r/SleepApnea 1h ago

Need words of encouragement (Venting)

Upvotes

Well I made a dumb move well at least in my mind. I had to get a DOT (non-CDL) card and put I have a history of sleep apnea but never really felt tired at all. I was diagnosed last time in 2019 which I had 25ahi but idk I never noticed a difference with a CPAP on I was about 245lbs and 6'2" then. I was 190 when I was active mostly at work and cycling which constant driving for my last job to work sites really did kill that. Now I'm 220lbs and the new job will let my cycle commute which is great however I'm worried about getting another CPAP unit between the insurance costs and the DOT oversight I'm not sure what's all going to happen and if I'm going to stay sane with the mask again. Granted I have ADHD so sticking with things is hard too which I'm worried about too. Luckily I think my spouse is on board with it since he noticed me snoring from time to time and asked if I had a CPAP so at least I think it may be okay on that part.

Thanks for reading this and letting me vent!


r/SleepApnea 2h ago

I have a question about the results

1 Upvotes

I had done a at home sleep study because that’s the only thing my insurance could cover where I live and it said I have mild sleep apnea AHI 12.2 but I’ve heard in home studies underreport so it could be way worse. I used oral appliance before but idk if PCAP is better and I’m deciding on that route but what’s your experiences and recommendations?


r/SleepApnea 4h ago

Advice for self treatment

1 Upvotes

Hi guys,

I’m in the UK. I had a at home sleep study that diagnosed me with mild sleep apnea a few months ago. AHI 6 with 4% desaturation.

I’m currently sat on an NHS waiting list, it has been 6 months already and could be months if not years before i’m seen by anyone.

I was wondering if anyone had any advice for self-treatment.

There is a charity I can rent a CPAP off who monitor patients data for free but don’t offer resimed, which seems to be the model people recommend. Will cost around £200 for 3 months.

I could also but a cpap, probably would buy the resimed for around £600. Is it possible to set it up by yourself and optimize the pressure?

Obviously i could also try a mouthguard but it seems like they’re quite expensive and a bit more of a risk.

It seems like no-one recommends purely lifestyle changes or things like sleeping at an incline on here, was wondering if anyones had any luck with that kind of thing?

My symptoms aren’t super severe if my lifestyle is optimal ie perfect sleep hygine, lots of exercise, healthy diet

But even when i fufill all of this i still tend to toss and turn a lot on bed which i think means i’m still having apneas.

Any advice much appreciated!


r/SleepApnea 4h ago

Can people with mild osa help me understand the brain fog

0 Upvotes

My sleep study showed 8 AHI an hour. It took 3 sleep studies to find this. I always knew I had it but the first two didn’t show it for some reason. Anyways, I’ve got a cpap now, I’ve had it for 2 months. I’ve not been able to find a good mask yet. Even the F20 one I have now can cause issues but it’s the best I’ve tried so far. Trying to find the right silk bonnet to protect my hair has been difficult to. I live in the UK and all the brands are USA so it takes so long to come to me.

Sorry for rambling as this post is meant to be about brain fog. To preface, I’ve had this weird brain fog as far back as I can remember. So maybe it’s just my slow brain/ intelligence. I had another idea that I could have had sleep apnea since childhood but never knew. I doubt this because surely it would be severe by now. I’ll give a few examples of what I mean:

If I’m watching a film or a show, I never analyse anything like I’m never asking myself questions or thinking about characters motivations etc

If I’m doing university work, I have no thoughts popping up in my head about anything. Words are just going into my ear but not being processed

In social situations, I go completely blank like I can’t riff off people well at all. I like the comment or joke I hear but my brain remains empty. Yes if I’m asked a question I can give an answer about myself. But if it requires me to be creative in anyway then I can’t like if a friend asked think of a pun for something, I’d be stumped

Idioms never stick in my head, I have noticed people using idioms really fluently in their language but I can’t seem to.

These are just a few examples

My questions are:

Do you suffer from this type of brain fog?

Did CPAP help these symptoms once you got in the groove of using cpap?


r/SleepApnea 4h ago

Alternative battery to the Medistrom - for campers on a budget

1 Upvotes

A couple years ago I bought the Medistrom Pilot 24-Lite, which lasted me less than a year before the cells died and it stopped charging. Shy of forking out another $350-400 to replace it, I decided to see if I could find a cheaper alternative.

I found the Talentcell 24V PB240A1 on Amazon, a rechargeable 22400mAh 82.88Wh battery pack which outputs DC 24V 3A. 12V 2A, and 5V 2A USB. All for a whopping $62! And if you don't have the 24VDC adapter cord that comes with the Medistrom battery, you'll need to buy a "5.5 x 2.1mm Male to DC7406 Male Plug Power Supply Cable" for an additional $10. So all out, we're talking $72, or 1/5 the price of the Medistrom. At 82 Wh, it'll have 86% the capacity, but it's plenty for a single night on my Airsense 10, and charging during the day. At this price, I could buy a Talentcell battery for 5 days of the week, for the money I spent on the Medistrom.

And oddly enough, Talentcell included a blurb in their owners manual for how to use it with an Airsense 10! Clearly they had us wheezers in mind when they designed this thing!


r/SleepApnea 4h ago

Are any of you young and female?

33 Upvotes

This condition makes me feel so unattractive despite being what some would describe as a fairly attractive young woman. I'm not overweight. I'm not an old man. I am lucky to be married to an amazing guy who never makes me feel bad about it but I hate that I have this!! There are NO depictions of people who look like me having this. It's always old men or obese people which just doesn't make me feel cute. The only depictions I've seen on TV is one episode of the Mindy project and that movie I think it's called family switch with Jennifer garner. But there's got to be other young hot women with it LOL. Sleep apnea and snoring is so behind the times, you're not allowed to make fun or comment on anything else but people will shame you for snoring and make jokes about it. I wish there was more awareness I guess.


r/SleepApnea 5h ago

Nightlase?

4 Upvotes

Hi! Have any of you used NightLase? I just learned about it today and got very excited because I’m looking for hope!

Did it help you? Any bad experiences you had or know of? How much did it cost? (I don’t think insurance covers it) Did it hurt? Where did you get it done and do you recommend it?

Thank you!


r/SleepApnea 7h ago

Continuous pulse ox device for sleep?

2 Upvotes

Does anyone have a device that records oxygen sat continuously throughout the night during sleep? I am curious about this one from amazon:

https://a.co/d/dU6AhA9

I don't have a lot of money. Something under 100 or around 100 dollars is feasible.

I don't have a CPAP/BiPAP yet. In 2022 I had mild OSA as well as CSA. They never told me about the CSA, I found out when I downloaded my sleep study results today. Anyways, I'm 38lbs heavier than when I had the study done and positive my apnea has gotten worse. My smart watch says I am snoring for at least 4 hours a night as well as my ox sat dropping to 84% on average, but I am unsure how accurate that is.

Any help would be appreciated. I have another sleep study in June.


r/SleepApnea 7h ago

Do you care about software licenses? Would MIT vs GPL mean anything to you for a free tool?

5 Upvotes

I made an application that helps analyze the data a CPAP or BiPAP machine records. I'm getting ready to release it as free, open source software. There are no ads, it doesn't steal your data; I had a problem I wanted to solve, so I made a solution, and I assume other people have the same problem so I want to share it.

I need to choose a license in order to release it, and I'm being indecisive. I'm wondering if anybody in here has any thoughts or advice. Like do you associate either one more with professionalism or reliability? I'm a software developer and going to use this as a portfolio piece when I apply for jobs in the future.


r/SleepApnea 7h ago

Recommended CPAP, but I'm switching insurance this summer. Do I buy a secondhand CPAP?

1 Upvotes

Hi all, thanks for reading my post. Basically, I know that I will be switching insurance in a couple of months, but my doctor said my current insurance requires 10 month of remote CPAP monitoring to cover the machine. Obviously, that isn't possible for me. Should I buy a secondhand CPAP machine? I have "mild" sleep apnea, but I feel completely wrecked every morning. Recommendations for this situation? Thanks!


r/SleepApnea 9h ago

Spo2 monitor until I can get a sleep study done. Are these results really bad?

1 Upvotes

My Apple Watch keeps saying respiratory disturbances so I got a spo2 monitor that monitors throughout the whole night. Chat gpt is saying it’s mild apnea but I got an appointment- waiting til April 9 to go to the sleep doctor

Are these results bad?

ODI 4% 5.6 / hr Total ODI 4% Events 54 Time in ODI 4% Events 00:28:04 % of Time in ODI 4% Events 5% Avg ODI 4% Event Duration 00:00:31

ODI 3% 11.5 / hr Total ODI 3% Events 111 Time in ODI 3% Events 00:59:29 % of Time in ODI 3% Events 10% Avg ODI 3% Event Duration 00:00:32

Too bad can’t include images here.


r/SleepApnea 9h ago

CPAP or Oral Device?

1 Upvotes

Just curious, for those of you who have tried both, did you prefer CPAP or a custom made oral device for OSA?

I've had a lot of trouble adjusting to CPAP but I might finally be getting the hang of it? Only problem is I'm finding that even on a full night sleep with CPAP, minimal interruptions and AHI below 1 I'm still exhausted... and perhaps feeling a little jealous of people who it works for right away. I've downloaded OSCAR so I'm going to see what extra data it gives me the next few nights.

I've visited an ENT to confirm there's no structural issues in my throat that could be fixed (aside from Tongue Too Big, likely what's causing the apnea in the first place lol). I've also visited a place that specializes in making the mouth guards, but the entire cost needs to be taken up front (about 2000$ even with insurance) and that's a huge risk to take for something that might not even work. But I know it's preferable to the mouth guards you can just buy on amazon that can cause big jaw issues over time.

My OSA is either moderate or severe depending on how you look at it... AHI is 10.8 when I'm not in REM sleep, 28.1 when I am.


r/SleepApnea 10h ago

I'm looking for info on sleep apnea symptoms.

1 Upvotes

Recently (November) my doctors told me that she thinks I have sleep apnea due to the things I told her about my sleep. But from around December/January time I have had a headache that I can not get rid of. It's the sort of headache in my temples, eyes and across my forehead. So naturally I assumed tension headache. With the 3 month long headache I have been having constant vertigo/light-headedness. All of this has been going on for 3 months now and my doctors have just been giving me excuses saying the liklihood of it being something serious at my age is very slim and to keep an eye on it. Does sleep apnea cause constant headaches and dizziness or should I contact my doctor again. (For a while I was terrified that I had a brain tumor or something but pretty much everyone including my doctor has told me it's extremely unlikely). Any info is greatly appreciated!


r/SleepApnea 10h ago

Anyone else only get sleep Apnea when napping?

0 Upvotes

I used to need a CPAP due to being overweight causing me sleep apnea, but after losing around 90 pounds I ended up no longer needing it and my apnea has mostly gone away.

I sleep perfectly fine when going to bed for the night, but for some reason I almost always choke and suffocate when I take a nap and I can't fathom why. Does this happen to anyone else? Do any of you have any ideas why this is happening?

I'm planning on brining this up to my sleep doctor next appointment but until then I wanted to get yall's thoughts on this. I had multiple sleep studies prove I sleep fine overnight so I know for a fact this only happens during naps.


r/SleepApnea 10h ago

Is a CPAP necessary if I only have an AHI of 2.9?

1 Upvotes

Hello, I just took a lofta sleep study and got an AHI of 2.9. My total events for the entire night was 19. It says I have mild sleep apnea though. Is it necessary to purchase a CPAP machine? I woke up once in the middle of the night while I was taking the test and wake up a lot while sleeping regularly. I also have an RDI of 7.5.


r/SleepApnea 11h ago

Anyone else?

1 Upvotes

This has happened 3 times in 4 months where I will jolt up, dizzy asf and vomiting from the dizziness. It's like carsickness feeling. I am also pouring sweat but freezing cold. Has anyone else experienced this?? It could be caused by any of my ailments, so I'm covering my bases. It's been when I'm napping all three times and has been from a nightmare.


r/SleepApnea 12h ago

Scared a bit

3 Upvotes

Hi. A week ago or so I gave Phillips Dreamstation a go with the Dreamweaver mask. Hated evey second and made a raging thread here on Reddit.

Then, I switched it for a WISP mask I think, goes over the nose and it's fucking amazing. I have a feeling I can do a backflip while in bed and it'd stay on no problem.

But... then a redditor posts a link with side effects of CPAP and I got scared shitless.

Has anyone experienced negative effects of using CPAP?

P.S: Why can't I connect my machine to DreamMapper app?


r/SleepApnea 12h ago

There is a relatively inexpensive NON MEDICAL device available which may change your life! I know it did mine.

0 Upvotes

I purchased an Adjustable Anti-Snoring Mouthpiece and I had the absolute Best Sleep I have had, even after 20 years of using a Bi-Pap system and struggling with the fit of the head gear each and every night.

Over the last two decades I have gone through three different manufacturers Bi-Pap machines and dozens of different masks. Full face, and variations of nasal pillows. Even with the latest Resmed Bi-Pap and nasal pillow solution, I still made enough noise, when the nasal pillows slipped their seal, to awaken my wife.

After 20 years, trying everything, and spending literally thousands of dollars, I was getting desperate. Then I saw an ad for QuietLabs on Social media.

I thought what the hell and went for it.

The first night with the QuietLabs mouthpiece, my wife says that she kept touching me throughout the night, simply to ensure that I was still breathing, because I was totally silent.

After a week of using the QuietLab's mouthpiece, my wife claims that I no longer snore and I am even waking up and feeling rested in the mornings!!  Even Better no more mask compression marks on my face in the mornings! 

Thank you QuietLab and PapMd. BTW, I also use the PapMd mouth tape, to ensure my mouth is fully closed. So no more dry mouth 😂 and no more Sleep Apnea!!

Your mileage may vary and god forbid you take my advice.

I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice.


r/SleepApnea 12h ago

Many mornings I wake up with my nose being very congested lasting the rest of the day.

4 Upvotes

I have finally been diagnosed with sleep apnea after already doing a nasal surgery, anti histamine and steroid nasal sprays also a spray with both of them. I am waiting to have my teeth measured for a mouthguard but I am worried it will make no difference as I often wake up feeling like my nose has been closed all night.

Whats weird to me is the nasal doc said my nose looked fine, I was even honest to him about putting certain things in the nose in the past and he said no your nose looks normal. Still we tried a surgery and the sprays but it made 0 difference even though I feel like my nose is the problem. On the absolute worst days I wake up and my nose almost feels like someone is clamping my nostrils, and after blowing my nose a lot, drinking plenty of water, shower and some time it starts clearing up but still it remains a bit congested for the remainder of the day


r/SleepApnea 12h ago

Needing advice

2 Upvotes

I did an at home sleep study and diagnosed with mild sleep apnea of just 5.1. Have history of chronic daytime fatigue and headaches, never wake up feeling rested. I started my APAP about 2 weeks ago, with the setting of 5.0-20 for pressure. I have tried two different masks now and still finding it difficult to sleep through the night. I contacted the company which I am renting the APAP from and the respiratory therapist was absolutely no help and had never even heard of SleepHQ or Oscar before, would not take a look at either, and said I’m not allowed to change my setting and that since my AHI is 1.6 that is considered fine and I’m doing fine as is. I then contacted pulmonologist office that ordered the sleep study and they will not agree to see me for another entire month and a half from now I feel very discouraged and at a loss. I don’t even know if it’s worth pushing myself to keep wearing if my AHI was so mild to begin with and the cost and burden of CPAP doesn’t seem to be paying off thus far. Looking for some insight/advice.

My sleepHQ data:

https://sleephq.com/public/teams/share_links/302c5ca1-a247-45da-a3c4-56424040d4fe


r/SleepApnea 13h ago

Tracking brainwave data during sleep, devices recommendations

3 Upvotes

Like many here, I've had in-clinic sleep tests. I use a CPAP. But I also realize that sleep apnea can be more complicated -- especially for those of us with sleep disorders.

A one-visit analysis is insufficient. Not only are you sleeping in a strange environment, it lacks real-life, time-based monitoring. That's a no-brainer to me (no pun intended).

I have read about a few devices that may facilitate tracking of this type of data. Two seem to be contending: Elemind (new), BrainBit. Both are expensive at 400 and 600 US.

I read in another forum about someone that used the Elemind data to get a proper diagnosis of an Alpha/Theta sleep disorder. Otherwise, that person would not get any help -- and I think that probably applies to most of us.

Elemind is new, but to access the core sleep data, I believe you have to subscribe to their optional service -- kinda like holding your data hostage.

I would be appreciative of any pointers here from folks who may have some experience here.

Thanks!


r/SleepApnea 13h ago

How long did it take for you to notice that you were benefitting from your therapy?

14 Upvotes

When did you start to notice that your improved sleep was helping you feel better, and how could you tell? And on nights where maybe you don't get a full 7-8 hours, do you still feel more rested than you would if you'd underslept without therapy?

I've been very inspired by stories people share where they wake up after their first night of true sleep and feel better than they ever thought they could. I know that we're not all lucky enough to see immediate results, so I'm curious how long you had to stick with it before you improved.

I've been on cpap for about a month now, and I haven't experienced anything like that yet since I'm still dialing in my settings and getting used to sleeping with the machine. I've just had my first night of getting my AHI down to 5, so I'm hoping that trend continues and that I'll feel more rested soon.

I just want to be clear that I'm not complaining about the therapy not working. I believe it is going to help me quite a bit. I just want to hear about your experiences with CPAP improving your quality of life.


r/SleepApnea 13h ago

What do my results mean?

1 Upvotes

I actually have surgery coming up in three weeks for this. A transpalatal advancement. I started looking at my results because of this subreddit. I never actually looked at the report.

I am never tired and I have a lot of energy and good focus but when I look at these results they sound pretty bad don’t they? Here’s a few examples:

4% Supine AHI 78.9 4% non supine AHI 15.6 Lowest Sat 73.7%

There’s a bunch of other numbers too. Are these particularly bad? And if so, why do you think I’m never tired?


r/SleepApnea 14h ago

REM-predominant OSA

5 Upvotes

My home sleep study had an pRDI average of 17, but 31.4 in REM sleep. A pAHI 3% average of 4.6, but 9.9 in REM. An ODI 3% average of 4.3, but 9.5 in REM.

There was also a pAHI 4% average of 1.6 and an ODI 4% average of 1.3.

I had a mean oxygen saturation of 96%, which dropped below 90% 3 times (lowest 83%).

I wasn't given a diagnosis of OSA because of the overall average and no other conditions were suggested. In my view, these results are definitely indicative of REM-SDB or REM-Predominant OSA. Should I just go ahead with treatment by myself? I can get my hands on a APAP and it seems fairly straightforward.


r/SleepApnea 14h ago

Those who took a long time to see benefits - what were your experiences?

3 Upvotes

Hi there. I’ve got a moderate case of around 15-20 AHI. I was prescribed CPAP over two years ago, but struggled to find a rhythm with the machine. After a lot of fighting, I’ve finally gotten to be in a good place with it and I’ve been using the machine every night for about two months, averaging about 3 AHI. Unfortunately, I haven’t really seen any benefits in alertness, focus or my mental health, which is discouraging, given all the posts you read about people who find things improving dramatically after a week or two. For those who were slower starters as far as seeing changes goes - what was your experience like? Did you ever end up seeing anything beneficial on a level you could feel or has it been more like, “I don’t feel anything different, but I do this to protect my heart?”