Sleep Apnea

[St. Kitts Bills Cru]

Girlfriend made me go for the sleep test because I was snoring so bad. Had 54 events an hour and was set up with a CPAP machine right away. Best thing that's happened, no more struggling to stay awake on the way home from work. 

[HereComesTheReignAgain]

5 hours ago, Just Jack said:

Question for those with a CPAP.  How many are using the water reservoir?  I never have.  

I use mine.  I feel like it makes a difference when the air is extra dry.  I do not use the water reservoir when camping, but I am also not in an air conditioned or heated room.  

20 hours ago, boater said:

CPAP was one of the Top-10 best things to happen to me. I sleep like baby with it. Without it, I have a terrible sleep.

 

A game changer was a new CPAP machine. I had the old Philips-Respironics (the one that was recalled), what a piece of crap. I have a ResMed now, it is much quieter.

ResMed makes a much better machine.  My first few years I had a ResMed.  I was using the recalled Phillips machine when they were being replaced.  It was going to be many months before my replacement would be available, so  I ended up buying a ResMed out of pocket.  I now have a brand new spare Phillips in case I ever need it.  With such severe sleep apnea, I like the idea of having a fully functional spare even if it is a Phillips.  I also have a few good portable power stations and a solar charging panel in case the SHTF.  

[Gugny]

I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea right about when Covid hit. 
 

I had a sleep test done because my son could hear me snoring from his room/closed door and he said that he would also hear me stop breathing for over 30 seconds at a time … frequently. 
 

Because of Covid, I used a portable sleep test kit (that I got from the sleep center at our local hospital). 
 

I have been using a ResMed Air Sense 10 - full face mask ever since. 
 

It comes with an app that records sleep data nightly, which I found very helpful - especially when I first started using the CPAP. 
 

@Just Jack - I have been using the water reservoir from day one. However, I noticed that it will “gurgle” if I fill it all the way, so I only fill it half way. It’s dry in the morning 90% of the time.
 

I’ve never had issues with comfort or falling/staying asleep. Seriously, since the first time I used it.
 

I can rollover either way, lie on my stomach, side or back … and I am never bothered by the mask or tubing.
 

Ironically, just this past week I noticed the elbow tube that the hose connects to was leaking. I bought a replacement for $30 and it’s fine.  
 

I found that buying ResMed brand supplies (masks, straps, etc.) through Amazon has been most cost-effective. 
 

There are knock off brands available, but after reading reviews, I’m afraid to pull the trigger and always end up buying OEM stuff. 
 

Last thing I will note is that if you’re an open-mouth sleeper, then you will have to use the full face mask. 

[boater]

6 hours ago, Just Jack said:

Question for those with a CPAP.  How many are using the water reservoir?  I never have.  

I use it every night, for me it is a must. My sinuses get dry without it.

 

Also, fill it with Distilled Water per the directions. Keeping in mind you are pumping that water vapor deep into your lungs and you don't want some funky bacteria or virus from tap water coming in.

[Jauronimo]

Any of you guys have awake apnea? Its awul.

[GaryPinC]

Apnea creates hypoxic conditions (oxygen deprivation) in the body and is linked to a host of cardiac and health issues, most likely progressing slowly over years.  It's a good one to solve even if you're not having too many effects from it now.  

Edited Saturday at 11:06 PM by GaryPinC

[Augie]

1 hour ago, GaryPinC said:

Apnea creates hypoxic conditions (oxygen deprivation) in the body and is linked to a host of cardiac and health issues, most likely progressing slowly over years.  It's a good one to solve even if you're not having to many effects from it now.  

 

Thank you! It’s much more than snoring and annoying your partners or those on the other side of thin walls. It’s messing with your heart and its ability to get oxygen to everything else. It’s no joke. 

[Buffalo716]

Got diagnosed with severe sleep apnea well over a decade ago 

 

Stop breathing 75+ times an hour

[4th&long]

I just got diagnosed with a mild case of it a week ago. My doctor wanted me to get checked because of other health issues he thought might be related to sleep apnea. Also I'm tired a lot during the day. I still need to get the cpap yet. I hope it helps. I hope I can sleep with it on. 

Edited Saturday at 12:48 AM by 4th&long

[Augie]

6 minutes ago, 4th&long said:

I just got diagnosed with a mild case of it a week ago. My doctor wanted me to get checked because of other health issues he thought might be related to sleep apnea. Also I'm tired a lot during the day. I still need to get the cpap yet. I hope it helps. I hope I can sleep with it on. 

 

Give it a go and good luck!  You should know the mask or nasal buds you use will make a difference based upon a lot of factors. There are options so if you don’t like the first choice keep looking. Find what works best for you. I had a personal favorite. 

[4th&long]

1 minute ago, Augie said:

 

Give it a go and good luck!  You should know the mask or nasal buds you use will make a difference based upon a lot of factors. There are options so if you don’t like the first choice keep looking. Find what works best for you. I had a personal favorite. 

My Medicare kicks in April 1, they pay for it in full as long as I use it. I have other insomnia/stress issues so I'm worried if the machine is loud or bothers me I won't sleep good with it and won't use it. But I got to try it. I hate being tired during the day. But it will make me go to bed at night which is good. I've slept on the couch with the TV on for the last 20 years. At best I drag my ass to bed at 3 or 4am. Most nights I just stay on the couch. At worst I can go weeks without even seeing my bed. So if will be a big change. 

[Augie]

5 minutes ago, 4th&long said:

My Medicare kicks in April 1, they pay for it in full as long as I use it. I have other insomnia/stress issues so I'm worried if the machine is loud or bothers me I won't sleep good with it and won't use it. But I got to try it. I hate being tired during the day. But it will make me go to bed at night which is good. I've slept on the couch with the TV on for the last 20 years. At best I drag my ass to bed at 3 or 4am. Most nights I just stay on the couch. At worst I can go weeks without even seeing my bed. So if will be a big change. 

 

I’m glad you have help on the way. I’ve been on the couch more than I would have liked. The sound is just like a white noise machine to me. That wasn’t a big deal, personally. I like white noise of some kind, it beats random noises. 

[The Poojer]

Diagnosed about 12+ years ago, have used a cpap since, best thing i ever did for myself, period

 

On 3/5/2025 at 2:57 PM, Another Fan said:

Any sufferers?

 

 

My dad just found he has moderate sleep apnea after getting tested.  

[EasternOHBillsFan]

A MUST USE for me, full face mask... I have a rare condition called tracheomalacia where I have a weakened trachea and I breathe out 50% of what a normal person does. Distilled water is MANDATORY because using tap could seriously harm or even kill, the same for a NETI pot. At first the mask is tough because you pull it off, but if you set an alarm for every 2 hours and put it back on for a few days you will eventually get used to it. I had to turn down the humidity level on mine and it worked like a charm.

[The Poojer]

Never

 

On 3/7/2025 at 7:57 AM, Just Jack said:

Question for those with a CPAP.  How many are using the water reservoir?  I never have.  

[ddaryl]

I tried a CPAP machine but I sleep on my stomach, back and side..... and end up twisted in the hose, or I drool into the mask and when I rotate positions I get cold drool falling back on my face.

I can not use a cpap, and I sleep in my own room/bed because of it. I've looked into it but surgeries are so iffy and not worth it, so there is no options for me.

[Augie]

1 hour ago, ddaryl said:

I tried a CPAP machine but I sleep on my stomach, back and side..... and end up twisted in the hose, or I drool into the mask and when I rotate positions I get cold drool falling back on my face.

I can not use a cpap, and I sleep in my own room/bed because of it. I've looked into it but surgeries are so iffy and not worth it, so there is no options for me.

 

There’s a good question, has anybody had the implant treatment? Inspire? Or even seriously look into it? How did that go? That would be a tough sell on me. 

 

I just looked and saw it was crazy expensive, but often covered by insurance. 

 

“As a general rule, the surgery costs associated with Inspire Sleep Apnea therapy may be $30,000 to $40,000, with the device itself costing about $20,000 of this total.Feb 9, 2025”

[JÂy RÛßeÒ]

I was diagnosed several years ago.  Got to a point where the mask woke me up as much as the apnea did and stopped using it.  But I got retested a while ago, updated my CPAP and have started again.  Test had me at 30+ events / hour, CPAP has me at around .4.  And I figure that even if I don't necessarily get more sleep with it on, the sleep I do get is more restful and better for me than oxygen deprivation so I'm trying to stick with it.  As a predominantly side-sleeper, I'm gonna switch to pillows/top-of-the-head hose once it's time to replace gear.  The front hose is still a hassle for me.

 

[The Poojer]

I use that exact 'mask' it's a lot more comfortable than the full mask.  

 

15 hours ago, JÂy RÛßeÒ said:

I was diagnosed several years ago.  Got to a point where the mask woke me up as much as the apnea did and stopped using it.  But I got retested a while ago, updated my CPAP and have started again.  Test had me at 30+ events / hour, CPAP has me at around .4.  And I figure that even if I don't necessarily get more sleep with it on, the sleep I do get is more restful and better for me than oxygen deprivation so I'm trying to stick with it.  As a predominantly side-sleeper, I'm gonna switch to pillows/top-of-the-head hose once it's time to replace gear.  The front hose is still a hassle for me.

 

[Steve O]

Has anyone tried Inspire? Successful?