Effects of quitting smoking on CPAP therapy

[Alicia41964]

Hi all...

I've come here for some guidance, input, moral support. After a tumultuous 25 year relationship with cigarettes, I have decided that NOW is the time to quit! Many reasons factor into this decision, but I've finally made it. My most pressing issue is what effect(s) this will have on my CPAP therapy, for which I have been 100% compliant for over 1 year. I've heard that it can wreak havoc on your pressure setting requirements along with other things. Also, if any of you have quit smoking, which method worked best for you and why? I did try to quit last year, at the urging of my pulmonologist, but I wasn't truly ready. He prescribed the nicotine patches along with Wellbutrin. That Wellbutrin was wild! I was awake every hour on the hour and that was only by the 3rd day. I quickly abandoned that option. I tinkered with accupuncture, but unfortunately, Medicare doesn't cover that. Hypnosis might work, but Medicare doesn't cover that either. I need to get myself to a point where I can rationally quit and not totally destroy any/all progress that I've made with CPAP. Any thoughts or suggestions would be immensely appreciated. Thanks all!

[Mary Z]

I don't know about the effects on your CPAP therapy, but the effects on your heaalth will be great!
I have never smoked so can't help you there, sorry. I wish you success, quitting would be so great.

[jnk]

if any of you have quit smoking, which method worked best for you and why?

viewtopic/t75642/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=36 ... 87#p389987

. . . I bought a package of those plain white Bic ballpoint pens, cut them to the length of a Doral Ultra Light 100. Pulled out the ballpoint pen innards. Scattered the little white mock-cigarettes around the house and even put one in the car. So, whenever I felt the urge, I just went through all the "smoking" motions (except for using a lighter!!) with one of the Bic pens. Miraculously, the urge always subsided within a few seconds of acting like I was smoking it. . . .

[azpilgrims]

You might want to try the new electronic cigarettes, I hear many many people have great success using them. My Doctor said nicotine by itself is no more harmful than caffeine, the electronic cigarettes vaporizes a solution of propylene glycol & nicotine. I bought one (but was not ready to quit) and it really feels like your are smoking a cigarette.

As far as your pressure, you might want to switch to an Auto Machine and let it figure out the best pressure for you. Best of luck quitting from a fellow smoker.

[chunkyfrog]

I would not even go near the e-ciggies (still nicotine--habit-forming--expensive)
The Bic pens sound like a cute idea.
DH quit forever on Good Friday, 1972.
He was pi$$ed off because they upped the taxes to finance a sports venue where there would be no smoking.
He is that big a tightwad. Gotta love the guy.

[Kody]

The wife and I quit about 5 years ago using the patch. I wasn't one of those have to have something to hold kind of smokers, just needed the nicotine, so the patch took care of that part. You have to figure out your "triggers" and avoid those people and or situations until you have a handle on things. Also good to start an exercise program of some kind to keep your endorphins flowing, I started lap swimming everyday and that really helped take the edge off, and keep the weight down at the same time. Looking back now, I think my smoking problem was also a by product of having untreated Sleep Apnea, as I needed the Nicotine to keep functioning throughout the day. Sounds like you have a handle on that part, so your one step ahead of the game already. Good luck, it's not easy but it can be done if your really ready to quit, and the health benefits are amazing, you will feel so much better in the long run.

[Julie]

Hi - I would not use patches or gum or any nicotine replacement because all you're doing is prolonging things ... continuing to use nicotine when you're trying to stop using it... not much point...

Look at this website - http://www.whyquit.com/joel/Joel_Index_ ... oking.html

and good luck (the Bic idea is a good one tho').

[Mary Z]

You know the comment from the person who started exercising when they quit smoking to keep the edge and weight down made me think. I have a friend who quit smoking several years ago and ballooned from 135 to 275 and she's a short woman. Can't get motivated to get the weight off. I think she has sleep apnea- falls asleep whenever she sits down unless something stimulating is going on. I wonder if the cigarettes kept her going all those years and now if she has sleep apnea it's kind of a double whammy. She's not open to any suggestions about her health. Knows I'm on CPAP.

Good luck with quitting.

[codinqueen]

Hypnosis (one session in a motel that is advertised in the newspaper periodically) for about $100. It was guaranteed that all I would have to do was take the receipt they gave me back anytime I needed a refresher and any further sessions would be free. I have also had success with the nicotine patches,less expensive than some others. I bought the largest dose patches and then cut them into halves, then after a week or two, cut them in thirds, then 6ths, and eventually weaned off the patches in about 2 months.

[Woody]

I haven't had one in about 12 years but at that time I was puffing about 4 and 1/2 packs a day. I used the patch
and welbutrin and still couldn't quite make it. Then I started walking a 1/2 hour a day also and that helped. I even
saw one report that in wemen who started an exercise program when they were trying to quit doubled there sucess
rate.

[SleepyMatt]

Hey I don't believe in any of the quit smoking gimmicks. I believe in quitting cold turkey. I made a Sunday the last day I was gonna smoke. When I woke up that Monday, I just didn't smoke anymore. It's been almost a year. It's not easy but it's the fastest way. The biggest thing is, is that you have to WANT to quit.

[greatunclebill]

confucius say.... (something about smoking while having breathing problems. i can't figure out what it would be.)

regarding smoking, all of my lung issues, asthma, copd (both asthmatic bronchitis and emphysema) started after age 60. sleep apnea has been with me a long time. the first remark from every doctor is about smoking. if you're smoking you are doing damage that you will pay for at a later age when you can least afford to have it come up. bet on it. stop today.

you need to want to stop for yourself. if you really do not want to stop, but think smoking is bad so you will, it will never work. you must want to stop. period. when you do want to stop, really want to stop, cold turkey will work. the ones that have a problem with cold turkey are the ones that say they want to stop, but deep inside the don't want to.

[SleepyMatt]

you need to want to stop for yourself. if you really do not want to stop, but think smoking is bad so you will, it will never work. you must want to stop. period. when you do want to stop, really want to stop, cold turkey will work. the ones that have a problem with cold turkey are the ones that say they want to stop, but deep inside the don't want to.

Exactly right!

[Maxie]

A lot of people stop smoking after their fist heart attack so why not stop before?

[AuroraProject]

I smoked for 22 years. In January 2011 I decided to quit, I haven't had one since. i used the patch, followed the program, found an app for my phone that gave me a very busy support group. Now, 14 months later I don't feel any different. I can smell and taste things better, but thats it. I have no "extra energy" or renewed outlook on life. Quitting had zero effect on my sleep patterns (or lack thereof). I gained 40 pounds, but in the long run that's easier for me to manage.
Obviously you should quit, it's a horrible habit, and it's getting ridiculously expensive. The number one thing that got me through it? Knowing in my mind I wanted to quit. You have to really want it, or you'll fail.