Sleep apnea

[Dt450]

Curious to see how many of you guys have sleep apnea? I’ve had my BIPAP machine for a few years now and I’m 23, I’m use to it now but it just is a hassle. I have snored growing up but never started really obstructing and waking up gasping for air until I hit college. Although it can be genetic because my dad has it, it wasn’t really until I got pretty big that I had these issues. It was all bad timing too, Juggling D1 football, schoolwork, taking care of my one year old son at the time and a very difficult relationship with his mom all piled on top of never getting REM sleep cuz of the sleep apnea had me stressed out and tired beyond imagination.
Finally got my BIPAP in the mist of all that and it helped 1000%.
I am curious if I was to cut down from 260ish back to the weight when I didn’t have sleep apnea which was about 220 if I could reverse the issue.

 

[Hevi-head]

I have it bad too. I keep procrastinating getting a machine because my insurance sucks. I’ve heard of CPAP, what is BIPAP?
I can sleep 10 hours and be tired an hour after I wake up. I’m the same as you, I never had it growing up, just after I put on a decent amount of muscle.

 

[Dt450]

I have it bad too. I keep procrastinating getting a machine because my insurance sucks. I’ve heard of CPAP, what is BIPAP?
I can sleep 10 hours and be tired an hour after I wake up. I’m the same as you, I never had it growing up, just after I put on a decent amount of muscle.

From my understanding BIPAP will stop blowing air when you breathe out and then essentially breaths for you. While a CPAP machine is continually pushing air. Which if that’s the case idk how people do that cuz I would feel smothered.
Honestly was the best thing ever getting the BIPAP, I think if you slowly saved and got it you’d be so thankful. Night and day difference.
Mood. Relationships. Work/school. And the gym.
I was a walking zombie for about a year. I ended up resorting to adderall because that was about the only thing that got me out of bed. Just so crazy how you can sleep for any amount of time and literally feel like you pulled an all nighter.
In my sleep study I had to do I was hooked up to all kinds of electrodes that monitored my brain activity, it said I obstructed 70ish or 80ish times throughout the night. There’s no REM sleep cycle at all when your brain is constantly freakin TF out cuz it’s scared you’re gonna die from lack of oxygen.

Also a big big big thing, I remember shortly after I got diagnosed and was given my BIPAP. There was some college athlete that died in his sleep, I don’t remember if he was under the influence but if you have sleep apnea you need to stay away from respiratory depressants such as alcohol/opiates/benzos. Cuz you can obstruct and stay obstructed.

 

[Poohbear]

I've had it for many years now

 

[Poohbear]

I have it bad too. I keep procrastinating getting a machine because my insurance sucks. I’ve heard of CPAP, what is BIPAP?
I can sleep 10 hours and be tired an hour after I wake up. I’m the same as you, I never had it growing up, just after I put on a decent amount of muscle.

Just buy straight out from easy breath . Which ever one you buy utube settings . Just start low and go up from there .

 

[01dragonslayer]

I have it bad too. I keep procrastinating getting a machine because my insurance sucks. I’ve heard of CPAP, what is BIPAP?
I can sleep 10 hours and be tired an hour after I wake up. I’m the same as you, I never had it growing up, just after I put on a decent amount of muscle.

Heres some good info....

BiPAP (also referred to as BPAP) stands for Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure, and is very similar in function and design to a CPAP machine (continuous positive airway pressure). Similar to a CPAP machine, A BiPAP machine is a non-invasive form of therapy for patients suffering from sleep apnea. Both machine types deliver pressurized air through a mask to the patient's airways. The air pressure keeps the throat muscles from collapsing and reducing obstructions by acting as a splint. Both CPAP and BiPAP machines allow patients to breathe easily and regularly throughout the night.

What Makes BiPAP Different from CPAP?

For the most part, CPAP machines have been the go-to treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. CPAP machines deliver a steady, continuous stream of pressurized air to patient's airways to prevent them from collapsing and causing apnea events. After a CPAP titration study, your sleep technician and doctor will determine the pressure settings for your CPAP machine and set the machine to deliver that exact amount of pressure continuously.

CPAP machines can only be set to a single pressure that remains consistent throughout the night. However, many CPAP machines have a ramp feature that starts off with a lower pressure setting and gradually builds to the prescribed pressure. This comfort feature simply makes the pressure at the beginning more tolerable and less immediate, once the pressure builds to the required setting, it stays at that setting for the rest of the night.
cpap_guy-406154-editedWhat is BiPAP Good For?

One of the complaints about CPAP devices is that some patients find the constant singular pressure difficult to exhale against. For patients with higher pressure strengths, exhaling against the incoming air can feel difficult, as if they're having to force their breathing out.

BiPAPs can also be set to include a breath timing feature that measures the amount of breaths per minute a person should be taking. If the time between breaths exceeds the set limit, the machine can force the person to breath by temporarily increasing the air pressure.

The main difference between BiPAP and CPAP machines is that BiPAP machines have two pressure settings: the prescribed pressure for inhalation (ipap), and a lower pressure for exhalation (epap). The dual settings allow the patient to get more air in and out of their lungs.
Who Would Benefit from BiPAP Therapy?

BiPAP machines are often prescribed to sleep apnea patients with high pressure settings or low oxygen levels.
BiPAPs are often used after CPAP has failed to adequately treat certain patients.

BiPAPs can be helpful for patients with cardiopulmonary disorders such as congestive heart failure.

Often prescribed to people with lung disorders or certain neuromuscular disorders.

Why Not Use CPAP with C-Flex Instead of BiPAP?

C-Flex is similar to BiPAP therapy in that it offers pressure relief as the patient exhales so that they don't feel like they're fighting against the incoming airflow during expiration. However, C-Flex is more of a comfort feature for CPAP machines that only offers pressure relief up to 3 cm, whereas BiPAP pressure relief starts at 4 cm and goes up. For those who need only a little pressure relief, a CPAP with C-Flex might be the right choice.

Another difference between BiPAP and CPAP with C-flex is that the pressure relief from C-flex is not a fixed amount, and the pressure drop can vary from breath to breath, whereas the BiPAP maintains a set, prescribed exhalation pressure.
Ask Your Doctor About the Benefits of BiPAP

Depending on the results of your CPAP titration study, more than likely your doctor and sleep technician will know outright if a BiPAP machine is right for you. However, if you've tried CPAP and find the pressure settings too difficult to manage exhaling against, talk with your doctor and see if a BiPAP machine is right for you.



The Alaska Sleep Clinic diagnoses and treats thousands of patients every year in Alaska suffering from sleep apnea. Often as a result of our diagnosis, patients are prescribed CPAP or even APAP machines for therapy. However, compliance is one of the keys to successful treatment, and if you're finding that your CPAP pressure settings are too difficult to manage, give us a call and we'll help you find the proper alternative, which may just be a BiPAP machine.

 

[01dragonslayer]

I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea as well. I have not yet been fitted for a mask. I just have a hard time facing reality and the patient customer service at this office is horrible.

I know several people who have sleep apnea and use CPAPs and everyone of 'em says they'll never sleep without it now.

 

[Dt450]

I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea as well. I have not yet been fitted for a mask. I just have a hard time facing reality and the patient customer service at this office is horrible.

I know several people who have sleep apnea and use CPAPs and everyone of 'em says they'll never sleep without it now.

Yeah my BIPAP was the newest one to date when I got it. You can actually track your sleep and everything. It also has the option for you to use the built in humidifier that is adjustable for different levels of humidity.
I have a full mask that covers both my nose and mouth. There are a few different types but full masks are probably best for people who obstruct more than most.

I got pretty lucky with being fortunate to be on full ride scholarship and the football program covered everything and got my sleep study scheduled and all that.

 

[01dragonslayer]

Yeah my BIPAP was the newest one to date when I got it. You can actually track your sleep and everything. It also has the option for you to use the built in humidifier that is adjustable for different levels of humidity.
I have a full mask that covers both my nose and mouth. There are a few different types but full masks are probably best for people who obstruct more than most.

I got pretty lucky with being fortunate to be on full ride scholarship and the football program covered everything and got my sleep study scheduled and all that.

Which device worked better for you?....BIPAP or CPAP?

 

[Dt450]

Which device worked better for you?....BIPAP or CPAP?

Well for my sleep study after they recorded my brain patterns of just me sleeping with no machine they gave me one and I had to tell them right away it was too hard to breathe out and I’m pretty claustrophobic and there was no way I was gonna sleep feeling smothered. So they lowered the setting and then used a ramp setting.
So the BIPAP by far. I use a 45 minute ramp setting, idk my pressure settings but it seems to be good. By the time 45 minutes goes by the pressure is full force

 

[01dragonslayer]

From my understanding that if you start on CPAP but cannot use it because you struggle to tolerate it, the doctor may then "graduate" you to BiPAP to help you adjust and succeed at your therapy.

 

[Hevi-head]

Just buy straight out from easy breath . Which ever one you buy utube settings . Just start low and go up from there .

Thank you for that. I looked a little where to buy but never took it too far

 

[Oldude]

Finally something I can contribute. Spent most of my time here reading and learning.

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea when I was in the military about 7 years ago. Couldn't tolerate the CPAP so they put me on a BPAP which was actually worse. I finally got scheduled for the UPPP surgery about a year after the diagnosis. Other than an absolute miserable recovery of about 2 weeks I no longer had sleep apnea. However, the little detail they left out was the surgery may not be permanent. I've found that my body fat has alot to do with my symptoms. After I retired I became a fat, lazy bastard and my apnea came back with a vengeance. So, as long as I keep my body fat low to moderate I can manage without a machine.

They had the max pressure on my BPAP at 21 psi....It just about blew my eyeballs outta their socket....maybe that was the problem with compliance??

Amazing forum BTW!!

 

[Dt450]

I am near 10% bf I wish body fat had to do with my issue cuz it’d be gone.
I think being either muscular or fat affects the issue the same. Idk my pressure setting but I know it’s not as nearly as high as you had it holy shit
Glad you got it sorted out. Wish I could just sleep like a normal person lol

 

[C587]

I use those cheap breathe right strips from the dollar store. Gf says I don't snore at all when I use them.

For me it's all about weight. Over 230 and hard to breathe under 230 and I'm good.

 

[Northeastconfederate]

Finally something I can contribute. Spent most of my time here reading and learning.

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea when I was in the military about 7 years ago. Couldn't tolerate the CPAP so they put me on a BPAP which was actually worse. I finally got scheduled for the UPPP surgery about a year after the diagnosis. Other than an absolute miserable recovery of about 2 weeks I no longer had sleep apnea. However, the little detail they left out was the surgery may not be permanent. I've found that my body fat has alot to do with my symptoms. After I retired I became a fat, lazy bastard and my apnea came back with a vengeance. So, as long as I keep my body fat low to moderate I can manage without a machine.

They had the max pressure on my BPAP at 21 psi....It just about blew my eyeballs outta their socket....maybe that was the problem with compliance??

Amazing forum BTW!!

Oldude, I'd live to hear more about this UPPP procedure.

I was also diagnosed with sleep apnea, maybe 12 or so years ago, now (I'm 48 now) and prescribed a CPAP machine. I had to do 2 sleep studies, one without; the second with tje machine, all hooked up to wires and electrodes, and of course the machine. I woke up from that feeling like I'd been hit by a truck. Told the technician I didn't sleep a wink with that thing on amd she replied, "Oh, yes you did." I'm sure she was right, I must have - I mean, I was there to be monitored for sleep, right? But I felt AWFUL. Worse BY FAR than if I had slept without it. I brought the damned thing home; tried and failed to get used to it. It was torture, having this fucking thing strapped to my face with a hose hanging off it; the noise of the machine; the little blue LED that lit the whole room....... It kept my wife up, too, and I'd finally wake up with the mask ripped off my face. It was absolutely intolerable for me.

I've talked to othera who swear by it; say they woke up feeling refreshed after the first time using it and it only got better. I tried it for a couple weeks and just kept feeling worse and worse. Felt like I'd been eaten half to death.

I finally had an experimemtal procedure done called the Pillar Procedure at my own expense. It helped, but did not completely cure my sleep apnea. If I sleep on my side, I'm pretty good. Sleeping on my back is totally impossible, I wake up gasping for breath as soon as I drift off.

When I was first diagnosed, I was 170 lbs and around 10-12%. I'm now 200 lbs and about the same. I don't notice a worsening of my sleep apnea from the additional muscle - maybe I'm not heavy enough for it to be that much of a factor. Or, maybe the pillar procedure works better than I think it does....

Anyway, would love to hear more about the UPPP procedure.

A guy I used to ay hockey with had his oversize uvula removed and said his apnea went away completely. He was a fat 260. But he had side effects from the uvula removal that didn't sound tolerable. And mine is apparently normal sized anyway, I had that looked at, too.

 

[Oldude]

The UPPP is a pretty invasive procedure. I had my deviated septum fixed at the same time which made it alot worse. They removed my tonsils. adenoids, and uvula. Left some scar tissue at the back of my mouth that took some time to get used to.
It took me about 3 weeks to heal from the surgery. You can't eat or drink much of anything for the first 2 weeks because of the pain from swallowing.
Once you heal you have to learn how to eat and drink again. I tried to drown myself several times just trying to take a damn drink of water. Initially you have to be very careful when eating solid food because you have to learn how to swallow again.

Was it worth it? Hell yes!! I had the same problem with machines....I could not get used to having that damn mask on my face and having it try to blow my eyeballs out.

The only thing I've noticed is I tend to have alot more phlegm in my throat and sinuses since the surgery and I tend to have to clear my throat alot more, but I found that the navage thing you use to clean your sinuses does a pretty good job of minimizing it.

Anyway if you have any more questions please ask.

Tj

 

[Kins]

My Dad has it. I'll tell you what if they diagnosed me with it no way in hell I'm gonna wear that mask and be able to sleep. Would rather just deal with it. I don't know about it having to do with body-fat. I have read that it can happen to guys with big necks. So you strong bench guys might be susceptible. Had a sleep study back 15 years ago now and I don't have it, or didn't back then anyway.

 

[Northeastconfederate]

The UPPP is a pretty invasive procedure. I had my deviated septum fixed at the same time which made it alot worse. They removed my tonsils. adenoids, and uvula. Left some scar tissue at the back of my mouth that took some time to get used to.
It took me about 3 weeks to heal from the surgery. You can't eat or drink much of anything for the first 2 weeks because of the pain from swallowing.
Once you heal you have to learn how to eat and drink again. I tried to drown myself several times just trying to take a damn drink of water. Initially you have to be very careful when eating solid food because you have to learn how to swallow again.

Was it worth it? Hell yes!! I had the same problem with machines....I could not get used to having that damn mask on my face and having it try to blow my eyeballs out.

The only thing I've noticed is I tend to have alot more phlegm in my throat and sinuses since the surgery and I tend to have to clear my throat alot more, but I found that the navage thing you use to clean your sinuses does a pretty good job of minimizing it.

Anyway if you have any more questions please ask.

Tj

Wow! Pretty drastic! But it worked, huh?

I'm seeing an ENT now for sinus infection issues. He determined the cause to be allergies, which they're going to treat me for. We'll see if my turbinates (in the nose) go down on their own or if they'll need to be "reduced".

 

[Byrdwaxx]

This is interesting as i am going to check on this soon, but for snoring, i thought you could just have some kinda laser tissue burning done for snoring and not have to wear the machine? Am i wrong?