Ruby

Despite all the views one way or another on SA treatment (or non-treatment) for right now it comes down to this--CPAP is the most effective, least invasive and most affordable treatment there is. Not in all cases but most. Yes, we need to be educated on ALL options and even more on ALL ways that we can help ourselves by changing our lifestyles. How many people do that? Very few.

For most of us, oral appliances or implanted devises are not covered by insurance. Implants have a whole 'nother set of issues associated with them. That does not mean that we just accept the CPAP as the end all/be all but that it is what we have.

So what needs to be done? We need to advocate for better outcomes and therapies. Is that easy? Of course not. For one thing we are sleep deprived and face other health issues. When we don't, then I agree--laziness or apathy keeps the status quo. Speaking in generalities here--if you see a problem, do something about it. Join an advocacy group, write letters, make your voice heard.

Gremlin, I agree 100% that all the funding, research, education, etc. should be focusing on prevention and cures as well as better treatment options. But that's not where the money is. Research cannot happen without funding and funding goes towards CPAP more than anything because despite it all, that's what people are directed to. Should doctors be more proactive with this? Of course! Maybe we need to push them, I don't know.

Long-winded I know and lots to wade through and totally my opinion.

The things you can learn! I would think the air sanitizer would be the best to use. Try the lavender or peppermint just for the aromatherapy aspect maybe.

Very good points and ones I will bring to the attention of this research team (if they haven't already seen your post). It would help if others who take the surveys (any and all) would comment when they had suggestions or concerns like yours. Thank you!

I think most of us went through this and it gets so frustrating! The worst thing you can do is worry about it. But I understand because then you worry about not worrying. Something that has helped me a lot when I wake up during the night is to think about what is bothering me. What am I worried about or thinking about? Can I do something about it? Maybe I forgot to do something important. Either make a note (keep a notebook and pen by the bed) or if it is something I can take care of quickly then just get up and do it. If I can't do something about it (like get the windows washed before company comes LOL) then I tell myself to let it go. That may take awhile to actually do but practice does help. As for the CPAP issue, it's about the same. Wear it as long as you can. If you take it off, fine. The next night you might wear it a little longer. If it bothers you too much one night, let it go but don't stress over it. Sierra had good advice, if you can't sleep just get up and do something boring like work on a jigsaw puzzle or hand-write a letter to yourself about everything you did during the day. Something to keep your mind occupied but not busy. Does that make sense? Or figure out something that will help you sleep (with or without mask) like soothing music or ocean sounds, run a fan for white noise, use aromatherapy. I hope this gets better for you soon.

Have you changed the filter? If your machine has a water chamber, make sure you clean that as well. Try putting some lavender or peppermint oil on a cotton ball and set in front of the filter. Don't overdo the oil but sometimes that can clear out a bad smell from your machine. When I travel, I do this because sometimes where I put my machine will pick up funky odors.

It is hard and (I hate to say it) but some people just can't adjust. Give it more time, talk to others if possible but know that there are other options you can try if you just cannot make it work. First though, I would work with your sleep doctor to see if they can help with pressure, mask, fitting, answering questions.

I have looked on-line for information but even though Mayo Clinic and National Sleep Foundation have that it isn't the same as real experiences from others. I have tried it but couldn't see any real benefit but then I am not comfortable trying new things (even though it has been around for ages). This forum is great for the most part but once you get off CPAP use and questions it tends to drop off. I think that could be because so many on here are new to the whole sleep apnea world and so don't have a lot of experience to share.

How simple would it be for someone to have given you a brouchure about what to expect during your sleep study and then talk about it or answer questions before actually taking the test? This is like telling someone who has never driven a car that they are going to test your knowledge of how a car works and make you take a driving test and if you don't pass you can never drive again. The LAST thing you need is to go into a study like this stressed because you don't understand what will happen, what MIGHT happen and what to expect. We have a LONG way to go in this battle. I am so very sorry you went through this.

How awful for you both! He needs to see a doctor who might set up an in-lab sleep study. I would call the doctor to see if you can get him in NOW instead of waiting. Please let us know how it goes.

It's a vindictive ghost. Posts appear then disappear then reappear. Honestly, I have no idea why. I also notice that sometimes I post something and hit "Comment" but it doesn't post unless I hit "Comment" again. Strange.