Curious on the reasons here for a CPAP

EMTunit31 wrote:I am a very new NEWBIE but my problem is Centrals. From my understanding, that doesn't have anything to do with obstruction so I fall into the "other" catagory.

That is correct. Central Apnea is neurological in nature, but still results in the lack of breathing and lower oxygen levels.


Den

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redFishBlueFish wrote:Beyond the obvious sleepy night/day, I want to know what is causing other people's sleep apnea.

I initially thought mine was weight related, was up to 225lbs @ 5'10" but now down to 210lbs and I still need it. But growing up I have been as low as 155 lbs and still had weird sleep problems. If I don't wear it I feel like I have a hang over.I am hoping when I reach 180/190 that I won't need it anymore, but the other part of my curiosity is if you wear it after so many years, is your body dependent on that pressure? I know some people that wear oxygen all the time eventually can't get off of the stuff because the body forgot how to breathe in normal air.

Welcome to the forum You are in a good place here. Work any issues you have out here. Lots of smart and helpful people here.

Take 15 minutes and review this youtube video it will help you understand what is going on with you:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gie2dhqP2c

This video put the whole thing in perspective for me. I was able to show this video to my family to help them understand what is going on me.


I wish you well

Untreated apneacs adjust somewhat over the years of having apnea. You learn to sleep despite being strangled dozens of times per hour. Your body makes chemical adjustments as well.

Once you get CPAP and don't get strangled all night long, your brain and body realize that breathing in your sleep is a good thing, and readjust. After being on CPAP for a while, if you stop, your brain and body won't be so used to being strangled and you'll suffer the effects of untreated apnea more than you did before CPAP. Presumably you'll readjust and be no worse than before after a while.

Your apnea also tends to get worse over time, even without CPAP. If you had apnea 5 years ago, it's probably worse now, CPAP or not. If you stop CPAP, it will probably bother you more than before even after you adjust.

My reason for using APAP:
--my inability to sleep and breathe correctly at the same time.
--I can accept the fact that my body is defective, and that I need help.

chunkyfrog wrote:My reason for using APAP:
--my inability to sleep and breathe correctly at the same time.
--I can accept the fact that my body is defective, and that I need help.

+1 We don't have to find out why others have sleep apnea, only how to control it in ourselves, and maybe help others, if they are willing to accept help. Jim

cathyf wrote:

palerider wrote:

cathyf wrote:I suppose if your career is wilderness canoe trip guide an xPAP is going to be limiting. (Cue old joke about plugging the machine into the nearest currant bush. )

people routinely use batteries for that.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=97350&st=0&sk=t&sd= ... 60#p940543

I'm imagining the batteries you would need for a 10-day trip. And how long it would take you to portage your gear...

I'm rowing a 14 foot raft, so no portaging. I can carry 52 lb. worth of batteries easily ( 4 batteries @ 13 lb. each). I'm in search of a smaller, lighter, but not super expensive alternative for kayak touring which may involve portages. My goal is to not let my OSA diagnosis hinder my outdoor pursuits in any way, and I'd like to support others who fear that cpap will alter their outdoor life. I have friends who continue to backpack with cpap. Maybe not extended trips on the AT or PCT, but they still get out for long weekends. I can function so much better on the river now that I'm being treated with cpap. Being alert, rested, and on top of my game is pretty important in the middle of a big rapid, or hauling gear around for a week in the backcountry. If my cpap allows me to enjoy life more and be healthier, then I'm ok if I have to use if for the rest of my life I guess.

To the OP.....I suffer from being overweight and having a small airway that evidently doesn't work very well when I'm asleep. I've never been told I snored, so until I scared a friend to death with my abnormal breathing while on vacation, I had no idea why I was so tired all the time. Luckily for me, my friend's husband has OSA and uses cpap, so she knew what my problem was and encouraged me to seek treatment.

My reason??? I just think I look good with the mask.

Obviously not too many care....20 votes with over 700 views

Curious on the reasons here for a CPAP

Because it's easier than spelling the whole thing out.

I didn't vote--not enough choices--not included are blockages caused by tongue, palate, throat, or jaw anatomy,
or central apnea of unknown or known origin. (as if we were ever told)
Is somebody trying to pretend they are not ignorant of most of the causes of apnea?
The poll also ignores the possibility that obesity is as likely a result as opposed to a cause of apnea.
And the OP didn't even know the function of the esophagus until reminded.
This "poll" is so embarrassing. Let's give the OP a break and let it die.

chunkyfrog wrote:I didn't vote--not enough choices--not included are blockages caused by tongue, palate, throat, or jaw anatomy,
or central apnea of unknown or known origin. (as if we were ever told)
Is somebody trying to pretend they are not ignorant of most of the causes of apnea?
The poll also ignores the possibility that obesity is as likely a result as opposed to a cause of apnea.
And the OP didn't even know the function of the esophagus until reminded.
This "poll" is so embarrassing. Let's give the OP a break and let it die.

Me either.
I'm all for letting it die, too. (just as soon as I add my 2 cents here)


Den

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LSAT wrote:My reason??? I think I look good with just the mask.

Now that has to be a sight! Pics please!