Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Question regarding sleep apnea and CPAP machines

I am sure this has been posted before but I am trying to find a quick response... my guy did the sleep studies and now they want him to try a CPAP machine. He just absolutely does not want to use a CPAP. I would like to get the experience of anyone that had to try one or someone who refused and what happened or what did you try instead.

Appreciate your insight...

I am telling you Pam, once he tried it and gets used to it, HE WILL LOVE IT. I felt the same way as he did but it was either that or feel tired all day long. And it was interfering with driving. I almost wrecked a dozen of times because I was tired. I was tired all the time but when I started using a CPAP it was amazing. Totally worth it and I would do it again in a heart beat. He will have sooooo much more energy.

If you want, I can shoot you my phone number and he can call me and we can talk about it.

I agree with chefisaac. The fatigue was unbearable before I started using my CPAP. I started using it 14 years ago, and I don't know what I'd have done without it in that time.

The only other thing that worked for my apnea was getting my weight down under 200 lbs. I didn't need it for the year or so I was able to lose that much weight and keep it off.

If he's claustrophobic, then a nasal pillow system might be more bearable than a mask.

I am telling you Pam, once he tried it and gets used to it, HE WILL LOVE IT. I felt the same way as he did but it was either that or feel tired all day long. And it was interfering with driving. I almost wrecked a dozen of times because I was tired. I was tired all the time but when I started using a CPAP it was amazing. Totally worth it and I would do it again in a heart beat. He will have sooooo much more energy.

If you want, I can shoot you my phone number and he can call me and we can talk about it.

I've had the opposite experience. I first started using a CPAP in 2000. I've never had the same success as chefisaac. YMMV.

Thanks for the quick response... your responses have been forwarded. I told him maybe if nothng else, sit down with the doctor and talk this through. If there is an alternative fine if not, it's better than feeling bad all the time...

I've had the opposite experience. I first started using a CPAP in 2000. I've never had the same success as chefisaac. YMMV.

Are you still using it? Did it provide some relief at all? What do you feel is not working?

Each persons experience will be different. I cannot speak for Z at all.

All I know is that I felt stupid for all the years I was neglecting myself and my body of a good nights sleep.

Are you still using it? Did it provide some relief at all? What do you feel is not working?

It stopped my snoring which my wife appreciated. I've never felt well rested.

At my yearly physical a couple of months ago my GP said I need to have a new sleep study. As a top notch procrastinator I haven't scheduled it yet.

I used one for many years until I had a UPPP and tonsilectomy about 8 or 9 years ago. While using it, I thought it was great, if a minor nuisance. I mean the results were fantastic, but it was a bit of a pain at bedtime, and especially during travel. Plus I tend to get congested when I lie down, so in order for the CPAP to work I had to use Breathe Right strips in concert with it. Even so, I might not be alive today if I hadn't used it.

I am a CPAP addict. Actually, I use a variable pressure machine so it technically is an APAP. I really was resistant to it and delayed for two years before I started. I regret the delay. I think that two more years of added on damage to my body has had permanent effects. The first two weeks were tough for me. I ended up having to use Ambien to get to sleep. But once I was used to it I didn't need the sleeping pill any longer. Now sometimes I go without when traveling (my apnea is now mild/moderate after losing weight, but it still is here) and I miss it and don't feel like I have had as good a night's sleep. I am a mouth breather so I need to use the full face mask, like it or not.

I no longer wake up gasping for air.

It likely is saving my life. On the other hand, it sure doesn't make me feel sexy.

There are other options but CPAP and APAP are the gold standard and nothing else has its kind of success. Other options include dental appliances. Those are rarely covered by insurance and have mixed to iffy results and are not without side effects. I have also used Provent, a disposable nasal device that using inhalation pressure to keep your airway open. Arguably. The jury is still out on its effectiveness and the company promoting it tends to over sell its benefits, IMHO. Anyway, I use it when I am traveling extensively, like for the past four nights when I did a short trip and did not want to drag along my APAP. Insurance does not cover Provent and it costs about $60-70 for a month's supply. The other option is surgery, with attendant risks and mixed results.

Feel free to PM with any specific questions or concerns. Bottom line, I cannot live without it.

If he's turned off by the idea of donning all of the head gear and trying to sleep in it, this may be something that makes the idea a little more appealing. http://www.nomask.com/

I hope he has some patience and gives it a try. I have been using mine for over 15 years. Love it.

I learned that I had 'sleep Apnea' some 15yrs ago. I've been on a C-PAP (now a BI-PAP) ever since. Yes, all the gear isn't the most fun, but both my wife and I sleep better! me, no more gasping, snoring, and waking up ready to go back to sleep, and my wife sleeps better because I no longer wake her up all the time with my disturbing sleep.

It actually was a life-changer for me. I never used to dream, never could eat the first 4-5hrs after waking, and we went searching because my apnea caused heart issues for me, that took 5+ years to improve.

My BI-Pap is my 'sleep machine', I now fall asleep within 5-10 minutes of putting the mask on, and would never think of sleeping without it.

Some folks need one to live, and some just for better sleep, depending on the severity of their apnea. It's all about what made the Docs look in the first place, how bad it is, and if he wants the improvement in his life or not?

I was very resistant to it as well.... after all I was only 39 when they told me I needed one.... now I won't even take nap with out using it.

Again I am so appreciative of your responses... I have been forwarding them and trying to encourage my guy to look into the CPAP. I think his quality of life would so improve if he just got a good night's sleep!

I was diagnosed 15 years ago with severe sleep apnea (and it wasn't all weight...I was 220 then now 280 ...277.2) Once i started using the machine it was like night and day. I had a ton more energy. I also wasn't waking wife up with snoring.

there is a downside.... it is a harder to just cuddle with the machine on.

I am aiming to get under 200 and see if I can get off the machine, but I have alway been a snorer which is supposed to be a good predictor for future sleep apnea issues.

bottom line: Mr. Pamestique.... do and do it now.... you won't regret it.

Pamestique, Add me as one more witness to the benefits of a CPAP. I have been using mine for about three years now and you will have to pry it from my cold dead hands. I use it every time I sleep and it has made a world of difference, not just for me, but now, Mrs. Stoutdog is able to get a good night sleep. Tell your guy that I said to DO IT!! :thumb:

I am sure this has been posted before but I am trying to find a quick response... my guy did the sleep studies and now they want him to try a CPAP machine. He just absolutely does not want to use a CPAP. I would like to get the experience of anyone that had to try one or someone who refused and what happened or what did you try instead.

Appreciate your insight...


I am another for whom the CPAP works wonders. From waking up every 45 minutes and going to the bathroom to sleeping 6 hours straight was the immediate result of the machine! Also, no more snoring and no more waking with rapidly beating heart because I had stopped breathing. I've been using it for more than 9 years. Now, when I lie down in bed, I feel like I am suffocating until I get my CPAP going. I can't sleep or even nap without it!

His feelings of resistance are normal. I felt the same. But after the first night of using it, I was hooked. It was so worth it to not be falling asleep when driving and having more energy during the day and not falling asleep every time I stopped moving.

+1 on the nasal pillows. Much less obtrusive.

I also agree, it makes it difficult to cuddle because of the stream of air that's blowing out. It's definitely not sexy. But, he may have more energy for other things!

It's definitely not sexy.

Save the machine for after the sexy.

Another satisfied CPAP user here. The biggest issue is finding the right mask for him. I use nasal pillows, which I love, another friend of mine hates the nasal pillows and loves the full gas mask thing, which I hated. Take your time and try a few different things to see which you like best. Also, there is a pillow made specifically for side sleepers using a CPAP. It has cutouts for the hose, and for the mask, so it doesn't push up against your face. I'm a back sleeper, so I don't need it, but friends of mine swear by it.

I would love the nasal pillows but if you are a persistent mouth breather they probably will not work. They don't work for me. The air comes in the nose and blows out my mouth. :)

Lost the tonsils, adenoids, and 40lbs, at age 40, no machine here. I'd suggest getting it (my brother uses one, KEEPS YOU ALIVE), and then getting yourself into a condition if possible where its no longer needed...

More info if you want it?

I have been a mouth-breather my entire adult life (am 50 now). I had nose and throat surgery about 8-9yrs ago - never knew you can kiss without holding your breath the entire time - the surgery has helped me in many ways, but I still have the apnea. I have lost some 70-odd lbs in the last two years (am hovering around 305lbs), again with no apnea change (most recent sleep study was 7 months ago). So issues can resolve apnea, and sometimes not. Getting to a great sleep Doc is critical in my book.

Some of the signs of sleep apnea *can be:
Snoring
Never, or rarely dreaming
Still being tired everytime you get up in the AM
Being ready and able to nap anytime, and/or within 2hrs of waking
Not being hungry or being able to process food for XX hours after waking
Torn-up/messy bedding every morning (lots of tossing and turning)
Consistently having a hard time falling asleep, interrupted sleep, restless sleeping

The list of *possible* signs of sleep apnea is long, and some of the above *can* have other causes as well. The surest determination of apnea, and how severe it is is having a 'sleep study' done both without, and with modifications. Then, a 'sleep Doc' needs to go over the results to determine if he has apnea, and if so, how severe it is. Mine came in under the "life threatening" category, and was the primary cause for my heart issues, among other health issues - most being reversible over time. My blood O2 would drop into the low 60s before I would waken enough to breathe better, and I have seven hours of VHS tape showing what I do while 'sleeping' - now, even all these years after being on my C-PAP/BI-PAP, my side of the bed no longer looks slept in, as I sleep like a rock - out in 5-8 minutes, and nothing until I wake up some 7-9hrs later. Yes, from time to time I still have bad nights, also bad dreams, but it is rare now.

Also, while using a C-PAP/BI-PAP, having a 'cold' or the like is much less of an issue when sleeping - thanks to the mask, the 'white noise' of my machine actually helps my wife to fall asleep :)

I use a combo of mostly a nasal mask, and 2-5 days a month I use a full-face mask, depending on if I am mouth-breathing (or hissing) when sleeping.

If he is interested, I am most willing to answer any/all questions via email or cell - simply PM me for my info if you/he wants it. I too would stress checking this out, sooner rather than later. Masks, and equipment has improved greatly in the last 15yrs, and comfort levels are much improved.

I would love the nasal pillows but if you are a persistent mouth breather they probably will not work. They don't work for me. The air comes in the nose and blows out my mouth. :)

Have to pull the chin strap good and snug :;

If your sleep study indicates a need for CPAP, by all means use the CPAP. I started three years ago due to sleep apnea and it changed my life. Right from the start the machine was no major problem and after a week of getting used to it I loved it. I fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, sleep better and wake feeling much more rested. My morning headaches are gone. As an added benefit, CPAP is an immediate cure for snoring which made my spouse very happy. One or the other of us used to end up on the couch frequently because of my snoring. Yes, use the CPAP. If you have any problem with comfort or fit, let the company know as there are a multitude of masks and straps that can be used in various combinations until you find the right fit.

When you first start using CPAP find the "ramp" feature which starts the CPAP at very low pressure and builds it slowly over the first several minutes. This helps you relax and get used to the device. After a week, you probably won't need to use the ramp feature any more.

I'm a paramedic and a few years ago we added CPAP to our equipment. I have had a number of patients with CHF or COPD who will ask for it when we hit the door and will put the mask on themselves while giving me a thumbs up gesture to crank up the flow. It's amazing how fast CPAP can turn around some patients from the verge of respiratory failure. I have nothing but praise for properly used CPAP as a theraputic device and in emergency care. I only wish we had them 20 years sooner.

The New York Times had a recent article on treating sleep apnea without using an air compressor, so there's no mask to use, either.

Instead, just two nose-plugs with carefully designed holes in them generate the pressure needed to keep the airway open. It won't work for folks who breathe through their mouth, but for others it suggests a different way to get relief.

It's called "Provent". More info at http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/04/09/treating-sleep-apnea-without-the-mask/ and at proventtherapy.com

(I don't have personal experience with either CPAP or Provent, FYI.)

I really do love my CPAP. I sleep so much better, I dream, do not tear the covers off or anything.

A lot of great information here!

I think I've been on my CPAP for about 10 years and i'm only 34. I agree it sucks in the beginning. Mostly that is getting used to not only the way it feels, but the whole idea of it. True, it's not sexy, but neither is all the snoring or waking up next to someone who didn't make it through the night.

There are several different masks/pillow options out there, it will take some time and depending on his insurance trying them out may be pretty easy. My dad can get a new one every 6 mo's and his place lets him try them out for a few nights before deciding on one. Mine,not so much. I can get one a year, but I have them benefit of his experiences. My first thought is this, if it's not even remotely comfortable in the store don't leave home with it. You can end up with some nasty sores which will just detract from using it.

I use mine every night and have a spare machine for traveling. I highly recommend it. Sure, I'm still overweight, I've had the surgery and I have a genetic component for it. I may never be off of it, but I sleep better with it and most importantly... I'm alive!

I had always been tired - but I figured it was because I was fat. A few years ago, my PCP suggested I look into Obstructive Sleep Apnea. I did the sleep study (a split-night study, where they let you sleep without and then with a CPAP).

When I woke up, I felt like I could go run a marathon and then do advanced calculus. I don't even know BASIC calculus (and I am not, in any way, shape, or form a marathon runner).

That was almost 3 years ago. I LOVE my CPAP. There are times I don't love it (I'm a 30 year old single female - and nothing makes you feel sexy like looking like Darth Vadar before bed) but for the most part, I'm SO GLAD I have it.

That said, sleep apnea isn't just a quality of life issue. It CAN kill you, especially if it is severe (mine is), and you don't treat it. Constantly stopping breathing during the night is incredibly hard on your heart. They believe it contributed to the death of Reggie White, a former NFLer.

Is it AWESOME? Well, no, there are parts of it that are really not awesome. Is it worth it? YES - living a fuller, longer life is pretty awesome. :)

Thank all again so much... the more I read all this the more I realize I probably have sleep apnea as well. I just attributed my lack of sleeping to getting older and my body is all hurty but I have always snored (I suffer from terrific allergies) and the last few years, I am tired all the time, doze off alot, lack attention, and get morning headaches. Next Doctor's appointment I have going to inquire about a sleep study. I don't care if I look weird wearing one, I want a good night's sleep!

My guy is getting the hint. He is going to a meeting next Thursday (through Kaiser) to get more information. He has been whining alittle about the cost - he would not hesitate to spend $2500 on a new bike frame he doesn't need but to spend some money on a good night's sleep... he's just being stubborn. You are all helping me with that!

can he have both? :)

A lot of people have *some* degree of sleep apnea. It all depends on how bad it is. C-PAP/BI-PAP is not the only treatment, just usually the first. My wife found after having morning headaches her entire adult life (thinking allergies), found out that her mind is just too busy to let her fall into REM sleep, thereby causing the headaches. She learned that by simply taking a 0.5mg of Xanex (smallest dose) just before bed, that she now gets 6-7 quality hours of sleep every night - it's been six years now, and no need to change the dose either.

A friend got his nose fixed, and got of his C-PAP, the infamous silver bullet, and it worked. Everyone will be different, but the one thing that is the same for everyone, not getting *good* sleep is bad for you, both mentally and physically. And for some of us, it can kill us if we ignore it. The tough part is it's not always in your face, and it can be a long time before showing symptoms...

I've been on one for a couple of years now. When I did my sleep study they told me they needed 5-6 hours of data to determine the severity of the apnea. They woke me up after an hour and said they have all the data they needed.

As others have said the hardest part is getting used to it. Once you have, you may find you cant sleep without it. I know I will move mine to the living room if I decided to nap on the couch.

If price seems prohibitive, check Craigslist. You will find TONS of folks who got one and decided they hated it and now are dumping them for a fraction of the cost.

Something else for him to consider,: he doesn't have sleep apnea alone. If you sleep int he same bed as he does... you have it too. I know my wife used to spend half her nights with a hand on my back to make sure I was breathing. Me gettign thte machine imporved her sleep too.

When I need to get a good night's sleep and I know I am going to snore (meaning keep the wife awake) I sleep in my hammock. I have it strung up in the garage (can take it down, etc). I don't snore when I am in it.

I know my wife used to spend half her nights with a hand on my back to make sure I was breathing.

My wife spends half her nights with a pillow over my face to make sure I am NOT breathing. Yet I still live. TAKE THAT WIFE!

The New York Times had a recent article on treating sleep apnea without using an air compressor, so there's no mask to use, either.

Instead, just two nose-plugs with carefully designed holes in them generate the pressure needed to keep the airway open. It won't work for folks who breathe through their mouth, but for others it suggests a different way to get relief.

It's called "Provent". More info at http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/04/09/treating-sleep-apnea-without-the-mask/ and at proventtherapy.com

(I don't have personal experience with either CPAP or Provent, FYI.)'

I use Provent when I am traveling a lot and the machine is inconvenient. The research still is inconclusive. My personal feeling is that it doesn't work for me near as well as the machine. It could be because I am a mouth breather. My hunch is that it would work better for a person who will keep their mouth closed when they sleep.

It costs about $60 a month and insurance doesn't cover it.

he would not hesitate to spend $2500 on a new bike frame he doesn't need

Woah woah woah!

here's my story, in hopes that it might be helpful.

I was always a bit tired but just figured that was "the way things were" because I worked a lot. People told me I snored, but I figured everybody snored.

Then I got married. Within a few days after the honeymoon my wife insisted I sleep on the couch because she couldn't sleep through the snoring. We did that for a couple of unpleasant years until someone told me about the "sleep study" and so I had one done. They found that I had rather severe sleep apnea and gave me a CPAP machine. This was twelve years ago, so the machine was big, boxy, and noisy. But better than snoring.

CPAP has come a long way. The one I use today is fairly small and nearly silent. I can stuff it in a backpack for travel and take it with me everywhere I go. If I sleep without it, I feel like I used to 15 years ago - sleepy, restless, etc.

I would suggest having the sleep study done and see what they can tell you. You're not obligated to get the machine. Even if you get the machine, you don't have to use it. But my guess is that you will, and then you'll feel so much better.

he would not hesitate to spend $2500 on a new bike frame he doesn't need but to spend some money on a good night's sleep... he's just being stubborn

Tell him how much it will improve recovery and energy levels making him a faster, stronger rider :thumb:

'

I use Provent when I am traveling a lot and the machine is inconvenient. The research still is inconclusive. My personal feeling is that it doesn't work for me near as well as the machine. It could be because I am a mouth breather. My hunch is that it would work better for a person who will keep their mouth closed when they sleep.

It costs about $60 a month and insurance doesn't cover it.

You could possibly try a chin strap to help with the mouth breathing at night?

You could possibly try a chin strap to help with the mouth breathing at night?

Didn't work for me. The light ones are irrelevant. The heavy duty ones had to be cinched tightly to help, making them more uncomfortable than a mask and they would leave marks on my face. And even then my lips would open slightly and air would woosh out.

I know some people tape their mouths closed. A little too risky/weird for my taste. I got used to the full face mask. I find it works best if every couple of months I change the part that makes a seal on your face.

So he picked up a test CPAP last night... I believe he saw good results, however, he sleeps on his stomach and tends to roam around the bed so the hose got tangled up a couple of times waking him up. He just need to get someself situated properly but it looks like its going to be helpful.

Thank you all for your insight and advice. It was extremely helpful!!!!

Now I might check into one myself!

I wouldn't use one without being under the care of a sleep doctor. There are things to think about - pressure, mainly - that can make things worse rather than better if done incorrectly. There are people out there on Apena forums that go the DIY route and it's one thing to adjust your own bike saddle, and something else entirely to try to figure out what pressure level will keep you from suffocating! :)

That said, I was a tummy sleeper when I started - I sleep mainly on my back/side now, but if I'm on my back, I find a pillow under my knees helps my back, and in general I sleep better.

Good luck! :)

So he picked up a test CPAP last night... I believe he saw good results, however, he sleeps on his stomach and tends to roam around the bed so the hose got tangled up a couple of times waking him up. He just need to get someself situated properly but it looks like its going to be helpful.

Thank you all for your insight and advice. It was extremely helpful!!!!

Now I might check into one myself!

There are things you can get to hold the hose up and out of the way. For me, just flinging it over the headboard does the trick. In the motorhome I rigged up a clamp to hold it up so I am less likely to get tangled in the hose.

So he is using a test machine prescribed by his doc? Does it automatically figure out the pressure or was his pressure prescribed? I prefer my automatic machine. I also like getting data as to how well I am doing, so I got the best machine I could. It provides data which I can download on leak, pressure, and how many times I quit breathing. Not surprisingly, a more expensive machine. With my insurance however it really wasn't a significant difference.

Sleep is good. Tell him to let the pride go. CPAP saved my life literally and figuratively.

Sleep apnea is not something to play with. It can cause all kinds of damage to the body. It can cause you to have accidents by not being alert.

If he does not want the machine, then maybe he is a candidate for soft palet surgery. My brother in law had some kind of radio wave surgery and it was an out patient treatment. That fixed him right up. My BIL's apnea was so bad that the doctor listed him like a 39. My BIL asked him why he just did not rate him as a 40 and the doctor said that if he was a 40 that his drivers license would be pulled. My guess is that the doctor was being kind and maybe should have had my BIL's license pulled. But the good news is that my BIL is doing great and does not need a cpap.