I have mild sleep apnea, and I’m back here (and to using CPAP) after three years

Hi there,

I did a sleep study three or four years ago, and the result was that I had mild sleep apnea (untreated AHI were 6). I bought a CPAP (can’t get for free in Norway with AHI below 15), and I read on the Internet how to use it. At some point I decided that the treatment might not be necessary because my apnea is mild, so I stopped using it for some years. I have also tried a couple of MAD, but I found them very uncomfortable and got rid of them.

For the most part I struggle with anxiety. I also have some things from the past that I haven’t dealt with, but that I’m working through with the help of a really good therapist. I currently sleep around 10–11 hours. In general I don’t feel that bad, but I wish that I had a bit more energy, and I also wish that something could lessen my anxiety.

I’m wondering if CPAP might improve things a bit for me. I have just finished reading the Totally CPAP book written by Dr. Steven Park, and he states that there is no consensus whether or not mild apnea should be treated, and that the best way to find out if it works for an individual is to try it out. So that’s what I do.

I feel confident in that the settings on my AirSense are appropriate. My AHI with the machine is usually about 1.0 or lower. I have ordered a hose stand named SleepStick, and tomorrow I will receive an AirTouch F20 mask (currently use AirFit F20).

So I’m a bit excited; hoping CPAP might improve my energy level and reduce my anxiety. What I need is emotional support, and I suppose that is why I’m posting here. I would also love to hear from others with mild sleep apnea if CPAP has helped in any way.

alexander wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 08, 2019 9:51 am

Hi there,

hello!

i suppose the only way to find out is to try. now, it may take some time for those good feelings to show. not everyone adapts to cpap quickly. we here from folks now and then that take to it straight away. but those are in the minority. for the rest of us, it takes awhile.

if i read correctly, you have the machine now. the next step would be get the free oscar software and start monitoring your sleep. you'll get lots of good technical help on that.

i think your off to a good start by taking on cpap. stay with us and the experts here will make sure you take the proper steps to optimize your cpap therapy.

good luck!

zonker wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 08, 2019 10:36 am

alexander wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 08, 2019 9:51 am

Hi there,

hello!

i suppose the only way to find out is to try. now, it may take some time for those good feelings to show. not everyone adapts to cpap quickly. we here from folks now and then that take to it straight away. but those are in the minority. for the rest of us, it takes awhile.

I understand. I spent lots of hours three years ago figuring out what kind of settings worked best for me, and when I went through them I didn’t have to make too many changes. I have used the machine for about a week, and so far I think I’m feeling a bit calmer, although I could have a bit more energy. But I will give it some more time. I hope that a hose stand and the AirTouch might improve my quality of sleep with the CPAP.

I have used SleepyHead in the past, and I understand that OSCAR is the new SleepyHead. I’ll give it a try if I need it. Right now my AHI is pretty good, so I’m not sure if I need it/if there is much to optimize at this moment.

Apnea ratings mean little, (Low, Medium, or High), all do damage, to your mind and life. Glad that you started back, sorry you lost three years you could have been. better.

Even if treating Sleep Apnea doesn't completely resolve all your problems, (We keep aging, everything changes, not for the better), by treating your Sleep Apnea, you can make the best of aging. Good Luck with your treatment, Welcome Back! Jim

Goofproof wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 08, 2019 11:08 am

Apnea ratings mean little, (Low, Medium, or High), all do damage, to your mind and life. Glad that you started back, sorry you lost three years you could have been. better.

Even if treating Sleep Apnea doesn't completely resolve all your problems, (We keep aging, everything changes, not for the better), by treating your Sleep Apnea, you can make the best of aging. Good Luck with your treatment, Welcome Back! Jim

I remember something that I heard Dr. Steven Park say in a podcast episode many years ago; something along the lines that although there is mild apnea, there is nothing mild about apnea. I can’t recall exactly what he said, but it was something like that.

I don’t like aging, so that will hopefully motivate me to stick to the treatment this time. Thanks for welcoming me back!

alexander wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 08, 2019 11:17 am

Goofproof wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 08, 2019 11:08 am

Apnea ratings mean little, (Low, Medium, or High), all do damage, to your mind and life. Glad that you started back, sorry you lost three years you could have been. better.

Even if treating Sleep Apnea doesn't completely resolve all your problems, (We keep aging, everything changes, not for the better), by treating your Sleep Apnea, you can make the best of aging. Good Luck with your treatment, Welcome Back! Jim

I remember something that I heard Dr. Steven Park say in a podcast episode many years ago; something along the lines that although there is mild apnea, there is nothing mild about apnea. I can’t recall exactly what he said, but it was something like that.

I don’t like aging, so that will hopefully motivate me to stick to the treatment this time. Thanks for welcoming me back!

When you find the answer about stopping or reversing aging, let us all know. I'm building a Time Machine in the Basement, it's slow going, I don't move very fast anymore, but I still use my XPAP every night! Jim

Goofproof wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 08, 2019 11:25 am

alexander wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 08, 2019 11:17 am

I remember something that I heard Dr. Steven Park say in a podcast episode many years ago; something along the lines that although there is mild apnea, there is nothing mild about apnea. I can’t recall exactly what he said, but it was something like that.

I don’t like aging, so that will hopefully motivate me to stick to the treatment this time. Thanks for welcoming me back!

When you find the answer about stopping or reversing aging, let us all know. I'm building a Time Machine in the Basement, it's slow going, I don't move very fast anymore, but I still use my XPAP every night! Jim

Working on it. I’ll let you know once I’ve solved it.