Alternatives to CPAP

tntonya · Post by **tntonya** » Wed Oct 04, 2006 11:10 pm

Hello all,

I am new to the group. Diangosed with Sleep Apnea three years ago however I could not get comfortable with the CPAP. I used it and did not benefit a good nights sleep. Is there an alternative to CPAP?

It may be denial that I keep telling myself when I drop 50 pounds the apnea will go away and I won't need the CPAP. Is this possible?

It's scary and I have no one to talk to about it because no one close to me knows what I go through. Primary to Sleep Apnea, I have a brain abnormality that manifests in severe seizures. The two seem to feed off one another, when one is worse it agrivates the other & visa-versa.

There are times I wake up with a numb face and tounge, anyone have these symptoms? Also, is apnea possible during waking hours? From time to time for no apparent reason my while body will tingle as if losing oxygen and my body will fall asleep while my brain gets real groggy. Usually I have to rest after these episodes.

Thank you for your help.

Many restful nights,

TNTonya

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Thu Oct 05, 2006 12:42 am

Welcome to the forum, TNTonya, this is the place to talk.

Would you mind telling us more about your cpap problems? Between us we have lots and lots knowledge about how to make cpap more tolerable - rather less, I'ld say, about alternatives.

What was your diagnosis - obstructive sleep apnea? mixed? central?

Which equipment (machine and mask) did you try?

What were you problems in adapting?

There are so many tips and modification to make things work that I discovered on this forum - its worth it.

O.

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Thu Oct 05, 2006 6:43 am

If you were diagnosed 3 years ago and still have not dropped the 50 lbs I would forget that idea. I am not over weight and have OSA. Weight is not the only cause.
The numbness and tingling you describe sound more neurological to me. Could the brain abnormality be the cause? What does your neurologist say about this?
Once you list all the info ozij asked for you'll be able to get plenty of help. Here is a clickable link to Mile High Sleepers Blog with info all apnea patients should have;

BLOGSPOT

Brenda