C-Pap machine. to use or not to use

[outlander]

I have to pee 2, sometimes 3 times a night, no sleep apnea. During my recent adventure in the hospital they continually monitored my oxygen blood saturation levels which never dropped below 96% awake or asleep.

 

[Jocko]

Mostly a giant scam, C-PAP machines. Human beings used to sleep with a rock for a pillow, a hide for a cover. Now…

 

[hollydolly]

Mostly a giant scam, C-PAP machines. Human beings used to sleep with a rock for a pillow, a hide for a cover. Now…

My first husband.. has extreme COPD... he would argue with you..if he had the breath to do it.. about C-Paps' not being needed.. without his he wouldn't be able to lie down to sleep... he would literally choke to death

 

[Harry Le Hermit]

Just a little confused... a CPAP and a BiPAP are both used for apnea... My mother was put on a BiPAP for her ALS... she used the machine to keep her alive..

So are we talking about 2 different machines, or just the CPAP, which I thought was the only machine they used for sleep apnea...

Yes, both are for sleep apnea. The CPAP is a continuous positive air pressure. However, above a certain level, exhaling can be a problem, hence the need for a Bi-level positive air pressure (Bi-PAP).

Mine is currently at 22/16. While numerically not seem to be a a huge difference, the volume of air at 22 is 2.5 times the volume at 16. The mask has to be worn uncomfortably tight.

There are different types of sleep apnea, as well. Central sleep apnea is where the brain forgets to tell you to inhale/exhale. Most people think of snoring and the obstructive sleep apnea.

Using either machine could lead to symptoms of central sleep apnea.

That's my 2¢ worth, so round it up or down to not worth a plugged nickel, or 0¢.

 

[MarciKS]

Just a little confused... a CPAP and a BiPAP are both used for apnea... My mother was put on a BiPAP for her ALS... she used the machine to keep her alive..

So are we talking about 2 different machines, or just the CPAP, which I thought was the only machine they used for sleep apnea...

The cpap is for milder cases. The Bipap is for more severe. It gives a little extra burst of air on the inhalation whereas the cpap does not.

 

[MarciKS]

Yes, both are for sleep apnea. The CPAP is a continuous positive air pressure. However, above a certain level, exhaling can be a problem, hence the need for a Bi-level positive air pressure (Bi-PAP).

Mine is currently at 22/16. While numerically not seem to be a a huge difference, the volume of air at 22 is 2.5 times the volume at 16. The mask has to be worn uncomfortably tight.

There are different types of sleep apnea, as well. Central sleep apnea is where the brain forgets to tell you to inhale/exhale. Most people think of snoring and the obstructive sleep apnea.

Using either machine could lead to symptoms of central sleep apnea.

That's my 2¢ worth, so round it up or down to not worth a plugged nickel, or 0¢.

I had both apneas beforehand.

 

[January]

The doctor ordered it because he said people who wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom usually it's because they have sleep apnea.

no comment on whether you personally need CPAP machine - but this seems really odd conclusion

 

[hollydolly]

The cpap is for milder cases. The Bipap is for more severe. It gives a little extra burst of air on the inhalation whereas the cpap does not.

perhaps it's the Bipap that my first husband has.. he literally gasps for breath at the slightest movement or action...

 

[MarciKS]

no comment on whether you personally need CPAP machine - but this seems really odd conclusion

I agree as I still go to the bathroom just as much with the cpap. I never heard of that when they did my sleep study.

 

[SueBee]

I can’t remember a night when I didn’t get up “to go”… I mentioned at my annual physical that I don’t sleep well and Dr suggested I take melatonin. I replied, one more pill to take with water before bed isn’t going to help my being able to sleep through the night! I don’t think I have apnea, just an overly busy brain that I can’t seem to shut off.

 

[That Lady in PA]

Human beings used to sleep with a rock for a pillow, a hide for a cover. Now…

So, back when the life expectancy was ~38 years.
Not relevant to today, with today's health issues.

 

[MACKTEXAS]

I can’t remember a night when I didn’t get up “to go”… I mentioned at my annual physical that I don’t sleep well and Dr suggested I take melatonin. I replied, one more pill to take with water before bed isn’t going to help my being able to sleep through the night! I don’t think I have apnea, just an overly busy brain that I can’t seem to shut off.

Did Melatonin help you sleep? It did nothing for me, but that's not to say it isn't good for some people.

 

[BeefStu]

I have been on CPAP for about six years now but not doing well with it at first. My first specialist was pretty much useless. After about two years of frustration I started researching on YouTube and between three different sites I have learned a lot and improved things some.
I'm not saying great, but improved. I actually shaved my beard that I have had for 52 years this morning to see if it will help the seal of my mask.
I have been very lucky as far as not having to get up through the night for bathroom trips for years now. I am on med for enlarged prostate and it is working quite well. Very rare for me to have to get up at night.

 

[hollydolly]

I have been on CPAP for about six years now but not doing well with it at first. My first specialist was pretty much useless. After about two years of frustration I started researching on YouTube and between three different sites I have learned a lot and improved things some.
I'm not saying great, but improved. I actually shaved my beard that I have had for 52 years this morning to see if it will help the seal of my mask.
I have been very lucky as far as not having to get up through the night for bathroom trips for years now. I am on med for enlarged prostate and it is working quite well. Very rare for me to have to get up at night.

you saing about enlarged prostate... the X husband I was referring to above..my dd.s father... is currently battling Prostate cancer as well...

hell for him because he lives on his own, no-one to help him... he's continuously being taken to hopsital...

It's terrible to watch because clearly when I was married to him he was a big strong, strapping, very convivial guy... he's a shadow of his former self now

 

[againstthegrain]

I have been on CPAP for about six years now but not doing well with it at first. My first specialist was pretty much useless. After about two years of frustration I started researching on YouTube and between three different sites I have learned a lot and improved things some.
I'm not saying great, but improved. I actually shaved my beard that I have had for 52 years this morning to see if it will help the seal of my mask.
I have been very lucky as far as not having to get up through the night for bathroom trips for years now. I am on med for enlarged prostate and it is working quite well. Very rare for me to have to get up at night.

Sleepy time? The collective experience is breathtaking and is a real resource not the crap that the "specialists" repeat w no real experience with using a machine.

 

[That Lady in PA]

Did Melatonin help you sleep? It did nothing for me, but that's not to say it isn't good for some people.

Melatonin only works if your body is deficient in melatonin. That is why it does not "work" for many!

 

[SueBee]

Did Melatonin help you sleep? It did nothing for me, but that's not to say it isn't good for some people.

It did nothing for me either, and I even doubled the dose one night. Nope, nothing.

 

[Teacher Terry]

At age 55 I had severe sleep apnea and had not had a dream in years and sometimes woke up at night, gasping for breath. if you aren’t sleeping deeply, you don’t dream. Immediately upon getting on the machine, my dreams came back. I have a very small mouth and airway and then I allowed myself to gain 50 pounds and that was the problem.

Five years ago, I got serious about my weight and lost the 50 pounds. My sleep apnea went away. However, the pulmonologist warned if I gained weight, it would come back, especially given that I have a small airway. I am so happy to no longer need to wear the CPAP machine.

However, when I needed it, it made all the difference in my life. I believe that person you talked to at the doctors office was wrong and that they will pay for the study whether you want a CPAP machine or not if you even need it.

 

[TeePee]

Brief ggl indicates BiPap used for both breathing issues and apnea, and CPAP just treats apnea.

At age 55 I had severe sleep apnea and had not had a dream in years and sometimes woke up at night, gasping for breath. if you aren’t sleeping deeply, you don’t dream. Immediately upon getting on the machine, my dreams came back. I have a very small mouth and airway and then I allowed myself to gain 50 pounds and that was the problem.

Five years ago, I got serious about my weight and lost the 50 pounds. My sleep apnea went away. However, the pulmonologist warned if I gained weight, it would come back, especially given that I have a small airway. I am so happy to no longer need to wear the CPAP machine.

However, when I needed it, it made all the difference in my life. I believe that person you talked to at the doctors office was wrong and that they will pay for the study whether you want a CPAP machine or not if you even need it.

I'll check it out myself with my insurance company. Thanks for your input.

 

[againstthegrain]

The benefit of CPAP machines is in reducing events, - apneas/hour - not how many trips to the bathroom one might make.

 

[LadyEmeraude]

Years ago, in my 40's I temporarily used a CPAP machine for mild sleep apnea.
I no longer use or have used one since. My significant other at the time had
chronic sleep apnea and he chose to not ever use one. I feel it would have given
him relief of his symptoms and at least helped him some.

 

[Lilac]

I found the extended release melatonin works for me where the other one doesn't. I wonder if some would have better luck with the extended release if they tried it?