Two questions - 1- specialists 2-recliners

Which specialist is best for treating sleep apnea? I got a notice that my doctor is leaving the practice. She is a neurologist specializing in sleep apnea and only sees sleep apnea patients. The only other doctors in the same practice are ENTs who also do sleep apnea (which sounds to me like sleep apnea is not their main area of expertise). Looks like I will have to look for a new practice or pick one of the ENTs. So far, I haven't been able to find out if my doctor is staying in the area.

Another question - is sleeping in a recliner ever adequate treatment for sleep apnea? I know someone who quit using their machine and started sleeping in a recliner. I am not looking to tell them what to do. Just curious if a recliner would be enough.

For a doctor, I would recommend either a neurologist or a pulmonologist. Sleeping in a recliner will not eliminate sleep apnea. I have used an adjustable bed which is just like sleeping in a recliner. I used the adjustable hospital bed when I had my sleep study with my head and feet raised like I normally sleep. My AHI was 49 during my test. If it helped, it didn't help a whole lot.

You can find some great inexpensive lightly used or barely used cpap machines. Think the gentleman above me even has one avail currently. But yea sleep upright only if in a bind

Unless you can sleep NOT on your back on a recliner (except in an emergency as the other poster said, it's not a good idea as it will provoke more events.

I sleep in a recliner every night due to other health issues. My home study showed an AHI of 39. So I would save the recliner for emergencies only.

LG34 wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 07, 2019 11:58 am

Which specialist is best for treating sleep apnea?

What you need to look for is a doctor who is board-certified in sleep medicine. She could be a pulmonologist, an ENT or a neurologist. It would be best if you could find a board-certified sleep doctor via a trusted friend's recommendation. The doctor would be one who never prescribes bricks and likes patients who are fully involved in their CPAP therapy.

ChicagoGranny wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 08, 2019 11:42 am

LG34 wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 07, 2019 11:58 am

Which specialist is best for treating sleep apnea?

What you need to look for is a doctor who is board-certified in sleep medicine. She could be a pulmonologist, an ENT or a neurologist. It would be best if you could find a board-certified sleep doctor via a trusted friend's recommendation. The doctor would be one who never prescribes bricks and likes patients who are fully involved in their CPAP therapy.

don't forget the unicorns and rainbows.

zonker wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 08, 2019 11:50 am

don't forget the unicorns and rainbows.

Did I send him snipe hunting?

I have had apnea and reflux sitting straight up in a chair if I fall asleep momentarily without my CPAP. So no, a recliner will not compensate for sleep apnea. The only dumber theory I've heard is one woman who swore having an electric fan blow in her face was good enough to treat her apnea.

Janknitz wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 08, 2019 12:59 pm

The only dumber theory I've heard is one woman who swore having an electric fan blow in her face was good enough to treat her apnea.

It worked! Her husband could not hear her snoring and gasping over the noise of the fan.

The list of what works is very small compared to those that DON'T.

Thank you for the information regarding finding a new doctor.

Some think the acquaintance (who is sleeping in the recliner) is showing some confusion, brain fog, forgetfulness or something along that line. I've wondered if not using the CPAP is the cause. Good to know the recliner is not adequate. I can mention it if this subject comes up again.

I take naps in my recliner. Not long naps... maybe a half an hour, without the machine. I know it's not good for me.... but neither is ice cream....

Keep in mind that once you start successful treatment, ask yourself do you need a sleep doctor. Educate and ask questions here and track your numbers. I have never seen a sleep doctor. My primary practitioner wrote me a script in 2010 and I never looked back. Of course it's your choice and if you have some medical or sleep issues you may have to see a doc. I'm suggesting that you ask yourself "do I need a sleep doc?"

Sheriff

Sheriff Buford wrote: ↑

Sat Mar 16, 2019 6:36 am

I take naps in my recliner. Not long naps... maybe a half an hour, without the machine. I know it's not good for me.... but neither is ice cream....

Time to get a spare and have it by your recliner, Sheriff!

Though, just being in the recliner instead of flat on the bed probably lessens the need some.