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CPAP Gave Me My Life Back

Why I'm a "Sleep Apnea Evangelist"

For as long as I can remember, I struggled with feeling tired all the time, without any energy to do much of anything. I chalked it up to a diagnosis of depression and having a stressful workday that left me beat. But in 2007, I was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. A couple of days after having a CPAP drop-shipped to my house by a durable medical equipment provider, I got frustrated with the therapy and gave up.

Months later, a friend of mine who i learned also has OSA told me about a new machine on the market that might be more comfortable to use --- an auto-adjusting CPAP device. After using it one night, the difference was like night and day. For the first time in years, I woke up feeling refreshed and energized... ready to take on the day. It was a life changing experience. If it weren't for reaching out to another person who happened to have OSA, I would still be in the rut I was in.

In no other pursuit in my life have I been able to help myself and help others to turn around their lives, often literally overnight. It is for this reason I have made it my mission to learn as much as I can about this disorder and my therapy and share it with others. I am a corporate lawyer and journalist by training. My news articles have appeared in The New York Times and The Chicago Tribune. I run the New York City A.W.A.K.E. Sleep Apnea Support Group, and am founder of this site, SleepGuide.com, as well as the online CPAP supplies store ApneaLife.com. I live in New York with my wife, Melinda and chihuahua-border collie-terrier puppy dog, Maggie.

Profile Information

My Interest in Sleep Apnea
I have Sleep Apnea, Someone I care about has Sleep Apnea
Treatment Being Used, if any
Auto-Adjusting CPAP
If Machine Being Used, What Type? (e.g., Respironics M Series with A-Flex Auto-Adjusting CPAP)
Philips Respironics System One APAP
If Mask Being Used, What Type? (e.g., ResMed Activa Nasal Mask)
ResMed Activa Nasal Mask

Comment Wall (106 comments)

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At 11:56am on August 11, 2010, Banyon said…
Hey Mike, Do you have any more details about this forthcoming product? http://www.presspubs.com/articles/2010/08/10/shoreview_press/news/doc4c61bf246a1cd811989749.txt
I have a vague memory of someone working on a CPAP that you wear like a shirt, but can't find any more references at the moment. Thanks.
At 1:40pm on August 5, 2010, Carol Hostetter said…
I'm new to this site. I found it by accident. Let me hasten to inform you that I am not a dentist or physician. I am a professor. I wanted to follow up on David Lawler's comment about the OSB. I have had migraines for 36 years, have had every treatment from acupuncture to Zanadine (muscle relaxant). The migraines usually came twice a week, and lasted 1-3 days. You can see how this would define my life. I got the OSB (oral systemic balance) dental device from Dr. Lawler, and have not had a migraine in 3 months. I'm one of the people Dr. Lawler has videotaped. All I can say is, I hope the dental and medical communities embrace this research so others can benefit as I have.
At 2:05pm on August 3, 2010, David Starobin said…
Thanks for the welcome.
At 6:25am on August 3, 2010, David E. Lawler DDS D.ABDSM said…
Mike, I have made a few minor changes to the OSB section of my blog to emphasize the connection between breathing and swallowing. The specific video that I have added can be seen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnUb0JK88a4 I think that this addition more effectively crystalizes the vital importance of the swallow mechanism and its effect on breathing. Before I make any comments about this therapy on your site, I would appreciate a call from you so that we may further discuss this. My office number is 812-339-4499. In the evenings, feel free to call my cell phone at 812-345-2890.
At 3:56pm on July 29, 2010, jim allAn said…
For almost a full year I have been arguing with the veterans administration trying to get supplies for my c-pap after moving my care to NY. Well my persistance paid off and I found out why I couldn't get any supplies. It seems no recored of my needing help followed me from PA. To insure everything was being done properly I had another sleep study last week. I am awaiting the results now but I am sure they will find I need a c-pap and I will be able to get supplies. Unfortunatly due to their delaying things the machine is broke and no longer switches pressures as I sleep. I am currently getting only half the benefits from the machine but at least it is something.
At 6:21am on July 29, 2010, David E. Lawler DDS D.ABDSM said…
Mike, I will make a post to your group this weekend if possible. I am completing a series of video clips of patients that dramatically shows the connection between swallowing and breathing.

As to the content of my site that indicates how patients can be benefited by this therapy, I am caught between a rock and a hard place. The rock is the dental board and the hard place, the medical board. Try as I can, I am unable to confine the benefits of OSB therapy to the head and neck where my practice license allows me to treat :-) I have to be really careful about what is posted on my website and may have already gone past what is permissible.

For example, this therapy can dramatically effect MS patients. One of the videos posted on my site is of a patient with MS. (The video of the guy on the couch with his wife talking about his numb hand is the one I'm talking about.) Go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLMoBQfa4mY and look at another video of this patient. This is an unlisted link. Please use discretion if you share this link with others. I knew this patient was incontinent much of the time. During the initial appointment when the orthotic is placed patients drink a fair amount of water. He excused himself about an hour into the appointment to go to the restroom and made a comment when he got back that "that was different". I didn't question him further about what he meant until a follow-up appointment 6 months later. I videoed this appointment and the clip is shown at the private link above. This clip is not appropriate for my website.

I could go on and on about this therapy and what it does. So far my best approach is to let the patients speak for themselves through the video clips. I started doing the video clips because it was clear to me that no one would believe what I was finding without this kind of documentation. The time has come to unveil this therapy to the world. Maybe your site is the place where this can start.
At 7:08am on July 28, 2010, Banyon said…
Mike, I wonder if the kids in this study were checked for sleep apnea? There is no mention of it.

http://www.medpagetoday.com/Psychiatry/SleepDisorders/21402?utm_content=GroupCL&utm_medium=email&impressionId=1280305398377&utm_campaign=DailyHeadlines&utm_source=mSpoke&userid=249096
At 4:58am on July 28, 2010, David E. Lawler DDS D.ABDSM said…
Hi Mike,

I just got what seems to be a private message from you so I'm responding. I joined your group some time ago and have not participated but periodically check out the posts. There aren't enough hours in the day....

I have been obsessed with a little known therapy that is more than helpful for many sleep breathing disorder patients who also have head and neck pain called Oral Systemic Balance. Please check out http://www.centerforsoundsleep.com/blog/oral-systemic-balance/ and let me know what you think. There is a huge correlation between sleep breathing disorders and swallowing problems/head and neck pain. I would really appreciate your thoughts after viewing this information.
At 7:12pm on June 9, 2010, Mack D Jones, MD, SAAN said…
That's a relief. I have no idea what happened to it. When I get a chance, I'll resubmit. Thanks.
At 6:22pm on June 9, 2010, Mack D Jones, MD, SAAN said…
Mike, what happened to my comment on bimax? Was it too over the top?
Mack

Latest Activity

First, let me say, Thank you for going to bat for us. I think you are doing a fantastic job in spreading OSA awareness and providing us with OSA a place to go for support. Apparently there is no connection between a college degree and intelligence,…
3 hours ago
You hit the nail on the head. I had a similar experience last year with another organization, The Alzheimer's Association. I ask for permission to pass out a flyer, "Does Sleep Apnea Cause Alzheimer's Disease?," at one of their annual meetings regar…
3 hours ago
Then she should say that... Say anything other than the falsehood that the connection between OSA and heart disease isn't sufficiently proven. 
4 hours ago
Maybe you should be the communications director for the AHA ;-).
4 hours ago
I believe that individuals should be free to make decisions for themselves. This goes for the patients and the providers. The patient is free to decide what to do and who to pay for what services. The provider is free to decide what services he offe…
4 hours ago
by no means am i suggesting that this one person believes one thing or another. rather, she is the director of marketing and communications for the AHA. it is her job to communicate the organization's viewpoints to the public, and that's what she wa…
5 hours ago
HEY, I read the funny e-mails! HAH, I'm heading north tomorrow...
5 hours ago
Ah ha, BirdShell!!! You can ignore me, but we managed to lure you out of your hiding place w/this thread, eh?? Too bad too. Danielle, Ashley, Nicole and I are all meeting at La Placita in Saginaw for lunch tomorrow. I'll be thinking of you!!!! Nico…
6 hours ago

Mike's Articles

Mike

State Sleep Societies List

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Alabama Association of Sleep Professionals http://www.aasp.us/

Arizona http://ww
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Posted on May 17, 2010 at 7:25am —

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Tracheostomy for Severe Sleep Apnea

A doctor I spoke to last night argued that severe sleep apnea should be treate… Continue

Posted on March 18, 2009 at 2:30pm — 9 Comments

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The Silent Majority of People with Sleep Apnea

If you're reading this, you can pat yourself on the back. You're part of the elite, the "Top Gun" of those with Sleep Apnea. How? Largely just by virtue of knowing that you have Sleep Apnea -- ninety percent of those with Sleep Apnea remain undiagnosed. Moreover, not only are you in the top 90th percentile of the "Sleep Apnea Class," but because you're educating yourself about the disorder and trying to improve your life by actively seeking treatment, you, the members of this forum, are more lik… Continue

Posted on March 9, 2009 at 11:30pm — 13 Comments

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Is Changing CPAP Settings on One's Own Machine Illegal?

I don't know. And that's the point. While never likely to be enforced, this article is to highlight that there is confusion over whether it's legal to change the settings on one's own CPAP machine. The CPAP community seems divided on the question of whether changing the settings should be legal, with most doctors, respiratory therapists and Durable Medical Equipment providers feeling we patients shoulContinue

Posted on March 8, 2009 at 9:30pm — 7 Comments

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Sleep Apnea Disability

Is Sleep Apnea a disability? The question of whether Sleep Apnea is a disability is a legal one concerning state and federal anti-discrimination laws. The short answer to whether Sleep Apnea is a disability: maybe. The Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA") and related state… Continue

Posted on March 4, 2009 at 8:30pm — 15 Comments

 
 
 

CPAP Supplies



Latest Activity

Yup, if you've got insurance, your insurance dictates which local DME providers you can use. Just because you bought your CPAP elsewhere does NOT mean that your insurance contracted providers can't or won't provide your masks and other accessories.…
33 minutes ago
Linda, thanks your your help. When I call Apria, I wil ask them why they did not offer me a payment plan. Good luck!
57 minutes ago
Hi Candace, Apria is giving me a payment plan for 10 months, after that I will buy it if I still need it. In the mean time, all of the folks here are so helpful they told me the best cpap to get and low and behold, Apria did not give me a newer mode…
1 hour ago
Linda, I read your question re: CPAP Machine and Apria. I also am not impressed with them. I have Kaiser and Kaiser will not pay for my equipment. Apria says that I have to pay all costs up front. Are you on a payment plan with Apria. I have severe…
1 hour ago
candace wells, Jon and CLIFTON MCDONALD joined SleepGuide
1 hour ago
First, let me say, Thank you for going to bat for us. I think you are doing a fantastic job in spreading OSA awareness and providing us with OSA a place to go for support. Apparently there is no connection between a college degree and intelligence,…
3 hours ago
You hit the nail on the head. I had a similar experience last year with another organization, The Alzheimer's Association. I ask for permission to pass out a flyer, "Does Sleep Apnea Cause Alzheimer's Disease?," at one of their annual meetings regar…
3 hours ago
Then she should say that... Say anything other than the falsehood that the connection between OSA and heart disease isn't sufficiently proven. 
4 hours ago
"Respironics recommends that new patients purchase their devices, masks and initial accessories from a homecare company that can provide an individualized patient equipment set-up, clinical and after-sale support, and a program to assist patients wi…
4 hours ago
Maybe you should be the communications director for the AHA ;-).
4 hours ago
I believe that individuals should be free to make decisions for themselves. This goes for the patients and the providers. The patient is free to decide what to do and who to pay for what services. The provider is free to decide what services he offe…
4 hours ago
I'M NOT A 100% SURE OF THE NAME OF MY MASK I THINK IT'S CALLED A PROFILE LITE IT HAS A THICK GEL CUSHION ON THE FORHEAD PIECE AND THE ALL AROUND THE MASK. I STILL END UP WITH RED MARKS ON THE BRIDGE OF MY NOSE AND FOREHEAD BUT THEY FADE IN AN HOUR O…
4 hours ago
by no means am i suggesting that this one person believes one thing or another. rather, she is the director of marketing and communications for the AHA. it is her job to communicate the organization's viewpoints to the public, and that's what she wa…
5 hours ago
HEY, I read the funny e-mails! HAH, I'm heading north tomorrow...
5 hours ago
Jon added a discussion
I received my machine in March with a nasal pillow mask. I switched to a full face mask because I was breathing thru my mouth.I was struggling with getting used to wearing the mask, finally got to the point of wearing it every night.I could not get…
5 hours ago
Ah ha, BirdShell!!! You can ignore me, but we managed to lure you out of your hiding place w/this thread, eh?? Too bad too. Danielle, Ashley, Nicole and I are all meeting at La Placita in Saginaw for lunch tomorrow. I'll be thinking of you!!!! Nico…
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I agree with your advice,Mike.Once I was treated for a sinus infection,I had replaced everything .Also, it is a good idea to use saline to cleanse the sinuses at least twice daily . You may look into the use of a Nettie Pot,,,,that can throughly cle…
6 hours ago
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