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Contributor
Posts: 22
Registered: ‎06-07-2010

My Doctor is scheduling me for a Sleep Study to determine whether a CPAP machine/mask would benefit me. He said it would help my diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity - presumably because I am not getting good sleep due to sleep apnea?

Has anyone had improvement of the above after getting a CPAP machine? It's always interesting to hear other experiences.

TIA!

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,755
Registered: ‎03-16-2010

yes, I have worn a CPAP for 3 1/2 years now and I would not want to be without it. I sleep really well and hardly ever need a Nap. I have a lot of energy and fall asleep easily. I would do the Sleep Study without hesitation.

Frequent Contributor
Posts: 87
Registered: ‎06-03-2010

I had one done because of my breathingl I slelpt hocked airway, it was a seven opened to a 16, normal is 20. They wanted to put a stent or baloon but have a twisted trachea which no one knew. My best friend has diabetes, over weight like me, and trouble sleeping. After 4 years, she uses the machine, lost weight sleeps better, and heart problems under. It does take time to adjust to new things. YOU WILL MAKE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,913
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

I have had 6 sleep studies. They were originally done to check my Oxygen Saturation levels while sleeping. This was after suffering Aspiration Pneumonia with my first heart attack. 3 studies came back positive for mild sleep apnea and 3 came back negative for sleep apnea.

Used an Oxygen Concentrator for 6 months after my bout with thjs deadly type of pneumonia. Further testing showed I was maintaining sufficient Oxygen Saturation levels when sleeping. Have not used any machine for years now.

hckynut(john)
Honored Contributor
Posts: 15,523
Registered: ‎09-01-2010
My husband had a sleep study nearly a year ago, and learned he needed a C-pap----which was not a surprise. Starting with that first night, he has slept much better, and generally so have I. However, my husband still twists and turns a lot at night, which ultimately makes the mask slip. The horrible snoring and apnea may have stopped, but there are a multitude of noises that come from mask slippage that will wake you from a sound sleep, or keep you from falling asleep! I still think I push him as much to adjust the mask, as I did to reposition him due to the snoring. My husband still naps often during the day, but I think this is both a habit he has acquired since retiring, along with worsening neuropathy pain. Getting the sleep study done is absolutely the way to go. Best wishes to you.
Valued Contributor
Posts: 580
Registered: ‎03-14-2010
My husband's snoring got so bad I seriously considered sleeping in the other bedroom. I wanted him to do a sleep study but he refused. He did, however, see our ENT who suggested he have the Pillar procedure that would help with his snoring. He had the procedure done and he stopped snoring -- for three months. He started snoring again, went back to ENT, and ENT said that the company was now recommending the use of five implants rather than the three he originally had implanted. The ENT told him he would add the two implants for the cost only, so my husband went ahead and did it. Unfortunately, within a couple of months the snoring returned and now it was worse than ever! One night his snoring woke me up and I realized that he was stopping breathing. In the morning I told him that he had stopped breathing many times and that "I" was going to make an appointment for him to have a sleep study done. He wasn't happy about it but he and I met with a sleep specialist. The doctor was very nice, explained what would happen and we set up the sleep study. Unfortunately, my husband was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea and was prescribed a CPAP machine which he has been using for three years now. The study revealed that he stopped breathing over 100 times in a one hour period! I'm not going to lie. He had a terrible time adjusting to it and while his snoring doesn't keep me from falling asleep, waking up, etc., the CPAP machine does bother me. It's not as loud as his snoring but as my husband says "You can hear an ant f*rt"! So I started wearing earplugs which work great. I tried using them when he snored but they didn't help then back then. I will say that the CPAP has helped my husband's overall health and wellbeing. He is now getting a good night's sleep. His blood pressure is still up (work-related stress) but it is now lower. Most important, he isn't cranky or moody anymore -- all because he' setting a good night's sleep!! HTH and best of luck to you!
Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,451
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Hi, Sherlene. When you go for your sleep study, you might want to bring along your own pillow and an extra blanket. Sadly, some of these places have very uncomfortable sleeping areas (too cold, not enough blankets, and uncomfortable pillows) and in order for the study (which is expensive and time consuming) to be done properly, you need to be able to fall asleep and stay asleep at least for a while.

I know someone who has gone for repeated sleep studies, and this has been that person's experience.

Depending upon the type of sleep apnea you have, you may also want to ask your dentist (and the sleep study professionals as well) if a custom-made dental device might help you if it is determined that you have sleep apnea. These mouthguard appliances keep your bite open at night so air can get in through your mouth. This dental device approach won't work, of course, if the breathing cessation occurring during sleep is not due to a minor mechanical defect or obstruction of the sinuses or throat.

All the best to you in your quest for a better night's sleep.

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,070
Registered: ‎09-23-2010
I never did get used to the cpap machine,I was misersble with it.
Honored Contributor
Posts: 8,179
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

I had a sleep study. I couldn't sleep with electrodes on my head, not in my bed, and being filmed.

Regular Contributor
Posts: 203
Registered: ‎07-13-2011

What so many fail to understand is that if you have sleep apnea, you are putting extra stress on your heart. So if you fail to correct the sleep apnea you are choosing to develop heart disease earlier than necessary.

I have had several sleep studies. I have used a CPAP machine for over 10yrs and I just accept it as a part of life, am grateful that it helps my health and get on with your life. The CPAP has not solved my sleeping problems but I will continue to use it anyway for because of the heart protection. The sleep studies tells them a ton about what your body does during sleep but there is really very little they can do to affect change in this important involuntary function beyond alleviating apnea.

Of course, being overweight (I am) could be a factor in all you medical problems. People with sleep apnea who lose weight usually improve or even eliminate the apnea, eliminate or reduce both hypertension and diabetes. Not easy, but chronic conditions all are affected by the life choices we make and none are "cured" by drugs.