Severe sleep apnoea.. starting CPAP

LunaTheCat · 2023-08-26T10:19:28+00:00

I have just been diagnosed with severe sleep apnoea. I picked up a CPAP machine yesterday. I had an interesting night with it last night.. started blowing out cold air. Fixed the seal on my nasal mask this afternoon so hoping that tonight will be lots better. Any other CPAPers around who can give me any tips on this journey would be appreciated.

dementedpixie · 26/08/2023 11:28

Getting the right mask helps
Dh had to experiment until he got a style that suited. It gave him a dry mouth so he got a humidifier that attaches to the machine and bought himself xylimelts that you put in your mouth when using the CPAP.
It has helped him hugely and also stopped him snoring which benefitted me too.

Indil · 26/08/2023 13:24

I second the advise from demented Pixie. I found ‘Cpap reviews’ on YouTube to be really helpful too. A fleece cover for the tube was particularly useful in winter as it stopped rainout and meant when I rolled over and touched the tube it wasn’t cold but cosy so it didn’t wake me. Good luck.

Judashascomeintosomemoney · 26/08/2023 13:29

Not me but my DH uses a CPAP after having a brain tumour removed via his nasal passage - 😬. Anyway, the major issue he has found is it gives him dry eyes and some swelling under his eyes when using the full mask. He’s just about to try using the one that goes directly over the nose only. He has also found it was definitely worth getting a shaped CPAP pillow too. We got one from Putnams, a bit spendy but worth it for comfort and a good nights sleep

dementedpixie · 26/08/2023 15:32

This is the one dh currently has.

Konyeshno · 26/08/2023 15:39

It takes at least a month to get used to properly. Try keeping it on for an hour the first night and gradually increase. You'll get to a point where you won't be able to sleep without it, even if it doesn't feel like it! The silicon on the face mask gives me a rash so I buy liners and other accessories from www.padacheek.com they're mad by a lady who is a cpap user and they're fab. Postage can be spendy as it comes from USA, but ones available here don't match up
Don't forget that if you're flying anywhere the CPAP is a medical accessory so it can't be counted as luggage. Just pop your NHS letter saying you need CPAP in the carry case as proof and you're sorted.

Konyeshno · 26/08/2023 15:40

*feel like it now.

Cazzovuoi · 26/08/2023 15:44

DH has one because of his oesophageal anatomy.

The sleep doctor recommended mouth tape to help the function of the CPAP and reduce dry mouth. A little bit in the centre of the lips is enough.

His machine has a built in humidifier which helps too.

It took him a few nights to get used to the tape but he’s flying now. Snoring is completely stopped.

SM4713 · 26/08/2023 15:58

DH got one about a year ago. His was given to him from the respiratory team at the hospital- so he had no choice in brand/mask etc. They measured his face for the mask and provided all the kit. He did, however, ask for a humidified one because his mouth used to always dry out before using one. It took him a few weeks to get used to it. Sometimes he wake with it whistling and not fitting properly and had to readjust it.

I've had to wear earplugs for years due to his snoring. The machine is absolutely silent. He very rarely naps in the day now, feels rested and has lost 10kg due to having more energy!

One thing to think about in the future- is have a spare mask and tube set. DH's mask has recently split, so its being held together with tape! He has rung the respiratory clinic- which goes to answer phone and says to email them. He has done this- and 2 weeks on- not heard a thing! So ask for a spare set BEFORE it breaks.

dementedpixie · 26/08/2023 16:02

SM4713 · 26/08/2023 15:58

DH got one about a year ago. His was given to him from the respiratory team at the hospital- so he had no choice in brand/mask etc. They measured his face for the mask and provided all the kit. He did, however, ask for a humidified one because his mouth used to always dry out before using one. It took him a few weeks to get used to it. Sometimes he wake with it whistling and not fitting properly and had to readjust it.

I've had to wear earplugs for years due to his snoring. The machine is absolutely silent. He very rarely naps in the day now, feels rested and has lost 10kg due to having more energy!

One thing to think about in the future- is have a spare mask and tube set. DH's mask has recently split, so its being held together with tape! He has rung the respiratory clinic- which goes to answer phone and says to email them. He has done this- and 2 weeks on- not heard a thing! So ask for a spare set BEFORE it breaks.

My dh also has his through the hospital respiratory team. He has worked with them to get the right mask. He has to leave a message to order a new mask every 5-6months as the velcro stops working or the mask breaks.

Original poster

LunaTheCat · 26/08/2023 19:13

Thank you everyone… I realised that the cold air was because I mouth breathe so breathing through nose helped!
Last night I slept like a log… woke before alarm! Feel so rested! After one night such a difference. So so happy!
I paid for machine and sleep study… lucky to be able to do that.
I wouldn’t have even got a sleep test via public system as I didn’t score high enough on Epworth score but my sleep study showed that I had more than 50 apnoeas per hour… machine told me I had 1.9 per hour last night.

OP posts:

MrsFairweather · 26/08/2023 19:37

@LunaTheCat Who did you go through for your sleep study? DH tells me I have sleep apnea and he is always waiting for me to take a breath. I certainly snore extremely loudly!

Original poster

LunaTheCat · 26/08/2023 20:29

MrsFairweather
I am in New Zealand.
My sleep study and appointment after cost £250 approx. CPAP Machine was £1000 approx
Need to go somewhere reputable- study needs review by specialist sleep medicine or respiratory physiologist.
Of you snore and have witnessed apnoea very likely to be sleep apnoea.

OP posts: