Anyone having trouble using CPAP?

[RaisCrisp]

I have been diagnosed with irregular heartbeat and put on Bisoprolol but due to the bad sleep for years and stress, I have also got Sleep Apnoea and been given the nasal CPAP machine.I cannot get on with it and after going through tests at Woolwich Hospital and Guys Hospital (Overnight stay ) plus an additional home overnight pulse device to determine if I was suitable for an Inspire device, both hospitals have closed my case, saying I just have mild sleep apnoea, irregular heartbeat and insomnia with no other suggestion of treatment other than use the CPAP . I am really upset as I am no further on than before other than I am scared of further heart issues occurring due to the sleep problems. It is a double-edged sword. I don't know what to do now. The CPAP is uncomfortable but I do think it would help my heart but I cannot sleep with it . I am still waiting to see a cardiologist and have no idea what is happening there either and cannot find out anything

[Catlover1981]

I would phone the Respiratory secretaries and Cardiology to see what is happening and they can help you. I would also let your GP know as they can get your appointment expedited

[RaisCrisp in reply to Catlover1981]

I would do if I could find out exactly where the cardiology dept is where my results are but so far , I have not had any paperwork, nor can find out from my doctor . This was over 2 months ago

[Catlover1981 in reply to RaisCrisp]

You don't need to you just call them

[T666]

hi. I have been on c-pap for over 10 years…. I always remember the lab technician at original hand over saying. “This is your new best friend, might annoy you sometimes may even make some situations uncomfortable but it’s all worth putting up with because it might also save your life”

Most important thing was to use it every night. Make it habitual and your body will ‘accept’ its use

Best wishes

[scentedgardener]

For information about sleep apnoea there is a Facebook group called Hope2Sleep. They can give you guidance about anything connected with it.

[Judithdalston in reply to scentedgardener]

Yes Hope2sleep were very helpful…a website too, and shop…you’ll find advice on uncomfortable masks etc

[RaisCrisp in reply to scentedgardener]

Thank you so much for this advice and also to Judith Dalston too for the recommendation

[1a2b3]

hi there … I understand what you are saying about CPAP, but it does take a long time to get used to . You just need to be consistent and it will be worth it. Perhaps even try wearing for part of the night for a while , until it is more comfortable. I did that and am at the point now where I cannot sleep without it.

[RaisCrisp in reply to 1a2b3]

Thank you , I have tried for the past 2 years but gave up in the end . However, your advice is very encouraging so we will see . New year resolution maybe?

[1a2b3 in reply to RaisCrisp]

hi there… It did take me about two years to eventually use it every day. Please do try. I think it will help . all the best. Happy new year.

[FraserB]

You're not alone— I was also prescribed a nasal CPAP device, and after five months of trying, I simply could not tolerate it. For those who say it changed their life, I believe them, but for a few of us, no matter how hard we try, simply cannot adjust to it or there is something further going on.

After those five months, I returned to my doctor and waited several more months for a polysomnography (the gold standard test for diagnosing sleep apnea), which is an overnight sleep study conducted in a sleep lab. This test monitors multiple physiological variables during sleep, including brain activity, eye movement, muscle activity, heart rate, respiratory effort, and oxygen levels. It is more accurate for diagnosing different forms of sleep apnea, including obstructive , central, and complex sleep apnea (a combination of both OSA and CSA). I know you mention staying in hospital for tests but I would find a way to get a full diagnosis test.

I found that basic tests can be useful, but they are not always the best option for everyone. Additionally, I became aware that CPAP devices have become a significant industry along with a few of the technicians who promote them, seem to prioritize sales over patient outcomes. I didn't receive any extra help from them.

Do at-home or basic tests work? Yes, they do, but they are not suitable for everyone and may not provide the same level of diagnostic accuracy as a comprehensive sleep study.

[RaisCrisp in reply to FraserB]

Thank you FraserB. I did have the polysomnography but due to the inaccurate nature of how they recorded this , I feel I was somewhat cheated on the results' fell asleep with the CPAP on as I was so tired but only had 2 hours sleep and then tried to remove the CPAP , saying that I would not be able to get back to sleep. They refused to then carry on without the CPAP and hence I was awake for the rest of the stay and they never got a true reading of my sleep without the CPAP. So the results now mean that they do not see a problem and dismissed my case but have acknowledged Sleep Apnoea and irregular heartbeat which my doctors seem concerned about as my heart rate can drop to 35 bpm. Totally contradictory. I am sorry you have a similar issue with the CPAP too

[Gaz4545]

Hi

I can’t help with your other problems but if you need advice on Bisoprolol I am happy to help