C-PAP

Well i've gone for my 2nd sleep test since dropping 200lbs... and while i have less apneas, my C-PAP setting has been raised from 8 PSI to 9 PSI. holy moly, i never expected that. i was hoping i'd be able to sleep without the scuba gear as it aint too sexy. anyone else lost a substantial amount of weight and found they still had sleep apnea?

I'm not sure if i still have it, but 30 pounds ago i had it and was at a setting of 7. If i try to use it now at that setting it's too strong and i always throw it off in the night. I'm hoping it's gone though , as i don't use it anymore. That's weird that your setting went up . My pulmonologist said in some cases sleep apnea is genetic, hopefully you wont be stuck with it too much longer. Hugs Linda

7 seems light to me. 8 years ago i was at 14! (turned out it was due to mask leakage and once corrected they lowered me to 8). If i was you i'd keep using it unless told you no longer have apneas. It is hard to get used to but after two or three weeks of constant use i stopped taking it off in the middle of the night and wound up sleeping better with it than without it. And it's DANGEROUS to sleep without it if you still have apneas. Very dangerous.

Yeah 7 is light, but i started at 12 when i was diagnosed a month and a half AFTER surgery. I'm scheduling a sleep study soon so i can make sure i need it or need it adjusted. I didn't mind using it after i got used to it, but now it takes my breath away. Hopefully it's gone, but i'm gonna make sure and not assume. Hey isn't it that if you can sleep deep enough to dream that you don't have apnea? Just something i heard, not sure if it's true. Hugs Linda

DEFINITELY NOT TRUE. as a matter of fact i only remember dreams if i wake up during them and as apneas awaken you, it might be that remembering your dreams is actually a sign of apnea.

Jay, I went for a sleep study 2 weeks ago thinking I could get rid of the darn thing ( so darn sexy with my bite guard to boot!) ...Well....I went from 6 to 8....go figure...I have lost 125 lbs ...I am so mad...lol....I think I might be stuck with that damn thing forever...lol... Maria

Jay, I haven't gotten rid of mine either with a 96 lb weight loss. The pressure did go down from 18 to 12. I was using a bipap and am now able to use an autopap. My sleep doc let me have the autopap to avoid having repeat sleep studies. It some how notices the apneas and the pressure needed to stop them. The sleep doc said that he couldn't guarentee that I'd lose the apnea and I'm sure I had it at 150 lbs. I need to take the card to be read, to actually see what's happening. Now, this is just question. I'm involved in starting an AWAKE group (Apnea support) would it be beneficial to have one of the docs speak on weight loss and apnea? It will be a Detroit area group, meeting first at Old Hutzel Hospital in May. the location of the meetings may be rotated. Jeanne

i'd like to get an APAP also and will request that when the med supply company calls to schedule my delivery of new equipment. i believe my meds have something to do with the apnea and i'd like the APAP so that's it's adjusted when i stop taking the medications. Last time i requested all top of the line equipment and they had no problem getting it covered so i hope the same will happen this time. I want one of those Resmed Mirage Swift masks (using the mirage activa now) and an S8 Autoset Vantage APAP with the built in humidifier (using the S7 Elite w/built in humidifier now). what do you use?

Jay, I use a Respironics Series M with a built in humidifier. And a F&P 407 mask. I had to stop using my Swift with the autopap for some reason. I have been promised one of the new masks from Respironics to try. It is a nasal interface, that covers the mouth and has a built in chin strap.

Can I join since I no longer see you at Kroger...lol you look great Maria