Sleep apnea, anyone have it?

[hoolahan]

Just found out I do. I stopped breathing q 2 min. I was lucky, I caught it before it was severe.

I am awaiting word from the DME company to set up my cpap machine. I almost can't wait, I want to feel good again.

Just wondering, how has this impacted your life? I hate the thought of my husband waking up and being scared to death by this woman who looks like she has an elephant's trunk on his nose. Maybe I am vain, but I am really afraid of my husband's reaction, even though he has never been anything but 100% supportive of me in every way. But man, this is ugly! It is very very quiet. That surprised me. At least the unit I used in the hospital for the second sleep study.

Anyone out there using cpap? If you don't want to talk about it here, please pm me. Thanks.

PS, I would encourage anyone who has had a hard time staying focused, keeping awake, snores loudly, or is overweight or hypertensive to be examined for this.

[Fgr8Out]

My fiance was completely unaware of his apnea, until I spent a weekend with him. His restless sleep, snoring, twitching limbs, were very disturbing to me. I suggested he talk with his doctor and be evaluated. It took the sleep study team less than 5 minutes to determine that yes, indeed, my honey has sleep apnea.

I haven't had a chance to check out the sites recommended by NRSKarenRN yet, but the ENT surgeon I know very well stressed the importance of being treated for apnea. He offered several suggestions, including CPAP, but there is also a surgical treatment involving the pharynx and most recently a dental device worn at night which helps keep the airway open.

Since moving to Nevada, my fiance hasn't had nearly as many problems with his apnea, plus he's dropped a few pounds which I'm sure helped. He's not a surgical candidate, because his apnea is a result of a congenital malformation he has as a result of having Treacher Collins Syndrome (the cartilage/facial stuctures don't entirely form) and a very "floppy" palate.

It's very important to treat apnea, not only because of the fatigue factor and lack of proper oxygenation, but the stress of apnea is dangerous for the heart. I certainly recommend anyone who thinks they may have apnea to be evaluated and treated.

[hoolahan, ASN, RN]

Karen, thanks! That info was very very helpful, esp the pics of the equipment. I like the gel mask, and in one of the FAQ's spots, I found out there is a mask you can boil, and then make a custom fit to your face, and even if you screw up you can re-do it 2 more times. Very good stuff!

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

HOOLAHAN:

The Profile lite mask is the type iIve worn for 3 years now. Comfortable, minimal facial bruising and good seal. Hope it works for you.