Sleep apnea questions

Bobbyloads

Elite
Joined
Apr 20, 2019
Messages
5,419
Reaction score
5,364
Points
283
Finally did my sleep study and got diagnosed with sleep apnea so I can get the machine anyone else have this? I’m wondering will improve my gains since I’ll be getting better sleep anyone work out prior to getting the machine and if so how where the gains after staring to use it?
 

tinymk

Elite
Joined
Nov 26, 2017
Messages
2,262
Reaction score
3,699
Points
153
I am sure there are several on here that have sleep apnea. I was diagnosed probably 12 years ago been on a Cpap ever since.
it greatly improved my life and sleep. My hemocrits and rbcs were thru the roof and the cpap has help me get lower and healthy.
 

Bobbyloads

Elite
Joined
Apr 20, 2019
Messages
5,419
Reaction score
5,364
Points
283
Yeah my dad had it never got the machine pretty sure it sped up his death my friend swears by it I had to do it too many upsides.
 

BRICKS

Veteran
Joined
Aug 30, 2016
Messages
5,073
Reaction score
11,349
Points
333
Like Tinymk said, lots of guys on here have OSA. One of the main factors is neck circumference...come with the iron game. My sleep is a lot better with my CPAP. Gains? How about reducing your risk of heart attack and stroke.

It may take a while to get used to it. Stick with it. Also, get a SoClean. You need to clean that stuff everyday. Not doing so is just fkn nasty and you could get sick. Hand washing is a pain in the ass. The SoClean is easy.
 

IHI

Elite
Joined
Mar 3, 2015
Messages
1,677
Reaction score
1,350
Points
113
On my second res-med unit, dreamwear headgear
love it because hose comes in at top of my head so im free to spin around and not have mask ripped off like the ones the hose comes in at chin
 

Bobbyloads

Elite
Joined
Apr 20, 2019
Messages
5,419
Reaction score
5,364
Points
283
Will look into the SoClean make it easier on my wife lol thanks... I understand the health benefits of it already I’m just asking if anyone noticed good gains after it since sleep is a big factor for them and I don’t get much sleep ever if the apnea ain’t messing with me then peeing is cause I wake up 2-3 times a night to do so. I will for sure stick with it 2 big factors my son so I can watch him grow up and watching my father pass recently which I believe a big part of his health down fall was sleep apnea which lead to all the other stuff getting worse and I don’t want to end up like that.
 

Bobbyloads

Elite
Joined
Apr 20, 2019
Messages
5,419
Reaction score
5,364
Points
283
They gave me the mask already after the sleep study thing I guess I need a full nose and mouth one no idea which unit I’m actually getting bit will look into any recommendations you guys make for sure always get good advice on here once read between the shit talking lol
 

Patriot1405

Elite
SI Founding Member
Joined
Jul 28, 2012
Messages
642
Reaction score
381
Points
63
I’m 56 and my wife used to push me awake at night because I would stop breathing. Last year I finally had the sleep test and was diagnosed with OSA. Got the cpap machine and my sleep and energy levels have increased tremendously. Like Brick said it takes awhile to get used to it. For me it took 6 weeks. By the 6th week I was able to tolerate it for 8 hours. By the tenth week I woke up with incredible amounts of energy and was able to last the day without the constant state of fatigue. Now I cant sleep well without it. Even goes on vacation with me. Also, like Brick mentioned get the SoClean machine. Best investment I made, for effortless sanitizing of my mask, hose, cpap machine, even the water tank. Hope you don’t give up and decide that it’s too much work. Take your time, have patience and invest in yourself. Good luck brother!
 

Rhino99

Elite
Joined
Nov 11, 2017
Messages
1,554
Reaction score
1,189
Points
113
As the guys said it can be life changing.
No more driving off the side of the road for me.

Some tips:
I went through every type of mask and the only one ive been using the last few years is the airfit p10, by far the most comfortable and least obtrusive mask there is, and I used to be a mouth sleeper

https://www.resmed.com/en-us/sleep-...nea-full-products-list/cpap-masks/airfit-p10/

Sit in a recliner during the day and wear the mask and use the machine as long as you can. Do this every day longer and longer so you get used to it quicker.
Many, like me, tried to sleep right off the bat with it and ripped it off and didnt try for another year.

What is your apnea score or whatever its called?
I stop breathing every 30 seconds.
 

Bobbyloads

Elite
Joined
Apr 20, 2019
Messages
5,419
Reaction score
5,364
Points
283
I have no idea yet waiting on my primary to receive the test results to get the machine I just did this last night. When I came in they told me if I test positive they will have me come in again and spend the night with the mask and machine 1 hour after I fell asleep they woke me up gave me a mask and said you have it really bad sleep with this and you won’t have to come back again. In the morning they also told me it’s horrible but did not mention any scores or results I didn’t even ask wanted to get out shower the shit off of me and get to work. I have a big ass head lol I hope these masks work they gave me a mask already will try to post a pic they said I need mouth and nose.


As the guys said it can be life changing.
No more driving off the side of the road for me.

Some tips:
I went through every type of mask and the only one ive been using the last few years is the airfit p10, by far the most comfortable and least obtrusive mask there is, and I used to be a mouth sleeper

https://www.resmed.com/en-us/sleep-...nea-full-products-list/cpap-masks/airfit-p10/

Sit in a recliner during the day and wear the mask and use the machine as long as you can. Do this every day longer and longer so you get used to it quicker.
Many, like me, tried to sleep right off the bat with it and ripped it off and didnt try for another year.

What is your apnea score or whatever its called?
I stop breathing every 30 seconds.
 

Bobbyloads

Elite
Joined
Apr 20, 2019
Messages
5,419
Reaction score
5,364
Points
283
Lol my wife beats me at night sometimes she said now way the machine will be more annoying then me with out it.



I’m 56 and my wife used to push me awake at night because I would stop breathing. Last year I finally had the sleep test and was diagnosed with OSA. Got the cpap machine and my sleep and energy levels have increased tremendously. Like Brick said it takes awhile to get used to it. For me it took 6 weeks. By the 6th week I was able to tolerate it for 8 hours. By the tenth week I woke up with incredible amounts of energy and was able to last the day without the constant state of fatigue. Now I cant sleep well without it. Even goes on vacation with me. Also, like Brick mentioned get the SoClean machine. Best investment I made, for effortless sanitizing of my mask, hose, cpap machine, even the water tank. Hope you don’t give up and decide that it’s too much work. Take your time, have patience and invest in yourself. Good luck brother!
 

Rhino99

Elite
Joined
Nov 11, 2017
Messages
1,554
Reaction score
1,189
Points
113
The machine isnt loud at all.
The thing about the mouth and nose mask is it may not get a good seal which means leakage which means it wont work and also be very loud.
The only way to know is to try it and see, if not there's other options.

Keep us posted
 
Joined
Jun 8, 2019
Messages
18
Reaction score
10
Points
0
If it improves the quality of sleep you’re getting, absolutely. I have several clients on CPAP that couldn’t live without it and are making tremendous progress in the gym.
 

brock8282

Elite
Joined
Feb 4, 2020
Messages
810
Reaction score
1,596
Points
0
I took a home sleep test from 1800cpap. no insurance so this was the most economical option. Just got my results back today, had an AHI of 34 per hour and low oxygen level of 79% excited to get a machine and hopefully start getting some quality sleep and not doze off whenever I try to read or watch tv. Just trying to decide on a mask. Thinking a nasal pillow mask like the airfit p30i, having the tubing come in at the top instead of in front of your face sounds much more comfortable.
 

Bobbyloads

Elite
Joined
Apr 20, 2019
Messages
5,419
Reaction score
5,364
Points
283
Know what you mean man... took most of the day off today cause have been working too much went to get a haircut dozed off 3 times came home fell asleep just woke up from a nap usually I never have time to nap maybe here and there on a weekend I’m excited as well to get this shit maybe will get a good nights sleep for the first time since I can remember. Luckily I have insurance so will be cost efficient but I pay up the ass for insurance so either way it’s expensive :(
 

Voyagersixone

Senior Member
Joined
Dec 6, 2019
Messages
1,988
Reaction score
1,007
Points
113
Brock - 34 is on the upper end of moderate to severe. I"m sorry to hear that bro. Glad you're getting started.

OP - Would be insterested to know what your AHI (Apnea/Hypopnea Index AKA the number of times your breathing is interrupted each our is) based on your study. When you get your CPAP, it'll tell you nightliy what it is. The goal is to get it under 1... and it's achievable.


Long Windedness

(See what I did there?)

My AHI from my study was 44. As I mentioned in my intro thread, part of it was fatness and the other part was small windpipe. As you get bigger (fatter or muscle) on your neck, it will make it harder to sleep. The CPAP WILL make all the difference in the world. I can't sleep without mine now. Masks make a major difference too. At first I had a nasal mask... and I hated it (but it made cool sounds when I tried to talk). You have to sort of train yourself to keep your tongue on the roof of your mouth when you used them. I've now used my machine for 3 years.

I found that full face masks work best for me. I use the Airfit F20 (I see that bove) and absolutely love it. They just came out with an F30 that I was considering, but again, it barely covers your nose. I want the whole damned thing.


Resources that have helped me

http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/ - The Apnea Board. Much like this, you have everything from vets of 20+ years that have used every version of the CPAP ever... to folks that are just now considering sleep studies. They have comparisons on mask reviews, machines, and instructions on cleaning and operating machines. A big thing I've found is tracking my own sleep and adjusting my settings to fit me. I travel all over the world and can't have a constant doctor... so having someone constantly tweak and change my settings isn't possible. The board here gives instructions on the pros/cons of changing your settings and managing your treatment. Which brings me to...

https://sleepyhead.jedimark.net/ - Sleepyhead - Which is the CPAP card reader. My mac has a built in card reader... and if your computer doesn't have one, you can get one from amazon. The machine will only tell you your AHI. If you install sleepyhead on your computer and plug your card in it will tell you VOLUMES of information. It will make graphs of every time you snored, stopped breathing, etc etc etc. It'll show you what your pressure was throughout the night (assuming you have an APAP or BiPAP where your pressure is adaptive) and it will really help you manage your therapy better. If you have a doctor you're going to, you can view this data to be more informed on what you're talking about. (I'm seeing now that the developer has stopped updating, but you should be able to get the software there still).

https://www.remzzzs.com/ - RemZZZ's mask liners. EVERYTHING is about air pressure. If you don't get the right seal on your face, it'll affect the pressure being pushed into your lungs. You'll get everything from insufficient air to too much air to noise. Face shape, facial hair, prescribed pressure, and more play a factor on the type of seal. I've found that I have to have a mask liner. It's basically... tshirt material they've cut a hole in to fit the mask type. But it, again, made everything just perfect. When I don't use my liner, I can feel/hear the leaks and I don't get the air that I need. Dudes with facial hair... I say it's almost a requirement.


I went on a bit of a rant here, but this is something I"m (oddly) passionate about. Hope it's helpful.
 

Bobbyloads

Elite
Joined
Apr 20, 2019
Messages
5,419
Reaction score
5,364
Points
283
Brock - 34 is on the upper end of moderate to severe. I"m sorry to hear that bro. Glad you're getting started.

OP - Would be insterested to know what your AHI (Apnea/Hypopnea Index AKA the number of times your breathing is interrupted each our is) based on your study. When you get your CPAP, it'll tell you nightliy what it is. The goal is to get it under 1... and it's achievable.


Long Windedness

(See what I did there?)

My AHI from my study was 44. As I mentioned in my intro thread, part of it was fatness and the other part was small windpipe. As you get bigger (fatter or muscle) on your neck, it will make it harder to sleep. The CPAP WILL make all the difference in the world. I can't sleep without mine now. Masks make a major difference too. At first I had a nasal mask... and I hated it (but it made cool sounds when I tried to talk). You have to sort of train yourself to keep your tongue on the roof of your mouth when you used them. I've now used my machine for 3 years.

I found that full face masks work best for me. I use the Airfit F20 (I see that bove) and absolutely love it. They just came out with an F30 that I was considering, but again, it barely covers your nose. I want the whole damned thing.


Resources that have helped me

http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/ - The Apnea Board. Much like this, you have everything from vets of 20+ years that have used every version of the CPAP ever... to folks that are just now considering sleep studies. They have comparisons on mask reviews, machines, and instructions on cleaning and operating machines. A big thing I've found is tracking my own sleep and adjusting my settings to fit me. I travel all over the world and can't have a constant doctor... so having someone constantly tweak and change my settings isn't possible. The board here gives instructions on the pros/cons of changing your settings and managing your treatment. Which brings me to...

https://sleepyhead.jedimark.net/ - Sleepyhead - Which is the CPAP card reader. My mac has a built in card reader... and if your computer doesn't have one, you can get one from amazon. The machine will only tell you your AHI. If you install sleepyhead on your computer and plug your card in it will tell you VOLUMES of information. It will make graphs of every time you snored, stopped breathing, etc etc etc. It'll show you what your pressure was throughout the night (assuming you have an APAP or BiPAP where your pressure is adaptive) and it will really help you manage your therapy better. If you have a doctor you're going to, you can view this data to be more informed on what you're talking about. (I'm seeing now that the developer has stopped updating, but you should be able to get the software there still).

https://www.remzzzs.com/ - RemZZZ's mask liners. EVERYTHING is about air pressure. If you don't get the right seal on your face, it'll affect the pressure being pushed into your lungs. You'll get everything from insufficient air to too much air to noise. Face shape, facial hair, prescribed pressure, and more play a factor on the type of seal. I've found that I have to have a mask liner. It's basically... tshirt material they've cut a hole in to fit the mask type. But it, again, made everything just perfect. When I don't use my liner, I can feel/hear the leaks and I don't get the air that I need. Dudes with facial hair... I say it's almost a requirement.


I went on a bit of a rant here, but this is something I"m (oddly) passionate about. Hope it's helpful.


thank you appreciate the rant lol once I get my numbers I’ll let you know. Now I’m having an issue with a nasal passage my left side is stuffed all the time constantly going to have to get that checked out as well it’s annoying.
 

Voyagersixone

Senior Member
Joined
Dec 6, 2019
Messages
1,988
Reaction score
1,007
Points
113
thank you appreciate the rant lol once I get my numbers I’ll let you know. Now I’m having an issue with a nasal passage my left side is stuffed all the time constantly going to have to get that checked out as well it’s annoying.

for sure. I had a bit of that and it was allergies. Little nasal steroid and cleared it up. Good luck man
 

New Threads

Top