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This may be a stretch for the forum but I’m going to throw it out there and hope it helps someone.
When my first wife told me that I held my breath while sleeping I didn’t think much about it. Then Chris (new wife) told me that I stop breathing and probably have apnea, and should do a sleep study.
So I did. And I hated it. Dozens of wires attached all over my body. The worst of them on my head, attached with gooey crap tangled in with my hair. I hate stuff on my head, I don’t even wear hats in the winter. Results, 33 incidents per hour; pretty severe. But I toughed it out and was prescribed a c-pap machine.
During the test I did not like the standard full size mask at all. The silicone material was not comfortable. I figured smaller was better. So at home I experimented with smaller masks. First one that covered my mouth and butted up to my nostrils; no good. Need smaller. Got one that that only butted up to my nostrils but not over my mouth; no good. Somehow I had to meet Medicare’s requirement of at least 4 hours per night for 75% of the month. That pretty much meant at least 4 hours lying in bed NOT sleeping. One night, frustrated and exhausted I tore the headgear off and threw it across the room. It crashed into the closet door, breaking the mask.
I was at my wits end and totally prepared to return the equipment to sender, which is what about half of the sleep apnea patients’ end up doing. Then I spotted something that I thought might work. It was full face mask with memory foam instead of a silicone seal.
Finally a mask I could tolerate. It still took some time. There is a learning curve to c-pap machines, mostly dealing with the spaghetti like straps on the head gear. And then there’s the dents in puts on your skull.
I still don’t love it, but after about 3 years I have finally mastered it. Yesterday marked 365 consecutive nights, average time used 7 hours and 38 minutes, with less than 2 sleep apnea events per hour. And yes, I do feel better.
There are also surgical options available if the machine isn’t for you.
Sleep apnea can be fatal. C-pap machines can give you better rest, more energy, and may even save your life.
This post really struck a nerve with me.
In 2019 I tried the CPAP machine after having insomnia since the mid 90’s. After a couple of nights I discontinued using it and returned the machine. My biggest complain was the continuous air pressure made me repeatedly decompress my ears throughout the night.
This past year my sleep was getting worse and I went to the university sleep center and had the sleep study with all the wires you referenced. It came back that I definitely needed to use the machine. After explaining my prior experience the doctor told me that the newer machines are not “continuous pressure” and are instead “automatic pressure” only pushing air when you breath in, so I agreed to give it a try.
You explanation of the mask issues was spot on and the nose mask made my nose super sensitive, the doctor said it would go away after a couple of weeks. I plowed through with the dry mouth, the strap on the head etc and recently acclimated to all of it. Like you said, “I still don’t love it” but I’m committed to using it, I’m glad to hear it gets better with time. I just began two months ago and I’m averaging 7 hours per nights and yes, definitely sleeping better.
As a teenager and even after collage I slept great often past noon, now more and more friends tell me they too use the CPAP machine. I’m assuming this happens more as we age since we’re all in our 70’s although some have been using it for years. According to my wife I’m not a big snorer although some nights, especially when I’m super tiered I have occasional mild snores.
Even though you began your post by saying, “this may be a stretch for this forum,” I was glad to see Jonathan thought it was appropriate, thanks for sharing.
Thanks. I hope the telling of our tales help others power through the early stages of using the machines, or at least to explore the other options.
Great post, Dan.
I’m just shy of 65 and have used a CPAP for 27 years. At the time, I just could not understand why I was completely exhausted every day by the time noon rolled around. I worked long hours with a hectic schedule with 7 day workweeks for years but took all that in stride previously. A fortunate conversation with a work associate that had just started using a CPAP at that time may have saved my life.
CPAP machines have come a long way since my first unit, in very positive ways. Same for the variety of masks now available. To be clear, I despise having to use the machine, the hose, taking it along on travels, cleaning it, using a chin strap to avoid my mouth opening while asleep, etc. The reality however is that using the machine made my exhaustion issue fade away within a few days and continues to help me today.
I was not a candidate for the throat surgery. I know that new products show up from time to time including a new, implanted device that “supposedly eliminates”the need for using a CPAP. As my sleep doctor would say, everyone’s needs are different and one product doesn’t work for all. I replaced my machine (same brand/unit) this year as my previous unit had reached its intended hours of use. It cost me a whopping $750 plus a few bucks for some supplies ~ $1,000 out the door.
I’ve read several posts and comments on HD somewhat recently regarding things like colonoscopies and the inconvenience, discomfort or modesty issues involved, sleep studies, CPAPS, etc. I find these responses out of alignment with the financially and educationally astute community here that can dwell endlessly on when to take SS, Medicare, annuities…..the list is long. Yes, these are definitely important financial issues but rejecting being inconvenienced by having to do things mentioned above can make the need for these financial discussions a moot point. If you think a colonoscopy is terrible, I can share the highlights of the surgeons transcripts of my father’s multiple surgeries dealing with colorectal cancer. Literally, get off your arse and have it inspected!
Best to all.