Wearing a sleep apnea mask?

[downsizingnow48]

The first time I got set up with the machine, in Virginia, I had to sleep all night with wires stuck on everywhere leading to a recording device. It generated the info needed for diagnosis, so I didn't have to do the sleep-in test, which would have been necessary if the at-home test didn't work. More recently, getting set up with a new health provider here in California, I had to do the in-home test again. This time they provided a machine with a SD card. The machine tracks your breathing through the air tube. There was one sensor that fit on a finger, with a bright little light in it. All the info was recorded onto the SD and that was used for diagnosis. The first time the mask fit badly so the test didn't work and I did it over again with a different mask. I was told that if it didn't work the second time, I would have to do the sleep-in procedure. So, bottom line, there must be several different ways to do this.

 

[sixdogs]

I never heard of that, and don't quite see how that would be possible, since there were a lot of wires stuck to me during the initial study without a CPAP machine, and again during the treatment phase with the CPAP machine. But then when I got my own CPAP machine, it had a modem attached that sent information to the supplier, who in turn sent the information to my doctor for the first month. I removed and returned the modem after that first month, but there is also an SD card still in the machine. I'm guessing at some point the doctor will want additional information and the medical supply house can get it from this SD card.

I had the test myself at home a few years ago. Had some wires I put on myself from simple instructions and the small recorder transmitted results wirelessly for a couple nights. I can't remember the exact days but I did the test at home.

It came about when I told the doc I had zero interest in sleeping, or trying to sleep in a lab. He suggested this idea but said not all docs will OK the test at home.

 

[Bird]

I had the test myself at home a few years ago. Had some wires I put on myself from simple instructions and the small recorder transmitted results wirelessly for a couple nights. I can't remember the exact days but I did the test at home.

It came about when I told the doc I had zero interest in sleeping, or trying to sleep in a lab. He suggested this idea but said not all docs will OK the test at home.

Just another of the many, many things I've learned on Tractorbynet.

 

[lostcreekranch]

I did my sleep test at home also. Have had machine for about 3 months and having hard time getting used to it. The stupid hose is bothersome at night. Have the small mask over nose only. When I try go to sleep on my side (my normal preference) either the hose and I get tangled or pillow dislodges the nose piece. Going to see Dr. week after next looking for better results.

I have several friends with machines who think they are great but, all tend to sleep on their back. I do get better rest using machine and sleeping in a recliner but, sleeping sitting half way up in a chair for rest of my life SUX too.

Sent from my iPad using TractorByNet

 

[Bird]

In my younger days, I used to sleep on my stomach but haven't done that in many years. And I could never sleep on my back, except in my recliner (sometimes wish I had one of those adjustable beds so I could raise the head, as in hospital beds). Anyway, I had the same problem with the mask used during the "study" but got a different mask now and don't have a lot of problems with sleeping on either side now.

 

[sfloggie]

Bird, I was always tired before the CPAP. MY doctor asked my wife is I gasped for air and kicked my feet while sleeping. SHe said I would hold my breath for a long time and then gasp for air. So many times she could not sleep thinking I was dead.
I had the sleep study. During the initial sleep study the tech woke me early (after 1 1/2 hours) noting I immediately went so deep into the REM sleep they were afraid I would not come out. He said I had 240 episodes during the procedure and a seizure they could not find after the study.
I have had four heart attacks (eight stents)thus my oxygen levels are low,but the CPAP has helped me immensely in both areas of sleep and oxygen. It is now 15 years and I would not go without it.
Best to all of you guys and Bird it is good to hear from you. You taught me a lot since we brought the land in 2010.
Jim

 

[Bird]

Dang, Jim, it seems you've had enough medical problems for a lifetime. Hope they never come your way again.

 

[sfloggie]

Me too Bird and thanks for the kind words. I am Blessed more than most and thankful. My family has history of heart problems with my Father dying at 41 and Grandfather at 60. Medical advances are working plus my wife's push for me to eat better as I bring in more money alive than dead (I think!). Hope you have a great day in your great state. Working in DC drives me nuts, but going home to the land for weekends keeps me balanced and thankful. Jim

 

[SpringHollow]

There are other causes of poor sleep that would only be found in the full wired up and videoed sleep study.

They make a post for the head of the bed (base slips under the mattress) and it has arm with a hook on it to support the hose above you. I take a velcro loop and velcro my tubing to it. Works very nice and it would be easy to make your own.

And at the risk of upsetting some, it does make some sense having the government get involved in controlling the amount of sleep etc truckers get. It is not just a matter of individual rights. A guy at work, his wife, and their young son were all killed when a trucker fell asleep at the wheel. His truck went over the guard rail in the median and hit them head on. Maybe if his Dr had made him take a sleep study etc, they would still be alive. Studies have shown lack of enough sleep is as bad as or worse than drinking while driving. And if you are waking up 24 times an hour, you have apnea and might want to consider that you run a greater risk of stroke etc from lack of oxygen while sleeping even if you do not need more than 4 hours sleep.

Ken

 

[Alan L.]

Well, I did my sleep study and can't say it was very pleasant. Wired up from head to toe, wow it was uncomfortable. I took a Xanax and 2 benadryl but still had trouble falliing asleep 2 hours before my regular going to sleep time. I guess I dropped off sometime around 10:30 and the tech roused me at 1:00 and unfortunately this meant I failed. Before wiring me up he had let me try on 3 kinds of masks - one called a nose pillow. I hated that one because it inside the nostrils and I hate anything tickling my nostrils. The second was one that just goes on the the nose, and the third was a full mask that covers nose and mouth. I first decided the full mask was more comfortable then changed my mind and selected the nose mask. So, anyway he strapped that on me about 1:00 and on top of all the other stuff - wires and whatnot that made it hard to get comfortable this was the final straw. Every time I tried sleeping on my side the mask leaked and the air hit me in the eye. Also, it felt like my nose was in a deep freeze it was so cold. The worse part though was that I had trouble exhaling through my nose because of the air blowing in from the machine putting back pressure on me. Hated that. There there was that red light on my finger for measuring oxygen. When I brought my hand up near my face it was like somebody turned the lights on it was so bright.

Anyway, I didn't sleep after I got the mask and I can't imagine being able to sleep with it. I have a hard time sleeping in the best of conditions anyway.... I was lying there awake at 6:00 when the tech came in and turned on the lights. I told him I had not slept a wink since the mask went on. He said yes I did sleep and that was that. I can't say that i have any confidence in the equipment because I know for a fact I did not go to sleep all night.

He said he saw my do the kicking and hollering so maybe they can make some kind of sense out of that. He called it hypersomnia I think. I go to see the sleep doctor on Monday. Just finding out this is just the start, will have to fool with sleep studies and CPAP machines and going to yet another doc every year. I can think of alot worse things - if this gizmo makes me feel better great.