Suspect hubby has OSA

[Anonwife]

Hi everyone, im here for advice if you can help please. I know my husband has sleep apnea, it's getting worse but he won't take me serious. I got him to finally go the doctors after about 8 months and the doctor looked down he's throat!! That was it, so once again he won't listen. He sweats when not breathing in hes sleep, wakes up gasping or being sick. Has anyone else ever known this happen... Vomiting from not breathing?? He also has awful recurring nightmares at least monthly. Snores so loud that if I record him he gets embarrassed and won't listen. He also had an allergic reaction to fish years back, they rammed a tube down he's throat, so that maybe affects things to. He's 52yr old about 1-2st over weight. I'm really scared il lose him soon. I feel like no one will take me serious about sleep apnea. Sometimes I wish I was as unaware as he is. Anyone ever been in this position or not took there partner serious. I need advice. Do you think its OSA anyone??? Please

[Hidden]

I’m so sorry, I know nothing about sleep apnoea but just wanted to welcome you to the forum. Also, if no one here has any ideas, you might find it helpful to phone the BLF helpline for advice. It’s run by excellent respiratory nurses. The no is 03000 030 555 and the line is open Mon to Fri 9-5. Of course they’re quite busy atm but you can leave your no & they’ll call you back

[Caspiana]

Hello Anonwife , 👋

I totally understand your worries as long term sleep apnea can lead to catastrophic issues. People, and in particular men can be an extremely strange breed. Denial , refusing to admit to being ill or that something like snoring can result in a fatality is not something that they will allow to cross their minds. My dad was a bit like that. I suspect fear plays a big role.

Has he always been over weight? And is his weight stable or is he continuing to gain ? One of the first things in treating sleep apnea would be to try and shed the access weight. Could you encourage more exercise and healthier eating habits? Or is he already on some kind of exercise regime and diet? I think it will help immensely if he loses some of the access pounds. That's one thing you can do from home. But sometimes weight loss is not enough and he will need to see a sleep specialist who can run the appropriate tests. If he has a severe form of sleep apnea they may recommend a CPAP machine which will ensure he can breathe in his sleep.

I'd imagine day time sleepiness must also be quite a difficult thing for him too. I don't know how to suggest you get him to take you seriously. I'd imagine some serious stamping of your feet 👣👣👣 will have to ensue. He really needs a sleep specialist. Please do keep us updated. This must be really frustrating not to mention worrying for you. 😐

Thinking of you,

Cas xx 🙋🐕

[Bronchi1]

Yup....a family member has it and was assessed then given a cpap device but cant wear it. Gets claustrophobic. He's had it for years. Being overweight definitely makes it worse. Always tired an there are health risks associated with sleep aponea . At no time during the assessment did anything get put in his mouth or down his throat. The cpap device is a tight fitting mask that pumps air as soon as the person stops breathing. I know of people who have had their lives changed for the better with it.

[Didgeydo]

Hello, It sounds to me your husband has sleep apnea.Try asking for a second referal.If your husband still refuses to attend. Have you tried sewing a tennis ball into his jacket of his pyjams.Try making him not to sleep on his back as that can make it worse, also stress does not help sleep apnoea. I have suffered with SA now for a few years and without bthe CPAP machine I would have passed away years ago. I hope your husband will listen to you and I wish you both great health and safety in this dreadful time.xx

[Schmicter]

Maybe look into one of those appliances that you can wear that just realigns your lower jaw by moving it forward and helps prevent the throat from closing. It is not CPAP. The other thing is really try to train to sleep on side or stomach , it is very easy for your jaw to move back and close your throat when sleeping on your back.