Sleep apnea

[tatorhog]

Originally Posted by BWillie

Isn't all sleep apnea is about is sleeping on your back and having a double chin?

for the common dumbass, this is true

[ptlyon]

Originally Posted by BWillie

Isn't all sleep apnea is about is sleeping on your back and having a double chin?

Not totally. That can be the issue, but real sleep apnea is where your brain stops telling your respiratory system to keep breathing in a deep sleep. So you stop breathing and eventually your body goes, hey man, I'm not getting oxygen! You then wake up enough out of deep rem to start breathing again, but then you've interrupted your rem sleep. You may wake up gasping and realize or you may not. Lack of sleep, lack of oxygen, all takes a toll on your body. Heart rate, etc.

[Monticore]

Originally Posted by BWillie

Isn't all sleep apnea is about is sleeping on your back and having a double chin?

all body habitus can be affected.

Monti

[Lex Luthor]

Originally Posted by BWillie

Isn't all sleep apnea is about is sleeping on your back and having a double chin?

Nope. Obesity can make it worse, but even skinny people can have sleep apnea.

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by Lex Luthor

Nope. Obesity can make it worse, but even skinny people can have sleep apnea.

While skinny people can absolutely have sleep apnea, the most common cause IS obesity. Being over-weight is heavily correlated with sleep apnea. I'd bet 75%+ in this thread with sleep apnea are overweight.

[Abba-Dabba]

Originally Posted by lewdog

While skinny people can absolutely have sleep apnea, the most common cause IS obesity. Being over-weight is heavily correlated with sleep apnea. I'd bet 75%+ in this thread with sleep apnea are overweight.

Absolutely agree.

If you are over weight and your physician does not stress the importance of losing weight. Find another doctor. Losing weight may not let the symptoms of sleep apnea go away for everyone, but it will more than likely lessen the symptoms of sleep apnea.

What is the worst that could come out of it any way. A person could lose some weight.

[Frosty]

I didn't think I would ever be able to sleep with something strapped to my face. I really struggled with masks, too. They frequently leaked and blew air into my eyes. I would sleep for a couple of hours and pull the mask off during the night.

I finally found a mask that worked for me (a nasal pillow) and it makes a huge difference. Plus, the wife is happier because I don't snore when I keep it on. So my main advice is to keep trying masks 'til you get one that works for you instead of just assuming that you can't sleep with a mask on.

Also, if you settle on a nasal pillow (you have to be able to sleep with your mouth closed or they don't work), use some lanolin cream (sold as nipple cream in the baby aisle) on your nostrils to make a better seal and keep them from getting raw. I've also started using a little vasoline because the air blowing out of the mask was reflecting off my pillow back into my face and was making my lips chapped.

[tatorhog]

Originally Posted by Frosty

I didn't think I would ever be able to sleep with something strapped to my face. I really struggled with masks, too. They frequently leaked and blew air into my eyes. I would sleep for a couple of hours and pull the mask off during the night.

I finally found a mask that worked for me (a nasal pillow) and it makes a huge difference. Plus, the wife is happier because I don't snore when I keep it on. So my main advice is to keep trying masks 'til you get one that works for you instead of just assuming that you can't sleep with a mask on.

Also, if you settle on a nasal pillow (you have to be able to sleep with your mouth closed or they don't work), use some lanolin cream (sold as nipple cream in the baby aisle) on your nostrils to make a better seal and keep them from getting raw. I've also started using a little vasoline because the air blowing out of the mask was reflecting off my pillow back into my face and was making my lips chapped.

When you were cycling through the different CPAP options, did the provider have a try it then buy it option? or did you/insurance get billed throughout the selection process?

[Frosty]

Originally Posted by tatorhog

When you were cycling through the different CPAP options, did the provider have a try it then buy it option? or did you/insurance get billed throughout the selection process?

I think the first time I changed, it was a freebie. After that I had to wait 6 months to get a different mask for the insurance to pay for it.

[ptlyon]

Originally Posted by tatorhog

When you were cycling through the different CPAP options, did the provider have a try it then buy it option? or did you/insurance get billed throughout the selection process?

During your testing they will give you options and you can test them. May take a few nights.

[O.city]

Before you go to a CPAP, try to find a legitimate sleep dentist. A lot of times it can be helped with different types of "nightguards" that are a lot easier to wear.

[tatorhog]

Originally Posted by O.city

Before you go to a CPAP, try to find a legitimate sleep dentist. A lot of times it can be helped with different types of "nightguards" that are a lot easier to wear.

I kind of wondered about this. Hadn't considered the dentist route though. I may give him a call and see if he has some input. Now that you say that, I do think he has a focus on that, actually.

[O.city]

Originally Posted by tatorhog

I kind of wondered about this. Hadn't considered the dentist route though. I may give him a call and see if he has some input. Now that you say that, I do think he has a focus on that, actually.

Changing jaw position can open airway and help a lot. Check it out, can't hurt.

[tatorhog]

Originally Posted by O.city

Changing jaw position can open airway and help a lot. Check it out, can't hurt.

I had tried different pillows, etc. very minimal differences, but the jaw makes sense. I'm definitely going to call my toof doc to see what he says. If I'm wrong and he doesn't have a focus on apnea, I may be shopping for one in the NEK area.

[O.city]

Originally Posted by tatorhog

I had tried different pillows, etc. very minimal differences, but the jaw makes sense. I'm definitely going to call my toof doc to see what he says. If I'm wrong and he doesn't have a focus on apnea, I may be shopping for one in the NEK area.

I don't know that I really know anyone in that area. I will check with a buddy that's in KC and see if he knows anyone out there that does sleep dentistry. It's kind of a niche thing.