Made an ENT appointment. Need advice.

I have UARS. I've been on CPAP since early December. I'm barely feeling better. Still dragging most days, still get morning headaches. I use my CPAP every night for a minimum of 7.5 hours, but usually longer.

I am in no way trying to get out of using CPAP. I actually like it. I go to sleep quickly and usually stay asleep all night, which was never the case before. The problem is flow limitations. I've tried APAP mode, CPAP mode (much better for me) higher pressures, lower pressures, narrower and wider pressure ranges, several different masks, etc. and my FLs are consistently horrible. I don't think I'm getting much restorative sleep.

I've read a lot online and really think that I need some kind of intervention from an ENT. I know nothing about this. I would welcome any advice. Which procedures should I ask about? Does anyone have any stories about successful procedures?

Again, I couldn't care less about being a hosehead for the rest of my life, but am just seeking effective treatment. If I have a procedure and still need CPAP that would be okay with me.

Thanks very much for your help.

Minky wrote:I have UARS. I've been on CPAP since early December. I'm barely feeling better. Still dragging most days, still get morning headaches. I use my CPAP every night for a minimum of 7.5 hours, but usually longer.

I am in no way trying to get out of using CPAP. I actually like it. I go to sleep quickly and usually stay asleep all night, which was never the case before. The problem is flow limitations. I've tried APAP mode, CPAP mode (much better for me) higher pressures, lower pressures, narrower and wider pressure ranges, several different masks, etc. and my FLs are consistently horrible. I don't think I'm getting much restorative sleep.

I've read a lot online and really think that I need some kind of intervention from an ENT. I know nothing about this. I would welcome any advice. Which procedures should I ask about? Does anyone have any stories about successful procedures?

Again, I couldn't care less about being a hosehead for the rest of my life, but am just seeking effective treatment. If I have a procedure and still need CPAP that would be okay with me.

Thanks very much for your help.

Hi Minky,

If your nasal breathing is suboptimal, the only surgery I would be looking at is a septoplasty/turbinate reduction, which I will be having in a few weeks by the way. Many times, that can make a big difference with pap therapy.

Otherwise, I would be very reluctant to have any other surgery until you had given pap therapy alot more time since surgery for sleep apnea is a last resort type of deal. Maybe post graphs of your most recent sleep and let the board help you to make sure you're not missing anything?

49er

I wonder if a full face mask or an oral mask would help.

Anything but nasal surgery for OSA has had bad results for people who've let ENT's talk them into other procedures such as UPPP, etc. They do NOT work for very long and then you're stuck with permanently altered anatomy that can make Cpap harder to benefit from in future (because you're very likely to need it again in any case).