Are there any CPAP users?

[joanincarolina]

I'm looking for pearls of wisdom,advice and general 'user' comments on CPAP.I'm newly diagnosed with sleep apnea, and more importantly long and frequent episodes of decreased oxygen due to airway obstruction. I didn't know I had an apnea problem. I am now on day 11 of CPAP use at pre-set minimum of 5 lbs pressure which auto adjusts higher as needed. And nothing goes with this new sleep outfit! Any thoughts? Joan.

[joanincarolina]

Thanks to you both for your responses.I actually think I slept well last night! So that's how sleep feels like.Maryann: I sent you the article on apnea and MVD; a response from Dr. Park on the expert forum was that my apnea probably came decades before the MVD but there is a very good correlation with the heart. So I'm happy to get assistance with this from CPAP.I'm not in the weight risk column but the soft palate can certainly get saggier with age but the collapsing or closure of the airway is another topic I'm about to learn more about. My machine is lightweight and portable splitting in two parts. Thanks for the encouragement.Joan.

[Ale2603]

My husband had been using cpap for 2 years now, it has been truly a life change, he doesn't snore, which is a benefit for me, but selfishness apart, he is more energetic, less lethargic, has a good concentration and better mood, he was tired all the time. He was diagnosed with severe apnea, with up to 35 seconds of lack of breathing in a one minute lapse of time..,. He adjusted pretty well and now can't leave without it, we are blessed for the technology, he's not overweight and 41, so I guess there is no weight or age factor related with the condition. Good luck!!! You'll feel better in no time , regards

[3kidsincollege]

It's me again.  I have been using a CPAP for over a year now.  They are certainly not pretty or romantic but you'll get used to it.  It will become part of your routine and
you just won't think about filling up the water tank before you go to bed, you'll just do it like brushing your teeth.  I don't like lugging it on vacation, pulling it out  for security at the airport etc.  It's heaving, akward, bulky and ugly.  I'm looking at a small lightweight travel one.  I go back to the CPAP guy next month and will be asking him about the particular one that I have picked out.  As for MVD and sleep apnea connection?  At first I thought the two of us might be onto a connection, but I think it might just be a coincidence.  Since I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, the latest pulmonologist said that the structure of my neck and jaw was probably what was to blame.  Because I had skin cancer removed from my nose several years ago and was left with a big scar, I had surgery last fall to remove the scar.  The aneastheseologist saw me after the surgery and gave me a letter to show to whatever doctor that I saw in the future.  He said that I was a 'difficult intubation' and that my airway had a peculiar shape?  He asked if I had trouble breathing while I sleep and wasn't at all surprised that I had sleep apnea.  So, while there may be a MVP/sleep apnea connection, in my case, it's a structural issue--atleast for the sleep apnea.  Anyway, I posted a note to you regarding your last comment.  I appreciate all your help and advice.  Will wait to hear what you think about my last few questions re:MVD
Thanks again, Maryann