Sleep Apnoea and CPAP

Sleephead · 12-09-2013 5:11pm #1

New member and my first post.

I've been suffering from tiredness for a year or 2 and always put it down to being busy at work, carrying a bit of weight and a bad diet. It all came to a head when i started nodding off at my desk in work in the afternoon. A loud snore would wake me and alert my colleagues which was so embarising.

It took me down a road with my GP and various tests and low and behold I have fairly severe sleep apnea.

I was prescribed with CPAP therapy and I have to say I've never looked back. I'm full of energy again and can actually complete a days work and can even manage a night out or a short walk in the evening without fear or trepidation. Basically I'm not like a 90 year old anymore.

Snoring was the tell tale sign. Combined with tiredness. I'd urge anyone with similar issues to get tested it has changed my life.

A boring first post but maybe it might help someone!

Dinarius · 22-01-2014 9:22am

I think I may also suffer from it.

Did you find that your mood changed for the worse every so often? I do.

Did you have your sinuses checked? I've just been told that I have chronic sinusitis and have probably had it for years. This is probably what is causing my sleep apnoea.

For the last few years, a few times a year, I exhibit bipolar type symptoms for a few days. But, I'm not bipolar - that's been established. However, it seems that sleep apnoea, as a result of sinusitis, can result in mood disorders. I've been to see Dr. Paul Carson and read the book....

http://www.slievemoreclinic.ie/allergy/sinusitis

I can tick all of the side effects of sinusitis/sleep apnoea listed in it.

So, the aim is to get my sinuses back to working order. This should improve my sleep (and that of my wife's :rolleyes:) and hopefully end those terrifying mood swings that I first experienced about 4 years ago.

Would love to hear from anyone else who has had similar experiences.

D.

Sleephead · 24-01-2014 6:33pm

Mood Swings are a massive yes. Like a dark cloud. I certainly wouldnt consider it to be depression or anything like that. It was all sleep related.

I have to say its only now after a few months of CPAP therapy that i realise how tired and down in the dumps i was. I feel great.

Get checked.

ScouseMouse · 24-01-2014 6:36pm

Some reading for you folks.

www.isat.ie

Dinarius · 24-01-2014 7:02pm

Thanks guys.

You have made my weekend!

Starting to believe I was barking! Feeling much more positive now.

D.

Dinarius · 24-01-2014 7:10pm

Ps. Sleephead, where did you go for the CPAP therapy?

And what, if anything, did you rule out before embarking on it?

Many thanks.

D

Sleephead · 27-01-2014 1:33pm

Dinarius wrote: »

Ps. Sleephead, where did you go for the CPAP therapy?

And what, if anything, did you rule out before embarking on it?

Many thanks.

D

Tell your GP you suspect you have this and he will refer you to your local sleep Clinic. Its a public clinic.

A simple monitor on your wrist overnight will diagnose if you have it. Very simple.

Dinarius · 27-01-2014 3:53pm

Sleephead wrote: »

Tell your GP you suspect you have this and he will refer you to your local sleep Clinic. Its a public clinic.

A simple monitor on your wrist overnight will diagnose if you have it. Very simple.

Thanks!

D.

Sleephead · 19-02-2014 4:18pm

anyone ever have an issue with nasal pillows and pressure sores?

Sleephead · 09-04-2015 4:31pm

One year on and this treatment is going really well.

Now looking at other possibilities. Doc has mentioned a custom made oral device. So hopefully that'll get me off it in good time.

Glebee · 06-05-2015 8:58pm

Was diagnosed with this a few years ago, and done the overnight study in a clinic to get it confirmed. Started off using the CPAP machine but after a few weeks had to get rid of it. Could not use it at all or get used to the fact this large machine was beside the bed buzzing away.
Have been using cheap oral devices for the last few years and while not the most comfortable seem to stop the snoring. Anybody try the dentist fitted oral device, need to try something, wife is going to strangle me on of these nights....;)

Sleephead · 06-05-2015 9:44pm

You need to weigh up the pros and cons really. The pressure your heart is under when going untreated will eventually lead to a heart attack or stroke.

its so tough to acclimatise at the beginning but its a great therapy once you get into it. So effective like

Glebee wrote: »

Was diagnosed with this a few years ago, and done the overnight study in a clinic to get it confirmed. Started off using the CPAP machine but after a few weeks had to get rid of it. Could not use it at all or get used to the fact this large machine was beside the bed buzzing away.
Have been using cheap oral devices for the last few years and while not the most comfortable seem to stop the snoring. Anybody try the dentist fitted oral device, need to try something, wife is going to strangle me on of these nights....;)

Boulevardier · 12-08-2015 1:43pm

I have just been issued with a CPAP machine. It is going to take a bit of getting used to, particularly since the setting is quite high (14) making it fairly whooshy inside the mask.

Also I am off on holiday tomorrow but the doc insists I bring it along. That is a bit of a hindrance as it is quite heavy, but I do have a letter of explanation for airport security.

It is also quite pricy to rent per month, and it is not clear that I can get any of that back on Med 1.

Any advice/helpful comments gratefully received!

Sleephead · 12-08-2015 3:12pm

14 is certainly high. Would indicate fairly severe Sleep apnea.

It's just gonna take time. Took me a good 6 weeks of frustration but now I get 8 hours a night of good quality sleep. No more snoring for the Mrs to put up with and no more day time sleepiness.

My advice is to get the mask right. For me the full face mask and the nasal mask just didn't work as it felt really claustrophobic and I had lots of leakage.

The nasal pillows were just right. The Swift FX.

Then make sure you ramp up to 14. My machine started at 4 and ramped up to 10 to my setting. Once I got used to it I turned the ramp off.

Just keep at it you won't regret it.

drake70 · 12-08-2015 3:36pm

Also I am off on holiday tomorrow but the doc insists I bring it along. That is a bit of a hindrance as it is quite heavy, but I do have a letter of explanation for airport security.

You may be able to bring your CPAP as additional cabin baggage free of charge. You just need to contact your airline and ask them about a Medical Equipment Baggage Waiver.

Here is the info pertaining to Ryanair:
https://www.ryanair.com/ie/questions/can-i-bring-my-cpap-machine-on-board/

It is also quite pricy to rent per month, and it is not clear that I can get any of that back on Med 1.

I also rent mine and can make a claim via Drugs Payment Scheme. This only works if you or you household is already on the scheme and the CPAP rental brings you over the threshold, currently €144.00

BohToffee · 26-08-2015 1:26pm

I've just been diagnosed with osa. Done the tosca test last week and had 86desaturations per hour so it's fairly severe, I must say I never noticed its effects and didn't expect that result at all...
My question is how much is the rental of the cpap machine?
I see they are Ã¢Â‚Â¬1100 for the top one to buy and there is no way I could afford that..

Sleephead · 26-08-2015 6:20pm

I pay around €90 a month.

Buying V Renting depends on your circumstances I guess.

I like the back up renting gives in case of breakdown or damage

drake70 · 27-08-2015 10:50am

BohToffee wrote: »

I've just been diagnosed with osa. Done the tosca test last week and had 86desaturations per hour so it's fairly severe, I must say I never noticed its effects and didn't expect that result at all...
My question is how much is the rental of the cpap machine?
I see they are Ã¢Â‚Â¬1100 for the top one to buy and there is no way I could afford that..

Hi BohToffee,

I have rented a CPAP machine for the last ten years and am due my third upgrade later this year, this is included in the rental agreement. I assume that the cost of rental depends on the company* you are dealing with.

After my second overnight stay in the sleep clinic I met with a rep from one of the companies who supply CPAP machines. AFAIK these companies are given specific dates to be on-site and you won't know until that day who you will be dealing with.

The monthly rental I pay is €72.90

*I don't wish to name the company I use as it may breach the forum charter.

Sleephead · 27-08-2015 12:20pm

That's 20 euros a month less than I'm paying.

I was never really given an option to shop around.

Might just do that now. Can you PM me the company?

slotsguide · 27-08-2015 1:46pm

Boulevardier wrote: »

Also I am off on holiday tomorrow but the doc insists I bring it along. That is a bit of a hindrance as it is quite heavy, but I do have a letter of explanation for airport security.

I travel all over the world for work and never have problems at customs as in most countries the security guys are used to scanning them. Just make sure you never leave it at home, once used to sleeping with the machine you would regret leaving it behind as the quality of your sleep would be so bad it would ruin the trip.

Boulevardier · 27-08-2015 2:20pm

In my case, like Drake 70 I was kept in overnight (second night) to get measured for CPAP. First thing the next morning, a rep from a CPAP company told me that I was to have the machine set at 14, he set it up for me and asked me to sign a rental agreement for 115 Euro a month. The sleep doc did not offer me any range of alternatives.

I will keep this arrangement up for the moment, but I am not sure it offers best value.

Sleephead · 27-08-2015 3:16pm

This is interesting. There seems to be a big spread in monthly charges.

Not being offered an alternative as to what you are signing up to is looking quite common.

Is it against forum rules for everyone to post who they are with and how much they are charged?

drake70 · 27-08-2015 3:34pm

I would just like to add that my agreement only covers the CPAP machine and the air hose.

I had to pay for the mask and any replacement parts (cushion and strap),

Sleephead · 27-08-2015 3:39pm

same here

Boulevardier · 28-08-2015 3:46pm

I had the CPAP on and off twice last night. When I woke up this morning I had a revolting taste in my mouth, as though I had sipped some nasty chemical. Is that a common occurence?

BohToffee · 29-08-2015 9:26pm

Well I went in last night for my first night with the machine, tried the nasal mask it burnt my nostrils not for me, tried the face mask slept...
Hated the thing slept most of the night, had 9 down times v 86 last week, so an improvement, but had to take my inhaler this morning for the first time in 4 years.. If companies and prices can't be posted here for obvious reasons surely they can be pm'd if people wouldn't mind sending them on?

BohToffee · 29-08-2015 9:28pm

Boulevardier wrote:

I had the CPAP on and off twice last night.

I managed to expertly remove one of the face mask clips in my sleep only the nurse woke me to tell me it would have stayed off... Not looking fwd to the next few weeks..

Sleephead · 31-08-2015 9:57am

It becomes second nature after the initial period of adjusting. Took me a good month.

Stick with it it's worth the struggle.

BohToffee · 02-09-2015 8:05pm

Just got the call from cpap company and quoted $96\month for rental. Steep enough. .

Sleephead · 06-09-2015 9:02pm

Same as mine. Did some research and shopping around and it's about right for an auto machine

Drumpot · 15-09-2015 10:56am

If you don't snore, does it probably mean you don't have sleep apnoea?

I reckon I tick a lot of the Sleep Apnoea boxes except the snoring!

Sleephead · 15-09-2015 3:55pm

Drumpot wrote: »

If you don't snore, does it probably mean you don't have sleep apnoea?

I reckon I tick a lot of the Sleep Apnoea boxes except the snoring!

I think the snoring is pretty much guaranteed if you have sleep apnea.

You should get it checked by a medical professional though

redman · 28-09-2015 10:01am

Hi
A few questions!?

Do you need a prescription or Doctors letter before you can rent a machine?
Has anyone found an improvement in losing weight? Im not overweight by much but am snoring more and choking occassionally too.
Any particular machine you recommend? (conscious you can recommend a supplier)
I did a sleep 24 hour clinic about 6 years ago in StVincents but results was mild and I did nothing more. With W McNicholas. Recommendation was dont eat a heavy meal after 6pm and sew a tennis ball into night top! which did help at the time.
Now older and snoring loudly , jerking at night and occasional choke.
Thinking of renting a machine for a month to see if it helps me.

Cheers in advance

Redman

Sleephead · 28-09-2015 10:24am

You 100% need a prescription. If your sleep study showed up sleep apnea you should have been referred by a pulmonary or sleep specialist to a CPAP supplier?

I've certainly lost weight, at a slow pace but at least the graph is now going down and not up.

As for machine type it looks to me like all suppliers in this country have an agency for one particular type of machine. The type you choose can be dictated by many factors like cost, the need for a humidifier, the type of mask and if it's fixed pressure or auto CPAP you need.

Plusyou need to add up purchase V Rental

redman · 28-09-2015 12:20pm

Sleephead wrote: »

You 100% need a prescription. If your sleep study showed up sleep apnea you should have been referred by a pulmonary or sleep specialist to a CPAP supplier?

I've certainly lost weight, at a slow pace but at least the graph is now going down and not up.

As for machine type it looks to me like all suppliers in this country have an agency for one particular type of machine. The type you choose can be dictated by many factors like cost, the need for a humidifier, the type of mask and if it's fixed pressure or auto CPAP you need.

Plusyou need to add up purchase V Rental

Thanks a lot. The initial study result was mild and thus I went to see how I fared with the basics...so time for me to revisit.

Are GPs qualified to prescribe such or will I need him to refer me back to the sleep clinic? Just thinking of saving costs!

Sleephead · 28-09-2015 12:26pm

No you'll have to go through a specialist

Houdini212 · 01-12-2015 9:11pm

Wondering if any of you can share some light. I think I may have sleep apnea, I snore loudly, overweight and have to sleep on my side. However I'm not tired as such during the day. Only recently it has become worse, a couple of months ago I would get little or no sleep at all due to a jerk sensation in different parts of my body. I went to my GP and A & E and to be honest they were of little help. My GP has referred me on to a sleep clinic. I was wondering if (A) you buys think I may have sleep apnea and (B) how long it will be until I am seen to. Thanks

Sleephead · 01-12-2015 9:15pm

Certainly sounds like it is. The jerking could be you waking up from an apnea. Was for me. In my case I just became so used to being tired I became conditioned to it. Wasn't until I started CPAP I realised just how tired I was.

I was seen within about 10 weeks I think.

SeeZee · 05-01-2016 11:47am

Hi
What make a and model cpap machines are people using. Any review or thoughts on them

Cheers

Real Psycrow · 18-01-2016 12:48pm

I got my CPAP machine a few days before Christmas. Its certainly not easy to get used to, but I can already see the comfort in putting on the mask every night strangely enough. I've managed to keep it on for the full night for 2 out of the last 3 nights, that was the first time. The longest I'd done before that was 5 hours one say last week, and only 3 hours before that. But I do seem to be getting used to it.

I was getting that jerking sensation on and off too. Usually in my left leg, it would start sometimes before I'd go to bed, always when I'd been tired for a few days. I never put it down to sleep apnea until reading the posts here. It was a vicious circle. It would happen because I was tired and then would be keeping me awake as it jerked me out of my sleep making me more tired. Hopefully that will be gone away thanks to this machine too.

I'm supposed to be paying €90 per month, although I haven't actually received anything off the company to fill out a bank transfer as yet. They have told me though that replacement masks and filters etc are all included in the rental price.

Its interesting to hear other people's experiences. Does anyone with the machine have trouble with the position they sleep in? I have always slept on my front, which is hard when you have a big mask on your face. I've seen the CPAP pillows, but they're expensive and I'm not sure I want to go down that route yet. Wanting to sleep on my front is probably the main issue for me with the machine at the moment, as I wake everytime I turn into that position.

Sleephead · 25-01-2016 8:38pm

Masks included for €90 a month?

Double check! Sounds too good to be true

Boulevardier · 26-01-2016 1:27pm

Fortunately, I have taken to sleeping on my back, which I think is a good way to be with CPAP.

However, I am only averaging about 3 hours a night, and the doc tells me it should be not less than 5 1/2.

Boulevardier · 26-01-2016 1:28pm

Fortunately, I have taken to sleeping on my back, which I think is a good way to be with CPAP.

However, I am only averaging about 3 hours a night, and the doc tells me it should be not less than 5 1/2.

Real Psycrow · 27-01-2016 1:02pm

Sleephead wrote: »

Masks included for €90 a month?

Double check! Sounds too good to be true

Actually its €97, not much different I know.

I will double check, but they haven't actually sent me a direct debit form yet so I've not paid anything. I'll be keeping stum for a while. Until my next visit at least!

Real Psycrow · 27-01-2016 1:10pm

Does anyone have a problem with the air supply becoming so forceful that it lifts the mask off your face? Or even makes your cheeks bellow out if you have your mouth open? This is the main thing that stops me getting through the night with a machine. It usually needs to be switched off, mask re-positioned and switched on again. And even then it might come back again. More often that not, it results in me taking the mask off for the night. I'm wondering if there's actually something wrong with the machine.

Has anyone else experienced that?

Real Psycrow · 27-01-2016 1:10pm

Does anyone have a problem with the air supply becoming so forceful that it lifts the mask off your face? Or even makes your cheeks bellow out if you have your mouth open? This is the main thing that stops me getting through the night with a machine. It usually needs to be switched off, mask re-positioned and switched on again. And even then it might come back again. More often that not, it results in me taking the mask off for the night. I'm wondering if there's actually something wrong with the machine.

Has anyone else experienced that?

looksee · 27-01-2016 1:15pm

Is your mask being checked? Could be the pressure is too high.

Real Psycrow · 27-01-2016 1:19pm

It was checked and I told the girl what was happening. She reduced the top pressure it was set to go to as the data showed I wasn't going to that. But I'm wondering is something going wrong and not being recorded.

SeeZee · 09-02-2016 5:52pm

Got my Philips system one for 103 per month, Inc a hose + free mask + 1 service a year. I guess that's ok

Sleephead · 10-02-2016 9:24am

SeeZee wrote: »

Got my Philips system one for 103 per month, Inc a hose + free mask + 1 service a year. I guess that's ok

Masks are always the hidden cost, Mask costs me €200 every 6 months or so. Factor that in

SeeZee · 10-02-2016 1:36pm

Sleephead wrote: »

Masks are always the hidden cost, Mask costs me €200 every 6 months or so. Factor that in

It's a new mask is included every year and a service is included every year. The mask I got was a whisp. Getting small leaks when tge machibe ramps up to 10 pressure. Only started treatment a few days ago so it prob needs adjusting

Sleep Apnoea and CPAP

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