Sleep Apnea Devices

[rjn]

Has anyone tried zquiet or Good Morning Snore Solutions appliances for sleep apnea?

With the cpap I felt like I was drowning in air, and with dental mandible device, my dry mouth was a problem, as well as extremely uncomfortable. 

[Sooki]

If all else fails, you might try a cpap again.  You may have had the air pressure set too high. It shouldn't be forcing air in.  I don't feel it at all until I inhale.  Then when I inhale there's just enough added pressure to open the throat.  Your doctor (or sales rep I guess) should be able to program the pressure range to make it more comfortable for you.

There are also a lot of different mask configurations.  I've found that the under/in nose masks are easiest and keep the air out of my eyes.  I'm now wearing the Dreamwear headgear where the actual "mask" is a soft silicone which gently seals under the nose - similar in placement to an oxygen cannula without the little sharp bits.

I have jaw issues so the mandible device doesn't seem like a good option for me.  And I didn't have snoring issues - my throat just closes when I'm fully relaxed (REM sleep).

Good luck to you.  It's really important to prevent sleep apnea.  You need good sleep!  And when you jerk awake, apparently you get spike of adrenaline which can be hard on the heart. 

[bluegardenia]

i have also sleep apneas and i did a sleep endoscopy. they found out that my tongue collapses in the throat . just laying on your sides is a solution

[ktfabian]

I have both obstructive and central sleep apnea. I was on a BIPAP machine for a while and even for a nose pillow set-up that I could deal with. But I kept getting ear infections. I'd have to be off the machine for 10 days while the infection cleared up, then I'd be on it for a week or so and I'd get another ear infection. They tried adjusting the settings and changing the humidity, but as long as I was on the machine, I got ear infections. Eventually, my insurance said they wouldn't pay for it any more because I wasn't using it a high enough percentage of the time. My sleep doctor wanted to at least put me on oxygen at night, but the insurance wouldn't go for that, either.

So, despite the possible side effects, my sleep apnea hasn't been treated for at least 8-10 years. My family doctor says that if I ever get done having surgery after surgery, she'll order another sleep study. I've lost about 35lbs since I was first tested, so that could make a big difference.

Good luck finding something that works for you,
Tracy

[Joe S.]

A good recliner and a mumps scarf.

[rjn]

Do you have to sleep on your back with a CPAP?  I am a side sleeper, and the last time I was tested, they kept waking me up and telling me to roll over onto my back. 

[Sooki]

rjn:  No, my husband and I both sleep on our sides with CPAPs.  When you choose your mask, be sure to test it on your side.  With the Dreamwear, I have to be careful not to dislodge it when I toss and turn, but I'm pretty used to it. 
They may have wanted data from you sleeping on your back - the throat closure is probably the worst in that position.  Even with the CPAP, I still can't sleep on my back.

[Pud]

I use a CPAP machine and can't live without it. I have a resmed autoscore S9 and it is brilliant. It's a bit on the expensive side but totally worth it as it doesn't have a set pressure rather a pressure range and only goes up to what you need at the time. So what you need when first going to sleep with be different to when you are in deep sleep. I also use nasal pillows rather than a mask. It's less invasive and bulky and doesn't get in the way while you sleep ragardless of the position you sleep in. Also comes with a humidifier and heating tubing to stop condensation. Talk to your tech about options. They really do have heaps of options and there will be something to suit you


Pud

[rjn]

Thanks to all of you for your help.  My apnea is getting worse, and I realize I have to do something.

[SjoDry]

rjn,

I have been trying to find a cpap machine/mask that works since June. I keep getting so dried out that I am waking up with horrible sinus headaches after using it. I have played with different temp/humidity settings; purchase a sleeve for the hose ;switched to a new mask and am now getting ready to try a bipap machine.

The doc I saw suggested that I was a good candidate for a surgical implant they have. I am not too interested in having any additional surgeries. The procedure is still young and the potential side-effects did not look so great either. I am hoping that the Bipap may work better.

Fingers crossed and good luck to you also.
SjoDry