wow I cant believe they wont cover c-pap at mild range. Sleep apnea at any level can be dangerous. I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea and my oxygen level also drops low. Sorry to hear this. Hopefuly someone will have an answer for you. Michele

Thank you so much for posting this info. I never knew that there was even a bi-pap machine out there and I'm been using the c-pap for about 2 months now.

I had my split study just two nights ago. Same problem - could not fall into REM sleep. Went through a night of worry and exhaustion (it takes ENERGY to focus on breathing when you're having a hard time) to wake up the next morning and have the doc tell me the study was inconclusive and that I'd need to do it all over again...but "next time we'll give you a sleeping pill." Talk about frustration!! My problem was that I'm not a person who sleeps the entire night in one position. Especially not flat on my back. My back hurt after a couple of hours. I slept on my own during the first two hours, but the distraction of the wires, the "glow" of the machines being as bright as a lamp, and the "click" of the cameras as the attendant zoomed and turned it by remote kept my mind working. Eventually I had a C-Pap put on - and I wasn't worried, as I've tried a C-pap as I was awake before. BUT.......there's a difference between having the mask on while you're awake and your nasal passages are clear, and having it put on after you've been laying with your head not elevated for 2 hours. I had only 1 nostril that was "working" - and the pressure on the C-pap made it feel like even THAT nostril was being pinched closed. I wanted to give the mask a "good 'ol college try" so I kept my mouth closed and for about an hour I literally struggled with each breath...it felt like I was drowning....I don't think I've ever been that scared in my life! There was a point where I literally heard myself thinking..."I can't let myself fall asleep like this....if I have to 'think" about breathing, I'll quit breathing altogether if I go unconscious." Well, I got up for a bathroom break, and had the attendant make sure the mask was properly "sealed" (my eyes had crusted over and watered up from the humidity leaking out). It "felt" better after that - but my nose was still plugged up. So I "cheated" and opened my mouth for the rest of the night and "felt" like I had gotten a few hour's rest after that. Needless to say, my jaw dropped when the doc told me I have to do this all over again....tearing 20 stickers off my skin, laying flat on my back.... People have different reactions to the different kinds of masks - but I'm going to ask them to let me try the "full-face" model before they knock me out. I have a hunch I'd be able to fall asleep if I didn't have to "concentrate" on whether my mouth was closed or not. The one positive thing from the experience was that I learned that I DO have apnea. And I don't want the doc to rush into a decision about how to titrate the machines....my frustration is that they couldn't schedule the new study for another SIX weeks! They tell me I most likely need a Cpap, that I have apnea - but it's ok for me to go another 6 weeks without it in the mean time? It just sounded very illogical to me. Anyway....sorry to take up so much space...but I wanted to let you know you're not the only one with the same issue. The attendants/docs at the sleep center can't give you sleeping meds. Another doctor has to prescribe them and provide them, or you bring them yourself.

Hi, I was actually diagnosed after losing the 165 pounds. Mine is obstructive sleep apnea. So unfortunately I will always have it. You don't realize the damage that gets done if you don't take care of it.

Daivd, I have been on a CPAP for five years now and cannot sleep without it, even though it is awkward for the most part. I must have a humidifier just to make it through the night, does that make sense to anyone? Also, I had LapBand surgery three days ago by Dr. Kuri. I would be interested in knowing more about nasal pillows. Thanks, Ken Bothell WA.