does anyone have a CPAP ?

[mom483]

If you have a CPAP, how long did it take to get it? Do you like it? Has it changed how you feel? What are the drawbacks and/or benefits from it?

[designguy]

I use a cpap and have for about a dozen years or so. I live in the US and my doctor referred me to a sleep clinic where I spent a night hooked up to their monitors. Now I think they fit you with a monitor and you do it at home so it's easier. My test at the clinic showed I had pretty severe sleep apnea. I knew I snored but had no idea how much it had affected the quality of my sleep over time until a little while after I started using the cpap at night to sleep. It really improved my energy level and the quality of my sleep. i got a cpap unit right away from the clinic and a mask. The biggest hassle I had was finding the right kind of mask for me that didn't leak air and didn't wake me up during sleep. There is a wide variety of mask types to choose from but it can take a while to find what works for you. I'm definitely glad i'm using it.

[mom483 in reply to designguy]

That sounds GREAT! I would love to wake up in the morning and not feel like I need another few weeks of sleep just to get my day started! I hope I can get an appointment soon!

[Focusedmind]

I went through a sleep study about seven years ago and found out I also have sleep apnea. (It runs in my family, as both my dad and sister have it.) I think it really helped my sleep, and I found I didn't need to sleep for 10 to 12 hours because I was better rested on 7-9 hours. I agree with "Designguy" regarding trying to fit a good mask; that seems to be the most challenging problem. Now I love my CPAC machine so much that I wouldn't dare try to sleep without it.

There is also a device called "Inspire" that is surgically inserted inside your chest that supposedly works like a CPAC system, but I am not quite ready for that.

[mom483 in reply to Focusedmind]

WOW! I am hearing more and more good things about a sleep study, Idk why I didn't try it sooner. I have tried to get in touch with a local sleep center nearby but, it seems as though this is going to be harder than it needs to be. SMH lol

[Focusedmind]

I really think the first step is to work with your doctor and insurance to get a sleep study. It will tell you many things about yourself and your ability to sleep.

[mom483 in reply to Focusedmind]

Still trying to find a place close by to get a study done. I'm hoping it can help/. Thanks!

[Focusedmind]

I am not sure where you live in the U.S., but I know there are clinics all over the States that do sleep studies. Please talk to your general practitioner about lining up an investigation. I think you could learn a lot from doing this.