Recent Posts

joyoga
on 9/10/10 7:32 am
Topic: RE: A Mighty Wind

My apnea was up there like yours is.  The first night I slept with it on for 4 hours and woke up ready to go because I hadn't slept that well in years!  Just give it some time to get used to it.  Even if you just wear it a few hours at a time, that's better than nothing at first.  Good luck; it's gonna be great.

giwhiz93
on 9/10/10 3:19 am - Sheffield Lake, OH
Topic: A Mighty Wind
Just got my cpap, which is set at a level 18 because my episodes run every 45 seconds, or 90 an hour. Any advice for the first night?
Thanks
SleepDr
on 9/1/10 2:41 pm, edited 9/3/10 8:31 am - NY
Topic: RE: Can't breathe in the CPAP Mask
Hi,
I am sleep physician can try to help. Do you know what your humidification level is set at? It is a dial from 0-5. If you feel stuffy, you need to bring it down. If you feel dry, you can increase the level. You can adjust the humidifier until you find a level you are comfortable with. If you still feel stuffy on a level of 1, you can turn it off or do not pour water in the humidifier. Hope that helps. If you are in NY Metro, you can join our Free Monthly Sleep Apnea Support Group at Slumber Services(slumberservices.com) Sleep Lab.
SleepDr
on 8/31/10 7:39 am - NY
Topic: RE: Help decifering SA as a comorbidity..and opinions on qualifying..
Hello,
I am a board certified sleep medicine physician and I can try to answer your question. Please note that this is not medical advice and just information only. Based on your first study, you do have moderate degree of sleep apnea. The insurance usually looks at the AHI per hour and not the total AHI. Infact, AHI is defined as apneas and hyponeas per hour. It depends a great deal on the insurance. I would call the insurance company to find out what criteria do they use. Given the moderate OSA, you do want to be treated.

If you are interested, we are trying to organize a free CPAP class and a Support Group in Brooklyn, NY in a few weeks time to help with education about sleep apnea, treatment options, new masks, and machines, alternative treatment options and interaction with others. If interested, leave me a message and will send the info. 

Good luck.
(deactivated member)
on 8/30/10 12:49 am
Topic: RE: A new kind of CPAP mask
I have been looking around for a sleep apnea aid for my good friend. He has a really bad problem with snoring and wasn't to sure what to tell him. This mask from all that I hear sounds like its honestly the best possible bet  for him. Thanks for the great post on it.
http://www.alpinehomemedical.com
eighty-eight
on 8/29/10 1:11 pm
Topic: Help decifering SA as a comorbidity..and opinions on qualifying..
Hello,

I'm new to the forum, WLS, SA, etc...

I just finished up my 2nd sleep study (titration). I know the results from my 1st study. It says my total AHI is 22.9. Does insurance look at the 'total AHI' or AHI/hr number to determine if it's a comorbidity?

The sleep center said I am diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea.

I am heavily considering the GVS surgery and have been trying to figure out if I have what it takes to even bother with the insurance route. My BMI is 35.9.

Any help and all opinions are welcome.

Thanks! :)


rubberducky10
on 8/24/10 3:54 pm
Topic: RE: I DON'T WANT A CPAP MACHINE!!!!
Wow.  After reading this post from several months ago and all these responses, I guess I better get a c-pap.  My husband uses one and I think he looks like a freak.  But when I am afraid to go to sleep at night because I might not wake up,  I guess it's time.  I have not been diagnosed yet, but I am pretty sure I have it.  The whole diagnostic process seems like a pain in the neck and so does having to use the machine.  But, I am just so TIRED.  
 
Eileen
feedyoureye
on 8/24/10 5:47 am - Sacramento, CA
Topic: RE: Sleep Study
 My BMI is around the same as yours... I have the same insurance too. I have some paperwork in but haven't gotten any word yet from the Drs. Can you tell me anything more about your experience with Western Health Advantage? Thanks, Kim
Mishelle R.
on 8/16/10 2:28 pm
Topic: RE: Can't breathe in the CPAP Mask
breathe right nasal strips. when I get stuffy, such as allergies or a cold i'll wear this with my cpap machine. _ just a thought. also put the tubing under your covers.. that helps if you have condensation build up in the tubing if you are running with humidicty
(deactivated member)
on 8/13/10 5:33 pm
Topic: RE: Can't breathe in the CPAP Mask
Hi, I had the same problem. Dr suggested a hudifier for the CPAP itself. It is an add on to the CPAP. Also each time I begin to use the CPAP I use saline spray in my nose to moisten it.
If you continue to have problems with your mouth opening there is a elastic band you can order. The band goes under the chin to over the head. It takes awhile to get use to the CPAP and chin guard but it is well worth it. I have had my CPAP for 10 years now and cannot sleep without it. Tests showed 31 apenas per hour. 
Hope this helps.

Most Active
×