DanM

Hi BrighSpringbudSandpiper5105. I just thought I'd share my own experience with an air purifier. I have allergies along with my sleep apnea. I purchased 2 HEPA filter systems for my home, one of which is in the bedroom. My experience is that I have less allergy symptoms (stuffiness/congestion, etc.) which makes my CPAP easier to use. I've had them for a little over a year not, and I have noticed less dust in the room over time. Please let us know how it goes for you!

Hi bankseystheory. There has been some research related to whether sleep apnea can cause hearing loss, but I am not aware of any studies that have looked at hearing improvement over time with treatment. There have also been studies that link snoring at higher frequencies to hearing loss. A quick Pubmed search on sleep apnea and hearing loss turned up a few interesting articles, but the research is somewhat limited.

Hi wiredgeorge. Without knowing more about why you were prescribed BiPAP, it is not safe to say that you could use CPAP at a straight pressure of 25 cm. Some people use BiPAP to help increase their blood oxygen levels when straight CPAP does not work. I live in the Northeast, and some of the medical suppliers here sell refurbished equipment for people who either do not have insurance or want to purchase a second machine. You might consider checking to see if you current supplier has anything available. These machines are usually only available by request, and they are often at much less cost than new machines. Many of the newer models come with the humidifier integrated into the unit, but there might be some less expensive options with detachable humidifiers if you only want the machine.

Hi All. Many providers write prescriptions for CPAP equipment and specify length of time as "ongoing." I have even seen prescriptions that say "99 years" to indicate an ongoing need. CPAP masks and machines are regulated by the FDA, and a prescription is required. This does not mean that patients cannot find and purchase them in other places without a prescription. For most home care companies, an initial prescription will cover replacement of supplies (masks, tubing, humidifier chamber, filters, etc.). However, there are times when insurance companies and Medicare might require a new prescription. Examples are a change in insurance plans or the need for a different kind of mask (full face vs. nasal) if a patient needs to change mask types. Please be careful when buying masks from vendors you might not be familiar with. Most patients use a mask that is vented for CPAP treatment, but there are times when non-vented masks are used for patients with specific requirements. Some manufacturers make their masks in both versions, so be sure you select the correct mask type for your treatment.

Hi ImpartialViolet. Even with low AHI and acceptable mask leak, there are, unfortunately, many patients who still complain of fatigue. Have you considered exploring other options with your doctor? Many medications and other health conditions can cause fatigue and problems with sleep. I hope you can get it figured out and start sleeping better! Best wishes!

I think trying a full face mask is a great idea. Make sure your home care company does a proper fitting and lets you try on various masks, if needed. They should also let you lay down and wear the mask with a machine running to make sure it does not have too much leak or cause too much discomfort. Best wishes, and let us know how things work out!

Hi DWalsh. There are many things that can contribute to feeling tired (other health conditions, medications, etc.). Taking a short nap in the afternoon is not necessarily a bad thing as long as you keep it to 20 to 30 minutes. When I first started using CPAP, I felt very refreshed upon awakening and noticed I had more energy throughout the day. Over time, I noticed that feeling less and less. I think some of it has to do with age and some it has to do with pets and other things that wake me during the night. While I know the best thing is to close pets out of the bedroom, I just don't have the heart to do it. Back to my CPAP experience... I have now been on CPAP for more than 15 years. Even though I notice the refreshed feeling less than I once did, I do notice that I feel much worse if I accidentally fall asleep without my mask on and manage to sleep through the night. Yes...it happens, but not often. The experience is usually different for everyone, and one important thing to remember is that sleep apnea can contribute to other health conditions. If you are concerned or think you should be feeling better than you do, you might consider talking to your physician about other things that can be causing the feelings of tiredness. Best wishes and please keep us posted!

Hi DWalsh. You can do an internet search for CPAP nasal cream and find some options that might help. I do encourage you to contact your physician so they can at least have a record of the problem and provide some advice. Until the sore heals, it is probably a good idea to avoid the Pilairo. It is not uncommon for nasal pillows to cause some irritation early on, and this usually resolves with time. When I first started wearing nasal pillows, I had to alternate with a nasal mask. I eventually adjusted, and I now only wear the nasal pillows.

Hi Blizzard. You have a great attitude, and I admire your persistence! Glad to hear that you are going to continue to try to treat your sleep apnea, but I'm sorry the issues with insurance and the inability to adjust to your treatment have caused you to turn in the machine. I agree that it takes some patient much more time to adjust than a few months. Best wishes as you continue your journey, and please keep us posted!

Welcome, KindPinkGuanaco9781. Please let us know how the side pillow works for you. I've been interested to try one but just haven't done it.