CPAP Machines.

[TapDancer]

Hi all,

I've been having a lot of trouble sleeping and what not, I eventually got to see a paediatric sleep specialist, and he thinks I have sleep apnoea. I have to go for a sleep study in a couple of weeks, but I was wondering, has anyone here had an experience with the machines? I'm a very restless sleeper too, like I'll make my bed, and all the sheets and stuff will be on the floor beside me. Has anyone else had this? I'm worried that I'll get a machine (which will still cost me $2000 or so after private health insurance) and with it strapped to my face, I'll move and break it. Does anyone have any advice? :)

[daniel74]

Seeing as nobody is saying anything, I'll say what I know:

I can't comment from experience but I know that CPAP machines themselves are not attached to you, but a mask is. I would assume that because on the medical frontline face masks are consumables, the mask would be inexpensive if it did become damaged, but the whole system is designed to be worn by someone who is asleep and unable to control their movements (to a degree).

As I said though, although I am not a "heavy" sleeper (slightest of noise will wake me up), I only have restless nights when it's really hot and humid.

Best of luck with your treatment :)

[Elysium]

My father has severe sleep apnea and uses a CPAP machine. It's like a little pillow that goes around your nose and blows air in. It requires distilled water, if I remember correctly. My father's never reported any discomfort or difficulties with it and he's not the most sound sleeper himself. I wouldn't worry too much.

[TapDancer]

Thanks guys, you're the best.

[AlanPeanuts]

Are you a sleep fighter too? Legitimately I've been known to punch and kick in my sleep, but since it's strapped to your face I can't imagine you would damage it too much.

[TapDancer]

Are you a sleep fighter too? Legitimately I've been known to punch and kick in my sleep, but since it's strapped to your face I can't imagine you would damage it too much.

I wouldn't know, but I do rock around a lot, once I was having a nightmare and my partner woke me up because apparently I was yelling. I think it was a one off. I remember feeling very disoriented and crying for no apparent reason for about 5 minutes. But I wouldn't go as far to say that I was punching and kicking.

[Cloud_Strife]

CPAP machines are machines which provide Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.

In a nutshell, when we're awake, we've got good muscle tone and we usually breathe without difficulty. When we sleep, we're usually lying flat and our muscle tone (especially the breathing muscles around the neck), decreases.

For most people, they still breathe okay, with no obstruction to their breathing when they sleep. People with obstructive sleep apnoea basically have an obstruction to their airway when they sleep. There is accompanied snoring and periods of not breathing (apnoea) because of this obstruction. The oxygen levels of this person often drops throughout the night and the brain then triggers in, making the person kick or turn in bed, to change position and improve oxygenation. This explains the things you are describing, with sheets and blankets on the floor - most likely from you tossing and turning in the night.

What this means is that sleep is quite disruptive and the person often awakens quite fatigued, without refreshing sleep. Their concentration can be off, they might frequently nap during the day and do poorly at school or work.

This is where CPAP machines come in. The CPAP machine provides a continuous air flow
into the airways during sleep. This air pressure splints open the airways and prevents snoring and apnoea. The brain and tissues get enough oxygenation overnight and so the brain doesn't need to trigger in to stimulate the body to move and disrupt sleep.

To test for this, you will end up with a sleep study, where they attach little monitors to your scalp and forehead, as well as over the chest to measure your level of sleeping (brain waves), as well as things like your oxygen levels and heart rate overnight. Depending on the findings, you might or might not need a CPAP machine.

I guess the other common thing with young people is that if they have enlarged tonsils, it might cause what you're describing. Do you get recurrent tonsil infections, or difficulty swallowing too? If this is the case, removing the tonsils might need to be explored.

Other common things would simply be the way you were naturally born, with the anatomy of the neck and its structures. In which case a CPAP machine might indeed be needed.

Hope that helps!

[ksdnfkfr]

My grandpa's used a CPAP for years with no problems. They say he looks younger and is in a lot better health because of it.