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Child Item

Sleep Apnoea and CPAP

Sleephead

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!

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sandra06

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....;)

there very small now the machine and dont make much noise my hubby uses one

the_syco

Glebee wrote: »

Could not use it at all or get used to the fact this large machine was beside the bed buzzing away.

Had to post after reading this. Heck, I had to make a video to show how small and silent these machines are!

I'm using a "REMstar Auto with A-Flex", which I rent at €97 a month by direct debit. The mask came free with the rental of the machine. A qualified nurse came to me to set it up (on a weekday evening, after I had finished work), and showed me how to use it, at no charge to me.

00:02 The click of turning it on (it also can turn itself on if you put the mask on, and start breathing normally)
00:05 The air starts going on
00:12 - 00:33 Me putting the phone down to put the mask on
00:45 Me! As I breath through my nose, I was able to get a nose mask. However, if you breath through your mouth, you'll need to get a full face mask.
00:51 to the end of the video is me showing how silent this machine is.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsjLEvnoWnM

Before, I used to snore so loudly you'd hear the snoring downstairs, and I used to tired all the time. Also, I'd take ages to fall asleep. Now, I have a lot more energy during the day, and I will fall asleep shortly after putting the mask on to breath. Have been using it for a few months now, and find it has helped me a lot.

Glebee

Have to try and give this another go..:( Anybody know if medical insurance goes any way to cover the monthly hire cost??

SavvyGuy

Better of buying on line most cpap machines are robust and will last for years, the rental price is over the top and hard to justify. Bring the cpap machine to your sleep clinic and they will set the pressures. Ask for advice from the sleep specialist nurse, most are very knowledgeable, informative and helpful.

the_syco

Did rental for the last few months, but in the long term, buying is probably better.

Looking for a refurb unit, as I'm going to Canada for two years, and it seems I may have to redo the test again over there to qualify to get a machine over there

Glebee

Checked with my health insurance, they will cover me for 3 months rental and 300 euro off purchase price. I was going to go back to the original company I got the machine off but I see from there company info is the very same machine I took a dislike to. Might try a different company with a different model unit. I presume its a matter of getting my sleep results from the clinic because im not to inclined to do another sleep study.

the_syco

As I'm going to Canada for a while, I gave the one I was renting back to the company, and looked around for a replacement. I was paying €96 a month to rent the machine, and got a 2nd hand one for €300 from a company based in Athlone. I just needed Peamount hospital (who I did the sleep study through) to fax them that I had done the sleep study.

The person who drove out to me set up the machine for me, and I'm happy with it. In saying that, I have not used it to sleep yet, but it looks like it'll be fine from the test breathing I did with it when I got the machine.

GadgetGeek

Long term rental is not really a option for me as I am not getting close to the drug repayment limit of €140. Any one with any suggestions for a bargain buy or just a good deal, can you post or PM me.
Thanks, GG.

Technoprisoner

I found out yesterday that i have severe sleep apnoea. I had a sleep study done 3 weeks ago and had to fight to get my results...I was told it would be sometime next year before i find out and get to see anybody, and that my gp could request the results so i went that way. He is sending off a letter to see if my appointment can be hurried up. But in the mean time i have been looking at the different machines available. Has anyone got recommendations on these as i don't want to spend a lot of money to find out the machine doesn't suit me

SavvyGuy

Technoprisoner wrote: »

I found out yesterday that i have severe sleep apnoea. I had a sleep study done 3 weeks ago and had to fight to get my results...I was told it would be sometime next year before i find out and get to see anybody, and that my gp could request the results so i went that way. He is sending off a letter to see if my appointment can be hurried up. But in the mean time i have been looking at the different machines available. Has anyone got recommendations on these as i don't want to spend a lot of money to find out the machine doesn't suit me

(My personal opinion)

I have been on treatment for sleep apnoea for over 14 years. I am surprised that you have been asked to wait that long

As you have been diagnosed with sleep apnoea, standard treatment is with a CPAP or APAP machine, I have a preference for APAP meaning it automatically changes the pressure you may require and you can set the range. You can switch the settings to CPAP meaning fixed, if it suits you better.

I am using the DevilBliss APAP sleep cube for over ten years and never had any trouble with it. Devilbiss are bringing a new smaller sleep cube to the market soon, handy when travelling. Although the current version is quite small anyway. There is an option to purchase the data link for the sleep cube, I think it's important to have if you budjet can take it. It's important to get a mask that is comfortable and suits your face profile.

I got my sleepcube from Direct Medical. My suggestion would be not to wait till next year. Get your doctor to get your results from the hospital, what you need is the optimum pressure from the sleep study. The staff at Direct Medical are very helpful can will set up your machine and get a mask that suits

Recap.
1 Your Doctor to request pressure to set your APAP
2 Get an Auto CPAP called APAP my preference Devilbliss and humidifier
3 Get Data link for your new APAP Machine (Optional)
4 Get mask that suits

Personally my quality of life is greatly diminished without APAP

I hope you get sorted soon and if you can manage items 1-4 you can message me for how I use the Data Link. Good Look

Boulevardier

I am due to go on a holiday which involves a transatlantic flight, which means I will have check-in luggage.

I plan to bring my CPAP with me, but I would rather keep it in the suitcase than carry it on as hand-luggage.

I have a letter explaining to whoever it may concern that I need to travel with the device.

Does anyone have experiance or knowledge of travelling with a CPAP, and if so, any advice?

drake70

Boulevardier wrote: »

I am due to go on a holiday which involves a transatlantic flight, which means I will have check-in luggage.

I plan to bring my CPAP with me, but I would rather keep it in the suitcase than carry it on as hand-luggage.

I have a letter explaining to whoever it may concern that I need to travel with the device.

Does anyone have experiance or knowledge of travelling with a CPAP, and if so, any advice?

Hi, I have always travelled with my CPAP either in a small carry-on case or as carry-on luggage itself. I wouldn't trust baggage handlers not to damage it.

Most airlines operate a waiver scheme for carrying medical devices within the cabin at no extra charge.

Which airline are you flying with?

Boulevardier

Drake, thanks for that.

I am going via Aer Lingus and Virgin.

Putting the CPAP in my luggage would be much more convenient. My fear is that foreign baggage handlers would not know what it was from a luggage x-ray, and I would be teken in and questioned.

drake70

My advice would be to contact both airlines regarding this.

When I have brought mine in a small carry-on case, I was asked to open it at the security checkpoint. However, when it was in it's own case/bag no questions were asked.

Just remember that baggage handlers* can be none too gentle with you luggage and your CPAP may get damaged.

*apologies to gentle baggage handlers

FaganJr

HI All

I was diagnosed with Severe Sleep Apnea today, in one way I'm relieved but another way I'm worried. My consultant was completely amazed that I could keep my liftestyle going and relatively normal. He maintains that the CPAP will transform my life.
So thats why I'm worried, I've been finding it increasingly hard to keep everything going, like work, marriage, family, life, friends, pass times etc.
So for you guys was it really a transformation of your life, or did you just get more restful sleep and life continued as normal.
I had my consultation last week, my sleep test last night and my CPAP trial tomorrow night.
So for you guys a few miles down the road, how is life now??
Thanks!

Nemesis

I'm using a CPAP machine for the last year.
I had an AHI of 80 which is quite severe.

Over the last year I lost weight, ran 10k and lowered my golf h'cap by 4 shots

Some nights the mask just doesn't fit well and I get air leaks which wakes me up but overall its positive and no more snoring.

Boulevardier

A CPAP machine was featured recently on the sitcom Black-ish. One of the characters was sleeping at his desk with it on. He mentioned something about having more lucid nightmares!

Glebee

There was also a very funny scene in a recent Modern Family with featured two CPAP machines and a person without one trying to sleep

Sleephead

FaganJr wrote: »

HI All

I was diagnosed with Severe Sleep Apnea today, in one way I'm relieved but another way I'm worried. My consultant was completely amazed that I could keep my liftestyle going and relatively normal. He maintains that the CPAP will transform my life.
So thats why I'm worried, I've been finding it increasingly hard to keep everything going, like work, marriage, family, life, friends, pass times etc.
So for you guys was it really a transformation of your life, or did you just get more restful sleep and life continued as normal.
I had my consultation last week, my sleep test last night and my CPAP trial tomorrow night.
So for you guys a few miles down the road, how is life now??
Thanks!

I almost gave up on it. Took me a good 3 weeks to get used to it.

Now I love it, its fantastic, I'd forgotten what really good quality sleep felt like.

It will change your life for the better.

FaganJr

Sleephead wrote:

I almost gave up on it. Took me a good 3 weeks to get used to it.
Now I love it, its fantastic, I'd forgotten what really good quality sleep felt like.
It will change your life for the better.

Thanks, I'm finding it difficult, waking a few times a night.
Air whooshing all over the place .
Reset , start again.
Not going to give up on it, didn't realize how tired I was until I started this.
Feeling about me rested in the mornings.

Sleephead

FaganJr wrote: »

Thanks, I'm finding it difficult, waking a few times a night.
Air whooshing all over the place .
Reset , start again.
Not going to give up on it, didn't realize how tired I was until I started this.
Feeling about me rested in the mornings.

Face mask choice is key. I went for nasal pillows. No leaks at all. I couldn't hack the big clunky masks.

The Airfit P10 Is superb.

FaganJr

Sleephead wrote:

Face mask choice is key. I went for nasal pillows. No leaks at all. I couldn't hack the big clunky masks.[
The Airfit P10 Is superb.

Well it is week 1, didn't think it would be easy.
I'll definitely look into that if I keep having trouble with mask.
Thanks for advice!!

Real Psycrow

FaganJr wrote: »

HI All

I was diagnosed with Severe Sleep Apnea today, in one way I'm relieved but another way I'm worried. My consultant was completely amazed that I could keep my liftestyle going and relatively normal. He maintains that the CPAP will transform my life.
So thats why I'm worried, I've been finding it increasingly hard to keep everything going, like work, marriage, family, life, friends, pass times etc.
So for you guys was it really a transformation of your life, or did you just get more restful sleep and life continued as normal.
I had my consultation last week, my sleep test last night and my CPAP trial tomorrow night.
So for you guys a few miles down the road, how is life now??
Thanks!

I'm coming up on a year using mine. It was hard to get used to at the start, definitely. But now it's almost a comfort to put it on and I simply can't sleep without it. I've tried a couple of times and I wake every 40 minutes or so and get a terrible sore throat from snoring.

In the past I would have to stop to sleep sometimes on the way home from work. I even have felt like doing that on the way to work after being asleep all night! But since having the machine, those things have all changed.

Just watch to make sure that it does help you tackle all those things in your life though. They might not be necessarily related. Speak to your doctor, if all parts of your life are getting on top of you, maybe you're suffering from depression a bit as well and best to nip that in the bud early rather than letting it slide. Hopefully its not that, hopefully the CPAP will change your life. But I didn't want to not mention it.

Masala

Quick question ...what about travelling abroad on Ryanair / other airlines.

Can you carry the machine in Hand luggage??? What weight is the typical machine..and I presume it will have to be part of your cabin baggage weight allowance (less than 10kg for Ryanair)

Real Psycrow

Masala wrote: »

Quick question ...what about travelling abroad on Ryanair / other airlines.

Can you carry the machine in Hand luggage??? What weight is the typical machine..and I presume it will have to be part of your cabin baggage weight allowance (less than 10kg for Ryanair)

Different carriers have different rules. It would be no problem carrying it if it is your only piece of hand luggage. As Ryanair now allows a "handbag" with your hand luggage, I'd say you're covered there too.

However your doctor can issue you with a letter saying you have to take it on board. This should only cover you if you plan to sleep on the plane, but I can't see any of them stopping you when you have a doctor's letter.

Take a look on the carrier's website though. I've had 8 flights this year with mine and no issue at all.

FaganJr

Real Psycrow wrote: »

I'm coming up on a year using mine. It was hard to get used to at the start, definitely. But now it's almost a comfort to put it on and I simply can't sleep without it. I've tried a couple of times and I wake every 40 minutes or so and get a terrible sore throat from snoring.

In the past I would have to stop to sleep sometimes on the way home from work. I even have felt like doing that on the way to work after being asleep all night! But since having the machine, those things have all changed.

Just watch to make sure that it does help you tackle all those things in your life though. They might not be necessarily related. Speak to your doctor, if all parts of your life are getting on top of you, maybe you're suffering from depression a bit as well and best to nip that in the bud early rather than letting it slide. Hopefully its not that, hopefully the CPAP will change your life. But I didn't want to not mention it.

Thanks,

I have anxiety but this seems to be a symptom of the sleep Apnea. But I had that under control but not fixing it.

That's why the Prof was surprised at how well I was doing considering how long I've been like this.

So I think I will be able to improve the anxiety as I get better sleep.

Will speak to the doc down the road when I get this sleeping with the mask, as I'm waking a few times a night yet.

But still feeling better even with broken sleep.

Thanks

Glebee

Im going to go back and give CPAP another try. It been a few yers since I last attempted it and maybe I did not give it a good enough go last time.

Boulevardier

I have a letter from the CPAP rental company which I am supposed to present at the airport when I check-in or at security.

It gives me the right to carry it on-board in addition to normal cabin baggage. My device cannot be used in-flight so that is not the issue.

As yet I have never had a problem, but there may well be ignorant staff who might make trouble. For that reason, I would try and clear it in advance with the airline.

Glebee

Real Psycrow wrote: »

I'm coming up on a year using mine. It was hard to get used to at the start, definitely. But now it's almost a comfort to put it on and I simply can't sleep without it. I've tried a couple of times and I wake every 40 minutes or so and get a terrible sore throat from snoring.

In the past I would have to stop to sleep sometimes on the way home from work. I even have felt like doing that on the way to work after being asleep all night! But since having the machine, those things have all changed.

Just watch to make sure that it does help you tackle all those things in your life though. They might not be necessarily related. Speak to your doctor, if all parts of your life are getting on top of you, maybe you're suffering from depression a bit as well and best to nip that in the bud early rather than letting it slide. Hopefully its not that, hopefully the CPAP will change your life. But I didn't want to not mention it.

Would you mind me asking what type of machine your using at the moment?

FaganJr

Glebee wrote:

Would you mind me asking what type of machine your using at the moment?

On machine's, are ye renting or have ye bought out right??