Sleep Apnea - nhs wait vs private cost?

[NameChange259]

Downloaded a sleep recording app so I could hear myself talking at night and instead can hear myself choking in my sleep with what I assume is Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

I had suspected this might be an issue and know losing weight would help but I’m absolutely exhausted (been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome). I’m also on tablets for hypertension. I’m now suspecting these might be related to OSA.

If I go through GP to sleep clinic etc what are the wait times like? Or is it worth going private?

My life is being severely impacted and it’s something I’d like to resolve asap. I think if I can resolve exhaustion I’d be more able to diet/exercise etc.

Have a look at Hope2sleep charity, they're on Facebook and are often asked this question.

I have fibro, had high blood pressure and was overweight. All have improved after I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnoea and use a machine.

Hi, I found an online company and paid for a test which was around £200. The CPAP machine was £600. I chose a silicone mask and heated tubing for comfort which cost about £150 and I replace these two pieces every three months. I think you can get cheaper options for these bits of equipment.

It is the best thing I have ever purchased. I used to wake up with a headache (felt like a hangover) every morning. I didn’t realise how tired I was until I used the machine. I no longer fall asleep on an evening. My memory is better, my mood has improved. My partner is not being woken up by my ‘noises’.

I have so much more energy and I’m not relying on sugar and caffeine to get me through the day.

This sounds really positive thank you!!

how noisy is the machine at night? Does it disturb your partner?

did you have to stop driving whilst you got diagnosed and fitted for a machine? The fatigue means I can’t work but I’m not a risk when driving as I can spend extra time sleeping!!

Hi,

The machine is very quiet, it just sounds like breathing. My partner isn’t disturbed by it all. It was all done within a week and I didn’t stop driving. I’m much more alert now I use the machine.

The test was connected to Wi-Fi and the results were analysed the next day so it was very quick.

Don't worry about the sound of the machine, it's nothing compared to the sound of stopping/starting breathing and the health benefits are invaluable.

It takes a bit of getting used to but it's well worth it. Good luck!

Thank you! Does anyone know how long it takes to get diagnosed on the NHS?

Husband got referred quite quickly to the sleep clinic. Don't leave it, get the wheels in motion asap. It's a quite dangerous condition to ignore as people are at risk of heart attacks and strokes.

CPAP is quite a quiet noise. It does take a few days to get used but you'll feel so much better for it.

I was told I couldn’t drive for a few months until I proved my sleep apnea was under control. I think it depends how bad your condition is.

My son has suspected sleep apnoea (his tonsils almost touch in the middle). We were referred in February, still trying to get an appointment. If I had the money to go private I would.

The exhaustion is probably caused by the sleep apnoea tbh

If there's a way for you to resolve that you'll probably lose weight quite naturally

You are over eating to try and give yourself enough energy to get through the day. Once your body starts to rest properly through sleep I think a lot of your issues with weight and fatigue will go.

Best of luck OP

Hi OP @NameChange259 can I please ask how you got on with this? I'm in the same boat today and have just come home from the NHS hospital with a monitor to wear tonight and bring back tomorrow. I'm worried that I'm going to be told to stop driving until I see the doctor which I am told is 4-5 months away :(

I've had 2 NHS assessments.
1st in 2015. I did an overnight 'sleep study' at a special unit.
It's odd as you have so many electrodes pasted onto your head, plus wires, plus camera, plus a different bed, lights noises etc that you don't sleep much anyway.
I was assessed as having 'obstructed breathing' as I stopped breathing temporarily 15 times per hour. Normal rate is around 6 times per hour. The cut off level is around 18 times so my driving licence was not affected.
I was given a CPAP machine. I lost weight (did you know that weight gain is partially a result of interrupted sleep).
I then had to return the machine for a new one. Then Covid. Then 2 yr delays.
Then they would not give me a new machine without a further test.
I did a home test which was 'borderline'. I then had a 2nd sleep study which showed 12 times per hour & they would not replace the machine.
I am thinking of buying one privately now as my sleep is very poor.