Sleep Apnea test.

[Astromeria]

Hi, after reading posts on this site about sleep apnea and it's consiquences I made an appointment with my doctor and she has referred me to the sleep clinic at Papworth. I have two appointments this month. I feel mixed about this as it's my husband who said that I stop breathing for what to him seems ages. I don't notice anything and think I sleep well. I'm worried that they will think I'm a fraud and wasting appointments that other deserving people need. But if I do have a problem I don't want to put my new valve under stress. Catch 22 really. Has anyone else been in this situation?.

[Christine2606]

Hello Astromeria. I was in exactly the same situation as you. I didn’t sleep well and woke up every few hours. My husband said I snored loudly as well. I just thought that it was normal for an “older” lady. I have A Fib and was referred for a sleep apnea test by my consultant as they can be linked. I was given a wrist band to wear overnight at home and I was amazed to be told that I actually stopped breathing 42 times that night! Although I don’t fall asleep during the day I have been diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea and I am currently learning how to cope with a CPAP machine. Please keep your appointment. There are approx 3 million people in the UK with undiagnosed OSA. Each of them could be at risk of heart issues or a stroke. It’s early days for me but I am assured by my GP and the Sleep Service that I will get through this and I am sure that you will too.

[Astromeria in reply to Christine2606]

Many thanks for your reply Christine.

[maria68 in reply to Christine2606]

Hi Christine2606, I just wondered how you are doing on your CPAP machine now? I’ve just been diagnosed and finding it difficult to get to sleep. I have a mouth and nose mask.

[Christine2606 in reply to maria68]

Hello Maria68. I am still persevering with the machine. I now use a full face mask as i feel that it allows the air to flow better and is not so claustrophobic. I did find it difficult to get to sleep as I am a side sleeper and the mask got in the way. I was advised by a friend to try sleeping with a donut shaped travel pillow on top of my normal pillow. This provides comfort for your head and neck but raises you up enough to keep the mask clear of the pillow. I also have the CPAP machine set to allow the pressure to ramp up over 20 minutes to allow me time to adjust my breathing before the full pressure kicks in. It has taken a few months but I do now fall asleep quite easily, however, I still have a way to go before I am fully happy with the machine. The quality of my sleep has definitely improved but I still wake up in the night, often because I have moved and the mask is leaking air. I usually switch of the machine and then start the “going to sleep” process again which seems to help me get back to sleep. Everyone is different. There seem to be a few people who can use the machine with ease from the very first day (I’m a bit sceptical about that!) but I think that the majority of us have to work at it so don’t lose heart. The Sleep Service at my local hospital have been very supportive and they have advised that this is not a quick fix. It can take a long time to get used to the machine but to keep persevering with it.

I hope that this helps you a little bit. Please don’t give up. There are more of us CPAP people out there than we realise!

Kind Regards

Christine

[maria68 in reply to Christine2606]

Thank you Christine, that’s very helpful. Is a full facemask different to a combined nose and mount one? I’m glad you’re sleep is improving. It is a struggle.

[Christine2606 in reply to maria68]

Hello Maria. They may be the same. My mask looks like the oxygen masks that see in hospitals. I also have one that covers the mouth but sits just under the nose. That one would be easier to sleep with as the tubing is on the top of my head, however, I don’t feel that I get enough pressure with that one as the air is filtered down through tubes to the mask. With the full face mask the tubing goes into the front of the mask and the air goes directly onto my nose. This is great for breathing but a pain for sleeping as the tube gets tangled with the pillows and the mask moves. I can’t win! I’m back at the sleep clinic next week so hopefully they may have some advice for me!

Regards

Christine

[maria68 in reply to Christine2606]

Your mask sounds just like mine. I find it quite claustrophobic when I first put it on. I may try a nose mask next.

There are supposed to be lots of people suffering like us but I’ve never met anybody until coming into this forum. Are you in the UK?

[Christine2606 in reply to maria68]

Hello. Yes, I am in Southampton.

Regards

[Hidden]

A lot of people will have no knowledge that they stop breathing as they just sleep through those episodes. It is good that your husband has spotted it and - of course - your snoring! Even if your study does not result in an OSA diagnosis, it will stop you worrying about it.

[Marie1212]

I had a pacemaker inserted because my heart stopped and that was due to sleep apnoea. I think you should attend the appointment otherwise your G.P. will think why did you bother to see them. The G.P. wouldn't give you a referral if they honestly didn't think you needed one to rule in or out the possibility of sleep apnoea.

[Astromeria in reply to Marie1212]

Hi, I had the tests at Papworth and haven't got sleep apnoea. They recommended a 24hr heart monitor which I had on Monday. I should get the results next week.