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Hi. I'm 55, for a few more months, and I was diagnosed with Complex or Mixed Sleep Apnea one year ago with an at-home test. Because my apneas were mostly central I couldn't be treated without an overnight study. I finally had my sleep-over last night. I will get the results on Thursday and I'm curious to see how they compare to the at-home numbers. I hope to find an effective treatment since I'm tired of being tired, having no energy, and very bad short-term memory. I also have insomnia, anxiety issues, and some weird neurological symptoms. I used to be slim and active.....hoping to see that again one day! I really enjoy reading everyone's posts.

Hello all, My name is Ramon and I was diagnosed sleep apnea 15 years ago. Through all this time I have used the CPAP for no more than 6 months in total. I have started to use it again for the last three weeks and I feel better but not as much I was expected. I am having nasal congestion, I guess this doesn't help. My problem is that I am a completely ignorant in sleep apnea world and I need medical support to be advice and knowledge of all different devices in the market

Hi Jorja,

Glad to hear you were able to get an in-lab sleep study! Best wishes with your results and potential treatment. There are some great options for successful treatment of complex, mixed and central sleep apnea. As I'm sure you have read on the Forum, there will likely be a period of adjustment as with any new diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Persistence is key, and a good home care provider can really help you achieve successful treatment. Keep us posted on your progress, and we're happy to help support you!

Dan

Hi Ramon,

I see that you were diagnosed 15 years ago and are just starting to use treatment again. Congratulations! This is a big step in improving your overall health, and I'm glad you feel better. Have you had a more recent sleep study to see if your sleep apnea has changed over time or to check to see if your CPAP pressure is still appropriate for you? A lot can change over a few years, so you might consider talking to your doctor if you have not had a study in a while. I would also encourage you to speak to your doctor about the nasal congestion. There might be some things he or she can recommend to help with that. There is a lot of information available for patients with sleep apnea--both about diagnosis and about treatment options. Your physician should be able to point you in the right direction. Also, please check out our Learn section on our website. We will be posting new information here in the near future!

Dan

Hi my name is Bob I have been on an APAP just short of 90 days. When I get a full nights sleep without interrupted I feel good but when the machine wakes me up during the night I am tired the next day.

Hi Ramon. I've had allergies and sinus problems for years. My Dr. prescribed a nasal spray for me that really helps with the congestion. You can also try just an over the counter saline spray.

Hi, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea and idiopathic excessive daytime sleepiness about six years ago. I also have type II diabetes. Whats hardest for me is to keep up the routine of wearing the mask when it still doesn't help with feeling sleepy during the day.
Two weeks ago my machine mysteriously konked out, so I got a new one. And its really made a difference. The new mask is much more comfortable, and being able to check the results online has been somewhat motivating. I'm enjoying this site and my nom de plume - EnergeticCobaltBlueGoat9394

@EnergeticCobaltBlueGoat9394 - I'm very happy to hear your new equipment has made a difference for you. It is very interesting being able to watch your numbers online, and it's great you are taking the initiative to check! It will make such a difference in you feeling empowered. Does anyone reading this have a similar circumstance?

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea about 20 years ago I sleep thru out any training movies at work, while driving, in elevators. On second cpap. I wake up if it's interupped. Power outage, cat stepping on button. Best thing that ever happened.

@ToughPrussianBlueMoose7250 - Congratulations on your success! It makes life better, doesn't it? :-)

Hey everyone. I'm a newbie--just started using a CPAP machine a week ago, but I have a feeling I've probably had apnea for years. I'm struggling some in getting used to wearing the mask. I'm having some Aerophagia (new word I just learned LOL). Guess I'm swallowing air, so I'm hoping that clears up. It's funny, I feel like my nights are terrible, waking up several times with this mask - BUT I notice a big difference in my alertness during the day. Whereas before I always needed a power nap around 2:30-3:00 pm - now I don't feel tired at all, so it appears to be working. I'm excited to see some real improvement in my all around quality of life!!

@dawnnnny Hello, thank you for your posting and congratulations on your new daytime alertness! It sounds like you are on your way, and the longer you use your CPAP, the more you will become accustomed to this new friend. It is very likely you will start to stay asleep even with the mask on very soon. Keep up the good work, and, most importantly, don't give up! I look forward to hearing from you again soon.

Hi dawnnny, I just read that you have ordered a CPAP pillow. That is what ended my problem with swallowing air. I think I had a problem with my head and neck not being in good alignment when I slept. When the continuous flow of air from the CPAP could not get to my lungs, it had to go somewhere, so it went to my stomach. Hope your new pillow resolves your problem. I am a side-sleeper and I use the original CPAP pillow by Contour Living.

I am 67, my cardiologist sent me for the test because my heart goes out of rythmn at night. I am in A-FLUTTER. My question is; how do you keep your mouth shut while using the mask??? I have tried a strap, but having a fat face pushes everything forward, then the mask gets leaks, PLEASE HELP

Hi PhilosohicalPinkQuelea3435, Welcome. I can see your 2 posts above, so I think that means you are "in" the forum. If you are not able to post where you want to, make sure you are logged into your account. Sometimes I think I can just post...then realize I am not yet signed into the site.

On this site, responses come at the convenience of those participating, so it could be a few hours or a day before you get a response.

I will respond to your chin question separately.

Hi PhilosophicalPinkQuelea3435,

I also have a problem with my chin dropping when I sleep. I was told by the tech at the sleep lab that it happened at the end of the night (not all night long), so I think my issue is mild.

The first chin strap and nasal air pillow interface that I tried did not work for assorted reasons. After 30 days of experimenting with that combination, I ordered a different interface, that has a built in chin strap. That worked for me, but I think what I need was a "gentle reminder" vs. firm support.

If your DME provides customer support, I would start by contacting them, for advice.

I have been told that sometimes people can learn to keep their mouth shut while sleeping.

Good luck. I hope you get other responses and that you find this site helpful. I have only been using CPAP for 3 months and I found this site a helpful resource as I adjusted to using CPAP.

@2Sleepy - Thank you very much for sharing your experience. Someone reading this that may be having a difficult time with jaw dropping can certainly learn through your trials. The DME provider is absolutely a great resource for encouragement and solutions. Congratulations on your persistence in finding a solution that works for you!