Am I too young to get a CPAP?

[AmbiUbi]

Hello, I was wondering if I can get any additional input from those who have the CPAP machines. I am 28 years old, overweight but not obese, and have been a mouth breather while sleeping for all of my life.  This leads to snoring at night, which is not helped by nose strips, sprays, fans, positions, extra pillows, or anything else I can think of.  I cannot breathe through my nose alone at night so what is happening (I think) is more of a double breathing through my open mouth and nose.  I usually wake up feeling fine, however, I seem to completely crash at about 2 hours after I get out of bed.  When I brought this up to my doctor, she suggested a sleep study and that they may recommend a CPAP machine.  This makes me feel embarassed and unhealthy.  Have any of you been using a CPAP around my age or know anyone who has?

[Scarfina]

I am not obese, and do not snore. But my sleep apnea is bad. I only had an index of 17 events per hour, but being that my oxygen dipped below 70% it was pretty serious. I feel better when I can use it, it is still very uncomfortable. But when I do, my head doesn't hurt as bad. I am 31.

[Jillejam]

Age has nothing to do with sleep apnea.  Please don't be embarrassed by needing a CPAP, you will get used to it.  I am going this Friday for my 2nd sleep study to get my CPAP, I am excited and only 37 years old.  I knew for years that I needed a CPAP but just didn't want to go for the test.  I have been driving my husband crazy for 7 years of snoring, I can't wait until I can get a good nites sleep and wake up with energy.  My father has had a CPAP for 20 years now and let me tell you that the machines are so much better now then back when he got his.  My mother hated his first machine, she said it was like sleeping next to a vacuum cleaner.  The new machines are smaller and quieter, my dad just got a new one and he loves it.  Get the test done, it is painless and easy.  

Talk about needing something at a young age....I just had a defibrillator put in my shoulder this summer.....now that was shocking!

[Cyclingmaniac]

Hey AmbiUbi:

I thought I'd jump in here for you....I am older (51) and have been using a CPAP for about 9 months now!  What a difference.  You describe classic symptoms of a person with sleep apnea.   I decided to do something about my condition after almost crashing my car....I was falling a sleep at the wheel!   There are many "closet CPAP" users out there....more than you know.  

With respect to feeling embarassed and unhealthy, did you know that weight problems can be attributed to sleep apnea?   The CPAP will also help reduce snoring!

My wife actually got use to the CPAP mask and actually gave it a kiss .......( while I was wearing it)!  Throw pride out the window....this is your health and your life you are talking about!

I'm new to this Forum Site....if you want to PM me with questions, please feel free.  Don't know if this site has PM feature or not!

[SwanSong]

I found a website where a 12 year old girl required CPAP. If it improves your health, I wouldn't feel embarrassed about needing one. I would also make sure you don't have any underlying cause to your sleep apnea such as a physical defect (deviated septum which is severe) or an illness or disease. Maybe people have hypothyroidism.