Sleep Apnea – A Sleeping Epidemic

About 3 years ago I did a sleep study and was found to have Obstructive sleep apnea. My 2nd sleep study about a year later after having surgery for a deviated septum and another surgery to remove my tonsils showed that I was having Central Sleep Apnea issues throughout the night. Not all night but at times. The sleep study tech looked shocked when she saw this. I later found out that Central Sleep Apnea isn’t that common. After the 1st sleep apnea study I was given a CPAP which I was compliant with but didn’t change a thing after more than 2 months of use. Not a thing changed health wise. I tried all the masks, full face, nose only, mouth only. I have about 5 or 6 different types of masks and while some work better than others none have worked. After doing some research I saw that people who aren’t compliant with CPAP or people who have Central Sleep Apnea do A LOT better with a BiPAP. Problem is my insurance doesn’t cover BiPAPs or meds for Central Sleep Apnea only CPAPs. Any suggestions other than getting a different insurance which isn’t possible at this time.

Well I would talk to your sleep doc. If you have CSA, then you certainly need bipap because the cpap does not treat it. My insurance covered it(50%) but it had to go through a process. I choose to by one online as I found it cheaper. Email me and I can geive you more info.

I’ve had no success using a CPAP for Sleep Apnea. On my last sleep study the tech I had some Central Sleep Apneas which I didn’t have on my sleep study the year before. My sleep doctor wouldn’t give me meds for Central Sleep Apnea or but me on a BiPaP machine because they don’t deal with Central Sleep Apnea. I know when I’m laying down I don’t breathe much but when I’m sitting up it’s fine, I’m wondering if this could carry over into my sleep.
Sorry for spelling errors. Sleep deprivation rears it’s ugly head.

Why don’t you put the head of your bed up on some risers so that you are no longer lying flat and won’t get back problems from sleeping in a recliner. That 6-8 inch incline may be all that you need to be able to breathe easier. Losing weight is your best bet for getting relief from your symptoms and your physician has probably already told you this. Start a walking program – it is the easiest to accomplish – start with short distances at a slow pace and over several weeks, gradually increase your speed and distance until you are walking 30-45 minutes a day at a brisk pace. You should be sweating when you reach the increased speed of walking. If you don’t, you aren’t walking fast enough. You would be surprised how much improved your breathing can become with only a 10 pound weight loss!