Almost 2 years and having trouble in the last 3 months..HELP

churchmt · Post by **churchmt** » Thu Jan 04, 2007 3:48 am

Basically I have been compliant for the whole two years. All they way down to the 10 minute catnaps. For about a year and a half I have felt better, losing the sleepiness during the day and my wife can actually sleep in the bed with me. As of lately I am back to snoring very loudly and feel like I never slept. Wife says that on bad nights I leak out my mouth. I have tried a fullface mask and can't get a seal. Looking into maybe a hybrid mask once I can afford to go to the docs again. No change in diet, weight, or bed. Help give me some idea to try before I am back to sleeping on the far side of the house on the floor!!!!

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Thu Jan 04, 2007 4:13 am

Ask your DME to check your Elite and Humidaire out to be sure they are working properly.

How old are your Swift pillows? They may need replacement. You can get just replacement pillows for the Swift.

Do you know your pressure setting(s)? It may be that you need an adjustment in your pressure. Maybe send a printout of your results over the last month to your sleep doctor and ask about a loaner/rental AutoPAP to determine any adjustments needed. If he suggests a new sleep study just explain the financial strain that would cause and re-iterate your request for the AutoPAP. If he is opposed and won't cooperate your family doctor might be more understanding and order the AutoPAP for you.

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Thu Jan 04, 2007 4:21 am

Ooops. I just realized that you have the Vantage which is an AutoPAP.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Thu Jan 04, 2007 6:45 am

If you were doing OK with the Swift......and it's just a matter of mouth leakage, why don't you just tape your mouth or use Polident adhesive strips?

Your profile shows that you're using the software to monitor your therapy......

Den

unclebob · Post by **unclebob** » Thu Jan 04, 2007 3:20 pm

Hi churchmt,

Slinky & Wulfman have offered some good tips. You really need to thoroughly check out your equipment as best you can to make sure it's working properly and the pressure is correct.

If it is, then maybe something else is wrong.

I'm in a similar situation as you in that have also been on APAP for two years. Early on I did feel quite a bit better but then but then energy and concentration level fell off and ongoing fatigue has taken over. I have good equipment (Remstar APAP with c-flex, Activa mask, smart card and reader) and feel it's all working OK - maybe need a new mask but original one seems to work fine.

What has happened to me, which I feel has had the biggest impact, is other changes to my health in the past two years. Have been diagnosed with diabetes - no meds, diet & exercise only but which I pretty much ignore. New meds for recently diagnosed high cholesterol. New meds for the deteriorating prostate (high PSA and going in Feb for second biopsy). Cataract surgery with three laser procedures on left eye. Right eye which also has an implant appears to be getting weaker, see specialist next week. But the real kicker as far as I'm concerned is the increased meds for the depression my family MD thinks is getting worse. I have seen a psychiatrist for assessment and have been referred to another to assess my meds and explore any other issues I may have causing depression.

Personally, I think too much time spent in doctor's offices causes depression. Wait times are getting much worse - maybe that's it!!

So anyway, my long winded point is - how are other aspects of your health in general? Doctors do have this cute little pick me up pill that may offer some help. Have you had a full physical lately?

All the best and hope all you need is a better fitting mask or pressure tweaking.

Bob F

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Thu Jan 04, 2007 6:38 pm

And if you want a hybrid, but can't afford a doctor's visit, just buy one from cpap.com. You don't need a prescription to buy a mask.