re: Sleep Apnea...Have anyone of you had this?

I had a similar experience. I went into the CPAP experience with a very positive attitude. I thought this was going to be a big help and did everything on my own accord, not to placate a nagging spouse.

And wearing the mask was far worse than I could have imagined. I really couldn’t fall asleep for more than a few minutes at a time and the mask would become so loose on my face and air would escape at high levels.

I did a take-home study and was averaging 5-6 interruptions per hour, far less than the 20 or even 50 that some people have mentioned, so my doctor wasn’t as concerned about it. I will be trying a dental device soon to see if that improves the situation.

I have a good idea what is causing it. One, I can’t breathe through my nose easily. And two, my chin really starts dropping as I relax before going to bed.

I’m 6’ tall, 160-165 pounds, don’t smoke, have a pretty good diet, etc.

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I am 5'8 175. My doctor said that its not always weigh issues that can cause it.

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I'm not saying you're fat at all because you can be in great shape at that weight but it's still technically overweight and a little chunky for most guys. Still, the risk factor for OSA really goes up past 30 BMI which seems to be the case for a lot of things.

I'd rather get 4 hours of sleep using the machine than 7 hours w/o it. Get your machine.

I am pretty sure I did back in October - but weight loss has vastly improved it, and now I do not snore any longer.

going for 305 in October to 197 this morning has made all the difference in the world.

I've snored since college (6"-5", 190 lbs). Didn't feel it was disturbing my sleep, but what the frick do I know. However, my snoring definitely disturbed the sleep of others trying to rest.

About 35 years later (still 6"-5", but topped out at 337 lbs) I had a medical issue that required attention and snowballed into multiple visits to doctors and specialists. Among other things, I was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. I wasn't very concerned about the sleep apnea, because I had other things that were killing me. But, being a good boy, I got a CPAP and used it as directed.

It's not bad, once you get past the initial period of getting used to sleeping the a mask on. I don't feel noticeably better rested, but I'm not blaming the machine for that. I've got a fatigue issue from cancer treatment that hasn't resolved itself yet. However, I do think I'm sleeping more soundly because I'm only waking up to piss once or twice a night, as opposed to four or five times without the CPAP. I consider that a win, in this shitty stage of life!

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life changing

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This. CPAP added years to my life.

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I think obese patients have more severe cases, and are more likely to be diagnosed with apnea. But I believe the majority of adult men have apnea.

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If everyone has it but obese people are more likely to have diagnosable symptoms and negative health outcomes then it doesn't seem to alter the main point. Which is that obesity is a major risk factor and contributor to sleep apnea.

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Have anyone of you had this? Did you get the machine? If so, how big of a difference did it make in your sleep?

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I've had one since 2004. It takes a little getting used to and finding a mask that is comfortable, but it was a game changer for me and sleep. I can't imagine not using it anymore.

3-4 years ago Phillips came out with a new mask that has been really comfortable as well.

I have a question.

What happens if you use a CPAP machine for a while, say a year, and then you stop using it for whatever reason, will you die in your sleep because your body has become dependent on the CPAP machine?