Greetings all! I'm de. Does anyone else here have back/neck problems that are impacted by CPAP therapy? I'm struggling to get back to doing my favorite things. Neck and lower back pain led to frequent sleep interruptions, that led to less exercise and incredible carb craving + weight gain, that led to sleep apnea, that led to additional sleep interruption... I'd actually overcome sleep apnea years ago when I lost lots of weight and became active. Now I'm struggling to get back to where I once was. Part of that is finding a way to tolerate CPAP therapy so that I get at least 5 hours each night of quality sleep. I've found a mask that seems to be workable. Now I just need to be able to fall asleep faster and remain that way longer. I figure I will still wake up in the middle of the night and need to get up to stretch and do the exercises that help relieve the neck and sciatic pain. I'm thinking of trying a switch to Provent for when I return to bed so that I can give my neck and back less pressure. I have to try something new; I want my life back.
De, I played football for a number of years and am blessed with not only bad knees but have two areas in my spine that are affected by arthritis. When I went on therapy, I found the ONLY way I could keep my mask sealed (full face necessitated by high pressures used on my Bipap) was to sleep on my back. I quickly learned that being flat on my back for more than 4 hours would wake me up with screaming back pain; didn't get it near my neck which is one problem area but in my lower back which is the other). I tried a variety of things and found that a wedge shaped pillow like you would use on your couch or chair when watching tv laid flat with the wedge to the head of my bed with another regular pillow propped me just enough where my lower back did not get sore.
I doubt this will work for everyone who has back issues but I can say that it may be helpful to try different sleeping postures to mitigate the back pain. I suspect one of those beds called a "sleep number" where you can prop the head area some would also work (hope I had the bed name correct).
Before I ever had the back & neck arthritis, apnea ..., I had knee and ankle problems. I was diagnosed with chondromalacia(?), common for women in the late teens and early twenties, but did not want to give up my activities. I danced classical ballet as a girl (hence the ankle and knee arthritis now) and have practiced Tang Soo Do for over twenty years. Despite the arthritis and ACL/MCL/meniscus injuries, I don't regret those activities. And luckily, it wasn't until the back and neck problems that my sleep was interrupted. My main CPAP goal is to feel more alert so that I can participate in evening activities again. I have accepted that break falls and kicking a heavy bag can no longer be part of my repetoire, but I miss the intensity of martial arts. I have a whole collection of different types of pillows that I set up each night and switch around when I wake up in the middle of the night. It worked fairly well last night, so I'm hopeful. I look like a white-haired, grandma muffin. I love to play with my granddaughter, walk and hike in nature, swing dance & salsa - and punch and kick things. I want the energy to get back to doing all that.
I was diagnosed back in 2003 and until recently been using a CPAP and had great success with it. Six to eight weeks ago everything changed. Since 2003 I have lost about 80 pounds and started breathing through my mouth causing severe dry mouth. So much so it was causing sinus issues and causing them to bleed through out the night. Doctors thought that my pressures needed to be reduced so another sleep study was performed. It seems that my apnea had gotten worse over time and I'm now borderline severe apnea. I've been put on a BiPap machine and not having great success with it as of yet. It's only been three weeks but I'm still having the dry mouth issues. The BiPap provider hasn't been really helpful simply because I think she doesn't really know what the equipment is cappable of doing. I just purchased a climate hose for my ResMed 10 machine so I'm hoping this will help. Last night I slept with the humidifier on 8/8, full face mask with an additional humidifier for the room and still woke up with cotton mouth. Anyone else having this issue?
Until you figure a way to keep your mouth closed while sleeping it doesn't really matter how much moisture you pump in. Mouth open is causing the dry mouth. This is caused by jaw muscles relaxing and your jaw slides back and your mouth then opens. Folks use different methods to keep the jaw in place. Some use straps/bands and other actually tape their mouth shut. I use a boil and bite mouth guard and it has proved useful for me over several years. I wear a full face and if my jaw slackens at night, the mask bottom will end up in my mouth. About 90 percent of the time of higher I have ZERO leaks and no dry mouth but once in awhile the mask will end up in my mouth or on my lower lip and the leak rates jump high and my water reservoir gets drained and I have dry mouth. I don't really think it matters which style mask is used as the problem has been reported by folks using different masks.
Hello all. I'm 38 years old and I've been dealing with complex sleep apnea now since 2012/2013. I have been through four separate sleep studies and two surgeries (tonsilectomy and turbinate redunction). I'm currently on a Phillips Respironics ASV machine which has been able to make me somewhat functional but I still struggle with my energy levels on a daily basis. I've been through some very hard financial times (lost two jobs because of this illness...some days I couldn't even drive into work) and haven't seen my sleep doctor in over a year. I'm just getting caught up on my medical bills after over a year (previous job had me earning $11 per hour less than I am now with horrific insurance) so I'm hopeful I can continue getting this figured out.
In any case its nice to see that at the very least I'm not alone in my daily struggle to get through each day. I'm just hoping I can move beyond chugging coffee on a daily basis at some point in the near future. - Ethan
If your sleep apnea is controlled by your CPAP machine but yet you’re still sleepy, you could have something else going on causing your sleepiness. I originally went to the Dr due to sleepiness and was DX with severe Central Sleep Apnea. The CPAP helped but I was still having trouble staying awake. After another sleep study plus an MSLT the next day, in which I fell asleep during the naps in under 5 minutes, I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Hypersomnia. Others get DX of Narcolepsy. I suggest making another appointment with your sleep specialist. You can check out this site for additional information on sleepiness: http://www.hypersomniafoundation.org/
Hello, my name is Joan. I was diagnosed with severe Central Sleep Apnea in 2004. I was waking up with severe headaches in the middle of the night, which would disappear within 5 minutes of waking up. I’d never heard of Sleep Apnea until a co-worker mentioned it. I was falling asleep in meetings. I know I had problems for 30 years before being diagnosed. I got my CPAP machine, which helped my sleepiness but not completely. I finally had another sleep test with an MSLT (nap study) the next day. After ruling out depression and multiple other possibile causes of sleepiness, I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Hypersomnia (which is being sleepy 24/7/365). No cure. I’ve seen several others mention still being sleepy even after using their CPAP. Anyone who is still sleepy should see their sleep Dr. Some are not very knowledgeable with other sleep issues, like Narcolepsy or Idiopathic Hypersomnia. I had to search out new Drs to help me. Here is a website that lists some possible causes of sleepiness: http://www.hypersomniafoundation.org/ I encourage those of you who are still sleepy, to pursue finding the cause. I’m glad someone pushed me to seek help.
First post howdy! Just an old (66, male) noob re: apnea, but I've already found reassurance and good info reading here.
Had my first sleep study 1 week ago, breathlessly (lol) awaiting results. It went great, and despite all the gear and fussing, next morning I felt amazing. Going in I feared hypochondria...but mid-test, when the nice tech came to hook me to Cpap device I asked "did I even sleep?" Her answer..."yes, but it wasn't pretty!"
I live alone and my (whippet) dog never complained about my snoring, perhaps finding it endearing? Lol.
I'll probably be doing what many of y'all been doing...posting questions about gear, fitment and work arounds...seeking full compliance, and positive results. Thanks for this resource, and everyone's candid sharing.
Hi! I'm a 31 yo woman, diagnosed with moderate SA earlier this year, and just started CPAP therapy this month. I think I've had SA since my teen years, but didn't know it. I think I've finally got my mask, humidity, pressure settings all set, and now I need to find a way to keep my mouth closed. :)
Hello everyone. My name is Michael and I was dianosed with very severe central sleep apnea with obstructive events. My highest AHI was 72, average over all my tests was about 65. Im 37 years old and remember stories where my mom would have to blow in my face when I was a baby because I would randomly stop breathing, however I just went to my first sleep study about 6 months ago. I have never slept so well in my life as I have since being given a machine. It's a wonderful feeling to wake up actually feeling like I slept and dreamt. I was given an ASV machine from Resmed. My pressure range is usually around 7 on the low side and then up to the mid 20's on the high end. My breathing pattern is very similar to Chain Stokes Syndrome, but more rounded than elongated. I'm running into problems with air leaks due to such high pressures. I keep getting air blowing into my eyes and the loud fart sounds around my nose and strong gusts of wind in my eyes keeps waking me up. I am also sometimes waking up tired after sleeping for 8-10 hours. But overall it's been great, I no longer wake up feeling like I'm being suffocated and I can make it through the day without struggling to stay awake and I dont scare my girlfriend every time I fall asleep.
Welcome MIchael. Unfortunately, you didn't mention which mask you are using. If your pressure is going into the 20s, you may not be a candidate for a nasal mask as these are typically not rated for higher pressures. If you are using a FULL face mask, the leaks you are experiencing are pretty typical. First, the cushion likely isn't the right size. If you can afford it, buy one size larger than the one you are using and one size smaller for experimentation. The correct size sure helps. Second, the full face mask noise parade and leaks in the eyes can often be mitigated by using mask pads. These are essentially tee shirt material cut in the shape of the cushion with the center cut out.
This is an example of a mask pad. They are WAY over priced and you may want to make your own or buy them specifically for your mask; amazon is a good source. I am definitely not advocated these mask pads specifically but just wanted to show an example:
When I use a Simplus full face mask, I have to use mask pads even though I am using the correct size cushion (after experimenting with size) and the pads eliminate the noises and air leaks into my eyes.
I have since switched to a Amara View full face mask and once I figured out the correct size cushion get no leaks most nights and never noises or air in the eyes and it proved a bit better alternative than the Simplus but the head gear on the Amara View isn't as comfortable for me. Lots of subjective here so you will have to figure these things out for yourself. BTW: I am on a bipap with 21/25 pressure and the pressure definitely makes leaks a bit more prominent I suspect.
Hey George. Thanks for the info, most people seem to have much less force than we do. I was told I have to use a full face mask. Currently I've been using the large Resmed Airtouch F20 mask, with the memory foam, and it's really comfortable but needs to be reinforced in certain areas. I have been looking at the Amara mask but wasnt sure if it would work, I'll have to take another look at it.
Hi ya'll I'm Rick, 67 years old and have had a bipap for about 9 months. No success. I wake up with a very dry mouth, not mouth breathing, lips are stuck together. When I get up, I start sneezing, coughing, and have a continues post nasal drip, none of which I had bipap prior. Any ideas? I'm not to be compliant if this goes on. Thanks for any ideas.
Only two things I can think of that would cause the issues you are having. Jaw goes slack and you breath through your mouth... I know you said you were not but that is the most common reason for dry mouth. Other thing... dirty filter in your Bipap. I wasn't told there was a filter and used the same one for about 6 months until it began causing the machine to make a LOT of noise and I found the filter which was clogged with crud. This made my mouth dry. Also, if you have a Bipap and it has a water tank it may also have heat. Have you experimented with there? I also found that only one lozenge helped... called Xylamelt (or something like that). You use two and put them between gum and teeth at the back of your mouth and they last all night and really helped. Stay compliant! Good luck...
Hi, I am Sue and also started therapy in September 2017. I find I am feeling so much better since starting treatment. My blood pressure has decreased, my mind is much clearer, and I have more energy. I still feel like I need a daytime nap though. Not sure if this is just a habit or my body trying to catch up with sleep. I had a review with my NP last week who reviewed my progress. She was pleased with my compliance and better BP & AHI numbers. My initial number was 22 apnea's during the sleep study with my blood oxygen getting as low 80. The sleep doctor has me on a prescription set at 8. I am using a Resmed Airsense 10, and nasal pillows with the Profit10 for her headgear. I am now averaging 1.5 AHI. My ramp time is set for 45 minutes, and NP has suggested I call the medical device company to lower the time. I am okay with that and plan on doing it on Monday. I thought I would try 30 minutes ramp since I am still getting used to the therapy. I am a 68 year old female, and suspect I have had sleep apnea for years that went untreated.
Not sure what type machine you are on but on a ResMed machine you can change the ramp time as a user changeable parameter. I just turned it off as I found it of no benefit but it is very subjective. It is there to allow you to drift off slowly without feeling overwhelmed by air pressure. I like the pressure full bore right from the get go as it helps if I have a stuffy nose.
Hi George, My brother has the same machine and says the same as you. He changes his all of the time. I was told by the Doc to call the Durable Medical Device people and have them change it remotely. Maybe it is because I am still be monitored for compliance. I have to say that even if my insurance wasn't paying for it, I would purchase it outright. I love it that much! I have tried putting the mask back on after taking it off during the night, without hitting the ramp button again, and it air flow is too intense for me. Last night I had a really good sleep. Maybe because I did not have a nap yesterday. I will be interested to see my numbers when they come up this AM. My throat feels a little dry though. So far I have resisted using the heated option. My insurance company sees it as a luxury, so I didn't want to become accustomed to it. My brother swears by his - says he can't sleep without the heat.
I ended up with an AHI of 1.1 for the night last night.
That is great! First, your doctor should NOT tell to not change things on the top level menu. As you move forward and experiment with the top level settings, you will figure out what works and what doesn't. I am not sure a DME can change these settings remotely anyway. Change your ramp time to whatever makes you comfortable. How long does it take to fall asleep? If it is 5 minutes, it makes NO sense to have ramp time at 45 minutes. As far as "heat"; almost ALL machines have heat. You can set your humidification level; I have mine set to 3 and the heat setting is also user control-able and your insurance doesn't care a lick. I think what you are confusing is that the tank has a heater and some units come with heated tubes. The heated tube obviously costs a bit more so an insurance company may specify only the non-heated tube but you can still change the heat option on your upper level menu. Look at your air tube... a heated tube will have electrical prongs and nest into your unit which WILL have the facility to accept them. A non-heated tube is just a piece of plastic hard tube on the end and it press-fits into the same opening without using the electrical connection. I have had both and can't tell the difference and don't use the heat in my tank either but I am very non-sensitive to such things.
Thanks for the information. I am just getting used to it all. My NP who is working with the sleep doc is the one who told me to have the DME folks change it. I totally agree with the fact that if I don't need 45 minutes to fall asleep, I need a re-set to less time. I didn't know that I could used the heated humidifier with a regular tube. I thought it had to be the heated kind of tube. The DME left me a heated tube, but that was only because that was all she had with her that day. I live in a rural area and she came to me. I asked her to turn off the heated air function on the machine, and she did it while she was at my home. My reasoning was why get used to heated air if my next tube wouldn't support it. I am surprised she didn't correct me.
The humidifier tub of water is heated using the setting on the top level menu and the level of humidification is also set. Turn heat on and off with the top level menu and turn humidity levels from 1 to 8. The heated tube is another function and I think the tube heats IF you have the kind that is heated. I have both and honestly can't tell a lick of difference but I am very non-sensitive to this sort of thing. I use level 3 humidity but have turned it off and feel no difference. I tried level 8 and found it WET... that I could feel. I over-filled the water tank once to see what would happen and after about 10 seconds my mask was FULL of water.
New here. My wife complained about snoring for a while. And I started to realize I wasn't having dreams like I should, and didn't really enjoy sleeping that much. (my mother had congestive heart failure, and surely had sleep apnea, in her 70's and overweight. And a heavy 50's smoker. She quit with her first heart attack, but it was too late. Smoking killed both my parents. She had 5 heart attacks, and told me if she knew her future - she would have rather not survived the first one!) Suspecting SA, I was tested in my mid 50's? I'm also overweight (now 255). I took to the machine right away. Now, I can't really sleep without it. I like sleeping more than before, and am fine with 6-7hrs. I started out at 8cm pressure, and am now at 11, ~13 years later. I'm now late 60's, and otherwise in good health. My son has been gaining weight, and also has a cpap - which allows his wife to sleep, too! I was hoping the machine would improve my life. I'd lose weight, and be happier. That happened, some. For a while. In that respect, it wasn't the miracle I had hoped it would be. I gained 25# with a new hip, and another 25 with a broken leg. I do advise against sleep center tests, if they still do that. Mine was done at a hospital with a 'special quiet wing'. It's always noisier, and different from home. (maybe bring ear plugs and your own pillow?). The last test was done at home, with an air card. That was much better! But onsite, they do tell you to sleep on each side, and your back, to see where the mask works best.
Hello. I was recently diagnosed with OSA. My doctor said I was the second worst case he’s seen in his career. I started with a CPAP at the end of October and currently doing an auto titration test. I go back December 11 to review results with my doctor. I feel somewhat better so far. I guess it will be a gradual improvement over time.
Paul
Sorry... didn't see this topic right away....
https://myapnea.org/forum/new-to-this-forum-greetings-from-northern-canada
Hello. Name is Francis Douglas Williams -- don't blame the length on me. My great grandmother named me after her father, Francis Douglass. People who know me refer to me as Douglas. I've been on c-pap for 12 plus years, after re entering the real world. Until "they" changed my machine two + years ago I swore by c-pap for sleep apnea treatment. The new machine requires different masks and has different settings. I have not had a good night's sleep since I began using it. Undergoing the time consuming effort to correct issues. Oh, I'm 77, born and raised in East Boston, currently living out in the boondocks to keep the wife. I am a world renowned nothing. Worked as an Industrial Engineer until I found computers and became a systems analyst and designer. Enjoy reading, very much and loved travelling until my mental challenges prevented me from even being in a moving vehicle (any moving vehicle, though I don't do too badly with a riding lawn mower since I have some hearty trees I can come to rest against when my brain decides it doesn't want to do what I want it to do!).
