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Sleep Apnoea and CPAP

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Comments

  • Registered Users Posts: 2,081 ✭✭✭Reputable Rog


    I must get on the my rep to see if this possible.
    I changed my mask a few weeks ago, same mask just replacement, and it was causing swelling in my right nostril but this has resolved itself.
    Changing from full face to nasal pillow was a game changer for me and hopefully the day I can give the cpap up is not too far away.


  • Registered Users Posts: 19 Brillig


    I have mild OSA - AHI 17. Has anyone used a Mandibular device. I know that there are pros and cons. If anyone used one - did you get it in Ireland or abroad ?


  • Registered Users Posts: 563 ✭✭✭FaganJr


    Brillig wrote:
    I have the ResMed Airsense 10 and it can be set to give you data. Also it can be set to operate with either a fixed Pressure or a Variable Pressure. The doctor will advise me on which Pressure regime is most suitable. The rep set it so that I get a reading of the No of Usage Hours and Events per hour - these will be the Apnea/Hypopnea events per hour. I suspect that more information can be viewed if one knows how to set the machine accordingly.

    Are you renting or bought outright?? Do you mind saying how much it cost??
    Thanks


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 173 ✭✭HenryHill


    I recently visited the doctor because i was extremly fatigued from 12 midday onwards while i was in work, on top of that i wake up sometimes gasping for air, sometimes i remember it other times my other half informs me the next morning.

    My doc suspects sleep apnea and has written to a nose and throat specialist to get me an appointment. Four weeks later i havent heard anything i hope its soon because im getting freaked out with people talking about strokes and heart attacks.


  • Registered Users Posts: 147 ✭✭Real Psycrow


    HenryHill wrote: »
    I recently visited the doctor because i was extremly fatigued from 12 midday onwards while i was in work, on top of that i wake up sometimes gasping for air, sometimes i remember it other times my other half informs me the next morning.

    My doc suspects sleep apnea and has written to a nose and throat specialist to get me an appointment. Four weeks later i havent heard anything i hope its soon because im getting freaked out with people talking about strokes and heart attacks.

    Please don't let that freak you out. The extra few weeks it takes for you to see the specialist won't make a difference. A single apnea won't cause a stroke or heart attack. Its long term untreated sleep apnea that will affect your health detrimentally. Long term, undiagnosed, it might cause you to have a stroke or heart attack a few (short) years sooner than expected. But its not going to kill you at a young age, unless you fall asleep at the wheel while driving because you're so tired.

    I have read a lot of scare mongering on other forums. People saying you shouldn't even nap on the couch without your CPAP machine as it could kill you. I suspected it was bull****, but to be sure I mentioned it to the consultant the next time I saw her. She confirmed what I thought. There's no immediate danger in sleeping without the machine.

    Wait for your appointment. You'll be fine.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 6,550 ✭✭✭Glebee


    Please don't let that freak you out. The extra few weeks it takes for you to see the specialist won't make a difference. A single apnea won't cause a stroke or heart attack. Its long term untreated sleep apnea that will affect your health detrimentally. Long term, undiagnosed, it might cause you to have a stroke or heart attack a few (short) years sooner than expected. But its not going to kill you at a young age, unless you fall asleep at the wheel while driving because you're so tired.

    I have read a lot of scare mongering on other forums. People saying you shouldn't even nap on the couch without your CPAP machine as it could kill you. I suspected it was bull****, but to be sure I mentioned it to the consultant the next time I saw her. She confirmed what I thought. There's no immediate danger in sleeping without the machine.

    Wait for your appointment. You'll be fine.


    That the part that made me get up of my arse and get a machine.. i knew it was only a matter of time before it happened...


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,404 ✭✭✭dogmatix


    I’ve been using the ResMed Airsense with humidifier + heated hose + nasal mask. Nearly 2 weeks using it now. Some observations:

    Pros –
    1. Snoring eliminated. According to an app on my Iphone my snoring was in the “epic” category with a score of 103. Now I have a score of 7 and listening to some of the playbacks I suspect that low score was down to cars passing my bedroom window in the night and other non-snoring sounds.
    2. Not tired on awakening - for the first time in years I have not had the urge to hit the snooze button repeatedly on awakening. Still tired during the day but that may be a combination of my mild narcolepsey plus it is early days yet for the CPAP treatment.
    3. Machine is fairly quiet.

    Cons –
    1. Being hooked up to the machine via hose and mask feels very restrictive and I’m always a bit wary of moving about and trapping the hose or knocking the machine over (I’ve already knocked it off the bedside table once).
    2. On starting the machine there is an initial sense of not getting enough air – passes after 2 minutes or so.
    3. My machine is set to ramp up from 4 to 11. I find I am waking up after 2 or 3 hours and I can feel obvious air leakage all around the mask. I have to move a flat on my back position to stop this.
    4. Had a blocked nose for 2 days last week – so could not use the mask.
    5. Cost is high – 110 euros a month plus I was told a new mask is needed annually (new mask is €150). That plus my narcolepsey medication would mean I would be paying 200-300 a month. Thank god for the DPS and the fact that my medication is now out of patent so there are now cheap generic versions available. Even so, 144 a month is still high. And to think that back in 2009 the threshold was 95 euros a month.

    The future? Apparently in the near future there will be a pacemaker like device that can be fitted in the neck and deliver mild electrical pulses to the muscles - to keep them "alert". I'd be first in the queue if that procedure was ever avaliable.


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,081 ✭✭✭Reputable Rog


    dogmatix wrote: »
    I’ve been using the ResMed Airsense with humidifier + heated hose + nasal mask. Nearly 2 weeks using it now. Some observations:

    Pros –
    1. Snoring eliminated. According to an app on my Iphone my snoring was in the “epic” category with a score of 103. Now I have a score of 7 and listening to some of the playbacks I suspect that low score was down to cars passing my bedroom window in the night and other non-snoring sounds.
    2. Not tired on awakening - for the first time in years I have not had the urge to hit the snooze button repeatedly on awakening. Still tired during the day but that may be a combination of my mild narcolepsey plus it is early days yet for the CPAP treatment.
    3. Machine is fairly quiet.

    Cons –
    1. Being hooked up to the machine via hose and mask feels very restrictive and I’m always a bit wary of moving about and trapping the hose or knocking the machine over (I’ve already knocked it off the bedside table once).
    2. On starting the machine there is an initial sense of not getting enough air – passes after 2 minutes or so.
    3. My machine is set to ramp up from 4 to 11. I find I am waking up after 2 or 3 hours and I can feel obvious air leakage all around the mask. I have to move a flat on my back position to stop this.
    4. Had a blocked nose for 2 days last week – so could not use the mask.
    5. Cost is high – 110 euros a month plus I was told a new mask is needed annually (new mask is €150). That plus my narcolepsey medication would mean I would be paying 200-300 a month. Thank god for the DPS and the fact that my medication is now out of patent so there are now cheap generic versions available. Even so, 144 a month is still high. And to think that back in 2009 the threshold was 95 euros a month.


    The future? Apparently in the near future there will be a pacemaker like device that can be fitted in the neck and deliver mild electrical pulses to the muscles - to keep them "alert". I'd be first in the queue if that procedure was ever avaliable.

    I would be confident of getting that €110 reduced substantially. Its a small matter of playing different companies off against each other.
    I managed to get my bill down and have a free mask every year by playing them off against each other.
    Keep an eye online as well as there are often good offers on masks.


  • Registered Users Posts: 6,550 ✭✭✭Glebee


    Im using a Dreamstation and with Air Liquide as the provider. Also paying 103 euro a month but have the tech call out to me once because I flooded the machine:o. He just gave me a new one. This also includes for replacement masks and filters. I will try to get them down in price in a few months when I shop around to see what other companies are charging


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,794 ✭✭✭Squall Leonhart


    I'm currently paying €102.86 a month to BOC Gases for my CPAP machine.
    I have been paying this for the last six months or so. I guess I'm just wondering are there cheaper alternatives out there (I'd heard it's a competitive market), and who should I approach?

    Would I need to go back to a doctor if I was to switch company? (trying to reduce expenses here, going back to the sleep guy wouldn't be a good way to try save money ;))


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  • Registered Users Posts: 2,081 ✭✭✭Reputable Rog


    I'm currently paying €102.86 a month to BOC Gases for my CPAP machine.
    I have been paying this for the last six months or so. I guess I'm just wondering are there cheaper alternatives out there (I'd heard it's a competitive market), and who should I approach?

    Would I need to go back to a doctor if I was to switch company? (trying to reduce expenses here, going back to the sleep guy wouldn't be a good way to try save money ;))

    Ring them and ask for your machine setting, if they ask why tell them you've been shopping around and got a better offer elsewhere for way less, tell them your new offer includes annual mask replacement and so on and so on.

    Its a bit like SKY, if you tell them your on the move prices miraculously come down.


  • Registered Users Posts: 6,550 ✭✭✭Glebee


    Anybody any tips for traveling out of the country with a CPAP machine on holidays. Will I have any hassle bringing unit on board RyanAir flight? I see on there website there should not be a problem but you never know with Ryanair...
    I presume travel insurance is a must incse of loss or damage to the unit?


  • Registered Users Posts: 3,455 ✭✭✭Masala


    Glebee wrote: »
    Anybody any tips for traveling out of the country with a CPAP machine on holidays. Will I have any hassle bringing unit on board RyanAir flight? I see on there website there should not be a problem but you never know with Ryanair...
    I presume travel insurance is a must incse of loss or damage to the unit?

    If u go on to get Irish sleep amoeba site.. they have a section on travel. Including emails for the airlines etc as well as the info u need to send. Will try and find link

    http://www.isat.ie/services/travel-sleep-apnoea-cpap.html


  • Registered Users Posts: 3,455 ✭✭✭Masala


    I am 3 months in but lately I am finding I am taking off mask in middle if night and it's on the floor in the morning!! I think I feel I am 'drowning' in air in middle of night and I panic and yank the mask off for a fraction of a second. Tge problem is that I fall back asleep and forget to put mask back on

    .... have another 5 months before going back to consultant.

    Any one else experiencing the same???


  • Registered Users Posts: 21,065 ✭✭✭✭Odyssey 2005


    Glebee wrote: »
    Anybody any tips for traveling out of the country with a CPAP machine on holidays. Will I have any hassle bringing unit on board RyanAir flight? I see on there website there should not be a problem but you never know with Ryanair...
    I presume travel insurance is a must incse of loss or damage to the unit?

    I took mine on an Aer Lfungus flight in Merck with zero problems. Had a letter from my consultant and hey presto. Took it as hand baggage in conjunction with my other hand luggage.
    Lollipop airlines should be the same..


  • Registered Users Posts: 563 ✭✭✭FaganJr


    Masala wrote:
    Any one else experiencing the same???

    Masala wrote:
    .... have another 5 months before going back to consultant.

    Masala wrote:
    I am 3 months in but lately I am finding I am taking off mask in middle if night and it's on the floor in the morning!! I think I feel I am 'drowning' in air in middle of night and I panic and yank the mask off for a fraction of a second. Tge problem is that I fall back asleep and forget to put mask back on


    Yes, what helped me was switch machine off and on again so it goes back to starting pressure of 4. This took time to get into that habit, as I was same as you. Stick with it


  • Registered Users Posts: 563 ✭✭✭FaganJr


    Glebee wrote:
    Anybody any tips for traveling out of the country with a CPAP machine on holidays. Will I have any hassle bringing unit on board RyanAir flight? I see on there website there should not be a problem but you never know with Ryanair... I presume travel insurance is a must incse of loss or damage to the unit?


    You need to contact them with details of machine then they will issue you with a waiver letter to present at check in. I just done this myself last week for an upcoming flight. But you need to contact them first. I done it on their online chat and gow letter 3 days later


  • Registered Users Posts: 147 ✭✭Real Psycrow


    I've taken my CPAP on numerous flights. I have a letter from both my GP and the specialist (in case I lose one in the mess of papers in my home office). I've never been asked to show the letter, or even about the machine. The majority of flights I've been on are short haul, so I don't actually need to use it. But I'd be goosed if I checked it in and it was lost. I simply wouldn't be able to sleep without it now, so won't risk anything happening to it.


  • Registered Users Posts: 6,550 ✭✭✭Glebee


    Ryanair website says you can bring machine on board. No mention of letter needed unless you want to use it on board.


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,081 ✭✭✭Reputable Rog


    I packed in a carry on bag and was stopped once at Cork Airport where I was told to bring it on in addition to my hand luggage.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 19,306 ✭✭✭✭Drumpot


    I've had cpap machine for about 6 weeks now. I don't think face mask keeps me awake but I feel like I wake up at night and it's like the machine isn't on, like air isn't easy to breath. I usually take the mask off if it's after 5am cause I figure I have worn it enough and it feels a bit chokey some nights when I wake up . This morning I thought I was choking a bit and I don't think it was because the tube was blocked or anything.

    I'm feeling like I really recognise how tired I always am , moreso then before when I initially met the consultant. Part of it is because I think I really minimised my tiredness when he was asking questions. I feel like going to bed during most days. I generally have 8-9 hours time for sleep but I seldom feel rested.

    The odd night the machine has possibly helped where I feel better but not enough to continue at the settings I have. I did one of those tests where they test your. Breathing so they did say I have sleep apnea. Anybody any ideas on what might be not working?


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,139 ✭✭✭guile4582


    my consultant reckons the Mandibular advancement device is the route to go for me
    i have mild apnoea

    he is referring me to Crescent Clinic Clontarf. does anyone know how this will proceed? and importantly cost!! he thinks up to 700e

    anyone any experience?


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,081 ✭✭✭Reputable Rog


    Drumpot wrote: »
    I've had cpap machine for about 6 weeks now. I don't think face mask keeps me awake but I feel like I wake up at night and it's like the machine isn't on, like air isn't easy to breath. I usually take the mask off if it's after 5am cause I figure I have worn it enough and it feels a bit chokey some nights when I wake up . This morning I thought I was choking a bit and I don't think it was because the tube was blocked or anything.

    I'm feeling like I really recognise how tired I always am , moreso then before when I initially met the consultant. Part of it is because I think I really minimised my tiredness when he was asking questions. I feel like going to bed during most days. I generally have 8-9 hours time for sleep but I seldom feel rested.

    The odd night the machine has possibly helped where I feel better but not enough to continue at the settings I have. I did one of those tests where they test your. Breathing so they did say I have sleep apnea. Anybody any ideas on what might be not working?

    Ask to switch to an APAP machine.


  • Registered Users Posts: 37,295 ✭✭✭✭the_syco


    I'm currently paying €102.86 a month to BOC Gases for my CPAP machine.
    I have been paying this for the last six months or so. I guess I'm just wondering are there cheaper alternatives out there (I'd heard it's a competitive market), and who should I approach?

    Would I need to go back to a doctor if I was to switch company? (trying to reduce expenses here, going back to the sleep guy wouldn't be a good way to try save money ;))
    Get the results of the sleep test, and with those the other company can configure it.

    About 3 or 4 months before coming to Toronto, I got a device from a crowd in Athlone called DirectMedical that I bought a CPAP device for (I think) €300. They drove out (to Leixlip), and showed me how to use it, setting it up, etc.

    They were able to configure it using the results I got from the original sleep test.

    Still using it.


  • Registered Users Posts: 37,295 ✭✭✭✭the_syco


    Drumpot wrote: »
    I've had cpap machine for about 6 weeks now. I don't think face mask keeps me awake but I feel like I wake up at night and it's like the machine isn't on, like air isn't easy to breath.
    Check the dust filter, and flick it, to see if much dust comes out. That's what it sounds to me like. Usually I flick he dust filter, lots of dust comes out, and I can breathe easy once more.


  • Registered Users Posts: 154 ✭✭WannaGetFit


    Hi,
    Do you still use CPAP? How much do you pay now? 45 euro sounds really good, if still that low who is your provider?
    I pay 103.


  • Registered Users Posts: 154 ✭✭WannaGetFit


    I rent for €45.74 per month including one replacement mask per year. I use a nasal pillow and it is excellent.
    Consultant switched me from full face to nasal last year having previously used full face for years, nurse at the time of diagnosis reckoned I was a mouth breather and unable to breath properly through my nose, but the consultant disagreed and changed me within minutes of meeting him.
    Full face was causing problems including having to get a number of fillings and dry mouth, all these problems are gone, as well as no leakage.
    Its also much quieter than the full face.
    All these companies can be played off against another, I recommend behaving like a SKY customer and pressing the cancellation button every now and then.

    Also on an aside LAYA will refund 50% up to a maximum of €300 in a given membership year.

    Hi,
    Do you still use CPAP? How much do you pay now? 45 euro sounds really good, if still that low who is your provider?
    I pay 103.


  • Registered Users Posts: 154 ✭✭WannaGetFit


    Anyone know the reimburseable amount for a CPAP rental on the drugs payment scheme?
    There is a list of drugs and their reimbursement amount on the HSE website but I can't find an amount for the CPAP rental.

    I recently got 331 euro reimbursement for meds and cpap for all of 2016.
    Was expecting 1212.
    I pay 245 euro a month, 103 for cpap and 142 for meds.

    HSE say they value my meds at 75 euro, BUT chemist charges me 142!!
    So far HSE has not told me how much they reimburse for CPAP.

    My understanding was I should only pay 144 a month, but I pay 245 so should get 101 a month back.
    Meds are on approved list.

    Has anyone come across this before?


  • Registered Users Posts: 21,065 ✭✭✭✭Odyssey 2005


    Anyone know the reimburseable amount for a CPAP rental on the drugs payment scheme?
    There is a list of drugs and their reimbursement amount on the HSE website but I can't find an amount for the CPAP rental.

    I recently got 331 euro reimbursement for meds and cpap for all of 2016.
    Was expecting 1212.
    I pay 245 euro a month, 103 for cpap and 142 for meds.

    HSE say they value my meds at 75 euro, BUT chemist charges me 142!!
    So far HSE has not told me how much they reimburse for CPAP.

    My understanding was I should only pay 144 a month, but I pay 245 so should get 101 a month back.
    Meds are on approved list.

    Has anyone come across this before?

    I pay 98 for my machine and 144 for meds. Get a full €98 reimbursement every month


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  • Registered Users Posts: 154 ✭✭WannaGetFit


    I pay 98 for my machine and 144 for meds. Get a full €98 reimbursement every month

    As you would expect, right...


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