Thanks.  Yea, I snored my whole life, it was sort of a family joke but back then we had no idea about sleep apnea.  Up until 2 weeks ago when we went to my in-laws for a family gathering (Easter) I had never actually heard of an actual death from sleep apnea, other than reading about it online.  It made my wife and my son think about how serious it actually is if left untreated.  Well, not just them but myself as well.

If you end up having to wear the mask stick with it, it isn't easy to get used to but you will.  I didn't have a problem with it but I have had problems.  Leaking mask or a mask that hurts a spot (my forehead) things like that, but a new different designed mask normally helps alleviate the issues.  My insurance only covers 1 mask every 6 months but I have went in and paid cash for a new mask when the current one just isn't working.  Bad thing is they cost upwards of 100 bucks, I think I paid 210 for a full face mask (covers mouth and nose) for the times when I had a cold and was all stuffed up.

Good luck.

That's a pretty sad story man! Luckily you don't mess with it and wear the mask at all times when sleeping. I just did the test last week and should be getting the results back within the next two weeks. I am not diagnosed yet but my girlfriend scares me when she says I stop breathing for 10-20 seconds. Glad to see you are approaching the face that you won't need it anymore! That's always great news! 

Keep it up man! 

I was put on a cpap 5-6 years ago, pressure was 17, Feb. 2008 had another sleep study and they moved me to a bipap with pressure from 17-27.  I just went in last night and I am not even in the teens (my sleep has been declining since December, had my surgery in October).

I sleep on my back and side, side most of the time. (I LOVE MY SELECT COMFORT BED!) It gives me a lot more flexibility in my sleeping and comfort levels.  OK, so to get back on track.  I love the nasal pillows.  But once I started using the bipap the pressure was entirely to high for the nasal pillows so I switched to a nose mask.  I naturally keep my mouth shut when sleeping so I didn't need an aid to keep my mouth shut or wear a full face mask.  I did buy a full face mask for the times when I have sinus issues but that is rare anymore.  I also bought an extra hose and the connector to attach two hoses together so I have more freedom.

I put a large coat rack hook above my bed and I hang my hose over it and it keeps it out of the way for the most part, plus I hang my mask on it in the morning.  It keeps the mask about 18 inches above the bed, easier to make the bed and such then too.  Get a mask that fits you well and keeps a good seal and ALWAYS wear the mask and use the machine, even if just taking a nap.

From Oct. 2008 to a few weeks ago I have lost 200 lbs and I have another 100 to lose.  Just because I will be at the 'right' weight or a healthier weight doesn't mean I will no longer have sleep apnea.  I have several friends who also have sleep apnea, 2 of them are in great shape so it is not always a weight thing.

I never go without mine.  I always use it.  I never even lay down to take a nap without putting my mask on.  I have read stories about people simply not waking up because they didn't use their machine when sleeping or napping.

I now have a personal story to tell. My brother-in-law has a friend that died, within the last month, when he fell asleep in his recliner and simply did not wake up.  They did an autopsy and everything was okay, he died from sleep apnea.  the story is more gruesome because another brother-in-law is on the rescue squad and the guy lived at home alone so it was a few days before anyone checked on him.  It was the weekend and he had 3 days off so no one at work was looking for him.  Sad really when it could have been avoided by just wearing the damn mask.

-Jaime

I had my surgery in October 2008 and in December my sleep started to decline, slowly but it still declines.  I was getting 7 1/2 -8 1/2 hours a night and as of a couple weeks ago I was down to 4-5 hours a night.  I contacted the sleep specialist and they had me come in, I asked for a sleep study appointment but they insisted I needed to come in first.  So a 2 hour drive, one way, and they told me, 'you need a sleep study, you've lost 200 lbs since your last study.'  I was sort of miffed because I explained that I lost 200 lbs on the phone but that's water under the bridge.

5-6 years ago when I had my first study done I had to get a cpap and the pressure was at 15-17.  With no insurance It was about $1500-$1800 out of pocket.

In Feb. 2008 I went back in cause I was tired and bad memory and such and they moved me to a bi-pap with a pressure of at least 17 and up to 27or so.  I averaged 25/23. This machine was almost $4200.

Last night I went in and while I do not have the results back yet I did squeeze out that I never hit the teens.  WHOO HOOO, Maybe another 100 lbs and I won't need it any longer.  I can only hope.

I would not go in simply because you are breathing better, I would go in as soon as you notice your sleep starting to decline.  But, you will probably have to get a sleep study every 40-50 lbs lost.  I would see if your machine blows according to how much you need or if it is a set pressure.  My cpap was a set pressure, my bi-pap goes form 17-27 (which is way too much now).  I would say once you notice your sleep being disturbed call.

I always use mine, I never even lay down to take a nap without putting my mask on.  I have read stories about people simply not waking up because they didn't use their machine when sleeping or napping.

I now have a personal story to tell. My brother-in-law has a friend that died, within the last month, when he fell asleep in his recliner and simply did not wake up.  They did an autopsy and everything was okay, he died from sleep apnea.  the story is more gruesome because another brother-in-law is on the rescue squad and the guy lived at home alone so it was a few days before anyone checked on him.  It was the weekend and he had 3 days off so no one at work was looking for him.  Sad really when it could have been avoided by just wearing the damn mask.

Sorry to make this post a sad story but I feel it is important to share, I will also be placing this story on a couple other threads.

Good luck with your wl journey and your sleep apnea,

-Jaime

was sure I reposted to you.  I am so happy for your progress.  And yes God is wonderful and we have to believe in him even in the darkest hour.  Keep up the good work