Sleep Apnoea and CPAP

Odyssey 2005 · 27-08-2019 4:28pm

FaganJr wrote: »

Yes,
I use distilled, about €5 a gallon

Bought a gallon last week and have been using it since. Have to say I notice a marked difference in the quality of the hydrated air coming into my mask. It's much 'softer'. The water here is very hard anyway. I'm definitely a convert to distilled water. Mrs O started using it in her hair straightener yoke and she finds an improvement also. Thank you for the heads up Fagan.

Walter Sobchak III · 29-08-2019 5:38pm

Sorry to be a pedant. But the suppliers of my CPAP advise in the event of hard water in your area, users should use purified water as opposed to distilled water. Also available in the chemist.

Yenwod · 02-09-2019 11:09pm

After much back & forth I’m finally being put on a trial for a CPAP machine. I’ll be going in to test it in the Mater in a couple of weeks. Have basically just been told that I’ll be testing masks to suit etc.

For anyone who has done it, will the hospital give a recommendation as to where to rent it & what one etc or do they have a mechanism for renting there & then? Do they give you a choice of machines or anything or is it just a standard one. Reading through this thread, there seems to be so many versions of everything, that I’m getting confused.

Boxcar_Willie · 02-09-2019 11:16pm

They will probably start you off on an automatic machine , then switch to fixed pressure after they download data from the automatic machine .

GadgetGeek · 03-09-2019 2:58am

Yenwod wrote: »

After much back & forth I’m finally being put on a trial for a CPAP machine. I’ll be going in to test it in the Mater in a couple of weeks. Have basically just been told that I’ll be testing masks to suit etc.

For anyone who has done it, will the hospital give a recommendation as to where to rent it & what one etc or do they have a mechanism for renting there & then? Do they give you a choice of machines or anything or is it just a standard one. Reading through this thread, there seems to be so many versions of everything, that I’m getting confused.

I went in to hospital for my assessment. A week later I went back to the consultant who advised me of the results. He then referred the sleep technician to me, who promptly called to my house with the machine and equipment. The technician will discuss mask options. But the consultant selected an APAP for myself and there wasn't really a choose in the equipment for me.
I subsequently bought my own gear as the drug payment scheme didn’t benefit me.

03-09-2019 11:16pm

Folks if I am posting in the wrong thread please let me know, but hopefully someone may be able to help.

I am trying to find a pillow that "works" with my machine as I find that I bend my head alot in my sleep with a full face mask due to leaks.

This is contributing to neck and back pain that I already need physio for and is starting to be as bad as my apnea in terms of leaving me feeling tired, so just wondering if anyone uses a specific type of pillow and could give a recommendation.

Masala · 04-09-2019 12:14am

DubInMeath wrote: »

Folks if I am posting in the wrong thread please let me know, but hopefully someone may be able to help.

I am trying to find a pillow that "works" with my machine as I find that I bend my head alot in my sleep with a full face mask due to leaks.

This is contributing to neck and back pain that I already need physio for and is starting to be as bad as my apnea in terms of leaving me feeling tired, so just wondering if anyone uses a specific type of pillow and could give a recommendation.

Interested in this too..... I find that I am sleep on my arms to raise my face off the pillow I'd I sleep to the side. Next day I experience aches in raising my arms high etc.

Drumpot · 04-09-2019 10:57am

Has anybody any general tips, particularly public v private ?

I have been trying to get a hold of an appointments dept for days and they dont pick up. I am literally going to have to drive into the hospital to see if I can ask them why there is such a delay on my appointment (I have been on waiting list since April 2018!).

In short, I have already been diagnosed with Sleep apnear (think 34 per hour ?!) but was told it might not be obstructive (dont really know what that means) and was taken off the mask when I asked consultant if it gets easier to use it. But I have been trying to get back to see a different consultant ever since.

I am constantly exhausted and dont actually know if its general insomnia ( I have always had sleep problems since very very young) or the Sleep Apnea. I am wondering how much it might cost to try it by going private (no health insurance) and how helpful it might be or if its just spending more money on the same service but it might be a bit quicker ?

Yenwod · 04-09-2019 10:53pm

Boxcar_Willie wrote: »

They will probably start you off on an automatic machine , then switch to fixed pressure after they download data from the automatic machine .

GadgetGeek wrote: »

I went in to hospital for my assessment. A week later I went back to the consultant who advised me of the results. He then referred the sleep technician to me, who promptly called to my house with the machine and equipment. The technician will discuss mask options. But the consultant selected an APAP for myself and there wasn't really a choose in the equipment for me.
I subsequently bought my own gear as the drug payment scheme didn’t benefit me.

Thank you to both of you; good to know. If it is successful, I think I’d be going down the purchasing route too!

Fathom · 04-09-2019 11:52pm

Cool CPAP thread. Lots to learn. Keep posts coming.

tnegun · 05-09-2019 8:13am

I find a normal pillow ok just don't use a very stiff or firm one and I sleep to the very edge of it with a full face mask. Am currently using the AirTouch F20 with the foam cushion but will switch back to the silicon as I'm not happy with the seal using the foam.

Just on the CPAP vs APAP I would resist any attempt to be switched back to a traditional CPAP they're awful and I would say responsible for a lot of people stopping treatment. APAP is far smarter and only ups the pressure when required and provides exhalation relief.
Just on the public v private I'm public but only get seen once per year and if I miss an appointment or its rescheduled its 9-12 months before the next one the system is definitely overloaded.

WB Yokes · 11-09-2019 3:36pm

Finally got an an appointment for the ENT department in the mater hospital, just short of 3 years after first going to my GP, does anybody know if there is a long waiting time for a sleep study after the first consultation?

Thanks.

Yenwod · 16-09-2019 1:29pm

Off home with my new CPAP machine & trying to stay optimistic. Got about 3 hours sleep total last night with it on. Wasn’t expecting a great night being in the hospital & all, but every time I moved, I seemed to have a leak which would have me wide awake with the blast of air & noise

Also feeling like an inflated balloon ðŸ˜‚

Glebee · 16-09-2019 1:35pm

Yenwod wrote: »

Off home with my new CPAP machine & trying to stay optimistic. Got about 3 hours sleep total last night with it on. Wasn’t expecting a great night being in the hospital & all, but every time I moved, I seemed to have a leak which would have me wide awake with the blast of air & noise

Also feeling like an inflated balloon &#55357;&#56834;

It takes time to get used to it and is hard at the start. No point saying otherwise. It took we a few attempts to get to grips with it before it just clicked. Stick with it and the benifits are almost instantanious.

tnegun · 16-09-2019 1:57pm

Yenwod wrote: »

Off home with my new CPAP machine & trying to stay optimistic. Got about 3 hours sleep total last night with it on. Wasn’t expecting a great night being in the hospital & all, but every time I moved, I seemed to have a leak which would have me wide awake with the blast of air & noise

Also feeling like an inflated balloon ðŸ˜‚

Is it CPAP or APAP? CPAP used to fill my stomach with air and was horrible, when I was renting and didn't know about APAP machines I was told it was a consequence and to put up with it there was nothing could be done! APAP solved that problem instantly! What sort of mask have you got? How firm is the pillow? Also try sleep to the side of it so the mask almost hangs off it.

corwill · 16-09-2019 2:30pm

Is there some clinical reason that CPAP is still being prescribed over auto/variable devices?

tnegun · 16-09-2019 2:55pm

To me it seems to be a complete lack of understanding of the issues with CPAP, I found out about APAP by accident 8 years ago when my medical card expired and I tried to source the same machine I had been renting. The suppliers came back and said we can get you that but for a few hundred more you can get a new APAP that will be more comfortable and perform the same function! I said it to my doc at the next appointment that I changed machine and they looked over the download from the machine and said it was fine. I did have issues getting the machine downloaded though as it wasn't supplied from one of the known companies (They didn't want to touch it said they could damage the machine) so now I download it myself and print off the stats and everyone is happy. I'm attending Peamount btw if it makes any difference. Before anyone changes machine they should check with their doc or at least the sleep clinic they attended.

FaganJr · 16-09-2019 7:42pm

Yenwod wrote:

Off home with my new CPAP machine & trying to stay optimistic. Got about 3 hours sleep total last night with it on. Wasnâ€™t expecting a great night being in the hospital & all, but every time I moved, I seemed to have a leak which would have me wide awake with the blast of air & noise

Yenwod wrote:

Also feeling like an inflated balloon Ã°Å¸Ëœâ€š

I also felt this in the beginning, honestly it took 3 months, it was tough, but after that I couldn't be without it.
Stick it out, like all things good for you it's hard in the beginning.
My machine broke and I was without it for one night, my god, I felt like a bus hit me in the morning, couldn't wait to get to bed the next night.
In fact now, once I put on the mask, I'm asleep in under 2 minutes.
Hang in there, it's really worth it.

Masala · 16-09-2019 8:15pm

Sorry to ask.... what the difference between CPAP and APAP.

I have a nasal mask ... and presume I am CPAP. Just unsure what I am missing with APAP.

Thanks all

tnegun · 16-09-2019 8:53pm

A CPAP (Continuous positive airway pressure) machine is like sticking a leaf blower to your face for the night. Your prescription pressure is set into it which has to be somewhat higher than you need so that its guaranteed to keep the airway open after the ramp time - warm up time - expires it goes to full pressure and blows a gale all night.
I had CPAP for the first 6 months or so and did get used to it but had all sorts of problems, lots of leaks, extremely dry mouth and troat, uncomfortable bloating etc. I was told it was that or have the Sleep Apnea slowly kill me!!

An APAP or Auto CPAP machine is much more intelligent, after the ramp time expires it monitors your breathing and if the breath is too shallow of it suspects an Apena is occuring it begins to increase the pressure until it has reopened the airway, then once it detects you exhaling it immediately drops the pressure providing exhalation relief. Where CPAP is like a leaf blower APAP is like sleeping beside an open window! The side affects I had with CPAP are mostly gone I've rarely a dry mouth, minimal leaks and never any bloating.
I don't know why they persist subscriping CPAP machines they've obviously never had to use one!

Masala · 16-09-2019 9:46pm

tnegun wrote: »

A CPAP (Continuous positive airway pressure) machine is like sticking a leaf blower to your face for the night. Your prescription pressure is set into it which has to be somewhat higher than you need so that its guaranteed to keep the airway open after the ramp time - warm up time - expires it goes to full pressure and blows a gale all night.
I had CPAP for the first 6 months or so and did get used to it but had all sorts of problems, lots of leaks, extremely dry mouth and troat, uncomfortable bloating etc. I was told it was that or have the Sleep Apnea slowly kill me!!

An APAP or Auto CPAP machine is much more intelligent, after the ramp time expires it monitors your breathing and if the breath is too shallow of it suspects an Apena is occuring it begins to increase the pressure until it has reopened the airway, then once it detects you exhaling it immediately drops the pressure providing exhalation relief. Where CPAP is like a leaf blower APAP is like sleeping beside an open window! The side affects I had with CPAP are mostly gone I've rarely a dry mouth, minimal leaks and never any bloating.
I don't know why they persist subscriping CPAP machines they've obviously never had to use one!

I have a Phillips Responics .. that seems to do the latter. Ramps up when needed and then levels out. So I must be on s APAP

Yenwod · 07-10-2019 10:43pm

FaganJr wrote: »

I also felt this in the beginning, honestly it took 3 months, it was tough, but after that I couldn't be without it.
Stick it out, like all things good for you it's hard in the beginning.
My machine broke and I was without it for one night, my god, I felt like a bus hit me in the morning, couldn't wait to get to bed the next night.
In fact now, once I put on the mask, I'm asleep in under 2 minutes.
Hang in there, it's really worth it.

Great to hear! I’ve been at it 3 weeks now and cautiously optimistic. Have had some bad nights but also some good ones. Although I’m still tired, the extreme fuzziness of my brain seems to be lifting. I could actually concentrate for more than 5 minutes believe in work today! If this continues, I’ll be sold!!

Yenwod · 07-10-2019 11:16pm

tnegun wrote: »

Is it CPAP or APAP? CPAP used to fill my stomach with air and was horrible, when I was renting and didn't know about APAP machines I was told it was a consequence and to put up with it there was nothing could be done! APAP solved that problem instantly! What sort of mask have you got? How firm is the pillow? Also try sleep to the side of it so the mask almost hangs off it.

I somehow missed everyone’s responses to me. Thanks all.

It’s CPAP. After 3 weeks on it, the trapped wind seems to have lessened a bit but not 100% - I’m back this week with consultant to see how I’m going so hoping the pressure isn’t increased or I’ll be bloated up again

I’ll keep the APAP in mind though!

I got the full face mask but it gave me awful trouble across the top of my nose. Got it changer to one that sits under my nose but still covers my mouth. It’s so much better and easier to manage my pillow with.

I can’t say I’m fully used to it but it’s slowly getting more tolerable so definitely keeping optimistic about it

tnegun · 08-10-2019 9:49pm

Can definately vouch for trying a few masks, and once you get the machine/mask combo right you'll bearly notice it anymore. The worst I have now is rain out where the condensation gathers and you roll over causing it to splash down on your face!! I think the next machine will have to have a heated tube!

FaganJr · 08-10-2019 9:52pm

tnegun wrote: »

Can definately vouch for trying a few masks, and once you get the machine/mask combo right you'll bearly notice it anymore. The worst I have now is rain out where the condensation gathers and you roll over causing it to splash down on your face!! I think the next machine will have to have a heated tube!

I just got rid of the water part and good to go now!

Masala · 09-10-2019 12:07am

Do many of you spend time washing/ sterilising your mouthpiece and tubes???

Just that I had a bad vomiting bug recently and realised that I could be leaving that bacteria in my CPAP if I didn't sterilise it!!! Am I being paranoid??

Odyssey 2005 · 09-10-2019 12:09am

tnegun wrote: »

Can definately vouch for trying a few masks, and once you get the machine/mask combo right you'll bearly notice it anymore. The worst I have now is rain out where the condensation gathers and you roll over causing it to splash down on your face!! I think the next machine will have to have a heated tube!

I have a humidifier with a heated tube. I use a nasal mask. Absolutely fantastic. Couldn't use anything else. A solid night's sleep,every night

the_syco · 09-10-2019 12:11am

Masala wrote: »

Do many of you spend time washing/ sterilising your mouthpiece and tubes???

Ehhh.... maybe once a month. Usually. Have found that constant washing leads to the breakdown of the plastic.

=-=

On a side note; I use the nasal CPAP mask. Had used the fabric for the face part, but more recently bought the silicone replacement. Find it a LOT better.

Masala · 09-10-2019 12:31am

[QUOTE=the_syco;111462071

On a side note; I use the nasal CPAP mask. Had used the fabric for the face part, but more recently bought the silicone replacement. Find it a LOT better.[/QUOTE]

.... haven't come across that !! You mean the fabric straps around the head and cheeks??

Drumpot · 09-10-2019 12:40am

Odyssey 2005 wrote: »

I have a humidifier with a heated tube. I use a nasal mask. Absolutely fantastic. Couldn't use anything else. A solid night's sleep,every night

I might be getting another shot at a machine soon as had that sleeping test again.

When I tried on masks I didn’t like the feel of the nose mask so went with full face. Found it hard to get to sleep with it though which was why a silly consultant took me off the machine completely.

Any tips or advice on what I should ask in terms of mask for comfort?

Sleep Apnoea and CPAP

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