Sleep Apnea (1 Viewer)

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I'm cured! (Not really)

I was diagnosed in 2008 with what was apparently a pretty severe case of sleep apnea. I've been on Cpap since then on a level 8. My new job has a lot of travel and my humidifier doesn't work anymore, so I wanted a new Cpap. Insurance wouldn't allow it unless I saw a specialist and had a new sleep study. Well, I did 2 in home sleep studies and they both came back normal. So the doctor will not prescribe me a new Cpap eventhough he cannot explain how I am "cured" as I have not lost weight or had surgery etc.

He suggested I try sleeping without the Cpap and see how it goes. I sometimes haven't in the past and how I feel has varied. Today I feel like ####.

So I need to find a Cpap online somewhere that is good for travel. I see some are small as iPhones these days practically. Any suggestions? I do not want to pay $500.

 

[St. Louis Bob]

I can't sleep with this stupid thing.

Anybody have surgery?

 

[kutta]

I can't sleep with this stupid thing.

Anybody have surgery?

I did. It sucked and didn't work.

 

[St. Louis Bob]

I can't sleep with this stupid thing.

Anybody have surgery?

I did. It sucked and didn't work.

What did you have done? Looks like there are all kinds of surgery "solutions". I had the nasal surgery and that didn't help at all.

 

[CurlyNight]

I was diagnosed in 2009. I tried using it for a year and simply can't sleep with this thing. I sleep better without it so it's collecting dust.

 

[Wingnut]

FYI there is a MN company going through final fda approval of a implant that fixes apnea. Omnetech I believe.

The pillar implants? This has been done for years. Success varies.

Not sure exactly what it does, only spoke to some of the engineers briefly. It stimulates a nerve in the neck, I believe.

Just saw a story on my local news about this device, called Inspire. The device just got FDA approval.Here's an article about it, it seems this may be an effective treatment option for OSA, and reduced episodes up to 70% in trials.

http://www.upmc.com/media/newsreleases/2014/pages/pitt-upmc-study-sleep-apnea-trial.aspx

Its been being used in Europe for a while and the FDA just approved it for use here in the US.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/05/01/fda-approves-first-of-a-kind-sleep-apnea-implant/8563821/

The story on the local news had a guy who was having 56 episodes per hour, and after getting the implant, his episodes went down to 7 per hour. That's pretty impressive.



Here's the product website with more info

http://www.inspiresleep.com/

Bumping this post for those that missed it or who may be interested in looking into it.

 

[kutta]

I can't sleep with this stupid thing.

Anybody have surgery?

I did. It sucked and didn't work.

What did you have done? Looks like there are all kinds of surgery "solutions". I had the nasal surgery and that didn't help at all.

I had my soft palate removed and my uvula snipped. It hurt like a mother, and didn't really help at all.

I have found, strangely enough, that my Invisalign braces seem to really help stop my snoring. I hardly have to wear my Cpap anymore, except when I'm super tired or pretty drunk.

 

[St. Louis Bob]

I can't sleep with this stupid thing.

Anybody have surgery?

I did. It sucked and didn't work.

What did you have done? Looks like there are all kinds of surgery "solutions". I had the nasal surgery and that didn't help at all.

I had my soft palate removed and my uvula snipped. It hurt like a mother, and didn't really help at all.

I have found, strangely enough, that my Invisalign braces seem to really help stop my snoring. I hardly have to wear my Cpap anymore, except when I'm super tired or pretty drunk.

Damn, that sounds hellish. :( I've heard about some sort of dental solution myself but was pretty skeptical. I think I may have to look into it now. Thanks!

 

[SharkBait]

I'm cured! (Not really)

I was diagnosed in 2008 with what was apparently a pretty severe case of sleep apnea. I've been on Cpap since then on a level 8. My new job has a lot of travel and my humidifier doesn't work anymore, so I wanted a new Cpap. Insurance wouldn't allow it unless I saw a specialist and had a new sleep study. Well, I did 2 in home sleep studies and they both came back normal. So the doctor will not prescribe me a new Cpap eventhough he cannot explain how I am "cured" as I have not lost weight or had surgery etc.

He suggested I try sleeping without the Cpap and see how it goes. I sometimes haven't in the past and how I feel has varied. Today I feel like ####.

So I need to find a Cpap online somewhere that is good for travel. I see some are small as iPhones these days practically. Any suggestions? I do not want to pay $500.

Craigslist

 

[kutta]

I can't sleep with this stupid thing.

Anybody have surgery?

I did. It sucked and didn't work.

What did you have done? Looks like there are all kinds of surgery "solutions". I had the nasal surgery and that didn't help at all.

I had my soft palate removed and my uvula snipped. It hurt like a mother, and didn't really help at all.I have found, strangely enough, that my Invisalign braces seem to really help stop my snoring. I hardly have to wear my Cpap anymore, except when I'm super tired or pretty drunk.

Damn, that sounds hellish. :( I've heard about some sort of dental solution myself but was pretty skeptical. I think I may have to look into it now. Thanks!

I also used a dental piece for awhile and it worked well but really hurt my jaw. If you can get it for right, that might be a good solution.

 

[TripItUp]

Just got my test results...had a 33 IHA. This explains a lot. I've been misdiagnosed by family physicians for years...countless tests that came up negative.

Next step is to do an overnight study with several CPAPs to find the right one according to my doctor.

The inspiresleep solution appears interesting. I might check that out as well. Can't hurt to try a few different solutions.

Anybody have advice for me at this point?

 

[MC Gas Money]

Just got my test results...had a 33 IHA. This explains a lot. I've been misdiagnosed by family physicians for years...countless tests that came up negative.

Next step is to do an overnight study with several CPAPs to find the right one according to my doctor.

The inspiresleep solution appears interesting. I might check that out as well. Can't hurt to try a few different solutions.

Anybody have advice for me at this point?

Head transplant?

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I don't have a primary physician. I also have a partially blocked left nostril from something (drunk punch to the face?). Who should I see first as I'm really tired all the time and my snoring is out of control? A general doc or ear, throat and nose guy?

You guys totally whiffed on this guys question..... I think now would be the appropriate time to help.

 

[CurlyNight]

If you love your loved ones, for the love of God, get diagnosed if your fam complains of being kept up at night with your loud ZZZZZZZZZZZZs! Mom's here visiting her sister and another sister is visiting from Iran, all in one house. The husbands of said aunts all snore, and so do the women! So lovely not getting a good night's sleep! :/

ENT is the best doc to see. They'll stick a camera down your nose to see your airway and send you to a sleep center for an over night eval.

 

[kutta]

Just got my test results...had a 33 IHA. This explains a lot. I've been misdiagnosed by family physicians for years...countless tests that came up negative.

Next step is to do an overnight study with several CPAPs to find the right one according to my doctor.

The inspiresleep solution appears interesting. I might check that out as well. Can't hurt to try a few different solutions.

Anybody have advice for me at this point?

I've tried a few different masks and the one that totally covers just the nose is the best for me. Make sure it is tight. If you hear or feel any air escaping, tighten up the straps.I have found sleeping on my side works best. Also, I always listen to podcasts when I sleep, so I just put a headphone in my right ear and sleep on my left side. It helps distract me from the mask and air.

 

[jon_mx]

I'm cured! (Not really)

I was diagnosed in 2008 with what was apparently a pretty severe case of sleep apnea. I've been on Cpap since then on a level 8. My new job has a lot of travel and my humidifier doesn't work anymore, so I wanted a new Cpap. Insurance wouldn't allow it unless I saw a specialist and had a new sleep study. Well, I did 2 in home sleep studies and they both came back normal. So the doctor will not prescribe me a new Cpap eventhough he cannot explain how I am "cured" as I have not lost weight or had surgery etc.

He suggested I try sleeping without the Cpap and see how it goes. I sometimes haven't in the past and how I feel has varied. Today I feel like ####.

So I need to find a Cpap online somewhere that is good for travel. I see some are small as iPhones these days practically. Any suggestions? I do not want to pay $500.

Craigslist

How is some hooker willing to give a $10 BJ going to help?

 

[TripItUp]

Just got my test results...had a 33 IHA. This explains a lot. I've been misdiagnosed by family physicians for years...countless tests that came up negative.

Next step is to do an overnight study with several CPAPs to find the right one according to my doctor.

The inspiresleep solution appears interesting. I might check that out as well. Can't hurt to try a few different solutions.

Anybody have advice for me at this point?

I've tried a few different masks and the one that totally covers just the nose is the best for me. Make sure it is tight. If you hear or feel any air escaping, tighten up the straps.I have found sleeping on my side works best. Also, I always listen to podcasts when I sleep, so I just put a headphone in my right ear and sleep on my left side. It helps distract me from the mask and air.

Awesome, thanks.

 

[Bobcat10]

Visited my doc on Friday and asked him about sleep apnea.  So I qualified for the study and he's like ok let me go show you what you will get in the mail.  NICE!  He said it's a fairly new test but very accurate, I won't have to go get hooked up to machines at a hotel or whatever, and it won't cost me a dime.  Anyone ever done the initial test from home?  

 

[IC FBGCav]

Visited my doc on Friday and asked him about sleep apnea.  So I qualified for the study and he's like ok let me go show you what you will get in the mail.  NICE!  He said it's a fairly new test but very accurate, I won't have to go get hooked up to machines at a hotel or whatever, and it won't cost me a dime.  Anyone ever done the initial test from home?  

No, had my done at a sleep clinic a few years ago.   Keep us posted on the new test.  

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

My understanding is that the home tests do a good job at tracking apnea events and pulse oxidation.  It can't track your actual sleep cycle (like how much REM sleep you end up getting).  What it does track is good enough for most insurance however.  Of course, if your test shows at least moderate OSA, you're likely going to have to go to a sleep center for a titration study anyway. 

 

[PinkydaPimp]

Ive done both the hospital and the at home sleep studys.  IMO its more acccurate doing it at home because you are doing your normal routine.  The hospital was just a mess of a setup imo. 

 

[St. Louis Bob]

Damn, that sounds hellish. :( I've heard about some sort of dental solution myself but was pretty skeptical. I think I may have to look into it now. Thanks!

LOVE my dental appliance.  I can't recommend getting one enough. Life changing.

 

[shuke]

Supposed to go for a consult but have been putting it off.  Really don't want a cpap machine.  

 

[Scoresman]

Visited my doc on Friday and asked him about sleep apnea.  So I qualified for the study and he's like ok let me go show you what you will get in the mail.  NICE!  He said it's a fairly new test but very accurate, I won't have to go get hooked up to machines at a hotel or whatever, and it won't cost me a dime.  Anyone ever done the initial test from home?  

I finally called my doctor today and said my wife had been noticing that I occasionally stop breathing in my sleep for a few seconds and then gasp.  He signed me up for one of these home test things.  I just have to go in to learn how to use it I guess.  Really dont want a CPAP.

I hope none of these machines or test require me to sleep on my back.  I have never in my life been able to fall asleep on my back.  

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

The at home kit showed i had no more sleep apnea. Twice. It was wrong and im stuck with my old cpap still. 

 

[snore]

snore dot

What up.  

Had a sleep study done a few months ago.  Apparently I stop breathing ~89 times per hour.  Did the test in the clinic and it sucked. 

I started off with the mouth/nose mask and switched to the nose piece.  I got a chin strap to keep my mouth shut but have found that I don't need it.  I am able to sleep on both sides now and my back.  It takes awhile to get used to and I typically put the mask on and then read my phone for 20 minutes or so to get acclimated.  I honestly never wanted a cpap but now that I have it can tell that its making a big difference.  Previously I would go through two energy drinks before noon and then a few coffees after lunch.  Now I oftentimes go without caffeine for a day or two at a time.  Not going to lie, using the cpap sucks but I feel a million times better now that I have one.  

It took me several months to get used to it but its been worth it.  

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

the newer machines are so much more comfortable than ones from six or seven years ago.  I have no problems on my back or side. I also like the nasal pillows much more than the full nasal mask. 

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Is the Airing available for purchase yet?

http://www.fundairing.com/journal/2015/4/30/introducing-the-worlds-first-hoseless-cordless-maskless-battery-powered-cpap-device

 

[ragincajun]

Friggin Apnea

that is all....

 

[shuke]

Anyone every gone for one of these sleep studies and not been diagnosed with apnea?  I'm a little skeptical.

 

[lakerstan]

Just got my home sleep results today.  92 instances per hour.  Darts Vader mask here I come.  Not looking forward to it.

 

[CR69]

Can you buy a cpap machine from the website posted earlier without a prescription? Pretty sure I have it and don't want that on my medical history for things like life and disability insurance. 

 

[Bobcat10]

No, had my done at a sleep clinic a few years ago.   Keep us posted on the new test.  

At home test came back positive for sleep apnea.  It was pretty easy to use and not all that uncomfortable.  The doc said the CPAP machine will record data for about a month and then we'll look at the data to see if it's helping.  The CPAP people just called me to get my insurance info, they must only send out one type of machine.  Hopefully it's a newer model.