what do y'all know about a CPAP machine?

Question

i was diagnosed with sleep apnea about a week ago, i was told i needed a cpap machine, and was given one by my doctor, He started me on the lowest setting right now until i get use to it. i need some advice on it.. has it worked for others? i need the good and the bad, what to expect? i have been using it since tuesday of this week and i do like it so far but am i doomed to wear this mask and use this machine for the rest of my life? i am only 28!

Answer 1

As a respiratory clinician who deals with CPAP education daily, it is extremely important to treat sleep apnea. Patients who chose not to treat OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) have higher incidences of heart disease, heart attack, strokes, diabetes, hypertension, etc... Basically you will have to wear this for the rest of your life because you have an obstruction in your airway. I have had a friend DIE from not treating sleep apnea at the ripe age of 25!!! Wearing the CPAP will also impact the QUALITY of your life as your body will be able to function normally.



"Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused by a blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes during sleep. In central sleep apnea, the airway is not blocked but the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe. Mixed apnea, as the name implies, is a combination of the two. With each apnea event, the brain briefly arouses people with sleep apnea in order for them to resume breathing, but consequently sleep is extremely fragmented and of poor quality.



Sleep apnea is very common, as common as adult diabetes, and affects more than twelve million Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health. Risk factors include being male, overweight, and over the age of forty, but sleep apnea can strike anyone at any age, even children. Yet still because of the lack of awareness by the public and healthcare professionals, the vast majority remain undiagnosed and therefore untreated, despite the fact that this serious disorder can have significant consequences.



Untreated, sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure and other cardiovascular disease, memory problems, weight gain, impotency, and headaches. Moreover, untreated sleep apnea may be responsible for job impairment and motor vehicle crashes. Fortunately, sleep apnea can be diagnosed and treated. Several treatment options exist, and research into additional options continues. "



Research shows that snoring and sleep apnea are associated with many serious conditions. Left untreated, your sleep apnea can be a contributing risk factor to:



High blood pressure

More than 35% of people with sleep apnea suffer from high blood pressure, increasing their risk of heart disease1

More than 80% of people who continue to suffer from high blood pressure (despite taking three or more drugs) also have sleep apnea2

Stroke - Almost 70% of people who have had a stroke have sleep apnea3

Traffic accidents - A person with sleep apnea is 7 times more likely to have a car accident4

Type 2 diabetes

Depression



Treating sleep apnea can reduce the risk of developing associated diseases. It can also help you feel more energetic so you can do more of the things you want to.





BASICALLY, YOU NEED TO WEAR THE CPAP. SURE IT CAN BE ANNOYING, BUT SO CAN DEALING WITH SIDE EFFECTS FROM HEART ATTACKS, STROKES, DIABETES, AND HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AND THE MEDICAL TREATMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THESE. AT LEAST TREATMENT OF OSA DOES NOT INHIBIT WHAT YOU CAN/CANNOT DO!

Answer 2

I have been using a CPAP machine for 2 1/2 years. I was delighted to start using it because I was having choking episodes which made it impossible to breath.(very scary) I find the machine very soothing most of the time. Sometimes it is a pain in the neck! Sometimes the mask leaks air and wakes me up. Sometimes it is very hot and uncomfortable. But, I NEVER want to experience that choking again, so I wear it gladly. Besides the air leaking, getting a really dry mouth is a problem too. One of those specialty moisturizing mouth washes is helpful for that.My dentist wants me to wear a mouth guard because of grinding teeth. I find it hard to do with the mask, but I am still working on that. I know your feeling of wonder how you will do this the rest of your life. I suggest that you talk to your doctor and discuss your concerns and ask about any options. My doctor told me if I lost all my extra weight, I probably could get rid of the machine. I'm working on that too. I did go without my machine when my husband had emergency surgery in a distant city and I had to sleep practically sitting up for over a week. It was uncomfortable and I did worry, but It worked out fine with no choking.

Answer 3

CPAPs can work wonders for sleep apnea. Basically, the pressure it exerts on your airways acts as a stent to keep them open so that you can breathe. If you're overweight, your symptoms could improve if you lost some weight, but odds are that you probably will need to use it for the rest of your life. It's really not that bad. There are so many options when it comes to masks you can find the one that works best for you.

Answer 4

If allergy symptoms give a contribution in your stuffy nostril, you can be helped through an hypersensitivity filter out. Ask the organization that provides your CPAP. Mine is only a white filter out that is going at the back of the froth filter out. I use a pillow comprised of shredded polyester fiber. It is plenty like a feather pillow in that I can difference the form nonetheless I desire. I feel that makes it simpler to get the masks located in order that it does not leak so much. (I use an entire face masks.)

Answer 5

Make sure it has water in it to keep your lungs moist.



You can go without it, but will snore and not sleep as well.



Sleep apnea is dangerous to the heart, so please use the CPAP to stay alive and healthy. Not using it can also lead to depression and obesity!



Google CPAP information to learn more.