3-4 times a night, I would expect bladder problems or high blood sugars.
I have a C-PAP also for 15 years. The units for the pressure is Centimeters of water. The second study should confirm the correct pressure. I have used a new mask that is more comfortable and better sealing than others. It is a Respironics True Blue. Other mask have a rigid frame and rely upon a soft material (GEL) to seal. The true blue has a bellows between the frame that holds the straps and the frame that holds the seal. It seems to allow more head movement without breaking the seal and allowing the pressurized air to escape.

[Lon246]

After some time with CPAP, I heard the word "complex" in front of "sleep apnea" and I asked for an explanation because I had never heard that word describing my condition. The reply was, "Oh well, sometimes your brain forgets to tell you to breathe." Snoring is not the only cause, I guess. Used to go to sleep when I sat down. Don't anymore.

[KYShooter73]

Been there, done that, got the t-shirt. Worn the mask almost every night for about 5 years. Helps with the apnea when I do sleep, does nothing for the insomnia.

[Mallard57]

How do you like the stuff they use to put the electrodes on your head? I remember it was some pretty nasty stuff.
Jeff

[Cosmiceyes]

Yes I am on my 3rd machine.I use nasal pillows,and have a unobstructed view.I am not a snore apnea,but a stop breathing altogether.Snore types can get a surgery,and be fixed.Every so many years your prescription expires.New sleep study.On you first study is to see if you have sleep apnea.The next is to see what your script is.My machine is made in America.A Res-Med.My first was a GE.Made in China.When it broke I didn't sleep.Res-Med doesn't let that happen.My old Res-Med is still working.Insurance just wanted me to have the latest model. Looks like a grey wake-up alarm clock.
Humorous side of things is trying to talk with the mask on.You sound like Darth Vader! :)'s

[Reverend Al]

Yep, I was referred and tested myself many years ago and I have used a CPAP machine for 16 or 18 years now. The "wake up" call for me was when I fell asleep behind the wheel of my old pickup truck when we were out Grouse hunting one day and I drove it right off the side of a dirt logging road and stuck it in the side ditch. That really wasn't very much fun for my two buddies that were passengers in the truck with me either! It happened too fast for either of them to stop me driving the truck off the shoulder of the logging road, but thank goodness we weren't traveling very fast and nobody was injured and I didn't even damage the truck ... I just got it "high centred" and stuck it in the dirt shoulder.
I went for Sleep Apnea testing shortly after that incident and they woke me up after about the first 20 minutes of my overnight test and they tested the CPAP mask on me. I slept straight through that night until about 7:30 the next morning, which was the best sleep I'd literally had in many years. I didn't have any problems getting used to the mask myself, but I have since changed over to the silicon nasal pillows too and I find them far more comfortable than the old full mask system.
If you have any trouble sleeping, are feeling constantly tired and worn out, or snore loudly when you do sleep, then I would really encourage that you get a referral from your GP to get a Sleep Apnea test. It is a very dangerous illness that can cause high blood pressure leading to strokes or heart attacks in your sleep. You owe it to yourself and your family to get properly checked out and if you are diagnosed with Sleep Apnea then wearing a mask or nasal pillows and putting up with the gentle hum of a CPAP machine in the background while you're sleeping is NO big deal ...

[AkMike]

So, these c-pap machines are basicly a quiet air compressor with an adjustable regulator?
Is a prescription needed to get one?

[KYShooter73]

So, these c-pap machines are basicly a quiet air compressor with an adjustable regulator?
Is a prescription needed to get one?

In the sense they blow air to keep your passages open. Mine also has a humidifier (ResMed).

[Johnch]

OK
I guess I am not alone then

Just hope it helps me get a decent nights sleep

John

[w5pv]

I have been wearing a mask for years and couldn't do with out it now.As time went by I sleep much better. I can see the results and some times when I quit breathing it causes me to take a deep breath at once instead of going to sleep permentley.Sleep apinea is a serious health condition.Dry mouth is the worst side effect that I know of.

[Down South]

I need to talk to my doctor about this. I have been thinking about it for a while. I don't sleep well at night even taking sleep aid meds. I'm up at least a couple times a night. I feel like **** during the day if I slow down. I can't stay awake if I have to sit in a meeting. I went to sleep standing up a couple weeks ago in a meeting.
As long as I'm moving or busy, I seem to do OK. I just can't sit down and do nothing. I'll go to sleep.

[Boyscout]

I have fallen asleep standing also. No amount of discipline will keep you awake if you have apnea. I once went out standing at a urinal and woke up as I started to fall and caught my chin on the plumbing; it left a mark. In addition to apnea, I have a job with terrible hours to make the situation worse. Try staying awake in a 14:00 meeting after being up since 02:00 on your 12 day straight of work.

[obssd1958]

Count me amongst those with apnea and a CPAP machine. Got mine about 15 years ago and have always used the nasal pillows, since the mask doesn't work so well for those that don't shave their facial hair off every day!
It's not fun, but all it takes is a night or two without it, to remind me that I do a LOT better when I use the CPAP.
I do a lot of camping and hunting in areas where there is no electricity, and my machine is set up to run off of a deep cycle battery when 110v isn't available.
I have a couple of friends that have also been diagnosed with sleep apnea, but didn't do so well getting used to the machine. In both cases, after giving up on it for various amounts of time - 6 months to a year - they made up their minds to make it work, and are now using it full time and happy that they can!

[Dale in Louisiana]

So, these c-pap machines are basically a quiet air compressor with an adjustable regulator?
Is a prescription needed to get one?

Correct! It's basically a microprocessor-controlled low pressure blower.

In my state, you need a prescription to get one, and the vendor uses the prescription information to set the delivery pressure level.

Mine is paid for through my insurance provider. If I had to buy one out of my own pocket, there are places on the internet that are MUCH cheaper for the same equipment.

dale in Louisiana

[leadman]

I was having trouble sleeping and also had to get up many times a night to pee. On prostate meds now so I may get up once in the night.
I was diagnosed with esophogitis (sp?) and hiadal hernia. I raised the head of my bed and went on a med for acid reflux. Also changed my eating habits and don't eat as much at one time. Now it is easier for me to breath as my stomach is not pushing up in my chest cavity.
Now if the pain in the joints and muscles would go away I would be happier!

[Wis. Tom]

I have had one for 10 years. I don't like it but can't sleep without it, so I put up with it. I have never tried anything but the masks but maybe I will try something else after reading some of the posts here. I'll call and see what my provider says they have.

[472x1B/A]

I too have been on a C-PAP for around 15 years. I used to be able to fall asleep standing up. I used to run off the road on my 12 mile drive home from work every night because I was falling asleep at the wheel. Had a sleep study done once and am much better. My pressure is set for 12. If you need a change in settings or new parts, you do have to make an appointment to see the Dr. but not another sleep study. Tricare picks up about 90% of the cost which is a very good thing. So, John have the sleep study done, use the mask and sleep well!!

[Lonzo]

Went in 4 yrs ago, and took mine. About midnight the nurse threw on the lights and slapped an oxygen mask on me. Seems I had quit breathing and set off an alarm on the computer. Went back for a test with the mask and when I got up the next morning I told that was the first time in 3 years I had slept good. Have the mask and feel lots better with more energy at 66 yrs old I need all the help I can get!!! Lonzo

[mac60]

No you're not alone John. I've been sleeping with a cpap for over 20 yrs. Can't sleep without it. It's highly likely it'll improve your sleep quality, I know it did for me.

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

to do ...

[TreeKiller]

I have one also can't remember when(CRS) 10+ years wore out the first one new is is a Apap or bpao auto pap . When they set you up DO NOT let then set the start pressure at 4 for the ramp up. Just about the time you fall asleep you think that you are going to suffocate. Have them set the start to 7 or 8 and you will be fine. I do not use the ramp any more. I use the nasal pillows also it seems to push through the sinus problems.
Mine was 45 incidences a hr and up to 55 seconds long.

Good luck

[Taylor]

I too don't sleep well.Stop breathing,legs shake like crazy.Waiting on VA to order my sleep study.

[Down South]

I made a doctor's appointment for next week. I'll see what he thinks that I need. But I'm tired, literally of feeling like I do during the slow times of the work day.

[bikerbeans]

I had my first sleep study in 2007 and what a difference it made once I got the CPAP machine. I used to have to fight to stay awake after lunch and while driving, not real good because I was driving upwards of a 100K miles a year back then. I felt better after the first day I used the CPAP. It does take some getting used to the mask, you wake up thinking something is on your face and you want to rip it off, but you will get used to it. I have used my CPAP every day since I got it including deer camp. The other hunters at camp are very happy to listen to the CPAP running as opposed to my freight train impersonation. Without the CPAP I can snore with the very best.

BB

[TXGunNut]

A good friend got one a few years ago, he said he felt like a new man. OTOH I had a doc recommend a sleep study last month but he runs that part of his practice as a business, he refuses to believe an overweight middle-aged guy doesn't have sleep apnea. I have a high energy level and like to run hard all day but he only sees me when I'm calm and laid back. A sleep study would be a waste of time for me anyway. I can sleep in my bed or my tent, anywhere else (especially if someone is watching me) and I simply don't sleep other than a wink or two.

[waksupi]

One of my old girlfriends runs a sleep lab in a major midwest hospital. Pay attention to what I said about the double mouth guards. Think the doctor is going to tell you to spend $5, when he can sell you a $1000+ machine and get a kick back?
Spend your money the way you chose.

[AkMike]

I did some scouting online and the local Craigslist has a couple for $300 or so complete and little used. I'm tempted to get one if it'll stop my snoring and let me get a sound sleep. Since Obummer care hasn't kicked in I'll skip the sleep study costs.

I'll look at these double mouth guards first.

[gandydancer]

I tried it all C-pap B-pap oxygen. you name it. can't nod off with that junk on my face. I was told I could die in my sleep with out it. Looked the old doc in the face and said. WHO CARES? I got to die from something right? I wake up in the mornings after some sleep feeling like I have a bad hangover. such is life. "note" dyeing in bed is OK. Having a stroke in bed is not. I must work on this sleep thing.

[AW738]

I went last month and had a sleep study. I had gotten a little sunburn on my legs and wouldn't you know it they had to put sensors on my legs. The worst part was the sandpaper :mad: they used to clean the skin before attaching the wires. The wires didn't really bother me that night but the hard mattress did. I should have gotten out of bed and tried the concrete floor it might have been softer. Two days later my doctors office called and told me they were going to send me to a sleep specialist, and do not sleep on my back. I was told to tell my wife to not let me sleep that way. That was June 24th and I have still not heard anything else from my doctor.

[Johnch]

I have a C-PAP coming
I just have to wait for the paperwork going to Workmans Comp to get aproved

Hate to admit it
But the fall did me in

2 more opperations to go
Then I might have some sort of life

John

[blade]

I had a sleep study and I use a CPAP machine. Had mine for 3 years now. Would never sleep / go without it again. Best thing I ever did. I feel 100% better. I would try the Swift FX mask. Minimal and form fitting. Makes the experience much better.

Sleep Well,
B

[Superfly]

I have had a sleep study done, But i do not need a Cpap or anything I was told i just skip a stage of sleep i think it was the 4th or 5th stage. I just dont really fall asleep hell sometimes i will stay up for a day or 2 or i will just sleep for 18 hrs I never really know.

Seems like i am just a person who runs on NO sleep or I Pass out and just sleep. I think it is just the way i am wired.

[KYShooter73]

Reviving an old thread, but I've been on a machine for a few years...gone through several masks...my ResMed masks come with a nice suede feeling bag...great to store boolits in. :p

[AW738]

I finally heard from my doctor and $860 later(my part after the insurance). I was told not to sleep on my back. I told them I already do that.

[Johnch]

I finally heard from my doctor and $860 later(my part after the insurance). I was told not to sleep on my back. I told them I already do that.

Tryed sleeping on my side or face down
Everytime I would just lay there

For whatever reason I just have to sleep on my back
So I elevated the head of the bed 5"
Took 15 min to get used to

John

[Reverend Al]

And as mentioned earlier in the thread, if you are a hunter / camper there are 12V adaptors for the CPAP units so that they will run off a truck battery. When my hunting partner and I went for our hunting or fishing trips we installed a 3 way switch on his truck (it was a 1 Ton work truck with a utility box that had dual batteries) so that when I drained one battery overnight using my CPAP we could switch over to the 2nd battery in the morning and start the truck! After starting the truck we'd switch it back to both batteries so that driving the truck during the day would re-charge the spent battery and we'd also usually alternate batteries from night to night. Worked fine for me to use my CPAP while travelling and we never had any issues getting the truck started the next day with the 3 way switch setup.
On a related note, on one year's hunting trip we decided to skip towing the 23' Airstream trailer behind the truck and instead we rented a small, rustic cabin at a fishing lodge located near the area where we were hunting for Moose. It was great. We had all the creature comforts of hot water, a shower, a stove, a fridge, and a warm bed to come back to at the end of a hard days hunting. The first night there I had my CPAP plugged into the wall outlet, but woke up startled to absolute dead silence (and no CPAP running!) at exactly 10:00 pm. We quickly discovered that the lodge was being powered by a diesel generator ... which they only ran from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm at that time of year. (It was located inside a distant utility shed so that it wouldn't generate too much noise and bother their clients.) Well, we had to quickly run a line out of the window of the cabin to one of the truck batteries and put my CPAP onto the 12V adaptor. So even if you're not planning to run your CPAP on a battery the 12V adaptor is a good thing to have along just in case of emergencies, since once you've used a CPAP you won't want to go without it!
:smile:

[Johnch]

And as mentioned earlier in the thread, if you are a hunter / camper there are 12V adaptors for the CPAP units so that they will run off a truck battery. When my hunting partner and I went for our hunting or fishing trips we installed a 3 way switch on his truck (it was a 1 Ton work truck with a utility box that had dual batteries) so that when I drained one battery overnight using my CPAP we could switch over to the 2nd battery in the morning and start the truck! After starting the truck we'd switch it back to both batteries so that driving the truck during the day would re-charge the spent battery and we'd also usually alternate batteries from night to night. Worked fine for me to use my CPAP while travelling and we never had any issues getting the truck started the next day with the 3 way switch setup.
On a related note, on one year's hunting trip we decided to skip towing the 23' Airstream trailer behind the truck and instead we rented a small, rustic cabin at a fishing lodge located near the area where we were hunting for Moose. It was great. We had all the creature comforts of hot water, a shower, a stove, a fridge, and a warm bed to come back to at the end of a hard days hunting. The first night there I had my CPAP plugged into the wall outlet, but woke up startled to absolute dead silence (and no CPAP running!) at exactly 10:00 pm. We quickly discovered that the lodge was being powered by a diesel generator ... which they only ran from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm at that time of year. (It was located inside a distant utility shed so that it wouldn't generate too much noise and bother their clients.) Well, we had to quickly run a line out of the window of the cabin to one of the truck batteries and put my CPAP onto the 12V adaptor. So even if you're not planning to run your CPAP on a battery the 12V adaptor is a good thing to have along just in case of emergencies, since once you've used a CPAP you won't want to go without it!
:smile:

I will have to look into a 12 volt adaptor
Thanks

John

[gsdelong]

Anybody here switch from CPAP to the dental appliance that is supposed to work just as well? Can not sleep with the mask on no matter how many times I have tried.

[gkainz]

Some cpap run 12vdc native and the normal home-use power cord is a 120vac to 12vdc converter (wall wart). My new Respironics and prior Puritan Bennett were that way. All I needed was a simple 12vdc cigarette lighter style plug for those. More battery longevity than running an inverter to a converter.

[sleeper1428]

I had my first sleep study in the late 1980s and I've been using CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) via nasal mask since that time. Guess I was just lucky 'cause I adapted to it after just a couple of days use and hardly notice it any more. In fact, I'd have a hard time sleeping without that mask anymore! I had excellent results for the first 10 to 15 years and would wake feeling really refreshed and ready to get to work. However, as I've aged - I'm now 75, going on 76 and am now retired - I don't get that same feeling in the mornings even though my Oxygen Saturation figures show that the CPAP is still doing its job. Just keep at it and I'll bet you'll adapt to the mask before too long and then you'll wonder how you ever got along with it!!

sleeper1428

[AnnieOakley]

I have had much trouble all around since I was diagnosed with OSA and Complex Apnea. Mine was moderate apnea with me stopping breathing 20 times per hour. I was having terrible headaches in the morning and throughout the day as though I wasn't getting enough oxygen to my brain. That had been going on for seven years until I was diagnosed finally. The first bit of trouble is my insurance. They wouldn't cover an in hospital sleep study, I did a home study. Then when my results came in no one even talked to me to explain what the results meant. I had to do my own research to find out. Never even got to talk to a sleep specialist. They recommended a CPAP titration study, and my insurance wouldn't cover that either. They would only cover an APAP machine which is the automatic pressure instead of controlled pressure. The first mask I got was a nasal mask and I was worried I was opening my mouth during the night and letting all the air out of my mouth and I promptly got a sinus infection. So I switched to the full face mask and I only can sleep with it on for 2-3 hours a night, ripping it off my face at some point during sleep. And I recently got a throat infection or irritation that simply will not leave. It's been seven days and my throat is still really sore. I went to an ENT and he gave me some oral antibiotic stuff but I'm still not better. Problem is if I don't sleep with this mask on for at least 4 hours a night, my insurance will snatch it up from me and as of right now I haven't been able to keep it on four hours a night. So I don't know what to do. My apnea is scary to me because it kinda feels like dying a little bit everytime it happens. So I want to do my part to be healed of this, by losing weight and exercising. Other than that I don't know what else to do. It's good to hear from others on this. Thanks for listening! :)

[Driver man]

I have a friend with this sleeping disorder and try as he might could not get used to the breathing machines. He ended up putting blocks under the head of the bed and raised his sleeping position by about 3". He reports a much better nights sleep and doesnt fall asleep driving now. The bags under his eyes now look a normal colour.

[walkswithsticks]

Yep, been on a CPAP for about 12 years now.
After about two weeks, I noticed my energy levels was way up. It did not take but a few nights to acclimate to it.
One of the finest advantages is the fact that my wife could then get a good night's sleep. If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!

[Driver man]

My friend with this sleeping disorder visited with his wife for dinner and all was convivial. while dishes were being done my friend and I were discussing a small engineering project and midway through a sentence he fell asleep and began snoring, mouth open, eyes closed etc. I left him to it and after a couple of minutes he woke up, It was pretty stuffy so he went outside for a breath of fresh air. No booze had been consumed . When he came in I made him a very strong coffee. I was certain this wasnt a petite mal as Im familiar with this problem. Looks like he isnt sleeping as well as i thought.