hey there, i have lots of problems with allergys and congestion, i use a bi-pap with a pressure of 18 lbs and i wear a full face mask, flonase does help , but i also use a saline mist spray called simply saline its an arisol and it really helps, good luck, curtis

My sleep lab works with people on payment plans. We are located in Studio City at the Sportsmen's Lodge. Feel free to email me back for more info. David Pisarra

I know i have some sleep disorder(central apnea). I live in calabasas. I did a sleep study when I had insurance and they found central , but needed another test. I have since moved and am now self employed with no health insurance, and its getting worse. HOw do I find a sleep center and what can I do for insurance options, any help would be great.

I had surgery three weeks ago. I was diagnosed with apnea in June. At the time, I weighed about 80 pounds more than I do right now (lost 45 before surgery and 35 after). Anyway, for the last two nights, I've had the apnea symptoms despite using my machine. The headaches are so bad they make me want to throw up. It's agony. I use the nasal pillow. If my pillow is older, could that be the problem? Also, I do need a new filter. I'm going to try and get these things resolved today, but wanted to know if I was covering all my bases. Three weeks out, I really can't go without sleep. I'll probably call my pulmonologist, too, just to be safe. I hate feeling this way. I also have horrible nightmares from the lack of oxygen (generally, about being killed violently). Any advice would be helpful. Thanks.

Hi Becky, First of all, congratulations on the weight loss! I haven't had surgery, but I have been using a CPAP for a few months now. I, too, had headaches when I woke up and wondered how the heck you get a headache when you are asleep. I now know it was from the sleep apnea. My sleep apnea isn't that bad compared to others (my machine is set at 8). At first I didn't notice that much of a difference and while I still have not had the wow moments some have had with the CPAP there are some things I have noticed since using it. I seem to be able to sleep for longer periods of time without waking and I definately am not choking in my sleep like I used to. It would feel like my throat was closing and I would choke and stop breathing and wake up. I don't have that anymore, Thank God. As far as the machine goes, give it some time. That's the advice I got and I've found it to be true. I'm still getting used to the mask, and some days it just feels like it will never fit right. I've also had some trouble with the chin strap irritating my skin (See my other post below). But I do know that I feel better when I use it so I keep using it. There are also different kinds of masks, etc. you can try so it's all about finding what works best for you. As the tech who came and set up the CPAP machine for me said, "Welcome to the club!" Good Luck!