CTmom Posted June 5, 2013 Share Posted June 5, 2013 My husband was diagnosed with sleep apnea and started using a cpap machine but found it very uncomfortable and has stopped, but it seems so dangerous to be untreated and I am concerned. Has anyone used oral appliances? I am thinking of getting him to a sleep dentist in the area - thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I talk to the trees Posted June 5, 2013 Share Posted June 5, 2013 Dh tried the oral appliance first, but it did not work at.all. And he found it to be very, very uncomfortable. Has your dh tried the nose pillows instead of a mask? My dh says they are much more comfortable, so that's something you might want to check into. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itsheresomewhere Posted June 5, 2013 Share Posted June 5, 2013 If he has moderate to severe sleep apnea, then those appliances will not work. He needs to go back to the doctor and have them try different masks on him. DH uses the full face mask and we tried several to find one that he liked. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted June 5, 2013 Share Posted June 5, 2013 It would be worth his while to make the CPAP work for him, such as trying different masks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amo_mea_filiis. Posted June 5, 2013 Share Posted June 5, 2013 The beginning of CPAP life stinks! Check out cpaptalk.com They can be a bit harsh, but they really know their stuff. You can post specifically what he's having problems with and they'll tell you how to fix it. It could also help using a respiratory therapist who has sleep apnea. They better understand the problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer Posted June 6, 2013 Share Posted June 6, 2013 I use the nasal pillows and they are awesome! It took a couple of months to get used to the whole setup, though. Jennifer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlmiraGulch Posted June 6, 2013 Share Posted June 6, 2013 My husband uses a mask that just goes over his nose. The guy who fitted him uses a full face mask. Like others have said, there are so many different types of masks that he can find one he'll be comfortable with if he gives it time. Apnea is a serious medical condition. Ask him if he had diabetes would he take the insulin shots? If he had cancer, would he do the chemo? Same thing. He can die from it if it's left untreated, not to mention the poor quality of life from lack of restful sleep. Please encourage him to keep trying. The mouthpieces, from everything I've read, won't work unless his apnea is very mild. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kewb Posted June 6, 2013 Share Posted June 6, 2013 My dh uses the nose pillows. Your dh has to stick it out and try different masks until he finds what works best for him. It is in his best interests to use the cpap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CTmom Posted June 6, 2013 Author Share Posted June 6, 2013 thanks everyone. I will get him to go back and change the masks and get him to continue to use it. for those who use it, is this a life long thing? or will it go away with reducing the weight and strengthening the palate exercises? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fourcatmom Posted June 6, 2013 Share Posted June 6, 2013 I suffer from severe sleep apnea and have failed at both. I need to try to oral appliance more but it is really uncomfortable. The CPAP made me sick to my stomach and bloated beyond belief. They Dr. finally took it back. My SA was about 15 times an hour for up to 50 seconds at a time. I am always tired! I wish there were more options but all the CPAP's made me sick, even at the facility they sent me home due to sickness from it at 3 in the morning when I went in to the trial run for it. I hope he finds something that works for him because going un-treated is not a great option, trust me. I really should be better with my appliance and keep trying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gracesteacher Posted June 6, 2013 Share Posted June 6, 2013 Fourcat Have they tried u on bi level pressure? Or have u practice breathing with it while awake? Sounds like u r getting to much air in your belly from not breathing right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HRAAB Posted June 6, 2013 Share Posted June 6, 2013 It took my dh probably about two months to get used to the CPAP. (He thought about an oral appliance, but his ins. didn't cover it.) The CPAP was uncomfortable, made him feel claustrophobic and was quite a struggle for him at first, but he kept at it. He's been using it regularly for almost a year, and it has made a huge difference. He feels much better, is more rested in the morning, and his snoring doesn't keep me awake all night. He did get refitted with a different mask (not the full face kind) but he didn't like that one either. He's using the full face one with these things called RIMZ's (???) do stop leakage. It took some time, but it was definitely worth it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itsheresomewhere Posted June 6, 2013 Share Posted June 6, 2013 Fourcat, That sounds like they have the pressure too high. Did they let you try bi-pap? Sometimes they can get the insurance to pay for a overnight at the clinic for difficult to fit patients. That way they can really help you get the proper fit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenn121 Posted June 6, 2013 Share Posted June 6, 2013 I have been using mine for about 9 months. I have tried 4-5 different masks. The other thing that helped me is the attached humidifier. I am a mouth breather and I need to have the humidifier or my nasal passages get so dry they bleed. Perseverance is the name of the game with CPAP. I still wake up occasionally with my mask on the pillow next to me. LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fourcatmom Posted June 6, 2013 Share Posted June 6, 2013 Fourcat Have they tried u on bi level pressure? Or have u practice breathing with it while awake? Sounds like u r getting to much air in your belly from not breathing right. No, I have never heard of that. Yes, way too much air. I usually breathe with my mouth open now due to lung problems and for some reason it just doesn't work with me. I was so bloated that the button on my pants, was at my sides when i tried to get dressed one morning and it didn't go away quickly. :confused1: And, yes I even tried when I was awake. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fourcatmom Posted June 6, 2013 Share Posted June 6, 2013 I have been using mine for about 9 months. I have tried 4-5 different masks. The other thing that helped me is the attached humidifier. I am a mouth breather and I need to have the humidifier or my nasal passages get so dry they bleed. Perseverance is the name of the game with CPAP. I still wake up occasionally with my mask on the pillow next to me. LOL If you are a mouth breather why doesn't it make you take in too much air? I always assumed it was because I couldn't keep my mouth shut that I was taking in to much air in my stomach. And, I tried several types of masks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gracesteacher Posted June 6, 2013 Share Posted June 6, 2013 What is going on with your lungs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fourcatmom Posted June 6, 2013 Share Posted June 6, 2013 What is going on with your lungs? Well, I don't know exactly. Restrictive Lung Disease for starters but they just did 8 biopsies last week to try and get more info. Came on after 2nd bout of WC in two years (2010 and 2011). My lung volume seems to fall somewhere between 59% and 61%, down from 71% last March. Sorry, OP I am not trying to hijack this thread - I hope you get some answers that will help. This isn't talked about too much so it's nice to revisit it sometimes and see if there are things that change for people. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenn121 Posted June 6, 2013 Share Posted June 6, 2013 If you are a mouth breather why doesn't it make you take in too much air? I always assumed it was because I couldn't keep my mouth shut that I was taking in to much air in my stomach. And, I tried several types of masks. Not sure. It could be happening but It does not bother me, I guess. So sorry. When we had our sleep apnea "class" they mentioned that in some cases surgery can be performed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenn121 Posted June 6, 2013 Share Posted June 6, 2013 Well, I don't know exactly. Restrictive Lung Disease for starters but they just did 8 biopsies last week to try and get more info. Came on after 2nd bout of WC in two years (2010 and 2011). My lung volume seems to fall somewhere between 59% and 61%, down from 71% last March. Sorry, OP I am not trying to hijack this thread - I hope you get some answers that will help. This isn't talked about too much so it's nice to revisit it sometimes and see if there are things that change for people. I wonder if they need to reprogram the sleep apnea machine to match your restricted lung capacity. If it is working based on full lung capacity that might explain why the excess air ends up in your tummy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted June 6, 2013 Share Posted June 6, 2013 I suffer from severe sleep apnea and have failed at both. I need to try to oral appliance more but it is really uncomfortable. The CPAP made me sick to my stomach and bloated beyond belief. They Dr. finally took it back. My SA was about 15 times an hour for up to 50 seconds at a time. I am always tired! I wish there were more options but all the CPAP's made me sick, even at the facility they sent me home due to sickness from it at 3 in the morning when I went in to the trial run for it. I hope he finds something that works for him because going un-treated is not a great option, trust me. I really should be better with my appliance and keep trying. :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gracesteacher Posted June 6, 2013 Share Posted June 6, 2013 Fourcat you are some one who needs bi level support and if u need to breath orally u need a fullface. It is possible due to your lung issues you need ASV. Please continue to work on finding something that works For all new patience I always say if breathing is hard for whatever the reason sit and hold mask to you face and watch tv. One u are comfortable with that turn air on and breathe. One u can do that comfortable (it may take days/weeks) then strap to face and watch tv and leave on as long as you can till you work your way up to all night Masks can be changd out with in first 90 days just calll them dme . If it isn't working after 61days tell dr you want to have a pap nap or another study in lab to make sure you are at the right pressure the mask is correct style or they can change you to bi level support. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davysmom Posted June 6, 2013 Share Posted June 6, 2013 I could not handle the CPAP, but I am very happy with my BiPAP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fourcatmom Posted June 6, 2013 Share Posted June 6, 2013 I wonder if they need to reprogram the sleep apnea machine to match your restricted lung capacity. If it is working based on full lung capacity that might explain why the excess air ends up in your tummy. That's a really good point! Never even thought of it. Thanks for all the advice from everyone! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tex-mex Posted June 6, 2013 Share Posted June 6, 2013 I use the nasal pillows and they are awesome! It took a couple of months to get used to the whole setup, though. Jennifer :iagree: :iagree: :iagree: Hubby has severe sleep apnea (20+ events an hour) and he loves the nasal "pillows" -- he hated the ordinary face mask that was issued to him in the beginning. He now gets a full night's rest and the machine really helps!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CTmom Posted June 6, 2013 Author Share Posted June 6, 2013 Sorry, OP I am not trying to hijack this thread - I hope you get some answers that will help. This isn't talked about too much so it's nice to revisit it sometimes and see if there are things that change for people. of course not, the more we all learn about it the better we will be able to help our loved ones or ourselves. For the twenty plus years that we were married, he snored, but I am a heavy sleeper and we just didnt bother to get it diagnosed until last year when he was really getting tired and couldnt sleep. So we have a lot to learn too... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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