Health results from using a cpap... What to expect?

[Jewels109]

Ok so I grind my teeth and have anxiety in my opinion lol.... I have been dieting but been very unsuccessful... Along w being less tired what can I expect? Just curious

[Jewels109]

Oh I'm also super moody and emotional I'm guessing from being tired..... Idk

[raptor5150]

You will feel better It takes some time to get used to it, but after awhile you wont want to sleep without it. I had a rough time for about a month getting adjusted to it but 3 months into it now i sleep great. It is so nice to sleep all night without waking up 5 times. The biggest thing to remember is dont give up... at first its tough but it gets easy soon

[Suddenly Worn Out]

Here is what I experienced quickly after CPAP:

1) lowered blood pressure
2) lowered resting pulse
3) way better quality sleep
4) no more waking up at night
5) no more tossing and turning in my sleep
6) no more night sweating
7) no more having to constantly urinate at night
GERD went away
9) morning headaches went away immediately
10) began experiencing some nocturnal erections in my sleep for the first time since my late twenties
11) way less irritable
12) better mood
13) no more walking around in a daze all the time
14) no more going around with black eyes all the time from sleep deprivation
15) no more near constant shortness of breath and no more chest tightness
16) improved overall feeling of well being


Within about six months to a year:

1) increased energy levels
2) increased ability to exercise like when I was a young guy
3) memory improved some
4) blood pressure and resting pulse remained normal
5) I cant prove it but it felt like my lung or pulmonary capacity normalized or got closer to what it used to be like when I was young and healthy

Side effects I experienced from CPAP therapy:

1) mostly from the headgear...tight straps and tight fitting mask
2) skin irritation
3) sometimes Ive had full blown skin breakdown on the bridge of my nose and back of my neck from the straps and mask being tight
4) ear pain on the left side...related to tight straps putting pressure on my eustacian tube area and high pressure air blowing up my nose
5) side effects are worse in the winter months, when the humidity level drops really low. Below 50% humidity, Id say my side effects increase a lot
6) CPAP is expensive, dealing with insurance and some of the doctors Ive had have been a PITA
7) forehead pain from the full face mask dial pressed up against it all night
some sinus and left ear infections, worse in the winter months. Gets better when the humidity level goes back up in the spring and summer

Ive come to the conclusion you can minimize the side effects from CPAP by having loose fitting headgear and mask, frequent cleaning of your gear, heated humidification I cannot imagine using CPAP without it. Living in the dry Southwest would be rough in my mind if you have to use CPAP. Low humidity is your enemy if you use CPAP.


Eric

[ems]

Ok so I grind my teeth and have anxiety in my opinion lol.... I have been dieting but been very unsuccessful... Along w being less tired what can I expect? Just curious

You didn't say whether you were using a machine and mask yet. If you are, it would be helpful if you could tell us what you are using. For most of us it takes a while to start feeling better. Some on the very first night but for most of us it took a while. Even if you don't start feeling better right away, the fact that you will be getting the oxygen you need is extremely important.

Did you have a sleep study? Did you get a copy of the report and what did it say? The more information you give us, the easier it will be for the sleep experts here to answer your questions.

[chunkyfrog]

All of the above, plus I lost my b*tch license.
(I still free-lance; just not a pro any more)

[zoocrewphoto]

All of the above, plus I lost my b*tch license.
(I still free-lance; just not a pro any more)

Great way of putting it. I didn't think I was that grumpy, but my sister said I am not grumpy anymore. I did notice that I felt more cheerful at work. My coworkers have noticed an improvement as well. They can see that I feel better. Also, for many years, my standard reply to "How are you?" was "Tired". Now it is "good", "pretty good" etc. I don't know when it stopped as I really wasn't aware of it changing. I just realized one day that I don't say tired any more.

I have also had lots of improvements, some right away, some taking more time.

No more morning headaches.
Gerd is mostly gone now.
No more gasping and choking fits in the middle of the night.
only one bathroom trip per night, or none at all.
I fall asleep faster.
I stay asleep longer. A few time over 7 hours, once over 8 hours straight. I can't even remember that before.
blood pressure is down.
I feel better in general.
I rarely need energy drinks now.
I sleep better in hotels (used to wake up for part of each hour).
I don't snore (my sister is thrilled as we travel together). I don't get yelled at while traveling.

[Jewels109]

Ok so I grind my teeth and have anxiety in my opinion lol.... I have been dieting but been very unsuccessful... Along w being less tired what can I expect? Just curious

You didn't say whether you were using a machine and mask yet. If you are, it would be helpful if you could tell us what you are using. For most of us it takes a while to start feeling better. Some on the very first night but for most of us it took a while. Even if you don't start feeling better right away, the fact that you will be getting the oxygen you need is extremely important.

Did you have a sleep study? Did you get a copy of the report and what did it say? The more information you give us, the easier it will be for the sleep experts here to answer your questions.

I haven't gotten my machine yet they said I should be getting it this week and all they told me was a teamed s9 so we will see.... I just wanted to find out what I may/could expect....

[ChicagoGranny]

I just wanted to find out what I may/could expect....

I may be misjudging your approach but don't let it be a passive approach.

"What do you expect to put into the CPAP therapy?" may be the more important question.

Approach this with a resolve that you are going to educate yourself very well about CPAP and work to get the best out of the therapy.

Early on you should learn how to fit and adjust the mask and use software to analyze the machine data.

Be active and in control of the process.

[Jewels109]

I just talked to my dme and they said I was getting the resmed s9 auto set.... So they say...

[Jewels109]

I just wanted to find out what I may/could expect....

I may be misjudging your approach but don't let it be a passive approach.

"What do you expect to put into the CPAP therapy?" may be the more important question.

Approach this with a resolve that you are going to educate yourself very well about CPAP and work to get the best out of the therapy.

Early on you should learn how to fit and adjust the mask and use software to analyze the machine data.

Be active and in control of the process.

I am no real thrilled about having to use it BUT I AM THRILLED about the possibility of feeling better!!!! I'm ready to feel rested have more energy and possibly lose weight, have my anxiety level lowered, stop grinding my teeth so bad, and fingers crossed stop being so moody and emotional.... That's what I'm hoping to get out of this!!!

[Pugsy]

I just talked to my dme and they said I was getting the resmed s9 auto set.... So they say...

The model name is clearly stated on the top of the machine...so there is no guess work.
The S9 Autoset is the top of the line.
Just make sure it doesn't say Escape Auto and you will be in great shape.
You will like the Autoset... if they don't give you the Climateline heated hose...ask for it. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

[ChicagoGranny]

I am no real thrilled about having to use it BUT I AM THRILLED about the possibility of feeling better!!!! I'm ready to feel rested have more energy and possibly lose weight, have my anxiety level lowered, stop grinding my teeth so bad, and fingers crossed stop being so moody and emotional.... That's what I'm hoping to get out of this!!!

That describes a lot of us. Welcome to the boat!

[chunkyfrog]

It's WONDERFUL to wake up NOT feeling like I've just run 5 miles.
(and that's a heckuva lot of hopping!)

[raptor5150]

Its nice not to fall asleep at a stop light