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Sleep Apnoea and CPAP

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Comments

  • #1052
    looksee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 30,631 ✭✭✭✭looksee


    I am getting much better results with the new F40 (Resmed) mask than the full face mask. After 6 weeks events have reduced to around an average of maybe 3 from 9.something. More sleep time, minimal leakage, more comfortable to wear, though it does make my nose a bit sore when I first wake up. It has to be put on very precisely, but once in place its great.



  • #1053
    vidapura
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 789 ✭✭✭vidapura


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122670343#Comment_122670343

    Hmmm.. I dunno… I bought the same style mask .. the P30i …cos I thought twould be cool to have the tube on top of me head so I could roll over easily..

    But I found that the tubes running down the side to deliver air to the nose.. were so close to the ears that it made it all a lot noisier than wearing the P10 mask.. and i didnt like it.. went back to the ole P10..

    But I suppose its what you're used to.. or what works for you.. I hate the full face masks cos they feel claustrophobic to me.. and found the P30i had an element of enclosure too with the sides on it..

    I see that the N30i nose interface is different.. its just the air running down the sides could make for noise tho..

    P30i: https://www.cpapstore.eu/shop/cpap-masks/cpap-pillows-mask/airfit-p30i-nasal-pillow-cpap-mask/

    P10: https://www.cpapstore.eu/shop/cpap-masks/cpap-pillows-mask/airfit-p10-pillows-mask/



  • #1054
    vidapura
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 789 ✭✭✭vidapura


    Oh that Sleep Review is a good site.. thanks for that.. didn't know it existed ..

    Its got a review of some alternative CPAP machines ..interesting options..

    https://sleepreviewmag.com/sleep-treatments/therapy-devices/cpap-pap-devices/cpap-guide/

    Some of them seem Tiny !!

    And I see a review of the tiniest one is on a CPAP group of reddit (that I didn't know about either 😁) too…

    https://www.reddit.com/r/CPAP/comments/1cike16/transcend_micro_review/

    Thanks !



  • #1055
    drunkmonkey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 28,335 ✭✭✭✭drunkmonkey


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122670995#Comment_122670995

    I'm not hearing any noise from it at all, I'd consider my hearing pretty good.

    I bought one of these a couple of weeks ago after stabbing myself with my homemade clothes hanger contraption, definitely helps keep the tube out of the way for a better sleep, Best in Rest - CPAP Hose Lifter and Hose Support - No Assembly Required - Flexible to Fit in Any Room

    https://amzn.eu/d/2BRuNL9



  • #1056
    vidapura
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 789 ✭✭✭vidapura


    Ohh interesting… must be different from the P30i so…

    Great, will put it on my christmas list 📝
    Gawd, stabbing yourself is a bad idea..
    I got one of them from Temu.

    Didn't last massive long.. yeh gets what yeh pays for I suppose..



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  • #1057
    Redsoxfan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,566 ✭✭✭Redsoxfan


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122671177#Comment_122671177

    Doesn't having the hose at same level or above lead to condensation? Wouldn't having the hose elevated make this issue worse? I am having more condensation issues at the moment. Have had to move the CPAP off my locker even after adjusting heat.



  • #1058
    drunkmonkey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 28,335 ✭✭✭✭drunkmonkey


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122674100#Comment_122674100

    I've had zero condensation burbling since I bought that contraption, down at 24 tube temperature last night, might try it at 21 tonight...just trying to get air as fresh felling as I can for this time of year, 27/28 grand during the summer.



  • #1059
    vidapura
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 789 ✭✭✭vidapura


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122674157#Comment_122674157

    So… when it gets colder yeh have to drop the temp to prevent condensation is it?

    I'm not massively clued in on this one.. if you wouldn't mind explaining a bit further I'd appreciate it.

    Thanks



  • #1060
    drunkmonkey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 28,335 ✭✭✭✭drunkmonkey


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122679045#Comment_122679045

    Nah, had to reverse course, was at 21 starting off last night and put it back to 28 and slept soundly, I had it backwards thought the cooler the tube the less congestion in my nose but it's the opposite. Breathing a lot better today as a result and didn't wake clogged up.



  • #1061
    Fathom
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 9,522 CMod ✭✭✭✭Fathom


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122344401#Comment_122344401

    Have you gone back to your doctor for answers to your concerns?

    Cmod Science, Health, and Environment



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  • #1062
    Hontou
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 312 ✭✭Hontou


    Yes @Fathom I'm over 4 months using it now. Am down to one hour a night. The doctor just says stick with it. Resmed sent me different masks to try. One worse than the next. I don't think I'll ever get used to it. I take about one night off a week. Hate it.



  • #1063
    Fathom
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 9,522 CMod ✭✭✭✭Fathom


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122769065#Comment_122769065

    Thanks for getting back to us. Hope a solution is found. Best, Fathom.

    Cmod Science, Health, and Environment



  • #1064
    wonga77
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,638 ✭✭✭wonga77


    I sent mine back. I was getting good scores on the nights i managed to sleep with it on but seeing no visible results apart from costing me money. Was too frustrating for me so im back to the drawing board. My issue has always been falling asleep, not staying asleep so im making more changes to my lifestyle and ive seen some improvements, working out, less drink, not eating late at night etc



  • #1065
    drunkmonkey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 28,335 ✭✭✭✭drunkmonkey


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122771664#Comment_122771664

    Are you tracking your oxygen with something at night. Over the last couple of weeks I've been struggling to get over 5hrs with it and can't fall back asleep, was getting on great before that 7/9hrs.

    I noticed a product like a backpack on Amazon that stops you rolling onto your back at night so the last 3 nights I've just put a pillow at my back that will stop me rolling over, it's kinda working, oxygen is between 88 and 98% for the last 3 nights. Have woken up a few times, I have had something to drink close to bed, probably need to put a cut off of anything around 6pm tonight and see what happens.

    Looking back at the sleep study, I was on my back, slightly hungover, uncomfortable bed, noisy room. That's the worst night sleep I had in a long time, I'm not saying it was rigged but it definitely didn't help, I'd like a proper study, that looks at sleep position, where the blockage is, neck, nose etc.



  • #1066
    drunkmonkey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 28,335 ✭✭✭✭drunkmonkey


    Amazon working on a pillow to help with the apnea.

    https://www.tomsguide.com/wellness/sleep/amazon-sleep-apnea-smart-pillow



  • #1067
    wonga77
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,638 ✭✭✭wonga77


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122774101#Comment_122774101

    What do you use to track oxygen?
    I always had a habit of eating and drinking late, ive cut it out and its helped a huge amount.
    I also try to sleep on my sides or my stomach, as soon as i roll onto my back I snore and thats when i feel like im sleeping the most comfortable but always wake up groggy.
    I also use nasal strips and theyre great, i seem to breathe so much easier with them on



  • #1068
    drunkmonkey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 28,335 ✭✭✭✭drunkmonkey


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122780730#Comment_122780730

    Samsung smart watch, it's how I discovered I had it in the 1st place, was using a Garmin then got a Samsung 5 pro and literally discovered over night what was wrong. €100 on adverts.

    I think with me and possibly you it's sleep position is a large part of the problem. Hence my little experiments over the last few days. Going back on the cpap tonight for a few more days as I felt it today, not with tiredness but my eyesight.

    I see from the Aussie guy on YouTube some people are having success with these new weight loss drugs, not going to go near them as if it's not weight causing it, it's possible muscle loss and these things make you shed muscle as well as fat, so I'd thread very carefully with them.

    I need to hydrate more, stop smoking, drop some more weight and lay off the milk and then see where I'm at. Also need a work out plan for my neck/head muscles to stop them collapsing at night if that's the issue.



  • #1069
    FaganJr
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 657 ✭✭✭FaganJr


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122780882#Comment_122780882

    I've been using Saxenda GLP1 injections for the past year or so. And people have been using these type of medicines for diabetes for decades, so it's a well know drug.

    Anyway down to raw data, and sleep Apnea factors in here.

    Weightloss = Down 20% weight. No longer Termed Obese, down 7 BMI points. Cardio health went from Bad to good/very good. Overall I feel healthier than I have in the last 15-20 years. I'm 50+

    Recorded Apnea events reduced by 50-60% in my personal experience.

    There is some recorded loss in muscle mass, but you can rebild muscle if you're concerned. I haven't noticed anything much myself.

    Plus they are finding some other huge benifits of using GLP1 in areas such as Organ health, organ fat reduction, heart health, Altzeimers etc.

    I'm still overweight and have Apnea events every night, so I'm still losing weight and nearing a healthy goal.

    Hopefully you find this interesting from a weight/Apnea point of view. Weight is the number 1 factor, for me anyway.



  • #1070
    Hontou
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 312 ✭✭Hontou


    Has anyone tried to get a new mortgage while on a cpap machine? I assume it would affect the ability to get the mortgage insurance. I am selling my house and buying another one, so will have to close one mortgage and get another. I'm not increasing the mortgage but just realising now that I may not get one.



  • #1071
    wonga77
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,638 ✭✭✭wonga77


    Why would using a cpap machine affect mortgage approval?



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  • #1072
    Flynn66
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2 ✭Flynn66


    Hi folks. It's my 1st time posting on Boards.ie. I was diagnosed in 2023 with sleep apnea. The consultant liaises with a company called Direct Medical. I have been paying 130ish per month for almost 2 years. I have a couple of questions. Where is the best place to purchase a cpap machine? How do I know which type is best for me? What is the benefit to me medically in staying with Direct Medical? Any advise will be greatly appreciated. Thank you



  • #1073
    Flynn66
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2 ✭Flynn66


    Actually, one other question. Can I retrospectively put in for the drug refund over 80e and what do I need to do this?



  • #1074
    drunkmonkey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 28,335 ✭✭✭✭drunkmonkey


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122896952#Comment_122896952

    Is what you have working well, setting are all good with you, what one have you? €130 is expensive in comparison to resmed who I wouldn't consider cheap either still they're around €90.

    Have you found out what's causing the problem?

    You should be able to claim back 2023.



  • #1075
    looksee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 30,631 ✭✭✭✭looksee


    REsmed are just under 90 and the service is excellent. I don't think you can claim retrospectively but its worth asking, I have found that department pleasant and helpful.



  • #1076
    drunkmonkey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 28,335 ✭✭✭✭drunkmonkey


    Has anyone tried one of these salt machines https://salinplus.ie/ I was chatting to the chemist the other day about waking up at 3 or 4 am fully blocked up when buying my Otrivine, they don't know I've sleep apnea and I didn't tell them, she suggested I go to a salt room for 10 or 12 sessions and see what happens as she sent a good few people there.

    Anyway after a bit of googling I stumbled upon that machine, it's only been two nights using it in the bedroom, first night was with a nasal stip and some Otrivine, last night was just with the Otrivine. 1st night was ok, last night my blood oxygen stayed between 89% and 99%, once it dipped below 90% is came back up to normal straight away. My Apnea only seems to kick in when I go into REM sleep and so far this seems to be doing the trick, it's very early days but I'm pretty amazed so far. 13 minutes under 90% with the cpap and 1 minute with the salt machine. Max oxygen 95% with cpap and salt machine 99%.

    The cpap works for a few hours but goes pear shaped when I hit REM, I'm struggling with it now and it was great at the beginning probably because I was so sleep deprived. Resmed have made a few adjustments but nothing seems to be working to keep me asleep.

    I'll update in a week or so with some figures, just interested to see did anyone try other alternatives.



  • #1077
    waxmelts2000
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 759 ✭✭✭waxmelts2000


    Finally got my CPaP machine today , with resmed , I’m very nervous to start but here I go! They gave me the resmed 10 I think it’s called , €96 per month to rent . I’m tired before I even start ha ha (72 per hour is my score ) They gave me the nasal mask to try



  • #1078
    Hontou
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 312 ✭✭Hontou


    Good luck @waxmelts2000 I was put on a full facemask but changed to nasal then to nasal pillows. I often get colds and a blocked nose so I switch back to the full facemask then. Expect trial and error for a while. I only last between 30 minutes and 1 hour a night and then pull it off in my sleep or while awake. The doctor says it is still worth it even for that short time. I don't think any two people have the same experience with it.



  • #1079
    looksee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 30,631 ✭✭✭✭looksee


    Good luck with it @waxmelts2000, you would be surprised at how much you can train yourself. Don't panic initially, keep at it, but get into the habit of saying to yourself before you go to sleep, I won't take it off tonight. Its not easy, stick with it.



  • #1080
    waxmelts2000
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 759 ✭✭✭waxmelts2000


    thanks you both, no success last night as I don’t think i fitted the mask correctly . I tried again this afternoon to get used to trying the mask on, however I was getting red and then green symbols about the mask and I was only sitting up and not moving about . I’ll try again tonight



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  • #1081
    drunkmonkey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 28,335 ✭✭✭✭drunkmonkey


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122964459#Comment_122964459

    I've pretty much given up on the cpap, haven't returned it yet though. I was getting on great with it but it's just not happening any more, can't get a decent nights sleep. I've been using the salt machine now a few week, i've been also following a doctor Dylan Perkus after buying his book on amazon a couple of weeks and doing the exercises, I could be better doing what he says but it seems to make some sense espically about the fast breathing and retraining yourself. I'm not there yet but there's been a marked improvment, blood oxygen is now between 87% and 100% at night (no more big dips to 70%), If I could get it over 90% constantly with no dips i'd be happy, managed it the other day so I know i'm getting close. He's really not a fan of the cpap as a long term solution, it's all about getting you off it. I'm hoping in 3/4 weeks i'll be sending back the cpap.

    I really don't see what use 30 minutes to an hour is going to do for you bar keep the resmed share price up, might be better try and find the underlying cause of your apnea. I'm pretty annoyed with the sleep study in galway to be honest, learned nothing about the underlying cause or treatment alternatives. The salt machine could help with the blocked noses and colds.



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