Sleep apnea

[facurim]

I have sleep apnea and was using the cpap machine but used it only once cause i could not at all sleep with a mask on my mouth and I could not aford to pay for it. So I returned it ,but now i cant sleep and during the day at abut after 12 noon i feel really tires and headaches and very sleepy . So i take caffine pills everyday to stay awake. I know taking pills is no the answer and I should be using the machine. My question is is there any other way to cure my problem with out the machine.

[Curtis1960]

Hello, Facurim.

I have an extra CPAP machine that I would be willing to send to you for free.  It's a good machine and very new.  It's a Respironics M-Series Pro and has a slot for a data card.  I am using a different type of machine and the CPAP is just sitting in its case waiting for a willling volunteer.  

KatEyes is so correct about taking time to get used to the mask.  It took me 2 1/2 weeks before I slept all night.  One thing you might try is to wear your mask with the CPAP machine on while you're watching TV, reading, or just sitting still.  This will help you adapt quicker.  Also, if you can't adapt to the mask you have, then ask for a different one.  Sometimes, the home care provider will send someone to your house with a few types of masks to try while in your bed, on your pillow, using your machine.  You should be able to find something comfortable.

Also, there is a great website fornewly diagnosed apnea patients.  It is:  www.apneasupport.org.  There are litterly hundreds of apnea sufferers on the site who can help you with your questions.  Please leave me a message if you would like my CPAP machine.

Best of luck!

Curt

[KatEyes]

That depends. Do you have a copy of your sleep study results? If you have mild sleep apnea, there is a possibility a dental device could help, but those are expensive too. Some are helped with surgery, but many find after surgery they still need cpap.

Hardly anyone gets used to wearing a mask to breathe in a night or two. Some take weeks and have to try several masks to get one that's right for them. But the benefits from toughing it out till adjusted make it worth the effort... decreased cardiac, stroke, diabetes, and hypertension risks. For some, improved sexual function, fewer headaches, and general improvement of quality of life - not to mention safety issues of driving impaired.

If after evaluating your other possible options you decide to try cpap again, they can often be found used for a real deal. There are online sources too but your doctor will have to give you a prescription. There are even cpap auctions. It doesn't have to be an expensive treatment. You have been diagnosed and titrated, so any machine set to your prescribed pressure should be fine. Just do some reading before choosing a machine - they're not all alike.

Good luck at whatever you choose to do, but please do something.