Can't sleep with CPAP? Watch this!
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- Опубліковано 16 тра 2022
- I am a doctor who helps people use CPAP. CPAP is often difficult to tolerate but there are things you can do to make it easier. I will go through some of the things I do to help people use CPAP and sleep well with it.
Obviously you ought to seek your own doctor's advice rather than watching this video but I still hope you find this useful.
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** Disclaimer - The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional. ** - Наука та технологія
Using CPAP felt like I was being waterboarded, no variation in settings worked sufficiently. I’ve had a custom MAD made and it has changed my life. I had severe obstructive sleep apnea at over 80 events per hour and I can’t wait to see how much that’s improved. I can’t tell you how awful it was to be functioning on no quality sleep, I felt like I was dying in slow motion, I probably was.
Any side effects? Teeth shifting or TMJ?
What do you mean waterboarded please?
@@dinobambino21 MADs are used to treat tmd (I’m a tmd patient and had one of these made by a tmd institute in USA)
Agreed
@@Sunshine-vz2on drowning
I know it's your job, but it blows my mind how simply you explained why I have congestion when I use my cpap, and for some reason my sleep doctor doesn't know why. It seems so simple.
I had my sinuses cleaned up, and my uvula, tonsals and adnoids out along with my soft pallet raised. It was a rough recovery but I would do it again in a heartbeat!!! It has been 7 years and I sleep great with no snoring!
So do you still wear a cpap or are you clear from that machine now? 🤔
Yeah…no snoring sure but did it fix your sleep app? If so did you get checked again to see how many episodes?
22 years since first diagnosed with severe sleep apnea here. 4 sleep tests, 3 or 4 sleep doctors, and not one single nights relief since being diagnosed in late 1999! CPAP never helped so its sat in the closet for most of these years. I made it to 60 recently and am very surprised I have. I completely believe that stat about life expectancy being 59-62.
Shame on this industry, at least here in the USA. Bunch of tests, bunch of money, same old story...."Here, wear this and good luck". None can explain the why of it all, none have cared enough to identify the WHERE the obstruction is, and none gives you more than 15 minutes to explain anything. And good luck if you have MIXED apneas with centrals. They seem clueless at that point.
Wish I could find a Dr. like you here in the USA. You'd no doubt save a life. Thanks for your videos.
I'm sure there are some great Doctors out there who are miles better than me. keep pushing and don't give up. you'll get there.
I had a similar reaction to watching the video. I was also diagnosed with severe sleep apnea and given a cpap. I have one very large tonsil and at the time had an unbelievably swollen soft palate due to allergies. I spent years dealing with the allergies and my soft palate isn't swollen like it had been. The swollen palate also caused problems when I spoke that I only realized once I got my allergies more under control. Did my ENT care about any of that? Not one bit but he did tell me that I would need to lose weight to help my sleep apnea. How about the giant mass of soft tissue in the back of my mouth that is so obstructive that it literally affected my speech 😡. To hear Dr. Veer talk about health standards blew my mind! I don't believe anything like that exists here in the USA. It's literally just do what ever makes the most money. The state of Healthcare in the US is just a joke!!
@@stephaniegenova5469 Have you been checked for GERD? I'm beginning to think large tonsils and other damage to the throat from GERD can cause OSA.
If I'm very careful with my diet, avoiding carbs, dairy and acidic triggers, my OSA seems to calm down dramatically.
Completely agree, treatment of sleep apnea in U.S. sucks. It's just like you describe, 15min diagnosis after sleep study and all they want to do is slap a face mask on you; not look down your throat on why it's happening, and tell you if you lose some weight things might improve. Ever think I might be overweight because of the sleep apnea? Or it's built into my anatomy that should be corrected? i.e. huge tonsils, fat tongue, narrow restriction in the throat, jaw too far back etc.. None of this is looked at, there are no standards, it's all based on the insurance companies guidelines. I wish we had national guidelines like what Dr. Veer is describing in the NHS. What a relief it would be that someone would actually take the time and find the root cause before slapping on a mask and saying they did their job, now go figure it out..
Yes . Thinking about giving up. It’s just too much trouble
This is beyond wonderful. It's like the first person ever understanding that sleep apnoea is causing overweight. Every doctor I visited told me otherwise which frustrated me the most. Families dont get it and blame thei loved ones for being lazy. You should be given a medal or sth.
Same hear my misses thinks I'm just lazy and eat too much - I try and explain APNEA causes all sorts of issues - deaf ears!
Unfortunately, it’s hard for some to empathize with what a lot of us are going through.
I had the opposite, yet still serious issue - because I was thinner my girlfriend, family and doctors all assumed I couldn’t have sleep apnea because I wasn’t overweight. People just assumed I was lazy! Either way, medical misinformation and preconceptions are more harmful than good for a lot of us.
One of the few videos on UA-cam that’s actually helpful and explains a lot. Thank you!
You really have a lovely delivery of fairly complicated information. Thanks for all these videos - no info videos on the cpap life come close to your content - thank you
You are amazing. Thank you for this.
Another great video Vik, keep them coming !!!
This is such a good video. Very detailed being from surgeon perspective & to the point, thank you!
I love the way you explain everything in terms we can all understand. It's also great to be given several options as well. I am also having difficulty tolerating CPAP. Never have felt better since using it. I was not overweight prior to being diagnosed but since using it I have gained weight. My health care provider has never sent me to an ENT to be examined for blockage. She also was skeptical about the CPAP causing my weight gain. I wake up congested. I just quit using it. Thank you for such valuable information. Wish I lived near someone like you so I could get the proper treatment.
I am engineer, and all you explained have a lot sense, thanks for share this information. Priceless.
Thank you, exactly what I needed to know.
I love your videos so informative ! ~ thanks for sharing your wisdom
You are an amazing doctor! Thank you for sharing your knowledge in such a positive manner.
It’s so brilliant that you examine patients when they are asleep because that’s when the actual problem occurs. I wish more sleep docs would do this
Excellent video. So many need to hear this info. Very well explained.
You are so helpful. I wish I encountered you before I tried and failed at CPAP. It was demoralizing.
Just one day ago I found out or realized I have sleep apnea watched a few videos came across you man do you do a good video you don’t slow up you don’t drag it out you covered great I love the way you did this video I am saving this video
This is gold. Thank you for this information
thank you so very much for all your extremely valuable information you are godsend to spend the time to inform so many who like me need such informed insight
Absolutely brilliant! Everything he says, I am experiencing and I look forward to making my CPAP with my proven mouth piece work well together. So I can get 7-8 hours of sleep again and get my health back 100%!
I’ve just subscribed! THANK YOU Dr for such a wealth of information. I find when using my APAP, if the pressure allowance is set too high, I just don’t get a restful sleep and lose a lot of air. My hubby doesn’t get much sleep. I always had tonsil problems as a child, maybe I should be checked. That could be part of my problem as I’ve had sleep apnea since my 20’s and I’m not overweight. I look forward to watching more of your videos. Thank you so much for trying to help us with CPAP
I think your videos are great. Your explanation of terms and options is very clear and easy to understand. I would like to know the reference material used where you have an overlay showing life expectancy statistics for patients with untreated sleep apnea. I want to read more on this subject and think this would be a great place to start.
Keep up the excellent work.
I have been on CPAP for nearly 15 years, and I thought I knew all about it. Wrong. I learned a great deal from this very expert surgeon - info I did not know. So thank you very much... I believe more awareness needs to be raised as regards this potentially dangerous medical condition.
You are such an amazing Doctor and I wish you were treating me. I’m 2 weeks into CPAP and you are describing exactly what challenges I’m having.
I had to stop the video 4 minutes in and comment. You are spot on in what was happening to me 15 years ago when I first tried Cpap. My nose would get stuffed and it felt like I was starting to drown as more air was trying to be forced in. Was taking the mask off in my sleep. I never did get used to it and quit. Went to a TAP3 mouth device which helped a bit but not what I really needed. Now 15 years later trying a bipap. I wish I could have a doctor explain what is actually the problem. (Septum issue, tongue rolling back etc) thanks for this video. It was interesting
Another great one. Always enjoy watching your videos. Always learning. Your videos are very informative n helpful.
Thank you JakeC !
I like this Doctor's information and calm demeanor.
The is all very interesting. I was diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea about a year ago. I opted for a mandible advancement device in lieu of a CPAP. It's almost adjusted out to the full setting to keep my airway fully open. Took a little getting used to at first but because we travel often (don't want to lug around a machine through airports) and the fact that I was already wearing retainers at night for my teeth, switching over to the MAD wasn't that difficult. Love watching your videos to see what else is new in apnea treatment.
What a great video! I love my Cpap and any increased benefit is very appreciated. Plus I can help others who are having problems. These devices truly save lives and make them better at the same time. THANK YOU
Thank you for this - I've always felt like my mask made my nose stuffy but I thought that sounded crazy. This is so validating!
Most excellent information…thank you sir.
Thank you so much for this amazing info!!!
After 10 years of dodging my CPAP, I am finally back on it with success. I could not tolerate it in the past. Watching your content and lankyleftys, educated me a lot and had a great influence. I bought myself a philips dreamwear mask, adjusted the CPAP pressure, bought the chinstrap from hope2sleep and it was a game changer. You're a legend, thanks Vik!
This is me to a T. I got into the medical field and understand more now, and this video really put capstone on it for me. Thank you. Tonight is night 1.
the pressure in my machine always felt way too high but the doctor said it was set as low as it goes and i was unable to adjust it at all without going to the doctor and having them do it. my machine feels like a jetstream blowing through my head when all i feel i need is just a gentle breeze
Is Using a chin strap hard under your CPAP?
Oh my goodness, I have said that I have this exact problem for seven years to so many doctors and everyone just shrugged their shoulders and said you need to try a different mask, you need to try a different nose spray, you need to take a different allergy pill blah blah blah. Thank you so so very much for explaining this
I am learning so much! I took a sleep test and my apnea is very mild. Mine is due to tongue hump. If I use another device that helps with that then I wouldn’t need my machine- is that correct? What about just raising my head while sleeping?
Great video as usually. Thank you for the great advice.
My pleasure!
Thanks your advice is the best
Thank you so much for your videos! I just got diagnosed with sleep apnea today and am having trouble coming to terms with it. I joined a support group on Facebook for sleep apnea and am learning so much from others experiences and from your videos.
Me too!
Me too. Heart burn, gassy bloated stomach, air blowing into my eyes, headaches, sore lungs and chest, blowing air out my mouth causes me to last 60-90 minutes at best. The modern day iron lung is a torture device. I'd rather have a shorter life with sleep.
hey doc, really appreciate what you are doing for sleep apnea sufferers and all the info you are giving us. Question: isn't the results of a DISE a bit biased? Since we are using sedatives to put us to sleep these drugs will obstruct the airway anyway if someone doesnt have an obstruction?
Thank you so much Dr. I’m using cpap for the first time tonight (🇦🇺) and after an hour of trying to sleep, having a completely blocked nose and needing to yawn every few minutes but being unable to do so, which is incredibly frustrating, being confused about what is going on, (isn’t the device supposed to keep my airway open - not block it!!!), your advice has settled my raw nerves about it.
I had previously tried cpap about a year ago and it was a complete disaster, kept me awake for hours, however, this time I’m determined to make it work.
Your advice here is greatly appreciated and has put me at ease somewhat that there is a good chance things will get better.
Hey mate. Fellow Aussie here. I got diagnosed with mild OSA mid 2023 and it took near on 6 months to start feeling comfortable with the mask and wearing it all night. Still not perfect and I have some crap nights sometimes but overall it's good. Hang in there. Habits are hard to break but can also be hard to make. Wearing the mask will become habit and normal if given enough time. It's no small task but you can do it. Persist
Vik, can you use Breathe Right strips with a full face mask?
I was really struggling a lot, why i am not feeling comfortable using my cpap machine. Thank you for your great amazing demonstration ❤
How many thumbs up can I give this video? I’ve watched many of your videos, and I feel like you’re actually speaking to me in this this one in particular. I’ve got most, if not all of the problems relating to sleep apnoea, have been tested, checked, seen an ENT (rude man, told me I have deviated septum, no further advice but just handed me a business card for his gastric surgeon mate). I know I have a small jaw and large tongue, I have to lean forward to get my tongue out the way just blow my nose. No comprehensive advice is given, just directed to the CPAP machine sale people. I really struggled to use the machine, waste of $2k imho, I no longer use it but take a daily antihistamine among other things, and sleep in a semi-foetal position to keep my tongue out the way while I sleep.
Thank you for all the wonderful advice
rather than foetal try keeping your neck slightly extended (look slightly up rather than tucking your chin into your chest), it might help.
thank you for your kind words.
I am and have always been a side sleeper but I still feel my tongue thrashing around when it wakes me up and I tape my mouth and can still move my tongue. Ugh!
Use CPAP gradually and often for short periods whilst trying to remain awake. Do not aim to sleep if you cannot wear it while pleasantly distracted; that’s never going to happen. Wait until you build comfortable acclimatisation, most patients can get established if they about fighting with it and take things gradually.
I came across your channel after some CPAP research for myself.
I have malformed nasal passages, due to a dental complication in my teens.
I'm hoping this will help and so far, I've used a CPAP machine for a few days and I'm sleeping better.
I hope I don't need to get Nasal Surgery to open up my Nasal passages, but we'll see.
It's taken some adjustment to get used to a CPAP machine, but it's getting easier and Sleeping on my side helps a lot ATM.
Another excellent video Vik for which I could write an essay in response, but I won't 😁Best to write a website article and link your video in. In most patients, the nose needs help when wearing a mask all night and don't start me off on the fact that 98% of patients should be issued with a humidifier.
For the record, I've had surgery on my turbinates which has helped me breathe so much better in the masks. Also had Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy and yes, tongue is a problem as well, but always side sleep. I'll stop now before it becomes an essay, but would encourage everyone to address any nasal issues, and thanks for this superb video Vik 👍
Thank you Ms Hope. Lovely to hear from you again.
After nose surgery you stop using cpap machine???
Your chanel somehow found me - thank god. I just watched your tongue exercise video and commented on it about my recessed/weak jaw causing my sleep apnea.
I was put on CPAP about a year and half ago, I eventually got used to it after having to mess with the pressure settings quite a bit.
I was also put on an ACE inhibitor for high blood pressure - Ramipril.
I then recently, two months ago, started having panic attacks that I couldn't breathe properly as my nose was bunged up and I had to stop the CPAP.
I was prescribed DYMISTA nasal spray which I used after my ENT Dr saw I had a deviated septum and large turbinates which helped in bunging up my nose.
I then started getting post nasal drip and my throat started feeling blocked - it felt like something was stuck behind my adams apple area so I had swallow constantly - this all caused more panic attacks I would be up all night walking the streets to get cool air etc AWFUL feelings. (Partly why I'm awake at 0500hrs now too!)
Doing constant research I found an article about ACE inhibitors causing nasal swelling and post nasal drip - I managed to get a Dr's appointment and changed my type of blood pressure medication - stopping the Ramipril after two days stopped the nasal drip and blocked throat feeling - so much relief!
Hence where I am now awaiting seeing an ENT Dr about whether to have mandibular surgery for the apnea and also awaiting to see if deviated septum surgery will take place as my nose is still getting blocked.
I will also start trying my CPAP again soon.
For me it has been the constant dripping running of my nose throughout the next day and on 2nd day I add sneezing. Cleaned and replace weekly daily doesn’t matter
Thank you so much! I have pulmonary embolism/right bundle branch issues, pulmonary hypertension, and my wonderful docs have been trying to get me to try it, but I couldn't breathe. Thank you for the tips. I breathed solely through my mouth for the first few minutes. Before I knew it, the air had warmed and moistened, and I was able to breathe.
I have a similar medical background. I'm really nervous about wearing it. Anything in/around my face gives me anxiety. The sleep study was panic inducing and I barely slept. Enough for them to get some numbers and it wasn't good.
Thank you for your infomation Vik. I have struggled with CPAP having tried it twice for 6 months periods each time. My AHI was 39 which is well in the extreme range. While I initially tolerated most types of masks, and my AHI came down dramatically, after a while I kept waking despite the warmers and humidifiers, and the benefit of the CPAP was outweighed by the sleep loss. I have investigated mandibular devices, but here in Australia they are over $2000 if you cannot access our NHS. In the meantime I have experimented with $80 boil and bite antisnoring devices. If you are careful, and take care to make sure you set up your device properly (ie: sufficient advancement without discomfort) you can expect a mild improvement. I have an 02 monitor and can sometimes get an O2 score between 9 and 9.6. It is not perfect, but it is working for right now, although I will still wake 3 to 4 times each night. I am 72, in otherwise good health and fitness, but I have forgotten what it feels like to wake completely refreshed. I still have my tonsils, and had not considered removal, but I will now. I am also doing the exercises you recommend. Thank you, this is absolutely the best source of information I have found. 👍👍👍
I understand tonsils can grow back, mine were removed at 5yo.
Having them removed at such an older age is very difficult. I have a friend in her 70s that had them removed and she's lost her sense of taste now. 😢
I worry about the health risks due to off-gases from the plastics/synthetics used in te tubing and masks. Phillips products were recalled due to causing cancer of liver, lungs, kidneys, lymphoma. What are your thoughts Dr. Veer?
The is all very interesting. I was diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea about a year ago. I opted for a mandibular advancement device in lieu of a CPAP. It's almost adjusted out to the full setting to keep my airway fully open. Took a little getting used to at first but because we travel often (don't want to lug around a machine through airports) and the fact that I was already wearing retainers at night for my teeth, switching over to the MAD wasn't that difficult. Love watching your videos to see what else is new in apnea treatment.
DId you by chance have an underbite?
My sister is mild and has MAD. I'm moderate but willing to pay out of pocket and get one. I know my problem is tongue based..I wake up feeling it thrashing in my throat. I have a dentist appt in Feb. I'll prob wear the mask and MAD.
I've been struggling with CPAP for four months. Some nights are okay, some are exhausting. But I'm staying in the fight. This video is so informative, I just want to give you a hug. Thank you Dr. Veer
What kind of cpap are you using?
really good explanation, Vik. Some questions now i can ask my doctor. TY 🙂
Excellent and informative video. I wish you were my doctor. Thank you.
Quality content! I learned a lot from you! The nose is really an easy organ to hate.
I cant believe how my provider had me do a home test n ordered a machine without even examining me or discussing the results with me. The machine leaks and I am so frustrated. From watching this video, I think my problem is enlarged turbinates because my nostrils get blocked even when I am awake. Thanks for helping me understand how CPAP works and how to fix the leak problem. Either standards have changed or the US is different.
Thank you for the positivity
Thank you so much for this content, Doctor Veer. It is invaluable to have this crucial subject explained in such an accessible, yet in-depth way on your videos. God bless you.
I have what I believe is post nasal drip which means I have constantly thick mucus at the back of my throat especially when I lie down at night. Saliva is the only way I have to clear it (I have never smoked and am.only slightly overweight). CPap dries my mouth which causes me to choke more at night even with the dehumidifier) so I can't use it. I'm really struggling. Any suggestions please?
Excellent information, thank you
thanks for this wonderful video. I've a tracheostomy for sleep apnea which I received in 1986 at aged 11. have you ever had a patient be switched fro tracheostomy to cpap? I'm in the process now and my apneas are very erratic. once again, thanks so much for the video.
Fantastic. Love my cpap. Life saving.
I lay down and try to go to sleep and then I wait to the last second and put my mask on before I fall asleep. That is the easiest way for me instead of having it on for an hour or so waiting to fall asleep. Works for me
When I try that I wake up in the morning with it still on the night stand 😂
Well, I'm back again after 10 months. I started watching this video not realising I have already watched it (& commented) The company that sold me my machine has basically abandoned me )I've not heard from them for over 8 months) I've made my own adjustments to my machine though i am struggling to maintain using it nightly (more like every 3rd or 4th night) but I feel I'm doing ok. My sleep doctor doesn't want to see me anymore, she was happy with my progress & even after having a lung test (because there was a question there) I'm on my own. The thing I would like to know is: if by using the cpap machine you have managed to correct your sleep apnoea problems, how do you know?? I spent a lot of money to buy my machine & though it would be great that my sleep has improved, the machine does wake me a lot, so I still feel like I have disturbed sleep, even though I'm not regularly using it. Buggered if I know but to be honest the full mask isn't much fun to use which is maybe why I've cut back on it's use but I have no further guidance from any professionals.
I'm in a bit of shock. I feel as though I've been suffering for decades in a medical vacuum. After watching this I am willing to bet my CPAP misery is due to both large tonsils and an enormous uvula. I wish you were in Ontario, Canada. I'll be heading straight to my G.P. for another referral asap tomorrow.
I'm on Ont as well. I was just diagnosed with severe sleep apnea. I go for the overnight to get the perscription/settings on June 8th. I'm so nervous. I had a hard time in the sleep study. I had a pulmonary embolism in 2020 and now anything near my face gives me panic issues. I've been trying to educate myself and watch/research machines. My biggest fear is the people talking about the humidity/water going into your nose.
So good-thankyou
Still plugging away at trying to treat this tricky condition. Referred to an ENT finally. The ENT's conservative reputation proceeds her, so we'll see. I prefer a more aggressive approach after many years of ENTs being the ones that have made the big improvements with surgical measures.
Thank you for your thorough discussion of all options and a wonderful positive attitude. It truly helps to boost my spirits.
fingers crossed for you
Thanks for encouragement. Im going to try again tonight. I have to admit I became scared of my CPAP machine. Last couple of days it wakes me again with high blood pressure somehow - I feel really unwell with feeling of lack of oxygen and have to walk it off for at least an hour. My night is ruined.
I dont know whats the nature of my sleep apnea just yet but when I swim and Im oxygen deprived after a sprint when I try desparately to take quick breath sometimes it happens like the flap is suddenly shut and I cant take a breath at all. Dusturbing especially when in water and desperate for precious air.
Swimming does help though - at least thats my subjective observation.
Please keep bringing these vids. One of them just ticked all the boxes and sparked me seeking help which turned out to be 100% correct. Thank you again and if you ever needed a lab rabbit Im happy to assist.
Thank you for your kind words. wish you the very best.
Comment #2: Thanks again for your videos. Through one of them, I thought hey, what's to lose by buying that $30 silicone tongue grip you mentioned. I really felt ashamed almost of doing so, since the world abounds with useless gimmicks. WOW! I've been reliably giving my partner the silent treatment since the first night wearing it. The first night & morning my tongue hurt, but that's because I didn't trust how very little it takes to form a perfect seal for the night. Decades of absolute CPAP misery eliminated just like that. The first few nights I felt weird as I was waking from almost hallucinatory dreams vaguely remembered: I am now convinced I've been REM deprived for years. This does feel like a miracle. Thanks to you.
Very informative thank you will save this info
Thanks Vik for the tips currently on cpap. Trying my best.
What types of sprays are good for shrinking the turbinates so CPAP can do its job? I have extreme dryness so the turbinates hyper react. I read that balloon sinuplasty endoscopic surgery can greatly reduce fatigue for people whose fatigue is caused by chronic sinusitus.
brilliant and very helpful as usual, thank you very much, could you please talk about sleep apnea in children, do you treat children in your center?
Quality content! Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
@@VikVeerENTSurgeon You're welcome!
Can you please tell me if it's possible to have two negative sleep studies (regarding sleep apnea) but still suffer from it? I slept very badly in the sleep studies and it felt like I didn't sleep at all. The results were that I have a bad sleep architecture but there were no apneas. I wake up several times during the night (EVERY night) and my feeling is that I wake up when my breathing stops due to blocked airways but then there won't be any results in a sleep study. My results said that I woke up 27 times in one of the nights of the sleep study. I sleep badly for almost 10 years. The last time I woke up refreshed was after a surgery (sinus polyps got removed and my deviated septum got fixed).
Do you think a DISE would be a good idea for me, just to rule sleep apnea out?
I would be very grateful if you would tell me your thoughts. Thank you very much in advance.
What I forgot:
My minimum SpO2 in one night was 77% and the other one it was 80%. But the avarage was 96%, but it's no wonder that it's higher because I wake up if it drops too low (my theory).
Just started cpap 2 weeks ago. Havn't been able to get past 5 hours yet, most nights i seem to rip it off after 3. I am very hopeful though that i can get used to it and do full nights because it can explain basically every health issue i have been having for years. Possible weight loss will be a bonus bnecause I have struggled with that too. I don't think i have had a refreshing nights sleep for over 15 years, but I am determined to figure out my sleep apnea whether its cpap or maybe a MAD.
Thanks
Again and again excellent
Thanks again!
Thank you so much for your helpful advice. It was the best information I heard . You explained exactly where I am at with the CPAP Machine. I haven't used it for two weeks because those experiences of feeling like I can't breathe during the night then snatching it off then having anxiety to put it back on. I want to comply but feel discouraged. After hearing the symptoms sleep apnea causes I want to feel better. How can I get my Dr. to listen to me. To work with me on finding a good solution.
Another excellent video presentation
thank you!
I got my CPAP machine a week ago and it’s so difficult for me anyway they gave me a nasal one and that is not working at all. I want to get a mass but I have to get a referral sent back from my doctor which I’ve been trying to do three days now, so I haven’t used my machine at all and over in a week or so.
You are describing exactly how my nose blocks without using cpap. When it set right it is relaxing even during the day when not trying to sleep.
This is a fantastic video... thanks so much. I've been using Cpap for 6 months. I know my tongue is my problem. I wake up with it flapping almost. I also have sinus issues and i do kind the humidifier for helping to keep my passages open. I'm thinking of adding the MAD plus wear the mask. Some say it hurts their jaw and makes it out of shape etc. But Vik, thanks for such an informative video
Thanks Dr! I had cpap for a couple months and was having touble sleeping through the night and would wake up every 2 hours. My specialist just told me to keep trying to use them and they were just not a viable option I just stop using them over time and it was just easier to sleep with my sleep apnea. Thank you for explaining why. It is a such a pity after doing multiple sleep tests and paying so much money to go and see a specialist I have to source alternatives myself.
I absolutely love my cpap machine, have had it for 8 months(ish). I tried the humidifier on my airsense 11 first couple months and felt like i was being waterboarded so I decided to just not use that and not had an issue since. Never had an issue wearing my mask. I did the smart thing and asked lots of questions regarding the mask. I asked which ones are rated higher for comfort and then which ones get a better seal. Ended up getting F&P vitera. Its a full face mask and its very comfortable. I was concerned about comfort as i can be a light sleeper. That and was worried about the frame for the mask as it had a strip of plastic that comes straight up in between the eyes because sometimes things near my eyes bother me. But its great. Made the right choice for myself.
I'm pretty sure I need full face but hate the tube coming from the front. I'm a side sleeper. I have to tape my mouth so full face might help but I'm kinda claustrophobic and prefer nasal and pillows.
Wow, i learned a lot from you Doc
I was diagnosed with mild-moderate sleep apnea 4 years ago. I had honestly tried to use the prescribed CPAP nightly … but I felt smothered and no matter how much I tried I inevitably woke up having pulled the mask off. My Veteran’s Affairs ENT said my sinuses were fine and mentioned that there is a non-CPAP and non-Surgical option - given my mild-moderate diagnosis: ie., she called it an “oral appliance” which required a specialty dentist who oversees the custom creation and fitting of the appliance.
I was referred to a V.A. dentist who specialized in the creation of a custom oral appliances. It required an initial visit to make a mold of my upper and lower teeth. The molds were sent to a lab which created the device to be worn during sleep. When the custom oral appliance was ready I returned to that dentist to check the fit and receive instructions on how to use it. The device has two parts which looked like “bite guards” which fit very snuggly over all of my upper teeth and the other fit snuggly over all of my lower teeth. Additionally, there were two bands which connected the upper “bite guard” part to the lower “bite guard” part. The bands are a certain length (I started at 27 mm I think) and together they restrict how far I can open my mouth. At the same time the two bands pulled my lower jaw forward just a tiny bit. It was not exactly super comfortable but actually much more tolerable than feeling smothered. Apparently, by preventing my mouth from opening while also advancing my lower jaw forward a bit the appliance prevented my tongue from sliding back toward my throat while asleep … preventing my slack tongue from blocking my airway. The appliance came with 6 additional sets of bands (27 mm, 26.5 mm, 26 mm, 25.5 mm, etc) each shorter set of bands restricted how far my mouth opened while advance my lower jaw a little more. After one month I returned to this dentist and he showed me how to change the original bands (27 mm) to the next shorter band (26.5 mm) . Again, when I wore the appliance that night my jaw was pushed another .5 mm forward which … with a little discomfort again to get used to. FYI, so, the monthly .5 mm advancement of your lower jaw is to allow you to get used to the slight discomfort of the unnatural forward position of your lower jaw.
Luckily, I tolerated the advancements pretty well so that the dentist allowed me to skip the smaller .5 mm adjustments and adjust the full 1 mm each month. Saved me a couple of months time and dental visits. After about 3 months (instead of 6 months) my jaw was advanced to the prescribed distance forward. The dentist ordered a new sleep test for me. Instead of 5 up to 12 AHI hourly events the sleep test logged 1 AHI event. I was blown away at the improvement … I was told I no longer needed the CPAP … only need to wear Sleep Apnea Oral device EVERY night and I’ll need to have another sleep test in another year … during which, the sleep test didn’t log a single AHI event.
No more CPAP-related stress for me. I’m a Navy Veteran with some service-connected injuries which means I have VA medical coverage and have no co-pays so I don’t have any idea what the dental visits or the custom appliance creation costs in everyday civilian $ … however, my brother (travels a lot for business and has to drag his CPAP machine everywhere) and he was interested (& a little jealous of me) in what the costs are and are Apnea Oral appliances covered by insurance … my VA dentist said it was his understanding that if a person is demonstrably unable to comply with CPAP use guidelines … then both private insurance and medicare both recognize and cover the Sleep Apnea Dental Appliance creation and related specialty dentist visits. Don’t know about % of costs covered - I imagine it varies.
One last thing: Again, Sleep Apnea Dental Appliances absolutely require a specializing dentist. The custom fitting is essential for it to work properly - you cannot buy an anti-snore devices on Amazon and expect it to manage your sleeping AHI events like the custom fit device. Between the initial assessment, oral mold fitting and 1st band adjustment (approx 1 month) you should be looking at around 3 - 5 months for appliance band adjustment tweaks. But if like me you can’t tolerate nightly CPAP and want to avoid oral surgery then these custom Apnea Oral appliances are proven to work for people with mild to moderate sleep apnea. I’ll admit that early days of adjusting the bands and having my lower jaw pushed forward was annoying at times … but now - more than a year using it every night - I am used to it … I pop it in before I go to sleep and have great sleep.
BTW, I bought a medical grade pulse-oxygen (with memory) which generates an all night report detailing sleeping O2 levels, pulse rate and logs motion. Using appliance I NEVER have an O2 level a reading below 94 % and all of my nightly O2 averages while wearing the oral appliance are 96% to 99% … usually 97%. Once or twice I have taken the appliance out to have a snack and forgotten to put back in and my pulse-ox ring shows thar my sleeping O2% level without oral appliance drops into the low 90s and have hit as low as 88% O2 when not wearing oral appliance.
You are simply amazing. Thank you for what you are doing. You have given me so much hope.
This is a great video...I'm trying to get used to my CPAP but it is a challenge. I have a deviated septum so I can't really use nasal pillows, so I'm trying to get used to the mask but it's just hard for me to fall asleep and trying to get used to exhaling against the air pressure. I also started using Flonase for my nose because I do have inflammation in there, so that might help.
Liked and subscribed. 🙂👍
My Dr told me a CPAP wouldn't help my deviated septum. He said " it's like trying to force water thru a kinked hose." He did a day surgery to correct it and I've had MUCH better sleep since then. Sleeping on my side helps also.
Same for me. I try using a full mask cpap and I just can’t sleep with it. I haven’t had a good nights sleep for over 20 years…
Where I live in Colorado, we CPAP users go to a warehouse-like place where someone hopefully fits our masks properly, because that is the end of support, follow-up, or subsequent care of any kind. I have pretty much given up using mine, because I cannot tell it is making much difference for me at all, and I have no support person to ask what I can do to make my experience better. Thank you for guidelines. Maybe I will try again.
I love your sincerity and compassion.
I have been using the CPAP machine for quite long time now and normally I have no problems using it at all, just at the beginning I was taking it off almost every night, my sleep apnea was very severe and I already had a heart attack so I was desperate trying to find the way to get used to it so one day playing with the functions I have found a setting called Ramp, this Ramp function gives more air flow while you fall asleep and reduce the flow when you start sleeping, I have discovered that the Ramp function was the problem so I have switched it off and since then I have no more problems using it. What is weird is that the Ramp function was set on at the sleeping lab (???)
im 37 and diagnosed with sleep apnea years ago. got a cpap machine with a nose cover only. tried it for a week or two and was never able to fall asleep with it on. ive always struggled to breathe through my nose and it just felt like i was suffocating when i had it on. there was so much pressure blowing in my nose airway that it felt like i couldnt exhale, which is very unnatural and uncomfortable and made me feel like i was going to suffocate.
ive had deviated septum surgery to try and help also but it didnt really do anything that i noticed and to this day i still cant breathe through my nose or use the cpap machine.
I got cpap and didn't get along with it at all so i went back to my local hospital and they gave me vpap, its the best machine ever ❤
Very informative video. I am not overweight, tonsils, adenoids, uvula removed, (maybe some tissue too I think). Deviated septum addressed as well. My interruption rate is way down post surgeries to only 14x per hour. I still feel horrible when I wake up. Literally exhausted. I have CPAP, use the pillow mask, just so happens I typically sleep on my side but still typically wake up with my mouth open and the air rushing out. Nose is always restricted upon waking whether I use CPAP or not. I am now wondering if I possibly have a tongue blockage as you suggested. I guess it wouldn't hurt to try a chin strap with the CPAP? Also, while the effect of keeping the mouth shut is obvious, I am not understanding how the chin strap stops the tongue from falling back into the throat? Does keeping the jaw closed prevent the tongue from being able to fall back? TY for posting this info. You seem sharper then any ENT or Sleep Doc I've seen here in N.Y.
Thank you❤
My doctor thought an AP would help me since it regulates the flow on an as-needed basis. It didn’t work. If it wasn’t my belly blowing up like a balloon causing horrible pressure, it was being woken up because of the pressure or leakage through my mouth or side of my mouth. So annoying! I even purchased Dr Steven Park’s book, Totally CPAP, which goes over strategies for over coming PAP problems and paranoia. No luck though. Been over 10 years dealing with what I think is UARS (which so few believe is a thing!) versus OSA. I had a septoplasty and a partial turbinoplasty to help me breathe better out of my nose. Dr. Park told me they wouldn’t solve my problem but it was a low-hanging fruit at the time and was a good choice.
Thank you for this video, though, because it was helpful because it let me know about iNap and a Tongue Stabilizing Device (TSD). I had never heard of such things. Will be looking into them for sure!
How are you now?? Did you use cpap
I have major sinus problems so a cpap just isnt an option for me. Its always running down the back of my throat, plus I have COPD
I tried a cpap machine, but I found it forces air into your lungs while you are trying to exhale, even on the lowest setting. I felt like I was suffocating. There needs to be a better system.
What can people do whose orthodonture in teen years like me left me with a too small mouth for tongue due to having 2 teeth on top and 2 teeth on bottom removed to short braces time - convenient for orthodontist - but has resulted in TMJ and obstructive sleep apea for me in adulthood? My jaw wants to come forward but my front teeth are too far back , so no support for forward lower jaw position& tongue ends up falling backward and blocking airway- if I sleep on back. It’s better if I sleep on side - but I think bringing my tongue or jaw forward would really help more- than a cpap which I have and which I hate using.