I'm currently using the Fisher and Paykel Premo CPAP unit, which is 8"W x 8"L x 8" H... It's definitely small enough to travel with and includes the humidifier built in. I've had it for about 2 months. Switched from the Full face mask to the Nasal mask after a week. Only waking up 2-3 times a night, dropped from 90 apnea events an hour to less than 10. it will get better as I continue to lose weight and continue to use it.
C.P.A.P. machine
- Thread starter Mr Deeds
- Start date
It looks like people here are reporting positive experiences with CPAP, which is good to hear. It's certainly quite effective for sleep apnea when used consistently. But it should be noted that CPAP compliance has been reported to anywhere from only 1/2 to 2/3rds of the people that have used it, meaning a large chunk of users give up on it over time. The main reason is that it can be quite difficult to get used to plastic tubes forcefully blowing air into your nose or mouth all night when you're trying to sleep. And while most spouses are supportive of having their partners use as it can really improve both their sleeps, it's still a bit of mood killer when you want to spontaneously get romantic and do the dirty.
You may also want to consider other strategies to address apnea. The oral device (mouth guard) isn't covered by OHIP and doesn't have the same high success rate as CPAP but is probably the least intrusive, non-surgical method. There's also the (initially painful) UPPP surgery, which surgically removes tissue at the back of the mouth, which can solve the problem quite well, although some degree of apnea could remain in some patients. The UPPP surgery is an overnight stay and is covered by OHIP.
In the end, losing a lot of weight can have a big impact in reducing apnea, either in combination with any of the above methods, or just by itself.
FD
You may also want to consider other strategies to address apnea. The oral device (mouth guard) isn't covered by OHIP and doesn't have the same high success rate as CPAP but is probably the least intrusive, non-surgical method. There's also the (initially painful) UPPP surgery, which surgically removes tissue at the back of the mouth, which can solve the problem quite well, although some degree of apnea could remain in some patients. The UPPP surgery is an overnight stay and is covered by OHIP.
In the end, losing a lot of weight can have a big impact in reducing apnea, either in combination with any of the above methods, or just by itself.
FD
My brother was diagnosed with sleep apnea 5 yeas ago and it would appear my time has just arrived.
My brother has a mild to moderate case and after trying the Fischer Paycal Icon for 4 years he bought a better one from ResMed S9 as it has the best back up by batteries; very important as he lives in the countryside where power failures are annual events.
It's a mazing how many around you tell you they or relatives have sleep apnea and how their lives have improved after starting to use it. One person uses it occasionally and has trouble as he has a beards making fit difficult, duh. It will take a couple of weeks to get us to it, but after that you won't feel right not using it, kind of like seat belts. the masks are a personal thing and can take some trial and error.
Modern machines are nearly silent once placed on the face and any partner who may be put off by it presence, when the urge hits, need to grow up. They can make a choice, a little initial inconvenience or a stroke out partner hobbling around or bed ridden.
It is a hard condition to diagnose as many people just slough off their bad sleep and constant fatigue as just getting old, until they notice their BP's spiking or worse, a stroke.
OHIP is changing its coverage each year, cutting back to where it's almost a joke now, but it's a no brainer; spending $1000-$1500 every 4 or 5 year for a machine, plus filter and new masks and tubes ( if really needed) is peanuts, compared to get really sick or worse. I know people who spend that every few months for medications just to live better.
My brother has a mild to moderate case and after trying the Fischer Paycal Icon for 4 years he bought a better one from ResMed S9 as it has the best back up by batteries; very important as he lives in the countryside where power failures are annual events.
It's a mazing how many around you tell you they or relatives have sleep apnea and how their lives have improved after starting to use it. One person uses it occasionally and has trouble as he has a beards making fit difficult, duh. It will take a couple of weeks to get us to it, but after that you won't feel right not using it, kind of like seat belts. the masks are a personal thing and can take some trial and error.
Modern machines are nearly silent once placed on the face and any partner who may be put off by it presence, when the urge hits, need to grow up. They can make a choice, a little initial inconvenience or a stroke out partner hobbling around or bed ridden.
It is a hard condition to diagnose as many people just slough off their bad sleep and constant fatigue as just getting old, until they notice their BP's spiking or worse, a stroke.
OHIP is changing its coverage each year, cutting back to where it's almost a joke now, but it's a no brainer; spending $1000-$1500 every 4 or 5 year for a machine, plus filter and new masks and tubes ( if really needed) is peanuts, compared to get really sick or worse. I know people who spend that every few months for medications just to live better.
Can or should? Sure would love to know how it works. Isn't it a relaxant? The last thing you need is to relax your throat neck and facial muscles. That a major factor in the cause in sleep apnea, your various muscles and passageways, relax, collapse, and close off, stopping your breathing.medical marijuana can be prescribed for apnea
Can or should? Sure would love to know how it works. Isn't it a relaxant? The last thing you need is to relax your throat neck and facial muscles. That a major factor in the cause in sleep apnea, your various muscles and passageways, relax, collapse, and close off, stopping your breathing.
all I know is my sleep apnea MD said I could get a permit for a couple of grand (WTF!!! You need it for medical reasons and they charge thousands for the permit????)
i declined
as to how it works i have no idea
Fair enough, it doesn't make sense to me, but hey. I don't smoke, but I only have to be in the same area and all I won't to do is nod off.all I know is my sleep apnea MD said I could get a permit for a couple of grand (WTF!!! You need it for medical reasons and they charge thousands for the permit????)
i declined
as to how it works i have no idea
OHIP is changing its coverage each year, cutting back to where it's almost a joke now, but it's a no brainer; spending $1000-$1500 every 4 or 5 year for a machine, plus filter and new masks and tubes ( if really needed) is peanuts, compared to get really sick or worse. I know people who spend that every few months for medications just to live better.
machine is around 2500
ohip pays for part of it insurance the rest if you got it
ohip pays for all the sleep overs (usually 2) and they must cost thousands
also u can get a free annual sleep test done i think
I believe that once you go for the test that the results are reported to the Ministry, and that it can affect your driving license. Was anyone concerned about this to the point that they decided to not take the test?
My brother has paid about $750 out of his pocket for both, he has supplemental insurance, but was told by OHIP that the third whenever will cost more and basically he will only be given support if his present ones are broken. That's new. I suspect multiple drops down the stairs will suffice.machine is around 2500
ohip pays for part of it insurance the rest if you got it
ohip pays for all the sleep overs (usually 2) and they must cost thousands
also u can get a free annual sleep test done i think
i have not heard from the ministry and i was diagnosed as severeI believe that once you go for the test that the results are reported to the Ministry, and that it can affect your driving license. Was anyone concerned about this to the point that they decided to not take the test?
I suspect if you are diagnosed and you don't follow medical advise, you might. I've not had anyone in my circles get the call either.i have not heard from the ministry and i was diagnosed as severe
I have one, and swear by it. I use the "pillows" rather than the mask as I am a nose breather. It makes a world of difference. The place where I got it, sells "scents" that help mask the new plastic smell. After a while, I got to the point that I look forward to using the scents to help drift off. I know that there are people that don't use the machines, but trust me, tough it out until you are acclimatized to it and it will have a very positive effect on your life.
You can also just record yourself sleeping, and for many (but not all) people "learn to sleep on your side" is an effective treatment. Again, recording yourself will help you understand whether you are succeeding in correcting it.I believe that once you go for the test that the results are reported to the Ministry, and that it can affect your driving license. Was anyone concerned about this to the point that they decided to not take the test?
My father in law had it, "cured" by switching to sleeping on his side. Wedged some pillows behind him so he couldn't roll onto his back. Video helped him figure out whether it was working, took a few iterations of trying different things. He has the machine but now does without it by learning to be a side sleeper.
If you have it, you can self diagnose and try and correct this way, before bringing in the doctors (and having it be reported).
Sleep apnea is a blockage in throat or air passages while sleeing. The cpap ( Continuous positive airway pressure machine) keeps the airway open. If you can "cure yourself" by body position you either never really had or had it so mildly or only when you drank to excess. Those who are overweight or drink too are particurlarly at risk although skinny teatotalers can have too. As with anything don't rely on terb for medical advice see a sleep specialist and get tested (though through gp).
See, occasionally you and I can agree on things. Excellent points and advice.Sleep apnea is a blockage in throat or air passages while sleeing. The cpap ( Continuous positive airway pressure machine) keeps the airway open. If you can "cure yourself" by body position you either never really had or had it so mildly or only when you drank to excess. Those who are overweight or drink too are particurlarly at risk although skinny teatotalers can have too. As with anything don't rely on terb for medical advice see a sleep specialist and get tested (though through gp).
As usual you are completely wrong.Sleep apnea is a blockage in throat or air passages while sleeing. The cpap ( Continuous positive airway pressure machine) keeps the airway open. If you can "cure yourself" by body position you either never really had or had it so mildly or only when you drank to excess. Those who are overweight or drink too are particurlarly at risk although skinny teatotalers can have too. As with anything don't rely on terb for medical advice see a sleep specialist and get tested (though through gp).
http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/obstructive-sleep-apnea
http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/sleep-position-and-sleep-quality
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/sleepapnea/treatment.html
Changing sleep position will not work for everyone, but it will work for some, and is better than a machine if it works for you.
Anybody try the at home tests.... http://m.us.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324715704578480883962087110?mobile=y
I think I may have it based on many key indicators described here and what I already knew about it. Maybe mild or medium.
How much is the actual lab test? Is it all covered under OHIP? I don't like to see doctors that often and way too young to frequent them, and my last check up was an STD check up. Guess I need to start since it is affecting everything from work, personal to mind and my well being.
I think I may have it based on many key indicators described here and what I already knew about it. Maybe mild or medium.
How much is the actual lab test? Is it all covered under OHIP? I don't like to see doctors that often and way too young to frequent them, and my last check up was an STD check up. Guess I need to start since it is affecting everything from work, personal to mind and my well being.
good one fujiAs usual you are completely wrong.
http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/obstructive-sleep-apnea
http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/sleep-position-and-sleep-quality
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/sleepapnea/treatment.html
Changing sleep position will not work for everyone, but it will work for some, and is better than a machine if it works for you.
combine your own research with MD advice as MDs do not know everything and some are more competent than others
The specialist at the sleep clinic I went to mentioned smoking, drinking, losing weight or changing sleep positions
Time to go to another clinic
