Oxygen for apnea (completely failed cpap)

[Angie628]

I was diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea  waking 23 times per hour. I've since lost somewhere around 35-40 pounds. I believe I still have apnea, but not as severe.

I was completely unable to handle cpap as it induced vertigo (a problem which I have intermittently), and sharp pains in my ears. I worked with the doctor and even on the lowest settings I had problems. I tried an oral device, but I have severe TMJ and it was too painful.

I tested for oxygen desaturation this week and it went down to 88%. The doctor is offering me oxygen. I realize this isn't a replacement for cpap, but given my situation, could this be at all helpful? Are there any down sides to it?

Thanks!

[Angie628]

Thanks  drzachariades, that does help. I'm working on losing weight. I lost over 30 pounds so far, but I still have apnea. I have another 35 pounds or so to go, and I'm hoping that will reverse it.

Believe me I tried various masks and nothing worked. Even the sleep doctor gave up on me. I tried oxygen for the first time last night, and found it uncomfortable. I had a slight headache in the middle of the night.

Also, even with a water bubbler my nose got a bit irritated and one nostril side got stuffed up.

Can oxygen give me a headache?

Is there something I can do to be more comfortable in my nose?

Thanks!

And the machine was super loud. I'm requesting they give me a unit that doesn't make all that noise.

[drzachariades]

Dear Angie,
The best treatment is considered the CPAP. There are numerous types of masks in order to avoid the problems you experienced. For example you could you nasal cannula-like mask with which you should not have the above problems. Consider maintain a normal weight, with BMI in normal values. The international recommendation for oxygen supply is only when a patient experiences a drop of oxygen during daytime, but no reason to worry for sideeffects if you use it anyway during sleeping time.

Hope that helped!

[Angie628]

I thought that there were doctors answering this forum?

[Angie628]

Hi Jerry,

Thanks for your comments. This is not a lung condition - it's sleep apnea. Being overweight can cause it, but it's not always the cause. I am still about 30 pounds overweight and working on it. Cpap is a machine that forces your airway to open, because it closes while you're sleeping.

There's a doctor who seems to specialize in this that I saw on this site who was answering questions for others. I'm hoping he'll have an answer for me.  

[Jerry_NJ]

I don't see how there can be a downside to using oxygen enhancement, it can be a simple compressor (I believe that what is running) connected to feed concentrated oxygen/air to your nose when at home/sleeping.  I do not have personal experience with this, but my brother-in-law has had to use this for a few years... he uses bottle oxygen when mobile.  I am sure it takes some "practice" to sleep while connected, I suppose one has to remain on their back.  His condition is emphysema caused and has thus gotten worse over the years.  In the beginning he used the concentrator only when at home, he didn't have to carry oxygen along when away from home.  I don't know what cpap is, so not comment on that aspect.

Is there a cure for your problem, or are you looking for a long-term supplemental arrangement and/or medication?

What is the root cause of the apnea/low oxygen level?  What is the condition of your lungs?