Hi all
It’s nearly two months since my ablation and generally all is fine, last week I had to wear a monitor over night to monitor me for sleep apnea, I have been called back to the hospital on Monday, has anyone been through these tests? And what happens ?
In my experience I was called back where I was told I had mild/moderate sleep apnoea and was fitted with s cpap machine to use to sleep, I was told if test was negative I’d have just had letter saying so
I have taken restless nights sleep as the norm and my heart medication as a reason for always being tired, what improvement did you have after using a cpap machine .
Nothing really, I didn’t have any symptoms, however I now realise the importance of wearing cpap if you have AF
I have had CPAP for nearly 4 years how and it is the single one thing that has improved my QOL.
What happened for me was I was invited to a Masterclass of 2 hour duration with 3 other people - physiologists run the CPAP clinic. We were fitted up with masks and shown how to use the machine. We ere then given a machine to take home recorded the optimum air pressure for our type of SA. We were given support helpline number and encouraged to use it. We kept that machine for 6 weeks and returned for a further 1:1 appointment where various respiratory tests were involved which included blowing into tubes in various ways, height & weight recorded and then I saw the pulmonologist for assessment and recommendation. I then went back up to CPAP and was given my own machine, pre-programmed for my needs to take home. Now I have annual checks with nurse and when I need supplies just ring the CPAP clinic who mail replacement parts to me on request - a mask lasts approximately 4-6 months for instance.
CPAP does take some getting used to though so I would urge you to persevere. Last night I slept through for about 7 hours without waking. It took about 6 weeks to achieve being able to wear the mask for more than 4 hours and I had to try various masks before I struck on one which was comfortable. I’ve just changed the type of mask and it always takes a while to adjust but persistence is worth it. Once I achieved one night of unbroken sleep, I SO noticed the difference in how I felt and I now couldn’t imagine sleeping without it.
More and more research coming out of just how important good quality sleep is for our body to recuperate and replenish itself and it is thought that 90% of people suffer from chronic sleep deprivation.
The link between SA and AF is well known and understood and my EP told me that along with lifestyle changes, it was the one thing that improved PAF frequency & intensity.
Good luck and feel free to PM me if you have any questions.
My husband has a CPAP machine after 20 years of me suggestinghe should seek advice re stopping breathing. He was diagnosed with severe sleep apnoea. The one benefit that is noticeable is that he no longer gets up to pee during the night. The nurse who saw us said this was a common advantage. His six week check has stretched to a year sadly but he didn't have symptoms anyway ( he says!)
Was not aware masks need replacing.Thank you. You had a very thorough work up CDreamer
The first sign of needing a new mask is when it starts to leak air, mine sounds like a motor bike and wakes both of us up! The longest I have ever had a mask was 9 months and I was told off for not asking for a new one sooner.
It is an excellent department and service and is the ONLY appointment for which I never have to wait, they are punctual to the minute. I so wish all departments were like this but the last time I went they said they didn’t know for how much longer the service would continue with cuts etc.
Yes we found them very helpful in York but as you say cuts have increased the review time. My husband has developed a bit of fluid under his right eye as he tends to sleep on that side most. He's still juggling with the tightness of the mask so it is comfortable but does not "burp" from time to time if you you know what I mean if too loose
Poor sleep. Should I change Bisoprolol time?
24 hour monitor 
Irregular palpitations
Sleep problems
Newly diagnosed PAF by GP
