I have had two home tests done but both failed due to either not enough data collected or a wire coming out. I was told that I might have a mild case because of my small nose and air way passages. This causes me to snore at times.
I should go to take a sleep test but I am not looking forward to it. The place that my husband went to is like a hospital and I hate hospitals. There is a new sleep lab opening up in my area in a month or two that is more inviting and comfortable. I plan on going there.

Thanks so much. I didn't mind the air pressure, but the mask made me feel very claustrophobic. I couldn't fall asleep with it on; I couldn't keep it on for more than an hour. I changed HMOs recently and just requested an appointment with my PCP to get back on this. Thanks.

I've had several sleep studies, all of which diagnosed moderate sleep apnea. I tried CPAP and couldn't tolerate the face mask (even the "new" squishy one - this was a few years ago). I had an oral appliance custom-made by an orthodontist; it helps a little but not much.

I've been on CPAP since October 2004. My wife suspected I had sleep apnea and suggested I talk to my internal medicine doctor. He said since I had no physical signs (such as being grossly overweight with a large neck) there was no chance I had sleep anea,
Two years later I told the same doctor about an incident I had had on vacation. My brother (who has sleep apnea) and I slept in the same room at my sister's cabin. He said I kept him awake with my snoring and he saw me gasping for air.
The doctor arranged a steep study right away.

Thanks, it will be great to have someone to talk to who has been there done that!!
I have had a machine since 2002. I haven't had very much sucess in using it. I have tried most of the masks and always find myself ripping it off by 4 am after not having had very good sound sleep.
I recently have tried using a nose strip and taping my mouth shut....It seems to me to work well.
I would like to be tested doing this but my sleep center won't do it! "They don't want to take the risk!" I'm very frustrated about the whole process!!

Hi. I am not sure which Respironics machine nor which mask that i use. but I use them faithfully every night. I have been on CPAP for almost 5 years. I have talked with CPAP reps and they told me that insurance will pay for a new machine every 5 years, so I am excited to learn about the new machines that are available in my area. Supposedly they are quieter and have better masks.

Thanks for the comment.

-doug-

Just found this site, I have been on CPAP since 1998 and starting on monday I will be on BPAP due to my resent sleep study since I was in a car accident almost 2 years ago and recieved a head injury along with other problems. They found out that I am now having Central sleep Apnea. I just came back from one of my friends house who will be going in for a sleep study soon. Both him and is older brother were in Vietnam and were exposed to agent orange. His brother just died at age 61 this past Nov. due to sleep apena which was one of the many problems that he had due to agent orange. He having some of the same problems with his heart and low o2 levels in his blood. He was wondering if anyone else has seen a possible link to Sleep Apnea and Agent Orange. He is going to the VA and they are the ones who will be doing the sleep study. They want to do a home study first before they do due one in a sleep center. I have never heard anything like that being done before. But I guess the VA is trying to save money. I told him about this site with hopes that it might help him.
Thanks
Rich M.

(actually his wife Victoria typing) I haven't gotten treatment because in order to go to a sleep clinic you have to have a refferal. I balk terribly at the thought of going to a Dr. unless I'm bleeding. Also, the friends I've talked to (several) have either had the surgery or tried the mask .......to no avail. Did I also mention that my wife tells me that what I feel is what she hears when she lays her head on my chest. My heart skips a beat periodically. About every 30 beats.

THanks!

Carol,
Thanks so much for the info on the software and also the other group where I can get more info on my machine. It is complex and I love it, but do have more questions about it than the Respiratory Therapist was able to answer, and my physician only tells me that this is what I need for my central sleep apnea.........no further explanations! I do see the doc tomorrow and intend to ask him a lot of questions, as he is treating not only my sleep apnea, but also the emphysema, and several other problems.
Again, thanks for the info! And I hope you will add me to your "friends" on sleepguide.com
Melodie

Thanky for the Welcome, I have just been feeling my way around and reading some really great articles on here.(In between watching Bones and Miami CSI..lolol). I really like this site. I feel comfortable here. Looks like some really good folks on here ...