Question:
Has anyone with sleep apnea not used the cpap like they should have?
I have severe sleep apnea and my surgeon is requiring me to use the CPAP 4 to 6 weeks before he will even submit to insurance for approval. Using nose pillows, VERY uncomfortable.Ihave been trying for two weeks and end up taking mask off after about 3 hours. I would like to know if there's anyone out there who didn't use CPAP like they should have and had no complications. I realize this is serious but I just can't use CPAP like I should and this seems to be the only thing holding up my surgery. — [Anonymous] (posted on January 11, 2002)
January 11, 2002
Hello,
I too am pre-op and was diagnosed with sleep apnea about 7 yrs ago due to
me having seizures in my sleep. They never told me the sleep apnea was
causing the seizures but did a sleep study anyways. I was diagnosed with
moderate severe sleep apnea and was given a CPAP machine. I used mine for
awhile and yes it is very uncomfortable. I would always drop my mouth open
and would have air going thru nose and mouth. Then I would wake up like I
was suffocating to death. I stopped using it years ago and haven't really
had any major problems that I know of. I'm not saying to use yours but
hopefully after you have your surgery, you won't have to use it very long
because my surgeon told me that with the weight loss will more than likely
get rid of the sleep apnea. Good luck.
— Jennifer G.
January 11, 2002
I never did tolerate the $#@ thing! My pressure was 17 and the bipap gave
me headaches, made acid refux and nasal drip terrible. I gave up after a
week and told my surgeon I couldnt do it. I had surgery without a problem,
my surgeon kept me monitored and on oxygen on a higher flow than normal.
This was a nice surprise. Good luck to you.
— bob-haller
January 11, 2002
You really need to use the machine--it could be a matter of life or death!
When you stop breathing, it's like an adrenaline rush in your body to start
breathing again; you could very easily suffer a stroke or heart attack in
your 'sleep.' You will really notice the benefits of the machine after
using it for about two-three weeks. I struggles with mine for a few nights
but after that I've been just fine. It's important that you buy a mask
that fits properly, maybe try a gel mask! You will look and feel much
better when your body has proper rest! Good luck and USE YOUR CPAP.
— [Anonymous]
January 11, 2002
i was diagnosed with sleep apnea 4 years ago. i have not spent one night or
naptime without it since. but i do have to say it took me quite a while to
get used to it & stop pulling the mask off in my sleep. now i worry
that if the time comes that i can stop using it, how will i sleep without
it? lololol.
— sheryl titone
January 11, 2002
I've been using mine for about 6 years and I don't know if I'll be able to
sleep without it. The key to using it, as far as I am concerned, is making
sure the mask fits right. If it isn't snug (not tight) and air can leak
around the mask, it is very uncomfortable. Also, if you wake up with your
mouth very dry, you are probably sleeping with your mouth open. Get a chin
strap to keep your mouth closed. I know it has helped me big time. Before
I started using it, I was so tired all the time. The first time I used it
all night I couldn't believe how much better I felt in the morning. If you
absolutely can't use it, don't hide that from your doctor. He needs to
know that, for your own good.
— [Anonymous]
January 11, 2002
I, too, really struggled in becoming able to tolerate it, but after a
couple weeks, I did adjust. My opinion would be for you to continue to try
to get used to it. Especially if not using it will slow down your WLS. I do
agree very much with the person who said whatever you chose, be honest with
your surgeon. I did feel SO much better once I began sleeping, really
sleeping with the C-pap. I was OFF my C-pap in short time after my surgery
& it was easier going OFF it than it was learning to go ON it! good
luck.
— Kathy W.
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