Having surgery

[quiltybe]

I've been using Cpap since last July and have not missed a night-- I'm doing very well (AHI <1) with Airsense 10 autoset, set at 8-12, with heated hose and humidifyer and Quatro air ffm. I'm having eye surgery next week and Dr said I wouldn't be able to use Cpap for 2-3 nights, my question is; where do I sleep? in a recliner or in bed??
I appreciate your help.....

[mesenteria]

Chances are excellent that much of your OSA is positional, as is the case for most of us, so you would want to control that AND still be able to rest. I would say, subject to correction by the experts here, that a recliner might be the smart bet.

Also, does the surgeon understand how/that your headgear and mask would necessarily compromise his/her handiwork? If your headgear stays well away from your eye, and the mask as well, I would question his 'prescription'.

[D.H.]

I suggest discussing this with your sleep doc and have have him call the surgeon. The problem with specialists is that they can loose track of the overall picture. Having them speak to each other can bridge the gap.

[Julie]

What an assumption - that OSA is positional for 'most of us'! You write so nicely, Mesenteria, but have only been at this for a very short time... maybe you could refrain from definitive stuff for a bit until you're more sure of what you say to people (esp. newbies).

[kteague]

Looking forward to seeing some responses with specifics on this. I'm curious as to the exact mechanism by which cpap use is expected to be harmful to the eyes... like, does using cpap increase eye pressures or is there some other reason? (I remember some discussion on this in the past and if I remember correctly there was conflicting info on whether untreated sleep apnea or cpap use most increased eye pressures.) ... Or is it the possibility of air traveling through the pathways between the nose and eyes? I'm wondering if an oral mask where the air does not directly pass through the nose would still be prohibited, but I'm guessing so since those interconnected areas would still be subject to the air pressure. Does your eye surgery come with instructions on sleep positionpost surgery? That could make a difference in how you manage your OSA those nights.

[quiltybe]

Pugsy, I was pretty specific with my questions-- I worked for an ophthalmologist for 20 yrs... My ffm is a large and comes pretty high up on my face-- where would the rest of you sleep if told not to use Cpap for a couple of days???

[lamar2217]

Good luck with your surgery. If unavoidable, missing several nights of CPAP as a trade off for successful vision surgery seems reasonable. Relax - all will be well.

[kteague]

On the rare occasions I could not use my machine, sleeping upright in a recliner is my go-to option.

[Lucyhere]

I would probably use a recliner. If one wasn't available I'd put several pillows behind my back/head, and would try to sit as upright as possible in bed. If you happen to have a 'husband', one would work also. They have them on Amazon.

I just tried using a husband. I put a pillow behind my back (using the husband) and it helped me stay upright. Using a soft cervical collar for your neck might help also. I just noticed that I'm slipping down. You would have to be aware of that. Good luck!

[quiltybe]

Thanks everyone-- a recliner it is... I' slept in one for 2 weeks after ear surgery prior to Cpap so know I can do it..

[mesenteria]

What an assumption - that OSA is positional for 'most of us'! You write so nicely, Mesenteria, but have only been at this for a very short time... maybe you could refrain from definitive stuff for a bit until you're more sure of what you say to people (esp. newbies).

I do stand for correction, Julie, when it seems warranted. Perhaps I'll follow your advice.

[mesenteria]

What an assumption - that OSA is positional for 'most of us'! You write so nicely, Mesenteria, but have only been at this for a very short time... maybe you could refrain from definitive stuff for a bit until you're more sure of what you say to people (esp. newbies).

I do stand for correction, Julie, when it seems warranted. Perhaps I'll follow your advice. In my own defense, I did say that "...much of (it) is positional...", and didn't state that all or even most of it is, or even for all or most sufferers of apnea.

Thanks for being gentle about it.

[nanwilson]

Quilty, I had eye surgery several years ago and did just fine. I switched from my ffm to a pillow mask, taped my mouth and slept in my recliner. The pillow mask I used was the FX minimal straps near the eyes and did just fine... except for the bruising , my girls called me "racoon" for a few weeks .

Good luck from another quilter...
Nan

[quiltybe]

I have the new dream wear ffm that I wore for 51 minutes...I thought I would try making a line for it and try again-- would be low enough if I can get used to it this week
Nan- good to meet another quilter

[greatunclebill]

Chances are excellent that much of your OSA is positional, as is the case for most of us, so you would want to control that AND still be able to rest. I would say, subject to correction by the experts here, that a recliner might be the smart bet.

Also, does the surgeon understand how/that your headgear and mask would necessarily compromise his/her handiwork? If your headgear stays well away from your eye, and the mask as well, I would question his 'prescription'.

Don't worry about making comments. this is a forum for all users helping all users. your opinions are no less important or helpful than any others no matter how long they've been around.