Sleep apnea

I have been down that well worn path myself. It's not easy but it can get better.

My own story is that I was diagnosed in Ireland with sleep aponea and had a CPAP machine. Had the same issue and could only last a short time. I did try forcing myself and got almost no sleep. The mask really annoyed me. I got to the point where I felt the cure was worse than the disease.

When I was living back in Australia my sleep aponea was getting worse. I was falling asleep at work a lot and driving was becoming a concern. I got on a list to see a specialist in sleep medicine. It was a long wait. When I did get to see him he got me into an overnight sleep study. First one I went to there was no machine, they just monitored my sleep, or lack there of. I had ECG, Respiration, Pulse Oximetry, EEG and audio recorded. No surprise they came back to tell me that I did have sleep aponea. The next study, shortly after, had the same monitoring but this time while on CPAP. This time I found it very hard to sleep as the mask annoyed me. I did manage a couple of hours but the diagnosis was that CPAP was not sufficient. Back again for a third study where I was given a trial on BiPAP. This time they did not use a mask but instead they gave me some nasal prongs. That worked. The nasal prongs have minimal contact. The set I got was the Fisher & Paykel Opus. (Photo below)



There have been other struggles but that was to do with getting a machine.

My first set has become worn after a bit over a year of use. I have just ordered a new set. This time I went for a different type which is new on market. It has gel pads on the contact to the mose. I have used them three nights now an they are a bit more comfortable. This set is the Respironics Nuance Pro. (Photo below)





The other thing which makes a big difference is having a heated hose if you have a humidifier. Otherwise water can rain out and it becomes annoying. My first (hired) machine had one as standard. My own machine does not but it's a an option which I have just ordered.


There is also a guy in the US who is a sleep technician. He has a website and a dedicated Sleep Aponea Forum. I have found some of the advice there quite helpful.

Good luck. It is worth it when it works.