CPAP for Snoring - does it work?

[Nevertoolate14]

I give up. Tried everything and my snoring getting worse if anything. Tried every remedy on MN and Google combined and spent a fortune!

Why is it getting worse? I’m in pre-menopause for sure.. does that make snoring worse?

Last port of call, the GP.

For those who went to their GP for a sleep analysis referral, were results shared with DVLA? I’m really worried about this because I absolutely need my car for work and kids as we’re rural.

I know I have no choice at this point but to risk having my license suspended even though I’m (somehow?!) not excessively tired with long waiting lists for referrals and potential treatment terrifies me!

Wondering has anyone been through the process and can offer any reassurance in that regard?

How does the snoring affect you ?
Me and DH went for separate rooms as he wouldn’t do anything about it.

I was referred and have a CPAP and it has changed our lives. I say ‘our’ because obviously my snoring was impacting my DH too.

I feel so much better. I wake up refreshed and I no longer need to sleep during the day.

I have not been asked/told at any point that I have to notify then DVLA but you go get asked some questions and scored so that may depend on your score. I think
its called the Epley sleep scale so may be worth googling.

Sorry, it’s the Epworth sleep scale.

Here is a DVLA link
DVLA

Mine is considered mild so therefore not reportable.

It’s definitely worth getting your sleep analysed. DH snored very badly and used to stop breathing for up to 30 seconds at a time - absolutely terrifying to see.

His CPAP has been a godsend. He was told that he only needed to notify DVLA if he was also diagnosed with excessive sleepiness, which thankfully he didn’t have.

The Sleep Apnoea Trust have loads of information about whether you need to report to the DVLA, so it might be worth checking with them.

@Nevertoolate14 I was worried too, but the amazing NHS has given me CPAP, and no more snoring!
The DVLA only need to knowing you are excessively sleepy - ie get so tired you could fall asleep sitting/driving.
inhave mild - moderate apnea and it wasn’t reported because I’m fine in the day

My DH has had one for a few years now and drives as part of his job. It’s a bloody godsend. It sounds like soft waves and lulls me off to sleep. I suffer from chronic pain so sleep much better. DH was getting headaches and it really helped him.

I get sleepy in the day due to sleep apnea but never when I drive. I've never been told I had to report it.

The DVLA only need to knowing you are excessively sleepy - ie get so tired you could fall asleep sitting/driving

DH has a CPap. The sleep clinic actually phoned him and said they noticed he hadn’t been wearing it as much (he had had an operation and it went over the incision and irritated it) and that, as his assessment showed he stopped breathing so much during the night, he could actually lose his licence if he didn’t wear it more! They never mentioned that it was down to if he felt tired or not.

Yes!! My husband has severe sleep apnea and used to snore very loudly, he doesn’t snore at all now.

I have one and it’s almost silent. DW can’t hear a thing, and it’s stopped my snoring completely. So we’re now sleeping together again.

You will only be reported for ‘excessive ‘ sleepiness. They will ask you how your driving is, how sleepy you feel m while driving

I think this must depend on where you are in the UK. I've never had excessive sleepiness during the day and never whilst driving/ at a laptop (as per the epworth scoring questions).

My licence is currently suspended whilst I wait for referral to get my CPAP. Haven't been able to drive since June and the waitlist means I won't be seen until April/ may! They contacted DVLA after my sleep study so this is definitely something to be aware of. You could speed the process up by going private if you can afford it.

My referral to study to appt to equipment was 2 months with NHS. About the same time as private.

The sleep study done privately isn’t expensive but I now have £1400 worth of Cpap machine at home, plus all the follow up care.

My consultant did say it was unusual to have licence suspended - usually for severe apnea and those driving for a living and that they prioritise those people.

they are very safe and effective.
they do make a noise though and if you sleep in the same room as someone else not everyone likes that noise.

if you are overweight, reducing your weight might help as well in the longer term.

I have just been diagnosed via the hospital. It is DVLA notifiable, but if you agree to treatment and keep up with hospital appointments DVLA are happy. It has transformed my life. I also live in the country and need my car for work, I wasn't driving for about 10 days which was awkward to say the least!!

DP has one and it's been life changing in so many ways. It just sounds like someone breathing, or quiet white noise. It doesn't affect my sleep at all, unlike his snoring which was horrific.

Hey,
Seeing an ENT doctor can help diagnose why you snore and solve the problem. Usually, you participate in a sleep study so the doctors can see how often you don’t breathe well. They will then let you know your sleep apnea severity level and what solutions are available to help you. Even though CPAP machines work well to stop snoring and other sleep apnea conditions, many do not use the machine as prescribed. Many individuals have stopped using their CPAP machines.