My husband has sleep Apnea and has been using his CPAP machine for 6 years now. He loves it because he finally was able to sleep soundly through the night. He has had more energy and not falling asleep in the evening,
He has taken it on all of our vacations. I really don't think he can sleep without it anymore. I love it because his snoring used to keep me awake, but no more snoring, thanks to CPAP!
Good luck,
Deb
I was never able to get used to it. I had more trouble breathing with the machine than without it. Several times a night, I would wake up gasping for air, unable to breath at all. My doctor gave me several masks to use with it, and finally, after another examination- he decided that I am anatomically not suited for the machine. From what I hear, my problem isn't a common one. I hope it works for you.
Tammy
I'm in the crowd, as well. Started with mine late January and its going pretty well. I also have the heated hose and the unit doesn't have to be placed lower than my head. The heat helps to eliminate the problem of condensation in the hose, thankfully.
Sleep apnea is very common in people with MS and it is not unusal to need a CPAP or BiPAP.
sweet dreams,
L
It's amazing what we can get used to. Sometimes it takes a big effort or we need to give ourselves time to adjust and experience the benefit. We adjust to life with MS don't we? It would seem when we aren't given a choice we find out exactly how adaptable we are.
I've been using my CPAP for six years now. I take a CPAP holiday from time to time but usually remember how much I prefer sleeping 6-8 hours straight through after even a single night 'alone'.
I've hated having anything around my face since I had anesthesia by ether at age four. I found out the nasal pillow head gear is the most manageable for me. My doc was very understanding. He had me ease into use and initially gave me some sleeping pills to help me feel more comfortable.
My husband started using a CPAP device about two months ago. He loves to sleep on this stomach with his head buried in a pillow. He can't tolerate any head gear except a full nasal mask! (We don't agree on much. lol)
We both love the humidity though JB. I'm guessing that's what you mean about the heated hose? One CAUTION. Be sure to keep the machine lower than your head when you run humidity. Otherwise moisture will cling to the inside of the tubing until enough collects to run down into your nose -cough, sputter, spit!! NOT recommended!
Hang in there and good luck.
Mary
I just couldn't deal with something on my face! Too fobic for that. When insurance companies "mellow" over the nasal canula, then I'll revisit the idea....I sure need one!
Glad you are doing ok with the "beast" (it reminds me of the Alien movies with Sharon what's her name!)
Not yet, but come April 13th I will have as that's when I start my months trial, and get fitted with a machine. having had 2 positive sleep apnea tests.
I have 2 cats, and it has crossed my mind what their reation will be. One particularly likes sitting as close to my face as possible and loves to chew things so it could be quite interesting.
twist
I had a roommate at guitar camp one year who used a cPap. She wasn't in the room when I arrived, but I saw the machine, there, by the side of her bed, and thought - it's gonna be a llooong weekend. When I met her, she greeted me with a fresh packet of earplugs (oh, no!). When we retired for the night, she fixed her mask (she had the full mask) on her face, turned on the machine, and, I swear, it sounded like NORMAL BREATHING! :-D At one point, in my twice nightly forays to the outhouse, I heard her snoring, softly, but the full mask muffled the sounds very well! I asked her the next morning how long it took her to get used to it. She said 3 DAYS! She was so happy to have a full night's restful sleep, it was never an issue for her, or her partner.
Hope this little story helps....
Cheers