Sleep apnea

**Russ** · 14-10-2008, 15:39

I've just been diagnosed with it and my doctor says I'll be getting a nasal mask which blows oxygen down my throat when I sleep to stop the problem.

Does anyone have any experience with these masks?

DaiNasty · 14-10-2008, 16:04

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continu...irway_pressure

Most interesting. So in effect you stop breathing at random intervals when you fall asleep. That's rather scary. I hope the mask thing will work for you.

14-10-2008, 16:04

I know Billy Connoly uses one but thats as far as it goes. You must get it quite bad to have that. I went to the doc with it when I was a lot bigger and all he said was lose weight

**Russ** · 14-10-2008, 16:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaiNasty

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continu...irway_pressure

Most interesting. So in effect you stop breathing at random intervals when you fall asleep. That's rather scary. I hope the mask thing will work for you.

That's exactly what it is - my throat muscles are loose and when I sleep they relax to the point that they block my airways so I stop breathing for about 20 to 30 seconds. It's not dangerous as our brains will make sure we force a breath through but it does mean I snore like a trumpet and when I wake up I'm totally knackard.

Angua · 14-10-2008, 16:12

They may start you off with one of the discrete nose ones but if things do not improve you may be put on the full Darth Vader job (well that's what my friend calls hers

). She has noticed a slight improvement but she suffers from loads of other problems as well. The other thing to be sure of is only using one pillow as this allows the airways to be more open.

14-10-2008, 16:14

Scary.

Quote:

How Serious is Sleep Apnea?

If left untreated, sleep apnoea can be potentially life threatening.
The main risks include:
Heart attacks
Irregular heart beat
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Strokes

Other known side-effects of sleep apnea are impotency and depression. (Well, I guess that's enough to make you depressed)

In addition, as sleep apnea causes daytime sleepiness, there is also a greater risk of accidents in the home, work or at leisure, caused by a loss of concentration and tiredness.

Important notes on driving:
It is especially important for anyone diagnosed with sleep apnea not to drive for any lengthy periods, or to drive at all when feeling tired. Your doctor or specialist must by law (and ethically) inform the DVLA about your condition. If it is severe, your driving licence is usually suspended. If you get treatment and this is working to the satisfaction of your specialist, you can apply for your licence back.

demented · 14-10-2008, 16:25

I know someone who has one, the "full darth vader job". It works but she regards it as a nuisance as it can interfere with other aspects of sleep and has to lug it around, everytime she stays anywhere else, on public transport. Best of luck on the driving licence, you may have problems there as enuff says.

**Russ** · 14-10-2008, 16:40

I have to say in all honesty it has never affected my driving

14-10-2008, 16:43

I take it you sleep on your back russ?

TheDaddy · 14-10-2008, 16:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Angua

They may start you off with one of the discrete nose ones but if things do not improve you may be put on the full Darth Vader job (well that's what my friend calls hers

). She has noticed a slight improvement but she suffers from loads of other problems as well. The other thing to be sure of is only using one pillow as this allows the airways to be more open.

Yes my mother uses the full face bi pap not for apnea though, don't know how you'd sleep whilst wearing it tbh and the marks it leaves on your face take hours to fade.

---------- Post added at 16:53 ---------- Previous post was at 16:51 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ B

That's exactly what it is - my throat muscles are loose and when I sleep they relax to the point that they block my airways so I stop breathing for about 20 to 30 seconds. It's not dangerous as our brains will make sure we force a breath through but it does mean I snore like a trumpet and when I wake up I'm totally knackard.

I used to suffer with it, you ever wake your self up taking a breath? It was much worse when I smoked and since me and the wife split up I don't think it's happend at all, possibly due to me having a harder bed now or only using one pillow

**Russ** · 14-10-2008, 16:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enuff

I take it you sleep on your back russ?

No on my front. In fact I can only fall asleep on my front.

Taf · 14-10-2008, 18:03

My missus had it, was about to get the night mask, but lost a lot of weight and the problem stopped.

laptopsrd · 14-10-2008, 18:19

Russ,

I've suffered with apnea for about 7 years, and have used it every day since then. Despite the inconvenience of the unit having to go with me when I stay other places its never been a problem. And the alternative to NOT using it doesnt bear thinking about. PM me if you want to talk more about my experiences.

Steve

PS Driving shouldnt be an issue, never was for me and my experience with DVLA was fine.

14-10-2008, 18:22

How do you know if you have it?
I snore like an aqualung and wake up every morning with a sore throat and feeling like I've been awake all night. I just put it down to, well, being a snorer?

laptopsrd · 14-10-2008, 18:39

I went to see the doc after my g/f at the time said she was a bit worried as i stopped breathing during the night. went to see him.. he referred me to the sleep clinic. Did an overnight observation of me and that was it. "you need this".

Might be worth just visiting the doc, as that all i put it down do until the gf said she was concerned.