CPAP

Had my sleep clinic results and yes I have sleep apnoea the top end of moderate. The have fitted me with a CPAP Machine today as the doc felt it was urgent so soon after the ablation. Can't wait to feel better. Any words of wisdom gratefully received. 😴😴

[Rubymurray25]

Following a sleep test I was found to been having 68 episodes an hour and like you was put on CPAP immediately, some 9 months later I am a different person, enjoying the new energy and freedom it has given me by not falling asleep all the time , a real life changer. It was a shock at first and it did take a few weeks to get used to it and even now I try different things to keep the score on target, i.e changing sleeping positions , using extra pillows. I use nose cushions ( pillows ) as I find the mask more difficult, but with trial and error I have my score down to below 5 most nights. It does get more complicated as CPAP can trigger off Central Apnea , which it did with me, but that calms down with guidance from the sleep clinic team adjusting the elements we are not able to on the machine ( air pressure ) . In Hastings hospital they have a walk in clinic which is brilliant as I have popped in a few times and they help, advise and adjust when needed. I mention 9 months but I felt the benefits after about 4 weeks so good luck and enjoy a whole new world.

[Hidden in reply to Rubymurray25]

Oh thank you for your lovely positive reply. I managed 8 hours last night and my score was 4.2 so I'm pleased with that. I feel a little fuggy headed this morning but that's to be expected. I've been so tired for so long I can't wait to see the benefits. I wasn't as bad as you at 23 times an hour but still grim.

What is a nose pillow?

[Rubymurray25 in reply to Hidden]

A nose pillow or cushion is the alternative to a mask, it literally goes gentle into your nostrils and is held in with a headband, I am guessing you are using a mask. I am extremely claustrophobic so that was my preferred option , however the consultant said I had too much air leakage via the nose pillows so said I needed a mask and I actually found it ok but even more leakage so I had to use a chinstrap with the nose pillows and that combination is working ok having had a run of 2.8's. Your initial score of below 5 is impressive as it takes a few weeks to get really going and 8 hours is also great. You will feel a little heady for a few days but it is such a relief to feel safe. I have PAF and the heart consultant was convinced it was being caused by my sleep apnea and I have to say my heart has been so much better since using CPAP and they are even talking about taking me off my medication when the score is below 4 consistently, so I'm almost there!! Keep going and don't panic if you have a few slightlu higher scores as it all about your brain getting used to it. Take care

[Hidden in reply to Rubymurray25]

Oh that's really interesting. I have overdone it today and had to ring my partner to collect me from Sainsburys. He said the same thing that my body needs time to adjust and it is only 3 weeks since my ablation so I'm going to rest up for a while. Thank you for your reply. I hope you keep well.

[checkmypulse]

Searching for my AF triggers I found the 'link' between SA and AF. Sleep test said mild SA, 8.5 apnoea's a hour. Average for 'normal people' is 5. Being mild SA I did not experience extreme tiredness during the day that some sufferers have. I was below the criteria for a CPAP machine. So no treatment was necessary I was advised. This bothered me as 80% of my AF events occurred during night, ie I woke with AF after going to bed in sinus rhythm. After my second ablation the EP was concerned and felt I could benefit from CPAP. Thanks to him pursuing with the sleep clinic I have a CPAP machine and I can report that my apnoea's are down, not significantly, as they were lowish, to between 0.5 and 4 per hour. The main noticeable difference is my quality of sleep, I can now sleep straight through and with no restlessness and feel so much more refreshed in the morning. The mask can be a little uncomfortable at times but my experience so far is positive. Hope this helps. Good luck with it.

[Hidden in reply to checkmypulse]

Thank you for your reply, I have several heart problems including AFib so fingers crossed I can reduce my meds in time. Glad you're feeling better.