Ursa Majoris Posted July 10, 2008 Share Posted July 10, 2008 I was scheduled for a sleep test but had to postpone because of going in for a back operation earlier this year. I was in ENT because of sinus headaches and the doc there suggested it might be useful to have the test. When I dropped my weight to 225 three years ago (from 280), my snoring diminished a lot. I've put 30 of those pounds back on and I'm back to snoring like a pig (wife's description) most nights but not all. I don't think I have apnea because I don't have to nap during the day or evening and once I've had the morning shower I'm good to go all day. I don't have tiredness issues except when struggling out of bed at the sound of the alarm. My advice - if you're carrying any extra weight, drop it. The snoring will likely die down a lot. Worth trying before going the sleep test route. That said, if you've got tiredness issues like some earlier posters, get the sleep test done. Like someone earlier said, go via ENT to a reputable clinic. Lotsa sharks in these waters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimmy Neutron Posted July 11, 2008 Author Share Posted July 11, 2008 Thanks, guys. I appreciate all the real life info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squeegiebo Posted July 11, 2008 Share Posted July 11, 2008 I was scheduled for a sleep test but had to postpone because of going in for a back operation earlier this year. I was in ENT because of sinus headaches and the doc there suggested it might be useful to have the test. When I dropped my weight to 225 three years ago (from 280), my snoring diminished a lot. I've put 30 of those pounds back on and I'm back to snoring like a pig (wife's description) most nights but not all. I don't think I have apnea because I don't have to nap during the day or evening and once I've had the morning shower I'm good to go all day. I don't have tiredness issues except when struggling out of bed at the sound of the alarm. My advice - if you're carrying any extra weight, drop it. The snoring will likely die down a lot. Worth trying before going the sleep test route. That said, if you've got tiredness issues like some earlier posters, get the sleep test done. Like someone earlier said, go via ENT to a reputable clinic. Lotsa sharks in these waters. I too am not tired all day and do feel that I sleep well. But in addition to the snoring, I do have the night sweats at times and my breathing is not normal. Will losing weight take care of all of that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimmy Neutron Posted July 11, 2008 Author Share Posted July 11, 2008 I too am not tired all day and do feel that I sleep well. But in addition to the snoring, I do have the night sweats at times and my breathing is not normal. Will losing weight take care of all of that? Pretty much everybody I've talked to - docs to average Joes say losing weight is key (damn it!) I don't know that there's a way to target the fat around the face and neck, but supposedly that's what causes some of us the problem. It's probably a big part of the answer for me. I'm a big guy, but don't sport a big belly. I'm 6' 1" and 255. My chest is broad and deep so some people are surprised I have a belly at all. However, with the last 20 or so pounds I've gained, my face and neck have rounded out and I think that's really amped up my snoring problem. :sigh: I guess it's time to get the bike out and start tearing up the asphalt. At least it's 100 degrees out so it will be pleasant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smithkt Posted July 11, 2008 Share Posted July 11, 2008 Yeah, that overnight study isn't much fun. You don't really sleep very well, so I don't recommend working the next day if you can help it. I sincerely hope you don't have apnea, because it sucks. Be sure you are seeing an ENT doc for this. Some of those sleep centers are more about diagnosing for profit than for making you well. Some places, you don't even meet with an MD to talk about your treatment. Seriously. An ENT will consider multiple reasons you could be having apnea (weight, allergies, physiology, to name a few) but a sleep center might just tell you that you need C-PAP. If you do have to use the C-PAP, I hope it works for you. It works very well for most people, but I was one of the unlucky ones. Stick with it as best you can for a few months - even if you hate it. The surgical solution UPPP has a hellatious recovery and poor success rate. This is great advice. Seeing an ENT is really the first thing to do. I elected to go the UPPP route. You are right about the recovery. I couldn't eat solid food for weeks and could barely manage liquids. The pain was terrible. Trying to force down the liquid codeine was a real experience. The only positive that came out of it was losing about 25 pounds. Unfortunately as soon as I was able to start eating solid food again, the weight quickly came back. Five years later and I still sleep great. It worked for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ursa Majoris Posted July 11, 2008 Share Posted July 11, 2008 I too am not tired all day and do feel that I sleep well. But in addition to the snoring, I do have the night sweats at times and my breathing is not normal. Will losing weight take care of all of that? The breathing and the sweats sound like possible apnea. No idea if losing weight will help - it worked for me as far as the snoring went - but I'd advise a trip to see the quack. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
posty Posted July 11, 2008 Share Posted July 11, 2008 Nope, I couldn't do that. I am too much of a mouth breather. I use a hybrid mouth/nasal mask It is the one I could get the best seal on as I flop around like a fish all night. I actually dropped 20 pounds and they had to turn my CPAP UP (from 4 to 8). I was totally pissed. But I'm still dropping so who knows. When I move out of the "obese" ranking ( need to be >190 lbs @ 6'0" tall), maybe I'll shed it all. I doubt it though. My Dad is skinny as a rail and snores like the second coming of Cthulhu. I use this one... http://www.cpap.com/viewImage.php?PNum=180...-mask-front.jpg Been using it for two years... It isn't bad once you get used to the damn thing... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ramhock Posted July 11, 2008 Share Posted July 11, 2008 I use this one... http://www.cpap.com/viewImage.php?PNum=180...-mask-front.jpg Been using it for two years... It isn't bad once you get used to the damn thing... Had the exact same one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big John Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 I now have to do one of these in a couple weeks. Some of my blood test numbers are off and my doctor was saying that could be the cause. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rajncajn Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 This is the one I'm using. So far I've been sleeping better & feeling better throughout the day, but I'm still waking up 1-2 times a few nights a week to adjust it. I've always been a side sleeper & a lot of times when I roll over it will break the seal & blow air into my face which wakes me up, but gradually I'm starting to stay more on my back or when I do roll to my side I'm somehow not turning my head as much. Honestly I'm still thinking about getting corrective surgery instead though. I just can't get used to the fact that I will likely be wearing this thing to bed for the rest of my life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrTed46 Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 This is the one I'm using. So far I've been sleeping better & feeling better throughout the day, but I'm still waking up 1-2 times a few nights a week to adjust it. I've always been a side sleeper & a lot of times when I roll over it will break the seal & blow air into my face which wakes me up, but gradually I'm starting to stay more on my back or when I do roll to my side I'm somehow not turning my head as much. Honestly I'm still thinking about getting corrective surgery instead though. I just can't get used to the fact that I will likely be wearing this thing to bed for the rest of my life. What is the corrective surgery required? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FWmaker Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 What is the corrective surgery required? from what I remember, it's clearing out your uvula, some soft tissue at back of throat, etc. From what I hear it's not even 50% effective. I use the machine and it's a world better than before I used it. I was starting to fall asleep while driving, etc. Doesn't happen anymore. I know when I drop significant poundage, the symptoms lessen dramatically or go away entirely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westvirginia Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 from what I remember, it's clearing out your uvula, some soft tissue at back of throat, etc. From what I hear it's not even 50% effective. I use the machine and it's a world better than before I used it. I was starting to fall asleep while driving, etc. Doesn't happen anymore. I know when I drop significant poundage, the symptoms lessen dramatically or go away entirely. And it's painful as hell. And I have the same issues with the tonnage. When I drop down to 220 or so I don't snore and don't have the apnea problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nuke'em ttg Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 And it's painful as hell. And I have the same issues with the tonnage. When I drop down to 220 or so I don't snore and don't have the apnea problems. are you Tbones wife AOTAOP MATCHUP WEEK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darin3 Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 This is the one I'm using. So far I've been sleeping better & feeling better throughout the day, but I'm still waking up 1-2 times a few nights a week to adjust it. I've always been a side sleeper & a lot of times when I roll over it will break the seal & blow air into my face which wakes me up, but gradually I'm starting to stay more on my back or when I do roll to my side I'm somehow not turning my head as much. Honestly I'm still thinking about getting corrective surgery instead though. I just can't get used to the fact that I will likely be wearing this thing to bed for the rest of my life. +1 on most accounts. Same one I have. I have just recently been using it every night, and the furthest into the night I've gone with it on is 7am. I typically yank it off around 3am. I guess I'm sleeping a little better but not sure if it's affecting me during the day or not. At least my wife is able to sleep a little better. I'm also a side sleeper and it's just awkward in that position. I just need to lose 30 lbs. and be done with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Irish Doggy Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 What is the corrective surgery required? UPPP = Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rajncajn Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 (edited) from what I remember, it's clearing out your uvula, some soft tissue at back of throat, etc. From what I hear it's not even 50% effective. I use the machine and it's a world better than before I used it. I was starting to fall asleep while driving, etc. Doesn't happen anymore. I know when I drop significant poundage, the symptoms lessen dramatically or go away entirely. It depends on your problem. If you snore because of a deviated septum then they ream out your nose, but my problem is the enlarged tissue in the back of my throat & the damage that was done from years of tonsilitis (I still have them) & strep throat issues as a kid. I don't have the problem with tonnage though. Yeah, I'm a bit out of shape, but I'm 5-10, 175 so I'm not grossly overweight. And it's painful as hell. And I have the same issues with the tonnage. When I drop down to 220 or so I don't snore and don't have the apnea problems.Which is one of the main reasons I'm trying to stick it out with the machine. Edited October 8, 2009 by rajncajn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunther Posted October 10, 2009 Share Posted October 10, 2009 Thanks for the stories guys - especially those of you this has worked out for. I have a hard time believing I could sleep with one of those Vader masks on, but I might have to give it a try. Results will be back to the doc in 5-7 days. I felt the same way several years ago before I started using my CPAP, but I can't sleep without it anymore. You get used to it. But I still hate the extra baggage when traveling. The one I have now is much smaller and quieter than my first one. I wear the comfort-gel mask like someone posted earlier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chargerz Posted October 10, 2009 Share Posted October 10, 2009 I felt the same way several years ago before I started using my CPAP, but I can't sleep without it anymore. You get used to it. +1 At first I felt like I couldn't breathe and almost had panic attacks, but now I can't imagine sleeping without it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteelBunz Posted October 10, 2009 Share Posted October 10, 2009 UPPP = Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty That's a mouthful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darin3 Posted October 10, 2009 Share Posted October 10, 2009 +1 At first I felt like I couldn't breathe and almost had panic attacks, but now I can't imagine sleeping without it. I have a family history of those bad boys and think I've probably had some of my own, and yeah, at first it felt like i wasn't breathing ... and I have a drowning/suffocation complex... but now my breathing pattern calms down after only 30 seconds or so. And at first, I couldn't sleep with it on at all. Then I would find myself drifting off to sleep for 10-15 minutes with it on. Now I'm sleeping well into the night, but still taking it off around 3 or 4 am. This sucks, because my main snoring problem is when I'm that beginning stage of sleep, so when I get up to piss in the morning and go back to bed, the snoring is back on like Donkey Kong. And my wife is the worst morning person ever, so she's extra cranky when I wake her up with my morning snoring. I guess I need to remind myself, in my early AM stupor, to put the thing on at 6 or 7 or whatever for those final moments of sleep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big John Posted October 22, 2009 Share Posted October 22, 2009 I now have to do one of these in a couple weeks. Some of my blood test numbers are off and my doctor was saying that could be the cause. Had the test last night. Apparetly was that, as the attendant was quickly putting me on different CPAP devices during the night. I won't see the results for a couple weeks though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rajncajn Posted October 22, 2009 Share Posted October 22, 2009 Had the test last night. Apparetly was that, as the attendant was quickly putting me on different CPAP devices during the night. I won't see the results for a couple weeks though. Good luck John, I really hope it works out for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cdrudge Posted October 22, 2009 Share Posted October 22, 2009 Had the test last night. Apparetly was that, as the attendant was quickly putting me on different CPAP devices during the night.They tried different devices? Or they tried different settings? They will do a cpap titration where they increase the pressure, but I'd be suprised if they tried different actual devices if this was your first experience with CPAP machines. When I had my test done a few years ago, it was all controlled remotely from a central monitoring station so the attendant never entered my room after I had gone to sleep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big John Posted October 22, 2009 Share Posted October 22, 2009 They tried different devices? Or they tried different settings? They will do a cpap titration where they increase the pressure, but I'd be suprised if they tried different actual devices if this was your first experience with CPAP machines. When I had my test done a few years ago, it was all controlled remotely from a central monitoring station so the attendant never entered my room after I had gone to sleep. The attendant entered the room to switch devices. Otherwise it was all controlled remotely. She might have switched pressures within the devices remotely, but not sure if that was done. The first part of the trest was with no machine and looked to be that a machine was to be needed so she was testing different ones out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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