I come from a family of sleep apnea sufferers, and got to the point of having to buy a CPAP as I was waking up from choking. I didn't want to do this! I did some research, and here's how I completely cured my sleep apnea. I began to exercise everyday and quit all between meal snacks and cut out all refined foods, sugar and alcohol. In three months my weight returned to normal, and after that my sleep apnea was gone. Today I rarely even snore! I am still eating only a whole food diet and don't drink alcohol. I also still hit the gym 4 days a week and walk daily. Sleep apnea is now a thing of the past for me!
@@Simon-pl2zi hi Simon ! Please tell us more ! I’m suffering so much i wake up exausted and ashamed of loudly snoring ! In your cases loosing weight was all it took ?
You made me cry. I have suffered years. Cpap doesn't work. High BP. Exhausted all the time. I am taking the NICE guidelines to my next appointment. Thank you so much for putting this information out there.
Most doctors are idiots because medical school drains the creativity and curiosity out of them. How many people who are creative want to go through the crazy medical school curriculum? When people stop thinking they do a bad job of ANY job.
@@baddadmaddad7438 hii I have a question, does sleep apnea causes high BP or High BP causes sleep apnea??? As I have postpartum high BP and sometimes I suffer from sleep apnea
Great news.. It took me failing off my bike and breaking my jaw for kings college to offer surgery to fix that but also fix my sleep apnea. CPAP is absolutely terrible especially if youre below 33 and single
After a sleep study indicating OSA, why not perform a Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy to actually see, in real time, where the obstruction is? Otherwise, you're guessing correct? Is the obstruction nasal? Soft palette? Tonsils? Tongue? Throat collapse? I've been on this merry-go-round for 30 years.......
I agree. My blockage is behind the nasal cavity. Mucus builds up and has a hard time draining away when I lie down. I have tried to explain it but my ENT specialist doesn’t really seem to get it. I am going to see someone else shortly to see if widening the nose holes will help, but I am not really convinced this is treating the source. Then again nasal sprays have had limited effectiveness either.
@@plan4life I had septoplasty in dec 2021 unfortunately it offers only temporary relief then i do have severe nasal congestion my nose is blocked when lying down i used the room humidifier that gives me relief for a couple of months then now it is no longer helping again, I cant even use my cpap now because there is no way for the air to come in i ended up sleepless,tired eventhough i have to work in days...i am wondering if leaving Manhattan NYC can help because when i was in tropical country vacationing i dont have issues with nasal congestion😔😔😔
@@joetraveler5609 So what is septoplasty? I have been offered a 20 min op which removes part of the inner nose which collects the mucus. Is that septoplasty? They did already numb it to test if it would help and concluded it would have little effect. Then again I was sitting upright and this was during the day so it wasn’t a real life situation. Having done yet another sleep test (3 in 12 months!) they have concluded that my problem is my sleep routine and that I sleep too much during the day (duh, it’s called catch-up sleep) and that I am to blame for most of my sleep problems and that I should wear an mra (brace) again. So I am back to square 1 and where I was 10 years ago and they are no longer asdressing the problem in my nose. I have told them so many times I have a feeling certain foods seem to exacerbate the problem (maybe sugar and caffeine?) and my weight has increased the problems and that I have worse issues in the Summer months. All of this seems irrelevant to them. We also have had a humidifier in the bedroom but I seemed to get both positive and negative results so I am not convinced it helped at all. Tried an air purifier with special filter (can’t remember the name - hepa??) but again no conclusive results. Tried eliminating sugar for a day from my diet but no definite improvement even though if I have a sweet dessert in the evening for instance the problems seem considerably worse. I seldom drink caffeine (coffee, tea and chocolate) anymore as I am almost certain this creates unrest in my brain and my legs and possibly blocks my nose even more. I am so frustrated. This problem has caused my weight to plummet, I now have diabetes and have to take blood pressure tablets, I have almost zero energy but have been told to avoid sleeping during the day and get more exercise. 😡 oh and to eat less.. even though I hardly eat anything for the first two meals of the day and eat a normal meal at the end of the day. Talk about banging your head against a brick wall. I am fascinated when you say you get no problem with nasal congestion in a tropical environment. So that would be a hot, moist environment? Do you, normally speaking, have airco at night? And on holiday? Edit: oh can I ask too, do nasal sprays help? They don’t much for me and sometimes actually make it worse. Do you have more problems sleeping on one side than the other? I avoid sleeping on my right side as the problems are considerably worse. And do you frequently wake up in a panic because of the inability to breathe? Curious how it affects you most.
I was told to use the CPAP. My mouth was not examined at all. Also, I have post nasal drip and sleep with a slightly elevated head. The apnea test must take place on a flat surface while one is sleeping on the back. Further, my problem was falling asleep. I doubt that at 77, I suddenly developed sleep apnea. So I am so grateful to you. I will see my ENT! No one suggested that. Thanks for making research available. I am in USA but gladly will follow UK research.
Yeah I did a sleep study... I never even saw the doc after. ..just got a report and I googled stuff. The doc was in a rush and didnt even spend time asking ab my lifestyle and gave no tips on mouth exercises or anything. Same ol stuff from doctors...rushing and just part of a money system. These docs can act like they are Gods but they mostly regurgitate and are conduits to sell drugs or machines. Should give tips and advice..but they tend to be robots workin for Big Pharma and relying on old studies. Sad.
Great stuff! I was snoring before, I had recently my tonsils removed due to "stones" forming causing repeated infections, and I really sleep better since then. The surgeon was skeptical, however after the surgery he did ask me about sleep apnoea. Thanks doctor :)
Thank you! You confirmed and explained everything I've been thinking. I asked a doctor if allergies would affect or complicate my apnea. He said he didn't know and wouldn't suggest any options other than cpap. I found a different doctor and ended up getting a mouth guard that advances my jaw. It works as long as I dont gunk up my nasal passage. I usually do a saline rinse and that helps keep my nasal passage clear.
It’s 12:39 AM and I was meditating as I was ready for sleep when this advertisement came on so I sat up and fully listened. At 54 just 1 week ago today I was told I have sleep apnea and will need a CPAP. I instantly asked if I could also go to an ear nose and throat because I have severe allergies and every night my nose is stopped up. I also have some type of a dysplasia bone issue in my lower chin- jaw, which have caused some shifting, in my face which I believe has impacted and obstructed my breathing, which I am told as an African-American woman it can be common, but it’s untreatable. I do believe that ENT can help reduce or even eliminate some of the snoring and improve my breathing, I do have a humidifieragain I have terrible allergies. I’m prayerful and I’m not overweight more than 7 pounds. I instantly subscribed because I feel this doctor is genuine and passionate about actually helping people and maybe that’s because he’s not in the United States sorry but I think this may have some truth to it.
This is great news. I suspect for many it would still be a struggle to convince their GPs that there are solutions other than the bog-standard CPAP. My sleep apnea is due to a complex set of issues, but having my tonsils removed has allowed me to come off the CPAP. I was on CPAP for 10 years, and even then, having terrible nights at times, waking up with a splitting headache. I haven't experienced that since the operation. Thanks, Mr Veer!
I could not make it through the stupid required sleep study for the evaluation to use a CPAP. All those stupid wires glued to your head, straps tight across your chest and more glued leads on your legs. My tonsils have grown even larger since I got into my 50’s. I never snored until I went on lisinopril for blood pressure about 4 years ago. I have always been a light sleeper since my time in the military and my own snoring wakes me up. LOL!! I will strongly enquire my Dr. to refer me to an ENT surgeon to have my tonsils removed. My youngest son had sleep apnea as a toddler with periods up to 50 seconds of not breathing. His speech was latent and was sleepy most of his young life. I demanded the pediatrician refer him for tonsil removal. After his surgery, his learning sky rocketed, speech improved and was very active throughout the day. It was a success. There is definitely something worth noting about tonsil removal.
Mine was actually the opposite, I used to have this serious migraines since I was younger till I was 28 then I couldn’t handle it any longer wifey told me that my snore has gotten very serious and I stop breathing several times in the night .Realized it was sleep apnea and went to the hospital , I was prescribed the cpap and boy oh boy never slept this good in a long time , my headaches stop but I would love to have other alternatives than the cpap
I was put on CPAP machine at 60 yrs old after I got tested. They never looked in my throat or checked my sinuses. Thank you for your video . I'm going to a ent to check this out better .
Vik Veer is not only a top surgeon, but his powers of communication with this tricky subject are so very good... I just hope he is a teacher and lecturer to medical students, as part of his work.
I’ve been diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea. I was suffering from post fatigue illness after becoming ill December 23. Long Covid was first mentioned because of the symptoms I was experiencing, Eight months down the line a doctor decided I may have sleep apnea. I have never experienced the symptoms of sleep apnea and honestly don’t believe I have it. I was given a cpap machine to use and I believe it has made matters worse, ie keeps me awake, running nose, bloated feeling and I have gained weight. My symptoms have barely changed from January 2024. I have gone from a man earning very renumeration and working long hours to provide for my family to an embarrassed worthless individual.
I have been questioning my large tonsils for years to my doctors. They completely dismiss it as having any affect on my sleep apnea and overall health. Glad to see someone is finally sharing common sense in regards to this. Please keep up the good work!
again I am so sorry you've not been given the right advice. speak speak to your doctor and get treated and then feedback to the original doctor who said that to you. we all want to know if we are doing the wrong thing. it will mean they don't make the mistake again.
Hi Jerry I had my tonsils out in 2020 as they were very large and althought didn't help with the fatigue and not feeling refreshed it definitely took away any snoring so glad I went throught with it.
@@VikVeerENTSurgeon I have huge tonsils too...and was diagnosed with mild OSA and prescribed a CPAP....as they felt that the recovery from a tonsillectomy will be very difficult for a 45 year old. What's your opinion on this?
@@RyOpenEye How long did it take to heal? Do you sleep better now & What side effects after the surgery did you have I've heard that people don't get sick as much and not many Allergies now...
My doctor didn’t seem that concerned about my waking up in the night gasping for breath or my frequent urinating at night . I even mentioned it to my dentist his reply was sleep face down . I was stressed so self diagnosed sleep apnea. Bought a cpap machine with great difficulty but now I have excellent sleep all night no getting up to pee .
I just had my sleep test result. I was diagnosed with Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea Disorder. The recommendations was to buy CPAP or undergo surgery. With your video it help me decide to have surgery instead of having machine connected to my face all night.
Im in Australia and my GP refused to refer me to a ENT specialist even after my sleep study of 50 events per hour. CPAP was the only recommended therapy. It's a money making scheme because the CPAP suppliers are incentivised to sell as many machines as possible. The Western medical system is set up to mask symptoms and not treat root cause in a majority of cases, sad.
I’m also from Sydney and I really dislike using a CPAP machine. I’ve spoken with several GPs, and my first visit to a throat specialist left me frustrated. He mentioned that surgery wouldn’t be a permanent fix for my sleep apnea and that it might return as I age. Everyone keeps recommending the ResMed CPAP machine, but I wish there was a way to permanently resolve my sleep apnea without relying on it. If only there were an ENT in Sydney who could provide a lasting solution!😢😢😢
This is good to hear. I was diagnosed with mild OSA 4 years ago. I never have issues sleeping but it's my snoring which my wife constantly complained about which saw me exiled to the spare bedroom, thus promting me to see my doctor. After a home sleep study I was given a CPAP device. At first it was great, the snoring stopped and my wife once again tolerated me in the bedroom, however........I just can't tolerate using CPAP! The majority of times I wake up several times in the night having to readjust the mask due to air blasting my eyes just as you described in your video (beard or not, same results). Not once in my talks with the sleep clinic was my nose/mouth ever checked out. I'm constantly blowing my nose everyday for years and I vaguely remember my dentist once saying I had an overgrown soft pallette, whether or not that is a cause for snoring I don't know! I now work overseas, only use my CPAP if I'm home and me n the wife are forced to share a room i.e when visiting relatives or hotels etc. I would love it if there was some form of magic surgery to fix me. Your video has inspired me to go back to my sleep clinic next time I'm home in the hope for some alternative remedy so thankyou. Consider me your newest subscriber 🙂
Super! I was on placement in paediatric surgery last week and a young girl was having a tonsilloadenectomy for her sleep apnoea. The rationale behind it was so sound that I was so confused as to why we’d never been taught about it as a management strategy for adult sleep apnoea.
I had Hyoid Advancement Surgery about 15 years ago, they took out tonsils, adenoids, and even my uvula, as well as doing the hyoid advancement. I'm 58 now and it was the worst decision I ever made. It took me MONTHS to relearn how to eat because it effects how you swallow. To this day even a tiny glob of saliva that hits a spot in the back of the throat causes me to go into fits of coughing and choking. Also it started a cycle of getting sick because all the protections that are there with tonsils and adenoids are gone so the slightest infection goes straight to the lungs. I never had that issue before the surgery. It also changed my voice and I can't talk very long without something to drink or my throat gets extremely irritated, also never had that issue before surgery. I have not done the Mandibular Advancement Device yet but I really want to try that one. I would recommend that nobody ever go the surgery route, you can NOT undo it and it's horrible. Please explore the other options.
@@brazil7028 I had mine done in Toronto in 1995, back when the Ontario healthcare system was paying for it. On balance I agree with you- it's done nothing to improve my sleep apnea. I also have similar problems to yours, such as hoarseness, constant throat clearing of phlegm, voice "giving out", etc. However, since having my tonsils out, I've noticed a reduction in the number of head and chest colds I've been experiencing. Of course, that could be due þtťĝto newer asthma medication that I'm taking.
Recently sought diagnosis for apparent sleep apnoea. On the waiting list for sleep study. Its ruining my life right now. The snoring has wedged distance in the relationship with my partner as weve slept seperate now for 2 years. To top it off, it has now seemingly merged with my sleep paralysis disorder. Now, up to 10 times in one night I wake up paralysed, fully aware of the room and cannot breath nor stir myself to bring myself out of it. Sometimes I'm not breathing and paralysed for long enough to once awake gasp for air for the next 5 mins as if I've been strangled. It now causing me severe anxiety. Panic attacks daily and I'm lost with waht to do until the sleep study and treatment ensues. I'm going to try your excercises religiously. I will update you with my progress. Thank you so much for your videos Chris
thank you so much Dr Veer. I have struggled with the CPAP machine as I have allergies and usually have a blocked nose at night, and I am a mouth breather. Thank you for this information, I will call the doctor on seeing the ENT and the dentist as my next steps. Thanks.
I just got my new Cpap machine. The first thing I’ve learned to do is get on youtube and learn how to get into the therapeutic menu (usually blocked for patients) and turn down the maximum level of flow to 10 from 16 to stop it from blasting my face with to much air. It never wakes me up after doing this yet my events per hour are about 0.2.
Hi Vik. As a fellow sleep disorder treatment provider, I certainly found your video informative and an interesting insight in to alternatives to CPAP and MAS therapy. Certainly, the more successful treatments available to combat sleep apnoea the better!
Hi , can you speak about having full dentures? The minute I’m home they come out. That can mean 18!hours a day. They keep getting re-aligned but my bone is disappearing and my bottom jaw is receding. How does this affect things. No one I speak to says it has any effect on the apnea. Tried a c- pap but woke myself up all nigh coughing and had blisters all around my lips and up my nose. Was told to just live with the apnea.
I have calcification in the ligaments/eagle syndrome, allergic asthma, moderate OSA and a long back tongue. I can't tolerate CPAP, and I'm slightly overweight. My tonsils haven't been examined yet. Where should I begin? No one is as honest as you about how difficult it can be using the CPAP. Thank you for enlightening on alternative treatments!
I'm so glad I found your channel. I was diagnosed with severe OSA in the summer and the clinic prescribed me CPAP without even seeing me. I never saw a doctor and was never asked to go into the clinic. I've really struggled with CPAP and they keep telling me off for not using it, despite me having panic attacks with it on. The woman had a go on the phone and said they had discharged me. I'd be so happy if surgery could help me.
It's so good of you to make these wonderfully informative videos Mr. Veer - your knowledge, skill, enthusiasm - and humility - is truly encouraging. Many thanks!
Don't apologize for the long video. I love watching your videos as they are so informative. I recently received a C-Pap as my apnea was 72 times an hour. I'm 56 and still have my tonsils my Dr. didn't even look at those. I wonder if they are dangling around back there. I'd rather get my tonsils out and not have a C-Pap if that is the case. It's a bit of a struggle getting used to the C-Pap. Keep up the great videos! 👍
Yay! Thank god for that, it's about time. I'm slow in picking up this information, I've only just watched this. Vik keep this important information coming, because I've been in CPAP for well over 6 years and I'm no better off. There's a problem and it's not being addressed. I'll try anything to get some sleep. The Apap is giving me aerophagia every night and waking me up after only 1-2 hours in very bad pain and huge discomfort. I'm mentally compromised now and not in a good place. 😢
Amazing ... I have reduced air flow in my left nostril and it plugs up easily and the cpap machine is over pressuring the flow later during my sleep. Your video talk about the race between restriction and air pressure now clears up why my face mask is blowing off me later in my sleep. I will take the machine off Auto and set to a fixed pressure if possible. Thank You So Much.
Mine was actually the opposite, I used to have this serious migraines since I was younger till I was 28 then I couldn’t handle it any longer wifey told me that my snore has gotten very serious and I stop breathing several times in the night .Realized it was sleep apnea and went to the hospital , I was prescribed the cpap and boy oh boy never slept this good in a long time , my headaches stop but I would love to have other alternatives than the cpap
Greetings from India.. I am MBBS and NEET PG aspirant. I would like to thank you and appreciate the way you are educating us. I have suffered from obstructive sleep apnea; however your myofuntional therapy exercises helped me alot and improved my sleep disturbance.I have few doubts and I shall be glad if you clear them. 1. Is there any relation between Uric acid and sleep apnea. 2. Can NSD (nasal septum deviation) cause sleep apnea and snoring.
I wish you were my doctor. I was diagnosed with OSA two years ago after waking up exhausted most mornings, my GP sent me to see a respiratory specialist who sent me to see an ENT specialist who did look in my nose, informed me I severe deviated septum and them just handed me a business card for his dietitian mate. The number of times I was handballed to someone else was extremely annoying, I was definitely being shoved along the CPAP route, which is where I am now, an expensive piece of kit sits beside the bed not being used.
Great video, Dr. Vic V! 👏 It's fantastic that NICE guidelines in the UK now include expanded options like mandibular advancement devices and recognize surgery's role for obstructive sleep apnea. Really encouraging for those who struggle with CPAP! 🛌💤 And the insights on how nasal issues can affect CPAP efficiency are super helpful. Looking forward to learning more about the Zeus device and your upcoming projects. Keep up the amazing work for all patients out there! 🎉👨⚕
Vik... you are such a great communicator. It makes perfect sense to remove large tonsils in adults. And as an aside.... I find that breathing retraining is also an excellent tool alongside these other measures.
Where do you go for breathing training. My daughter informed me that I stop breathing in and also when breathing out, but I also do that when I am awake. My Massage therapist and a physiotherapist both have to remind me to breathe. I had my tonsils removed at 18 and I used to have sinus problems but now take an allergy pill every day.
My "lung doctor" looked into my mouth from about 3 feet away for about 2 seconds. That was the only physical examination I received before prescribing a CPAP. My AHI was 17.
It would be great if you can do a video on advice for sleep disorders caused by nervous system damage/restlessness such as from physical assault. Not every sleep problem is obstruction based.
Review your lifestyle, cut the carbs and strart intermittent fasting. I recommend you check out the Carnivore Diet, look up Dr. Shawn Baker and Dr. Ken D. Berry, they have lots of videos on UA-cam.
Vik is an ear, nose and throat surgeon. Sleep apnoea is something he treats regularly due to his speciality. Sleep disorders due to other causes are not.
Dust mite allergy. Who knew it was a silent killer? I don't snore but I'm up 4x a night and can't sleep more than 5,6 hours. I do have severe allergies to dust mites, cigarette smoke, house dust, etc. Thank you DR. Need to get an air filter for my bedroom.
I’m from Sydney Australia and I really dislike using a CPAP machine. I’ve spoken with several GPs, and my first visit to a throat specialist left me frustrated. He mentioned that surgery wouldn’t be a permanent fix for my sleep apnea and that it might return as I age. Everyone keeps recommending the ResMed CPAP machine, but I wish there was a way to permanently resolve my sleep apnea without relying on it. If only there were an ENT in Sydney who could provide a lasting solution!
Thanks Vik - such useful information. Went to my local NHS sleep centre last week. I don’t fit the typical ‘apnea’ sufferer.. normal weight, exercise, don’t smoke etc. Did an initial study and have moderate apnea (15 episodes per hour). I mentioned I always felt like I had a thin throat - didn’t check anything else, just referred straight to CPAP. Will ask for them to check my tonsils on my next appointment but I’m not sure I’m confident the doctor would even know if my tonsils were large etc. my impression was CPAP was the only solution. Obviously guidelines aren’t always being followed
Good video, it seems my sleep doctors arent familiar with the new guidelines as they told me there is no surgeries available on the NHS but your video mentions there is around 42 of them. ill be mentioning that next time I go.
Since we are closely affiliated I would offer a copy of the guidelines to your team and see what they say. Most of us all know this, but often it is forgotten.
This is excellent. So very informative. Ive noticed that my tonsils are often (or always) enlarged since my snoring has started. Im hoping after my sleep study i can have them removed
I had a sleep study in an Australian public hospital at age 34 and was only ever told that I had to go on a CPAP and was run through the brochures. I asked if there were any alternatives and was told this was it. The CPAP didn’t work effectively as my nose kept blocking. They never recommended any assessment of my sinuses (turns out I had a deviated septum and other treatable issues). After doing my own research, I found a specialist to make a mandibular splint that made a huge difference to my breathing at night and I am also booked in to have my tonsils removed for further improvement. None of these options existed according to my respiratory and sleep specialist. It’s really refreshing to read that some specialists are looking into this issue.
Vik, the Zeus device ($284.34 AUD itself) and 1 year supply of pads would cost me around $871.99 AUD for the 1st year, and $606.71 each year ongoing. A cpap machine can last several years, along with a mask (except for replacement headgear every so often). Factoring for all the costs associated for both devices, cpap still comes out way ahead. For instance I have a devilbiss machine that is as hardy and reliable as the day I bought it 10 years ago for $800 aud (in 2011) plus a mask for $150. This is why an implantable device would probably be less cost prohibitive, let alone a bunch of simple tongue retainers (or MAD device) It's nice to see technology improving, but the $ has to come down to be justifiable.
I would say this is only a real option if you can't tolerate. I'm glad that CPAP is an option for you, but some people really can't manage it at all. And in some people CPAP makes their sleep apnoea worse. I haven't done my research on the ZEUS device yet, but thank you for telling me the prices. I couldn't get it to work on me because of my beard. I'll let you know in the video - thanks for the heads up.
@@VikVeerENTSurgeon You're welcome. I'm 24 hours out of hospital since my surgery for septoplasty and turbinate reduction. This is thanks to watching your videos months ago, and deciding to really try and do something other than accept Cpap and steroid nasal sprays for the last decade. Really I am quite a common case of modern maxillofacial abnormality due to modern living (industralisation). Palatial expansion in childhood may have helped me, but I just dont have the space in my throat due to the development of my jaw. Several years ago I had my wisdom teeth removed from deep positions, as I simply didn't have any room for them and they were causing problems. I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnoea in 2011 at the age of 28. I had been dismissed by 2 sleep specialists (one male, one female) on examination, then a horrible time using medications for mental illness (they thought I was just mentally ill), including medications used for people with schizophrenia, which someone like me should never be given. I even spent a month in a mental hospital because I thought I really was going crazy. They too dismissed my feelings about feeling like I couldn't sleep and felt like a zombie every day. After going through all that and being highly medicated I asked my doctor why is it was such a big deal to have a sleep study performed, as its not invasive or dangerous and will allow him/I to rules things out. The story I could tell you, unbelievable. I'm lucky I'm alive. *I've always had a BMI under 25, normal healthy physique etc.
The nose comment and explanation you gave literally helped me so much. I tried using a prescription nose spray to open up my airways at night and it is much easier to use the CPAP at night. Looking for a long term fix for this though
I’ve been having issues with my right nostril closing up at night when laying down, making CPAP harder to use. My dentist said I have large tonsils. My Dr. told me to not worry about it unless there’s signs of tonsillitis. I’m going to ask for a referral to an ENT. Thanks for the info
I’ve been diagnosed moderate sleep apnea. Had to pay myself privately although the operation for removing tonsils will be done on nhs as I am grade 4. For anyone with stuffed nose as advise sterimar nasal spray. I use this in a morning and before I go to bed religiously. Just pop it on your bedside table so you don’t forget
Thank you. Vik your approach makes so much sense. I have severe sleep apnea and have had to deal with the mask for the past four years. It has been awful. Is there a doctor in the USA that also takes your approach. I can't afford to fly to England to see you or I would. My sleep apnea has messed up my life. I wondered why I was gaining weight. I would be so happy if you could let me know of a doctor who is doing this in USA. Thank you.
Thank you for all you do, Dr. Veer - everything you have here is so very informative. I am working (slowly) on trying to cure my sleep apnea, through maxillary expansion and repositioning of the mandible so that the TMJs are properly centered. So far the process is going rather well, and in a follow-up in-lab study recently my supine AHI had dropped by over 50% and my diseases was reclassified from "severe" to "mild, positional." However, I know that at least a reasonable portion of the remainder of my OSA is due to chronic rhinits which creates too much nasal airway resistance. I had a septoplasty about 9 months ago to correct a mild deviation, septal perforation, septal spur pushing into a turbinate, and crushing a small concha bullosa. But even after that, there's still a congested feeling and my surgeon noted during my most recent checkup that the mucosa tissue just generally seemed inflamed on the turbinates, the septum, the lateral wall, just kind of everywhere. Any suggestions on methods to try to attack that? Historically medications haven't done much, but we've talked about giving those another try. I'm seeing things like Rhinaer and Clarifix as a means to try to attack the posterior nasal nerve under the assumption it's gone a bit hyperactive and they're trying to calm it down - but cautious about those since they are both new. Would love to get any additional thoughts you might have ... as I really think the remainder of my OSA is tied up in the nasal cavity.
I'm very boring when it comes to these things. I check for allergies and infections (RAST and skin prick tests with swabs for bacteria and fungi), and if there is nothing there I encourage nasal breathing (mouth taping all day - and night if safe), and loads of salty water douche. if possible live by the sea / swim in the sea for as long as possible. I'm assuming they have done the Dymista thing as well? Generally it is an infection (especially fungal if everything seems red and angry including the septum), and therefore I remember to give at least 2 months of antifungal cream. If it is just turbinate hypertrophy then I radiofrequency that. Personally I'm not a fan of disturbing the nerves or function of the nose, but I am in a minority when it comes to that. I even seem to care about Nitric Oxide and make my openings in sinuses less than 8mm to retain the gas produced. Not sure if it does anything, but we must be making that stuff for a reason. This is a silly comment - I will stop now. sorry.
@@VikVeerENTSurgeon Hello, i know a year has passed since this reply, but a turbinate reduction couldnt help with chronic rihinitis or chronic rhinitis + inflamed turbinates?
Wow they just recognized the role of tonsils for sleep apnoea in UK now? I had both mine removed for sleep apnoea since 6 years old...along with some tissue behind the nose that blocks the airway when sagging.
This is great but where I am in Worthing, West Sussex, the NHS are most definitely NOT following these guidelines. I was diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnoea when I was living in Singapore. The first thing the ENT did was look at my throat and nasal passages through a video scope which confirmed that I had big tonsils and a very long uvula. It was only after that that he gave me a sleep study which confirmed that I had mild to moderate sleep apnoea. He recommended a MAD but I did not get one made initially. A year later I developed TMJD, so a MAD was out of the question due to the pain. I tried a BIPAP but that left me with terrible aerophagia, so I was at a loss. I saw another ENT a couple of years after this and they recommended a tonsillectomy and uvulectomy, I was not covered for sleep apnoea at the time on my health insurance so never got the surgery. This consultant also informed me that I have a deviated septum. Fast forward 4 years and I still have untreated sleep apnoea. I was finally seen by the ENT at Worthing Hospital (UK) who completely dismissed all my health history and Drs letters from Singapore. They said my tonsils were not big and that surgery was not something they did as it rarely cures sleep apnoea. They recommended I do a sleep (under general anesthetic) nasendoscopy to see where my throat collapses. This confirmed that when I sleep my throat collapses. They did not mention anything about my nose. Meanwhile at the sleep clinic, I am awaiting a CPAP trial. They gave me a device to wear on my finger to measure my oxygen but said that it did not bring up any negative results so they gave me another device which was a lot more complicated and involved putting something in my nose which gave me such bad apnoea (waking up gasping) that I couldn’t sleep (this makes me wonder if most of my breathing issues are nose related). I have just bought the excite osa as I am literally at my wits end with this. I don’t particularly like the idea of having surgery as I know it will be very painful and hard to eat but I feel like it may be the only thing that solves this
Thank you 🙏 I have OSA couldn’t tolerate CPAP so this news is great, I am waiting to be seen regarding a mandibular device I have been told 2-3 years wait ! Could have popped my clogs before then !🤦🏻♀️ Are they expensive privately do you know ? I learn from your videos every time thank you for your time and effort in helping with this problem 🙏
The cost is between £200-£600 for a good one. The price does go up to £1000 for all the latest and greatest innovation. The more you pay generally the more comfortable it is. Some of them you can still yawn and calibrate it by yourself.
@@VikVeerENTSurgeon what do you mean yawn? What is the name of this device? Insurance covers a new one here in the US every 5 years (and will pay for fixes before that) and that sounds really interesting. How can you yawn while wearing one?) Mine has a little key to calibrate it. Is that what you mean?
This is really interesting. I was diagnosed with osa about 9 years ago and have been using cpap since then. I use it every night but still don't feel refreshed. I've suffered with nasal blockages since I was a child, had some soft tissue removed in my teens to help this, also suffering with fur and house dust allergies. I've always felt like my throat is full of catah, but wonder now if it might be enlarged tonsils. At night my nostrils can become blocked, it not unusual for one to be completely blocked, such that none of the cpap air will pass through. I'd love to be free of cpap and to wake refreshed.
I am the same I don’t feel refreshed or anything. Just told use cpap. I must admit the pillow mask is better then the full face. But I still feel tired.
I am not a doctor, but I am of the opinion that sleep apnea seems to trouble people as they age, especially women at the menopause. Why? hormone loss. especially estrogen for women, it firms the tissues and keeps them from sagging. so saggy throat ladies! I was diagnosed with apnea, but a mild form, asi 5.9. they treated it with cpap, pressure 8. hated it but used it faithfully. I never felt better nor did I sleep better or feel rested after several months of use. Then I saw a naturopath. I went on Hormone replacement, including estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid, all bio identical. within a few weeks, my life did a 180, I started feeling great, cpap events were zero, so they lowered it down to 6, then I got off it altogether.
hmmm sounds like a wrong diagnosis from the start. I'm very sorry that you were messed around. I would tell the original doctor, I'm sure they will want to know. yes women catch up rapidly with the boys at menopause as the their hormones keep them elasticity and springy. that goes with the change.
Lone Ranger thank you for your comment I am same in menopause and having sleep issues and doctor suspects sleep apnea due to menopause. I just found me a doctor that specializes in HRT...so happy your sleep issues were resolved!!
How much of a role do you think facial structure plays in sleep disorders? I feel that recessed jaws can narrow the upper airway in some, and particularly patients with a normal BMI. I am interested to hear your thoughts on this.
it causes an issue - and we mostly know this from people who have severe deformities. Hard to work out when we should intervene though. lots of research needed in all aspects of sleep apnoea.
Vik this is brilliant news. I am so glad that there is an alternative now. Really enjoy listening to you as usual very informative and thank you your help with my ears.
Wow thank you 🙏 I couldn’t tolerate CPAP I am on the waiting list for a mandibular device been told 2-3 years ! Hope I don’t pop my clogs in the meantime!😬🤦🏻♀️ really enjoy your videos I learn from you very grateful 🙏
If you get referred to Dr Ruddock at Royal National ENT Hospital you might be able to get it sooner on the NHS (for free). He's a great guy and there are a number of dentists working with him.
What? This is normal? I just refused it and called a sleep dentist myself. 5 weeks later (2 weeks for apt, 3 weeks for the factory to make it from the mould) I had my device. If I had to wait 2 years I would have cracked half my teeth!!
You can purchase a generic one at the drugstore or online, it needs to be boiled first then inserted to mold to your teeth. they work pretty good. why would you have to wait, i dont get it. dont you just make a dentist appointment with your regular dentist? mine does these nightguards for teeth grinding and snoring all the time, and also does the apnea ones. I just got mine, I have insurance it only cost me $74 out of pocket.
Totally agree with how you described symptoms I have a cpap machine and used it for a few months then had to stop because of blocked nose and really dry mouth, to the point I couldn't sleep at all constantly drinking water ,mouth sprays, lozenges so yes I'm in limbo .I will contact my sleep clinic to ask for advice, thanks for the advice
Im 34, ive been going through this for probably more than 10 years without realizing what was really going on. Im afraid of what this might have done to me in that time and if the damage is irreversible. Im concerned because now they are saying the cpap causes cancer and they are backed up due to the recall. Its very frustrating. I have an appointment with a nose and throat doctor. Im praying for an alternative, I have a 1 year old daughter and I have to stick around. Thank you for making this video. Im going to look into what you are proposing 🙏🏻 god bless
WOW. This is remarkably informative and has helped me so so much…. I’ve have only become aware of the actual existence of sleep apnea recently (or that it applies to me) and most information I have found did NOT explain these other details… I have been plagued by a deviated septum and issues with my nose being blocked since youth and it has gotten worse over the years I think with me getting up more often than before during sleep due to being unable to breathe…. I only knew this was a thing because my psychiatrist said that I probably wasn’t getting quality sleep so I investigated and it made me so sad I never looked into all of this before. :( On top of that, I also feel I have slightly large tonsils and have been suspecting them to be an issue recently but I never thought about how these both together could lead to feeling like I’m dying cause I can’t get a proper breath in…. Also explains my issues with breathing and proper support as a singer… Will definitely try and look into treatments for both of these! Thank you so so much!!! 😭💕
Because tonsil removal surgery gets increasingly dangerous as you get older. The tonsil tissue grows further and further down your throat towards the major artery. When removing it it could possibly tear or rupture of the artery and you would bleed out on the operating table. There would be nothing they could do to close it back up and save you.
well actually with chronic infections there is a layer of fibrotic tissue that forms in the tonsillar plane (like scar tissue). that's what makes it harder to operate on. I've never heard of any one damaging the carotid in a tonsillectomy. you would need to cut through the muscles of the throat to get there. I didn't manage to damage this artery even when I was a cancer surgeon and the cancer was near the carotid. the operation is more painful as you get older though.
Now aged 74, had tonsils out at 7, nasal cavities widened 25 years ago (age 50), have hay fever since 14, had 7 stents put in coronary system c15 years ago, can't use CPAP (with moisture) longer than 2 hours as nose gets blocked then mask leaks, I cant sleep - repeatedly told hospital of difficulties using CPAP from start, and lost licence 2 week ago NOT COMPLYING with treatment plan! Tried NYTOL sleep aid tablets 1 tablet worked well - but with CPAP mask have same result even with MAX dose of 2 tablets. Moved from bed with foam support pillow, sleeping on my side, to recliner in living room = still can't use. No golf or gym, my wife has to drive me to bridge twice a week I'm now a burden to her and our beautiful twin daughters doing their Masters, Pulmonary and Respiratory Consultants hard to get hold of, GP is standard 2 week wait. Any advice? BTW No cliffs in walking distance!.
Dude it makes perfect sense Why i wake up at night all the time, I have a full obstructed nose on the left side and wake to remove the cpap and notice that the pressure is way higher than when its starts before I go to sleep
The stuffy nose (swollen turbinates) is likely my case. I’ve talked to nose-mouth-throat doctors and mentioned about cpap but it didn’t seem to catch much attention ..
Really interesting to hear this, I've tried cpap for 3 years with no success, TMJ issues meant my MAD caused strong headaches. An ENT has given me a nasal spray to try nasal cpap but that doesn't seem to be the issue. They've mentioned base of tongue surgery's but it seems a lottery what hospital and doctor has available (my leeds hospital can't do sleep endoscopy). So Impossible to know if its the right choice. Interestingly I also had my grade 4 tonsils taken out 5 years before I was diagnosed OSA!
@@VikVeerENTSurgeon thanks for the reply Vik! It's taken me a while to get in with the NHS ENT up in Leeds and I'm unfortunately ill with long covid and wheelchair bound at the moment so long journeys are off the cards for now. Didn't realise I could request certain specialists/locations with a referral via the NHS so will keep that in mind. Your videos are super useful for discussions with my ENT up north :)
My experience is that up to a point, if there is some air getting in your eyes with CPAP, this can be remedied by using a sleep mask designed to block out the light.
I am viewing from San Francisco California. I would love to not have to use CPAP. The correlation between excessive pressure in CPAP causing the turbinades to swell is something I never knew about. My sleep therapist is very matter of fact and does not discuss options to CPAP, but now I have some legitimate questions and the possibility of corrective surgery to end my dependence on the CPAP. Thank you for the informative lecture.
I’m surprised the video and no where in the comments did anyone mention that having your tonsils out as an adult is a whole other bag than a child . I’m an adult not only is it a lot bloodier but it’s considered a much more dangerous surgery than in a child!
I got my tonsils and adenoids out when I was 10. I now get constant sinus infections because I've no natural filters. They have a function. Every part of the body has
I'm writing a book about this, as a lot of people get confused about this. Removal of tonsils hasn't caused your sinus issues. You don't really need your tonsils after the age of 2 or perhaps earlier, which is why they disappear in puberty. Having big tonsils into adulthood is actually an unusual thing and suggests that there is something wrong with them (or was wrong). More in my book.
Very interesting! Two questions if you'd be so kind: 1. If i go to my GP tomorrow, and explain my sleep apnea condition, are they still likely to advise trying a CPAP.... BEFORE tonsil removal? And 2. Do you think jaw surgery will soon become available on the NHS for those with underdeveloped mandibles (thus having smaller airway volume)? It seems to be an increasingly popular procedure.. Thanks for the interesting content!
1. if they don't you can furnish them with a copy of the NICE guidelines to help them. most people aren't up to date yet on them. it must be very hard for GPs to keep up to date with everything all the time. 2. it has been available for years. most hospitals with a MaxFax service offer it. Jonathan Collier in central London and Ms Papa in Essex are my go to people near me.
@@VikVeerENTSurgeon Interesting. So why do people choose to pay and go abroad for it..? Is it simply to avoid year-long wait times? I have also heard that the UK doesn't have the best track record for such procedures... and to be honest from what I've seen of websites, they very rarely show clear before and after pictures..quite infuriating to have no idea of what they're capable of..
@@cristoff3 I'm English and off to see Professor Alfaro in Barcelona. Wait times are ridiculous in the UK, try like 3 to 5 years. Also a few prominent maxillofacial surgeons in the UK wanted to shave my chin where as Dr Kasey Li and Alfaro told me not too it would be ridiculous. The movements they were proposing would not be as good as what was quoted by Alfaro also. Should look at the BIRD study to get an idea how much mm is a cure rate.
my glaucoma doctor did not care if I had sleep apnea. Still have tonsils, too. Would like to do something difference. My nasal passages will close up within 2 hours. My respect for Doctors in sleep apnea is as low as it is for the AMA. I wake up with congested nose. I sit up, wait for it to clear, lie down, and try to go asleep. And my personal physician has long since retired and the 3 subsequent doctors (and their health care corporations) just seem to be interested in sleep tests (torture) and selling the latest CPAP gizmos.
I use Somnowell mandibular adv device. It's so comfortable and a life saver. best in the market, highly reccomend. cost me £2k. only snag is it doesnt benefit mouth breathers as much as nasal breathers.
I am Very interested with your explanation. Many doctors in my country seems avoid surgery rather than recomending Cpap. I think I will choose for surgery rather than using my CPAP. Need to know about the cost for that.. your information very detail and logic for me...
My husband snores so loud that he disturbs me and other people sleeping in the other room. He wakes up clearing his throat and finally he would go to vomit. He does stop breathing for approximately 10 seconds and he would wake up as if somebody who is diving and trying to come up to breath. He did have a 24 hours tape but to tell you the truth with such a big gadget on his chest, he hardly slept. Hence the report was good. He was supposed to have a nose surgery in the hope to open his airway, it was not done initially because of HBP. After he has medication for hypertension, he refused the nose surgery because of Corona and all the side effects that was mentioned by the doctor. I would really appreciate if you have an idea what sort of treatment can cure his snoring. Thanks
This is great news . Thanks for the video doing a sleep apnea test this weekend and all this info your giving is going to help so much in my up coming consultation. Also would be good if you could review the good morning sleep solution trd device look a much more comfortable trd than the one you reviewed in a previous video. The one you reviewed really worked well but was so uncomfortable I could not continue with it as a do have a minor tongue tie an was rubbing against it making it sore and painful
A very clear and compassionate explanation of the condition and treatment, which is very helpful and reassuring. I now feel better about seeking treatment. Thank you. I love this guy!
I come from a family of sleep apnea sufferers, and got to the point of having to buy a CPAP as I was waking up from choking. I didn't want to do this! I did some research, and here's how I completely cured my sleep apnea. I began to exercise everyday and quit all between meal snacks and cut out all refined foods, sugar and alcohol. In three months my weight returned to normal, and after that my sleep apnea was gone. Today I rarely even snore! I am still eating only a whole food diet and don't drink alcohol. I also still hit the gym 4 days a week and walk daily. Sleep apnea is now a thing of the past for me!
Thanks for valuable advice to share with us Sir !
I"m trying to achieve the same result. I've lost weight. I don't drink or smoke. Eat well, still enjoy sugary food.
Thank you for sharing
@@Simon-pl2zi great to hear you got rid of this debilitating disease, are there any specific exercise la that helped you?
@@Simon-pl2zi hi Simon ! Please tell us more ! I’m suffering so much i wake up exausted and ashamed of loudly snoring ! In your cases loosing weight was all it took ?
You made me cry. I have suffered years. Cpap doesn't work. High BP. Exhausted all the time. I am taking the NICE guidelines to my next appointment. Thank you so much for putting this information out there.
Try satvic movement. Search for "satvic movement sleep apnea"
Most doctors are idiots because medical school drains the creativity and curiosity out of them. How many people who are creative want to go through the crazy medical school curriculum? When people stop thinking they do a bad job of ANY job.
How are you doing? Do you / did you have large tonsils?
@@baddadmaddad7438 hii
I have a question, does sleep apnea causes high BP or
High BP causes sleep apnea???
As I have postpartum high BP and sometimes I suffer from sleep apnea
@@chandnitodarmal I have high bloodpressure due to....
Great news.. It took me failing off my bike and breaking my jaw for kings college to offer surgery to fix that but also fix my sleep apnea. CPAP is absolutely terrible especially if youre below 33 and single
Your channel has helped me in one hour more than many doctors and remedies for years! Thanks a lot!
amazing that you've spent an hour watching me - i'm honoured!
After a sleep study indicating OSA, why not perform a Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy to actually see, in real time, where the obstruction is? Otherwise, you're guessing correct? Is the obstruction nasal? Soft palette? Tonsils? Tongue? Throat collapse? I've been on this merry-go-round for 30 years.......
I agree. My blockage is behind the nasal cavity. Mucus builds up and has a hard time draining away when I lie down. I have tried to explain it but my ENT specialist doesn’t really seem to get it. I am going to see someone else shortly to see if widening the nose holes will help, but I am not really convinced this is treating the source. Then again nasal sprays have had limited effectiveness either.
Me too, nasal congestion, deviate ear septum… c paps suck
@@plan4life I had septoplasty in dec 2021 unfortunately it offers only temporary relief then i do have severe nasal congestion my nose is blocked when lying down i used the room humidifier that gives me relief for a couple of months then now it is no longer helping again, I cant even use my cpap now because there is no way for the air to come in i ended up sleepless,tired eventhough i have to work in days...i am wondering if leaving Manhattan NYC can help because when i was in tropical country vacationing i dont have issues with nasal congestion😔😔😔
@@joetraveler5609 So what is septoplasty? I have been offered a 20 min op which removes part of the inner nose which collects the mucus. Is that septoplasty? They did already numb it to test if it would help and concluded it would have little effect. Then again I was sitting upright and this was during the day so it wasn’t a real life situation. Having done yet another sleep test (3 in 12 months!) they have concluded that my problem is my sleep routine and that I sleep too much during the day (duh, it’s called catch-up sleep) and that I am to blame for most of my sleep problems and that I should wear an mra (brace) again. So I am back to square 1 and where I was 10 years ago and they are no longer asdressing the problem in my nose.
I have told them so many times I have a feeling certain foods seem to exacerbate the problem (maybe sugar and caffeine?) and my weight has increased the problems and that I have worse issues in the Summer months. All of this seems irrelevant to them.
We also have had a humidifier in the bedroom but I seemed to get both positive and negative results so I am not convinced it helped at all. Tried an air purifier with special filter (can’t remember the name - hepa??) but again no conclusive results. Tried eliminating sugar for a day from my diet but no definite improvement even though if I have a sweet dessert in the evening for instance the problems seem considerably worse. I seldom drink caffeine (coffee, tea and chocolate) anymore as I am almost certain this creates unrest in my brain and my legs and possibly blocks my nose even more.
I am so frustrated. This problem has caused my weight to plummet, I now have diabetes and have to take blood pressure tablets, I have almost zero energy but have been told to avoid sleeping during the day and get more exercise. 😡 oh and to eat less.. even though I hardly eat anything for the first two meals of the day and eat a normal meal at the end of the day. Talk about banging your head against a brick wall.
I am fascinated when you say you get no problem with nasal congestion in a tropical environment. So that would be a hot, moist environment? Do you, normally speaking, have airco at night? And on holiday?
Edit: oh can I ask too, do nasal sprays help? They don’t much for me and sometimes actually make it worse. Do you have more problems sleeping on one side than the other? I avoid sleeping on my right side as the problems are considerably worse. And do you frequently wake up in a panic because of the inability to breathe? Curious how it affects you most.
Thank you.
I was told to use the CPAP. My mouth was not examined at all. Also, I have post nasal drip and sleep with a slightly elevated head. The apnea test must take place on a flat surface while one is sleeping on the back. Further, my problem was falling asleep. I doubt that at 77, I suddenly developed sleep apnea. So I am so grateful to you. I will see my ENT! No one suggested that. Thanks for making research available. I am in USA but gladly will follow UK research.
Yeah I did a sleep study... I never even saw the doc after. ..just got a report and I googled stuff. The doc was in a rush and didnt even spend time asking ab my lifestyle and gave no tips on mouth exercises or anything. Same ol stuff from doctors...rushing and just part of a money system. These docs can act like they are Gods but they mostly regurgitate and are conduits to sell drugs or machines. Should give tips and advice..but they tend to be robots workin for Big Pharma and relying on old studies. Sad.
Great stuff! I was snoring before, I had recently my tonsils removed due to "stones" forming causing repeated infections, and I really sleep better since then. The surgeon was skeptical, however after the surgery he did ask me about sleep apnoea.
Thanks doctor :)
Thank you! You confirmed and explained everything I've been thinking. I asked a doctor if allergies would affect or complicate my apnea. He said he didn't know and wouldn't suggest any options other than cpap. I found a different doctor and ended up getting a mouth guard that advances my jaw. It works as long as I dont gunk up my nasal passage. I usually do a saline rinse and that helps keep my nasal passage clear.
Glad it was helpful!
It’s 12:39 AM and I was meditating as I was ready for sleep when this advertisement came on so I sat up and fully listened. At 54 just 1 week ago today I was told I have sleep apnea and will need a CPAP. I instantly asked if I could also go to an ear nose and throat because I have severe allergies and every night my nose is stopped up. I also have some type of a dysplasia bone issue in my lower chin- jaw, which have caused some shifting, in my face which I believe has impacted and obstructed my breathing, which I am told as an African-American woman it can be common, but it’s untreatable. I do believe that ENT can help reduce or even eliminate some of the snoring and improve my breathing, I do have a humidifieragain I have terrible allergies. I’m prayerful and I’m not overweight more than 7 pounds. I instantly subscribed because I feel this doctor is genuine and passionate about actually helping people and maybe that’s because he’s not in the United States sorry but I think this may have some truth to it.
This is great news. I suspect for many it would still be a struggle to convince their GPs that there are solutions other than the bog-standard CPAP. My sleep apnea is due to a complex set of issues, but having my tonsils removed has allowed me to come off the CPAP. I was on CPAP for 10 years, and even then, having terrible nights at times, waking up with a splitting headache. I haven't experienced that since the operation. Thanks, Mr Veer!
So glad you are okay. hope to see you soon.
I could not make it through the stupid required sleep study for the evaluation to use a CPAP. All those stupid wires glued to your head, straps tight across your chest and more glued leads on your legs. My tonsils have grown even larger since I got into my 50’s. I never snored until I went on lisinopril for blood pressure about 4 years ago. I have always been a light sleeper since my time in the military and my own snoring wakes me up. LOL!! I will strongly enquire my Dr. to refer me to an ENT surgeon to have my tonsils removed. My youngest son had sleep apnea as a toddler with periods up to 50 seconds of not breathing. His speech was latent and was sleepy most of his young life. I demanded the pediatrician refer him for tonsil removal. After his surgery, his learning sky rocketed, speech improved and was very active throughout the day. It was a success. There is definitely something worth noting about tonsil removal.
Mine was actually the opposite, I used to have this serious migraines since I was younger till I was 28 then I couldn’t handle it any longer wifey told me that my snore has gotten very serious and I stop breathing several times in the night .Realized it was sleep apnea and went to the hospital , I was prescribed the cpap and boy oh boy never slept this good in a long time , my headaches stop but I would love to have other alternatives than the cpap
Is this true? Did removing the tonsils really work for you? Im desperately looking for a solution
I know it was well worth it after you healed... but how long did it take post operation to experience benefits? Was it immediate?
I was put on CPAP machine at 60 yrs old after I got tested. They never looked in my throat or checked my sinuses. Thank you for your video . I'm going to a ent to check this out better .
Vik Veer is not only a top surgeon, but his powers of communication with this tricky subject are so very good... I just hope he is a teacher and lecturer to medical students, as part of his work.
I’ve been diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea. I was suffering from post fatigue illness after becoming ill December 23. Long Covid was first mentioned because of the symptoms I was experiencing, Eight months down the line a doctor decided I may have sleep apnea. I have never experienced the symptoms of sleep apnea and honestly don’t believe I have it. I was given a cpap machine to use and I believe it has made matters worse, ie keeps me awake, running nose, bloated feeling and I have gained weight. My symptoms have barely changed from January 2024. I have gone from a man earning very renumeration and working long hours to provide for my family to an embarrassed worthless individual.
Hi man, hope you are doing well.
Can I ask did your symptoms start after recovering from covid? (Long Covid) or were they present before?
I have been questioning my large tonsils for years to my doctors. They completely dismiss it as having any affect on my sleep apnea and overall health. Glad to see someone is finally sharing common sense in regards to this. Please keep up the good work!
again I am so sorry you've not been given the right advice. speak speak to your doctor and get treated and then feedback to the original doctor who said that to you. we all want to know if we are doing the wrong thing. it will mean they don't make the mistake again.
I've been on CPAP for 26 years. 20 years ago I visited an ENT/Sleep specialist who told me to have my tonsils removed. Improved my breathing by 40%
Hi Jerry I had my tonsils out in 2020 as they were very large and althought didn't help with the fatigue and not feeling refreshed it definitely took away any snoring so glad I went throught with it.
@@VikVeerENTSurgeon I have huge tonsils too...and was diagnosed with mild OSA and prescribed a CPAP....as they felt that the recovery from a tonsillectomy will be very difficult for a 45 year old. What's your opinion on this?
@@RyOpenEye How long did it take to heal? Do you sleep better now & What side effects after the surgery did you have I've heard that people don't get sick as much and not many Allergies now...
My doctor didn’t seem that concerned about my waking up in the night gasping for breath or my frequent urinating at night . I even mentioned it to my dentist his reply was sleep face down . I was stressed so self diagnosed sleep apnea. Bought a cpap machine with great difficulty but now I have excellent sleep all night no getting up to pee .
I just had my sleep test result. I was diagnosed with Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea Disorder. The recommendations was to buy CPAP or undergo surgery. With your video it help me decide to have surgery instead of having machine connected to my face all night.
Did you end up doing the surgery? Did it work? Any down sides? What surgery was it? I just got diagnosed. :/
Im in Australia and my GP refused to refer me to a ENT specialist even after my sleep study of 50 events per hour. CPAP was the only recommended therapy. It's a money making scheme because the CPAP suppliers are incentivised to sell as many machines as possible. The Western medical system is set up to mask symptoms and not treat root cause in a majority of cases, sad.
Go to another doctor
I’m also from Sydney and I really dislike using a CPAP machine. I’ve spoken with several GPs, and my first visit to a throat specialist left me frustrated. He mentioned that surgery wouldn’t be a permanent fix for my sleep apnea and that it might return as I age. Everyone keeps recommending the ResMed CPAP machine, but I wish there was a way to permanently resolve my sleep apnea without relying on it. If only there were an ENT in Sydney who could provide a lasting solution!😢😢😢
This is good to hear. I was diagnosed with mild OSA 4 years ago. I never have issues sleeping but it's my snoring which my wife constantly complained about which saw me exiled to the spare bedroom, thus promting me to see my doctor. After a home sleep study I was given a CPAP device. At first it was great, the snoring stopped and my wife once again tolerated me in the bedroom, however........I just can't tolerate using CPAP! The majority of times I wake up several times in the night having to readjust the mask due to air blasting my eyes just as you described in your video (beard or not, same results).
Not once in my talks with the sleep clinic was my nose/mouth ever checked out. I'm constantly blowing my nose everyday for years and I vaguely remember my dentist once saying I had an overgrown soft pallette, whether or not that is a cause for snoring I don't know!
I now work overseas, only use my CPAP if I'm home and me n the wife are forced to share a room i.e when visiting relatives or hotels etc.
I would love it if there was some form of magic surgery to fix me. Your video has inspired me to go back to my sleep clinic next time I'm home in the hope for some alternative remedy so thankyou.
Consider me your newest subscriber 🙂
try using a pillow or nasal mask......much better than full face mask
min pressure 4 max pressure 7 humidity 4 or 5
Yes, an elongated soft palette does cause snoring and apnea-even in dogs!
In dogs it's a pretty straightforward procedure that brings instant relief
Pretty sure there's a soft palette surgery you could try
Super! I was on placement in paediatric surgery last week and a young girl was having a tonsilloadenectomy for her sleep apnoea. The rationale behind it was so sound that I was so confused as to why we’d never been taught about it as a management strategy for adult sleep apnoea.
I agree - it never made sense. it is all about common sense and finally I think we are getting there.
I had Hyoid Advancement Surgery about 15 years ago, they took out tonsils, adenoids, and even my uvula, as well as doing the hyoid advancement. I'm 58 now and it was the worst decision I ever made. It took me MONTHS to relearn how to eat because it effects how you swallow. To this day even a tiny glob of saliva that hits a spot in the back of the throat causes me to go into fits of coughing and choking. Also it started a cycle of getting sick because all the protections that are there with tonsils and adenoids are gone so the slightest infection goes straight to the lungs. I never had that issue before the surgery. It also changed my voice and I can't talk very long without something to drink or my throat gets extremely irritated, also never had that issue before surgery. I have not done the Mandibular Advancement Device yet but I really want to try that one. I would recommend that nobody ever go the surgery route, you can NOT undo it and it's horrible. Please explore the other options.
@@brazil7028 I had mine done in Toronto in 1995, back when the Ontario healthcare system was paying for it. On balance I agree with you- it's done nothing to improve my sleep apnea. I also have similar problems to yours, such as hoarseness, constant throat clearing of phlegm, voice "giving out", etc. However, since having my tonsils out, I've noticed a reduction in the number of head and chest colds I've been experiencing. Of course, that could be due þtťĝto newer asthma medication that I'm taking.
Recently sought diagnosis for apparent sleep apnoea. On the waiting list for sleep study. Its ruining my life right now.
The snoring has wedged distance in the relationship with my partner as weve slept seperate now for 2 years.
To top it off, it has now seemingly merged with my sleep paralysis disorder. Now, up to 10 times in one night I wake up paralysed, fully aware of the room and cannot breath nor stir myself to bring myself out of it.
Sometimes I'm not breathing and paralysed for long enough to once awake gasp for air for the next 5 mins as if I've been strangled.
It now causing me severe anxiety. Panic attacks daily and I'm lost with waht to do until the sleep study and treatment ensues.
I'm going to try your excercises religiously. I will update you with my progress.
Thank you so much for your videos
Chris
Updates bro
You any better there Chris?
Please give an update. I’m going through the same thing
Isnt it spelled, apnea? Or is there an alternate spelling
thank you so much Dr Veer. I have struggled with the CPAP machine as I have allergies and usually have a blocked nose at night, and I am a mouth breather. Thank you for this information, I will call the doctor on seeing the ENT and the dentist as my next steps. Thanks.
I just got my new Cpap machine. The first thing I’ve learned to do is get on youtube and learn how to get into the therapeutic menu (usually blocked for patients) and turn down the maximum level of flow to 10 from 16 to stop it from blasting my face with to much air. It never wakes me up after doing this yet my events per hour are about 0.2.
Hi Vik. As a fellow sleep disorder treatment provider, I certainly found your video informative and an interesting insight in to alternatives to CPAP and MAS therapy. Certainly, the more successful treatments available to combat sleep apnoea the better!
These therapies do not fix the root cause. What is that? What to do about it?
@@Randomdude-i8x Hi Harry, check out these two videos:
ua-cam.com/video/UQznOTykpq0/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/hJajkK2PuMg/v-deo.html
Hi , can you speak about having full dentures?
The minute I’m home they come out. That can mean 18!hours a day. They keep getting re-aligned but my bone is disappearing and my bottom jaw is receding. How does this affect things. No one I speak to says it has any effect on the apnea. Tried a c- pap but woke myself up all nigh coughing and had blisters all around my lips and up my nose. Was told to just live with the apnea.
I have calcification in the ligaments/eagle syndrome, allergic asthma, moderate OSA and a long back tongue. I can't tolerate CPAP, and I'm slightly overweight. My tonsils haven't been examined yet. Where should I begin? No one is as honest as you about how difficult it can be using the CPAP. Thank you for enlightening on alternative treatments!
I'm so glad I found your channel. I was diagnosed with severe OSA in the summer and the clinic prescribed me CPAP without even seeing me. I never saw a doctor and was never asked to go into the clinic. I've really struggled with CPAP and they keep telling me off for not using it, despite me having panic attacks with it on. The woman had a go on the phone and said they had discharged me. I'd be so happy if surgery could help me.
How are you doing now
I’m in the USA and got the electro stimulator Inspire and is wonderful having resolved the sleep apnea completely as proven by follow up sleep studies
I have some videos on the Inspire and Genio implant devices. I'm so glad you are back to normal.
It's so good of you to make these wonderfully informative videos Mr. Veer - your knowledge, skill, enthusiasm - and humility - is truly encouraging. Many thanks!
Don't apologize for the long video. I love watching your videos as they are so informative. I recently received a C-Pap as my apnea was 72 times an hour. I'm 56 and still have my tonsils my Dr. didn't even look at those. I wonder if they are dangling around back there. I'd rather get my tonsils out and not have a C-Pap if that is the case. It's a bit of a struggle getting used to the C-Pap. Keep up the great videos! 👍
HA...! Finally, I've an explanation for why my nose gets congested only on CPAP. Knoweledge is power. Thank you
Hi Vik the referral has been done today from my doctor. I can not thank you enough.
Yay! Thank god for that, it's about time. I'm slow in picking up this information, I've only just watched this. Vik keep this important information coming, because I've been in CPAP for well over 6 years and I'm no better off. There's a problem and it's not being addressed. I'll try anything to get some sleep. The Apap is giving me aerophagia every night and waking me up after only 1-2 hours in very bad pain and huge discomfort. I'm mentally compromised now and not in a good place. 😢
Amazing ... I have reduced air flow in my left nostril and it plugs up easily and the cpap machine is over pressuring the flow later during my sleep. Your video talk about the race between restriction and air pressure now clears up why my face mask is blowing off me later in my sleep. I will take the machine off Auto and set to a fixed pressure if possible. Thank You So Much.
Mine was actually the opposite, I used to have this serious migraines since I was younger till I was 28 then I couldn’t handle it any longer wifey told me that my snore has gotten very serious and I stop breathing several times in the night .Realized it was sleep apnea and went to the hospital , I was prescribed the cpap and boy oh boy never slept this good in a long time , my headaches stop but I would love to have other alternatives than the cpap
Greetings from India.. I am MBBS and NEET PG aspirant. I would like to thank you and appreciate the way you are educating us.
I have suffered from obstructive sleep apnea; however your myofuntional therapy exercises helped me alot and improved my sleep disturbance.I have few doubts and I shall be glad if you clear them.
1. Is there any relation between Uric acid and sleep apnea.
2. Can NSD (nasal septum deviation) cause sleep apnea and snoring.
I wish you were my doctor. I was diagnosed with OSA two years ago after waking up exhausted most mornings, my GP sent me to see a respiratory specialist who sent me to see an ENT specialist who did look in my nose, informed me I severe deviated septum and them just handed me a business card for his dietitian mate. The number of times I was handballed to someone else was extremely annoying, I was definitely being shoved along the CPAP route, which is where I am now, an expensive piece of kit sits beside the bed not being used.
Great video, Dr. Vic V! 👏 It's fantastic that NICE guidelines in the UK now include expanded options like mandibular advancement devices and recognize surgery's role for obstructive sleep apnea. Really encouraging for those who struggle with CPAP! 🛌💤 And the insights on how nasal issues can affect CPAP efficiency are super helpful. Looking forward to learning more about the Zeus device and your upcoming projects. Keep up the amazing work for all patients out there! 🎉👨⚕
Vik... you are such a great communicator. It makes perfect sense to remove large tonsils in adults. And as an aside.... I find that breathing retraining is also an excellent tool alongside these other measures.
Where do you go for breathing training. My daughter informed me that I stop breathing in and also when breathing out, but I also do that when I am awake. My Massage therapist and a physiotherapist both have to remind me to breathe. I had my tonsils removed at 18 and I used to have sinus problems but now take an allergy pill every day.
@@brendamartin715 check out these two videos:
ua-cam.com/video/UQznOTykpq0/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/hJajkK2PuMg/v-deo.html
You’re a good man Vik.
I had Turbinate reduction surgery I also snore. I'm definitely going to see my ENT for advice on the guidelines in the US. Thanks for the video.
My "lung doctor" looked into my mouth from about 3 feet away for about 2 seconds. That was the only physical examination I received before prescribing a CPAP. My AHI was 17.
It would be great if you can do a video on advice for sleep disorders caused by nervous system damage/restlessness such as from physical assault. Not every sleep problem is obstruction based.
Review your lifestyle, cut the carbs and strart intermittent fasting. I recommend you check out the Carnivore Diet, look up Dr. Shawn Baker and Dr. Ken D. Berry, they have lots of videos on UA-cam.
Vik is an ear, nose and throat surgeon. Sleep apnoea is something he treats regularly due to his speciality. Sleep disorders due to other causes are not.
Dust mite allergy. Who knew it was a silent killer? I don't snore but I'm up 4x a night and can't sleep more than 5,6 hours. I do have severe allergies to dust mites, cigarette smoke, house dust, etc. Thank you DR. Need to get an air filter for my bedroom.
I am going to the UPPP surgery in three weeks. Let's see how it goes.
I’m from Sydney Australia and I really dislike using a CPAP machine. I’ve spoken with several GPs, and my first visit to a throat specialist left me frustrated. He mentioned that surgery wouldn’t be a permanent fix for my sleep apnea and that it might return as I age. Everyone keeps recommending the ResMed CPAP machine, but I wish there was a way to permanently resolve my sleep apnea without relying on it. If only there were an ENT in Sydney who could provide a lasting solution!
This is amazing news ! Thank you so much for your information and enthusiasm and being an advocate for change .
my pleasure, thank you for watching!
Thanks Vik - such useful information. Went to my local NHS sleep centre last week. I don’t fit the typical ‘apnea’ sufferer.. normal weight, exercise, don’t smoke etc. Did an initial study and have moderate apnea (15 episodes per hour). I mentioned I always felt like I had a thin throat - didn’t check anything else, just referred straight to CPAP. Will ask for them to check my tonsils on my next appointment but I’m not sure I’m confident the doctor would even know if my tonsils were large etc. my impression was CPAP was the only solution. Obviously guidelines aren’t always being followed
Good video, it seems my sleep doctors arent familiar with the new guidelines as they told me there is no surgeries available on the NHS but your video mentions there is around 42 of them. ill be mentioning that next time I go.
Thank you so much for this update, you have given me some hope for the future. In Ireland it seems to be CPAP or nothing.
Since we are closely affiliated I would offer a copy of the guidelines to your team and see what they say. Most of us all know this, but often it is forgotten.
This is excellent. So very informative. Ive noticed that my tonsils are often (or always) enlarged since my snoring has started. Im hoping after my sleep study i can have them removed
I had a sleep study in an Australian public hospital at age 34 and was only ever told that I had to go on a CPAP and was run through the brochures. I asked if there were any alternatives and was told this was it. The CPAP didn’t work effectively as my nose kept blocking. They never recommended any assessment of my sinuses (turns out I had a deviated septum and other treatable issues).
After doing my own research, I found a specialist to make a mandibular splint that made a huge difference to my breathing at night and I am also booked in to have my tonsils removed for further improvement. None of these options existed according to my respiratory and sleep specialist. It’s really refreshing to read that some specialists are looking into this issue.
Vik, the Zeus device ($284.34 AUD itself) and 1 year supply of pads would cost me around $871.99 AUD for the 1st year, and $606.71 each year ongoing. A cpap machine can last several years, along with a mask (except for replacement headgear every so often). Factoring for all the costs associated for both devices, cpap still comes out way ahead. For instance I have a devilbiss machine that is as hardy and reliable as the day I bought it 10 years ago for $800 aud (in 2011) plus a mask for $150.
This is why an implantable device would probably be less cost prohibitive, let alone a bunch of simple tongue retainers (or MAD device)
It's nice to see technology improving, but the $ has to come down to be justifiable.
I would say this is only a real option if you can't tolerate. I'm glad that CPAP is an option for you, but some people really can't manage it at all. And in some people CPAP makes their sleep apnoea worse. I haven't done my research on the ZEUS device yet, but thank you for telling me the prices. I couldn't get it to work on me because of my beard. I'll let you know in the video - thanks for the heads up.
@@VikVeerENTSurgeon You're welcome. I'm 24 hours out of hospital since my surgery for septoplasty and turbinate reduction. This is thanks to watching your videos months ago, and deciding to really try and do something other than accept Cpap and steroid nasal sprays for the last decade.
Really I am quite a common case of modern maxillofacial abnormality due to modern living (industralisation). Palatial expansion in childhood may have helped me, but I just dont have the space in my throat due to the development of my jaw. Several years ago I had my wisdom teeth removed from deep positions, as I simply didn't have any room for them and they were causing problems.
I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnoea in 2011 at the age of 28. I had been dismissed by 2 sleep specialists (one male, one female) on examination, then a horrible time using medications for mental illness (they thought I was just mentally ill), including medications used for people with schizophrenia, which someone like me should never be given. I even spent a month in a mental hospital because I thought I really was going crazy. They too dismissed my feelings about feeling like I couldn't sleep and felt like a zombie every day.
After going through all that and being highly medicated I asked my doctor why is it was such a big deal to have a sleep study performed, as its not invasive or dangerous and will allow him/I to rules things out.
The story I could tell you, unbelievable. I'm lucky I'm alive.
*I've always had a BMI under 25, normal healthy physique etc.
The nose comment and explanation you gave literally helped me so much. I tried using a prescription nose spray to open up my airways at night and it is much easier to use the CPAP at night. Looking for a long term fix for this though
I’ve been having issues with my right nostril closing up at night when laying down, making CPAP harder to use. My dentist said I have large tonsils. My Dr. told me to not worry about it unless there’s signs of tonsillitis. I’m going to ask for a referral to an ENT. Thanks for the info
I’ve been diagnosed moderate sleep apnea. Had to pay myself privately although the operation for removing tonsils will be done on nhs as I am grade 4. For anyone with stuffed nose as advise sterimar nasal spray. I use this in a morning and before I go to bed religiously. Just pop it on your bedside table so you don’t forget
saline is safe and has shown to improve quality of life. this is good advice.
@@VikVeerENTSurgeon thank you vik. All your content is greatly appreciated for people like myself
Thank you. Vik your approach makes so much sense. I have severe sleep apnea and have had to deal with the mask for the past four years. It has been awful. Is there a doctor in the USA that also takes your approach. I can't afford to fly to England to see you or I would. My sleep apnea has messed up my life. I wondered why I was gaining weight. I would be so happy if you could let me know of a doctor who is doing this in USA. Thank you.
Thank you for all you do, Dr. Veer - everything you have here is so very informative.
I am working (slowly) on trying to cure my sleep apnea, through maxillary expansion and repositioning of the mandible so that the TMJs are properly centered. So far the process is going rather well, and in a follow-up in-lab study recently my supine AHI had dropped by over 50% and my diseases was reclassified from "severe" to "mild, positional."
However, I know that at least a reasonable portion of the remainder of my OSA is due to chronic rhinits which creates too much nasal airway resistance. I had a septoplasty about 9 months ago to correct a mild deviation, septal perforation, septal spur pushing into a turbinate, and crushing a small concha bullosa. But even after that, there's still a congested feeling and my surgeon noted during my most recent checkup that the mucosa tissue just generally seemed inflamed on the turbinates, the septum, the lateral wall, just kind of everywhere.
Any suggestions on methods to try to attack that? Historically medications haven't done much, but we've talked about giving those another try. I'm seeing things like Rhinaer and Clarifix as a means to try to attack the posterior nasal nerve under the assumption it's gone a bit hyperactive and they're trying to calm it down - but cautious about those since they are both new. Would love to get any additional thoughts you might have ... as I really think the remainder of my OSA is tied up in the nasal cavity.
I'm very boring when it comes to these things. I check for allergies and infections (RAST and skin prick tests with swabs for bacteria and fungi), and if there is nothing there I encourage nasal breathing (mouth taping all day - and night if safe), and loads of salty water douche. if possible live by the sea / swim in the sea for as long as possible. I'm assuming they have done the Dymista thing as well?
Generally it is an infection (especially fungal if everything seems red and angry including the septum), and therefore I remember to give at least 2 months of antifungal cream.
If it is just turbinate hypertrophy then I radiofrequency that.
Personally I'm not a fan of disturbing the nerves or function of the nose, but I am in a minority when it comes to that. I even seem to care about Nitric Oxide and make my openings in sinuses less than 8mm to retain the gas produced. Not sure if it does anything, but we must be making that stuff for a reason.
This is a silly comment - I will stop now. sorry.
@@VikVeerENTSurgeon Hello, i know a year has passed since this reply, but a turbinate reduction couldnt help with chronic rihinitis or chronic rhinitis + inflamed turbinates?
Wow they just recognized the role of tonsils for sleep apnoea in UK now? I had both mine removed for sleep apnoea since 6 years old...along with some tissue behind the nose that blocks the airway when sagging.
This is great but where I am in Worthing, West Sussex, the NHS are most definitely NOT following these guidelines. I was diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnoea when I was living in Singapore. The first thing the ENT did was look at my throat and nasal passages through a video scope which confirmed that I had big tonsils and a very long uvula. It was only after that that he gave me a sleep study which confirmed that I had mild to moderate sleep apnoea. He recommended a MAD but I did not get one made initially. A year later I developed TMJD, so a MAD was out of the question due to the pain. I tried a BIPAP but that left me with terrible aerophagia, so I was at a loss. I saw another ENT a couple of years after this and they recommended a tonsillectomy and uvulectomy, I was not covered for sleep apnoea at the time on my health insurance so never got the surgery. This consultant also informed me that I have a deviated septum. Fast forward 4 years and I still have untreated sleep apnoea. I was finally seen by the ENT at Worthing Hospital (UK) who completely dismissed all my health history and Drs letters from Singapore. They said my tonsils were not big and that surgery was not something they did as it rarely cures sleep apnoea. They recommended I do a sleep (under general anesthetic) nasendoscopy to see where my throat collapses. This confirmed that when I sleep my throat collapses. They did not mention anything about my nose. Meanwhile at the sleep clinic, I am awaiting a CPAP trial. They gave me a device to wear on my finger to measure my oxygen but said that it did not bring up any negative results so they gave me another device which was a lot more complicated and involved putting something in my nose which gave me such bad apnoea (waking up gasping) that I couldn’t sleep (this makes me wonder if most of my breathing issues are nose related). I have just bought the excite osa as I am literally at my wits end with this. I don’t particularly like the idea of having surgery as I know it will be very painful and hard to eat but I feel like it may be the only thing that solves this
So are you on cpap now?
There is a pill in the testing stages now that will be used for sleep apnea.
Thank you 🙏 I have OSA couldn’t tolerate CPAP so this news is great,
I am waiting to be seen regarding a mandibular device I have been told 2-3 years wait ! Could have popped my clogs before then !🤦🏻♀️
Are they expensive privately do you know ?
I learn from your videos every time thank you for your time and effort in helping with this problem 🙏
The cost is between £200-£600 for a good one. The price does go up to £1000 for all the latest and greatest innovation. The more you pay generally the more comfortable it is. Some of them you can still yawn and calibrate it by yourself.
@@VikVeerENTSurgeon what do you mean yawn? What is the name of this device? Insurance covers a new one here in the US every 5 years (and will pay for fixes before that) and that sounds really interesting. How can you yawn while wearing one?) Mine has a little key to calibrate it. Is that what you mean?
we need someone like you in the USA !!
This is really interesting. I was diagnosed with osa about 9 years ago and have been using cpap since then. I use it every night but still don't feel refreshed. I've suffered with nasal blockages since I was a child, had some soft tissue removed in my teens to help this, also suffering with fur and house dust allergies. I've always felt like my throat is full of catah, but wonder now if it might be enlarged tonsils. At night my nostrils can become blocked, it not unusual for one to be completely blocked, such that none of the cpap air will pass through. I'd love to be free of cpap and to wake refreshed.
I am the same I don’t feel refreshed or anything. Just told use cpap. I must admit the pillow mask is better then the full face. But I still feel tired.
Just get checked out - it doesn't hurt to be checked out. you may in the end decide to stay as you are, but at least you know what your options are.
Stopping dairies can help you to avoid your nose to be blocked
I am not a doctor, but I am of the opinion that sleep apnea seems to trouble people as they age, especially women at the menopause. Why? hormone loss. especially estrogen for women, it firms the tissues and keeps them from sagging. so saggy throat ladies! I was diagnosed with apnea, but a mild form, asi 5.9. they treated it with cpap, pressure 8. hated it but used it faithfully. I never felt better nor did I sleep better or feel rested after several months of use. Then I saw a naturopath. I went on Hormone replacement, including estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid, all bio identical. within a few weeks, my life did a 180, I started feeling great, cpap events were zero, so they lowered it down to 6, then I got off it altogether.
hmmm sounds like a wrong diagnosis from the start. I'm very sorry that you were messed around. I would tell the original doctor, I'm sure they will want to know.
yes women catch up rapidly with the boys at menopause as the their hormones keep them elasticity and springy. that goes with the change.
Lone Ranger thank you for your comment I am same in menopause and having sleep issues and doctor suspects sleep apnea due to menopause. I just found me a doctor that specializes in HRT...so happy your sleep issues were resolved!!
Thank you for sharing your story! I’m 46 I started have this issue waking up my heart beating fast shortness of breath.
What are the risks/downsides of surgery?
How much of a role do you think facial structure plays in sleep disorders? I feel that recessed jaws can narrow the upper airway in some, and particularly patients with a normal BMI. I am interested to hear your thoughts on this.
it causes an issue - and we mostly know this from people who have severe deformities. Hard to work out when we should intervene though. lots of research needed in all aspects of sleep apnoea.
Thank you. Thank you. I can see light at the end of the tunnel.
Thank you Dr.
You are a legend.
Thank you for all the details!! 🤗
Vik this is brilliant news. I am so glad that there is an alternative now. Really enjoy listening to you as usual very informative and thank you your help with my ears.
pleasure, and thank you for your comment.
Wow thank you 🙏 I couldn’t tolerate CPAP I am on the waiting list for a mandibular device been told 2-3 years ! Hope I don’t pop my clogs in the meantime!😬🤦🏻♀️ really enjoy your videos I learn from you very grateful 🙏
If you get referred to Dr Ruddock at Royal National ENT Hospital you might be able to get it sooner on the NHS (for free). He's a great guy and there are a number of dentists working with him.
Thank you so much for the advice I will look into this now grateful thanks 🙏 does it make a difference the fact I live in Wales 🏴?
What? This is normal? I just refused it and called a sleep dentist myself. 5 weeks later (2 weeks for apt, 3 weeks for the factory to make it from the mould) I had my device. If I had to wait 2 years I would have cracked half my teeth!!
You can purchase a generic one at the drugstore or online, it needs to be boiled first then inserted to mold to your teeth. they work pretty good. why would you have to wait, i dont get it. dont you just make a dentist appointment with your regular dentist? mine does these nightguards for teeth grinding and snoring all the time, and also does the apnea ones.
I just got mine, I have insurance it only cost me $74 out of pocket.
Doctor, I am a fan, you make things very clear. Thanks.
Totally agree with how you described symptoms I have a cpap machine and used it for a few months then had to stop because of blocked nose and really dry mouth, to the point I couldn't sleep at all constantly drinking water ,mouth sprays, lozenges so yes I'm in limbo .I will contact my sleep clinic to ask for advice, thanks for the advice
Im 34, ive been going through this for probably more than 10 years without realizing what was really going on. Im afraid of what this might have done to me in that time and if the damage is irreversible. Im concerned because now they are saying the cpap causes cancer and they are backed up due to the recall. Its very frustrating. I have an appointment with a nose and throat doctor. Im praying for an alternative, I have a 1 year old daughter and I have to stick around. Thank you for making this video. Im going to look into what you are proposing 🙏🏻 god bless
WOW. This is remarkably informative and has helped me so so much….
I’ve have only become aware of the actual existence of sleep apnea recently (or that it applies to me) and most information I have found did NOT explain these other details…
I have been plagued by a deviated septum and issues with my nose being blocked since youth and it has gotten worse over the years I think with me getting up more often than before during sleep due to being unable to breathe…. I only knew this was a thing because my psychiatrist said that I probably wasn’t getting quality sleep so I investigated and it made me so sad I never looked into all of this before. :(
On top of that, I also feel I have slightly large tonsils and have been suspecting them to be an issue recently but I never thought about how these both together could lead to feeling like I’m dying cause I can’t get a proper breath in…. Also explains my issues with breathing and proper support as a singer… Will definitely try and look into treatments for both of these! Thank you so so much!!! 😭💕
Your video give me hope to solve sleep problems. Thanks. Keep doing this. ❤️❤️❤️
Have surgery in a week , getting my tonsils out due to enlargement, was diagnosed with sleep apnea few months ago , hope this resolves the problem.
Updates?
Because tonsil removal surgery gets increasingly dangerous as you get older. The tonsil tissue grows further and further down your throat towards the major artery. When removing it it could possibly tear or rupture of the artery and you would bleed out on the operating table. There would be nothing they could do to close it back up and save you.
well actually with chronic infections there is a layer of fibrotic tissue that forms in the tonsillar plane (like scar tissue). that's what makes it harder to operate on. I've never heard of any one damaging the carotid in a tonsillectomy. you would need to cut through the muscles of the throat to get there. I didn't manage to damage this artery even when I was a cancer surgeon and the cancer was near the carotid. the operation is more painful as you get older though.
Now aged 74, had tonsils out at 7, nasal cavities widened 25 years ago (age 50), have hay fever since 14, had 7 stents put in coronary system c15 years ago, can't use CPAP (with moisture) longer than 2 hours as nose gets blocked then mask leaks, I cant sleep - repeatedly told hospital of difficulties using CPAP from start, and lost licence 2 week ago NOT COMPLYING with treatment plan! Tried NYTOL sleep aid tablets 1 tablet worked well - but with CPAP mask have same result even with MAX dose of 2 tablets. Moved from bed with foam support pillow, sleeping on my side, to recliner in living room = still can't use. No golf or gym, my wife has to drive me to bridge twice a week I'm now a burden to her and our beautiful twin daughters doing their Masters, Pulmonary and Respiratory Consultants hard to get hold of, GP is standard 2 week wait. Any advice? BTW No cliffs in walking distance!.
Dude it makes perfect sense Why i wake up at night all the time, I have a full obstructed nose on the left side and wake to remove the cpap and notice that the pressure is way higher than when its starts before I go to sleep
The stuffy nose (swollen turbinates) is likely my case. I’ve talked to nose-mouth-throat doctors and mentioned about cpap but it didn’t seem to catch much attention ..
I'm going through tests and my problem i feel is my constant blocked nose and sinus infections constantly but NHS don't listen 7 years later
Really interesting to hear this, I've tried cpap for 3 years with no success, TMJ issues meant my MAD caused strong headaches. An ENT has given me a nasal spray to try nasal cpap but that doesn't seem to be the issue. They've mentioned base of tongue surgery's but it seems a lottery what hospital and doctor has available (my leeds hospital can't do sleep endoscopy). So Impossible to know if its the right choice.
Interestingly I also had my grade 4 tonsils taken out 5 years before I was diagnosed OSA!
Happy to see you on the NHS if you want? just ask for a referral. The Hospital isn't too far from Kings Cross.
@@VikVeerENTSurgeon thanks for the reply Vik! It's taken me a while to get in with the NHS ENT up in Leeds and I'm unfortunately ill with long covid and wheelchair bound at the moment so long journeys are off the cards for now. Didn't realise I could request certain specialists/locations with a referral via the NHS so will keep that in mind. Your videos are super useful for discussions with my ENT up north :)
I will be doing that with my doctor Vik a referral ASAP
@@VikVeerENTSurgeon pls i need to see you too. Who do i ask for a referral.
Thank you for what you shared.
My experience is that up to a point, if there is some air getting in your eyes with CPAP, this can be remedied by using a sleep mask designed to block out the light.
Great videos at usual Doctor Vik. Could you tell me what can done if you have a lateral wall issue causing sleep apnea ? Thanks
I am viewing from San Francisco California. I would love to not have to use CPAP. The correlation between excessive pressure in CPAP causing the turbinades to swell is something I never knew about. My sleep therapist is very matter of fact and does not discuss options to CPAP, but now I have some legitimate questions and the possibility of corrective surgery to end my dependence on the CPAP. Thank you for the informative lecture.
I’m surprised the video and no where in the comments did anyone mention that having your tonsils out as an adult is a whole other bag than a child . I’m an adult not only is it a lot bloodier but it’s considered a much more dangerous surgery than in a child!
I got my tonsils and adenoids out when I was 10. I now get constant sinus infections because I've no natural filters. They have a function. Every part of the body has
I'm writing a book about this, as a lot of people get confused about this. Removal of tonsils hasn't caused your sinus issues. You don't really need your tonsils after the age of 2 or perhaps earlier, which is why they disappear in puberty. Having big tonsils into adulthood is actually an unusual thing and suggests that there is something wrong with them (or was wrong). More in my book.
Thank you, I have had a problem sticking to the CPAP as I find it uncomfortable.
Very interesting! Two questions if you'd be so kind: 1. If i go to my GP tomorrow, and explain my sleep apnea condition, are they still likely to advise trying a CPAP.... BEFORE tonsil removal?
And 2. Do you think jaw surgery will soon become available on the NHS for those with underdeveloped mandibles (thus having smaller airway volume)? It seems to be an increasingly popular procedure..
Thanks for the interesting content!
1. if they don't you can furnish them with a copy of the NICE guidelines to help them. most people aren't up to date yet on them. it must be very hard for GPs to keep up to date with everything all the time.
2. it has been available for years. most hospitals with a MaxFax service offer it. Jonathan Collier in central London and Ms Papa in Essex are my go to people near me.
@@VikVeerENTSurgeon Interesting. So why do people choose to pay and go abroad for it..? Is it simply to avoid year-long wait times?
I have also heard that the UK doesn't have the best track record for such procedures... and to be honest from what I've seen of websites, they very rarely show clear before and after pictures..quite infuriating to have no idea of what they're capable of..
@@cristoff3 I'm English and off to see Professor Alfaro in Barcelona. Wait times are ridiculous in the UK, try like 3 to 5 years.
Also a few prominent maxillofacial surgeons in the UK wanted to shave my chin where as Dr Kasey Li and Alfaro told me not too it would be ridiculous. The movements they were proposing would not be as good as what was quoted by Alfaro also. Should look at the BIRD study to get an idea how much mm is a cure rate.
my glaucoma doctor did not care if I had sleep apnea. Still have tonsils, too. Would like to do something difference. My nasal passages will close up within 2 hours. My respect for Doctors in sleep apnea is as low as it is for the AMA. I wake up with congested nose. I sit up, wait for it to clear, lie down, and try to go asleep. And my personal physician has long since retired and the 3 subsequent doctors (and their health care corporations) just seem to be interested in sleep tests (torture) and selling the latest CPAP gizmos.
I use Somnowell mandibular adv device. It's so comfortable and a life saver. best in the market, highly reccomend. cost me £2k. only snag is it doesnt benefit mouth breathers as much as nasal breathers.
Thank you Vik, this is very useful for me.
I am Very interested with your explanation. Many doctors in my country seems avoid surgery rather than recomending Cpap. I think I will choose for surgery rather than using my CPAP. Need to know about the cost for that.. your information very detail and logic for me...
Did you do surgery??
My husband snores so loud that he disturbs me and other people sleeping in the other room. He wakes up clearing his throat and finally he would go to vomit. He does stop breathing for approximately 10 seconds and he would wake up as if somebody who is diving and trying to come up to breath.
He did have a 24 hours tape but to tell you the truth with such a big gadget on his chest, he hardly slept.
Hence the report was good.
He was supposed to have a nose surgery in the hope to open his airway, it was not done initially because of HBP.
After he has medication for hypertension, he refused the nose surgery because of Corona and all the side effects that was mentioned by the doctor.
I would really appreciate if you have an idea what sort of treatment can cure his snoring. Thanks
This is great news . Thanks for the video doing a sleep apnea test this weekend and all this info your giving is going to help so much in my up coming consultation. Also would be good if you could review the good morning sleep solution trd device look a much more comfortable trd than the one you reviewed in a previous video. The one you reviewed really worked well but was so uncomfortable I could not continue with it as a do have a minor tongue tie an was rubbing against it making it sore and painful
Bless this guy!
Thank you!
I couldn't use a CPAP machine so I got Inspire and love it.
A very clear and compassionate explanation of the condition and treatment, which is very helpful and reassuring. I now feel better about seeking treatment. Thank you. I love this guy!