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When I was diagnosed with sleep apnea a few years ago, I was waking up several times during the night gasping for air. After 2 sleep studies at the hospital, (insurance covered both) I was fitted with a mask and given a CPAP machine.
Yes, it was tough dealing with the mask at first, but I hung in with it and soon became used to having it on my face while sleeping.
I now sleep soooo much better with it. I no longer wake up gasping for air, and a side benefit is that I can sleep through the entire night without getting up to use the bathroom. Before CPAP, I was up at least twice a night to urinate. I thought that was just due to getting older. I was wrong.
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Filliam,
Every industry is susceptible to lobbying and advertising. It doesn't make people any less responsible for what they eat.
Robert
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What Drew said. I have been snoring since youth, weight is not my issue. I use an Auto CPAP that adjusts to exhales. I couldn't handle the regular machine. I too use a nose mask. Test at home through insurance. Tired vs well rested and able to go into REM sleep is refreshing in the mornings. Some days I forget to put the mask on (long day without coffee) and I am dog tired the next day. High Blood Pressure is a side effect , but for me it's genetic.
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I can't fall asleep without my mask on anymore. I'm that used to it. That said, I had quite a time trying a billion masks until I found one that wasn't awful. There were many very ugly nights when I struggled, awake, because the mask hurt or otherwise didn't fit. Then, I needed a full mask liner made by Pad A Cheek to reduce leaks. That was very, very helpful.
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Recipe,
I can't even tell you how many masks and nose pads and such I tried. Did it over several months. Nothing worked. Some were better than others but they all proved nightmarish. If I had to do it again and losing weight didn't get rid of the sleep apnea, I'd look into the dental appliance.
Robert
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Some of my apnea is central, so I definitely wouldn't find a fix in a dental appliance. For me, it was worth it to keep trying and trying because I was waking up with my heart pounding out of my chest, over and over again. Luckily, I adjusted and found something that was usable, and I wouldn't go without APAP now. YMMV.
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Filliam,
The issue isn't lower fat/higher sugar. It's your assertion that the medical industry is to blame for what people are eating. That is what doesn't work for me. Take that out of the picture and put the blame on the people who stuff their faces with low-fat high sugar garbage and then you'll be making sense. The stuff may be readily available but the decision to eat it is in the hands of the individual, not the medical industry (or any other one for that matter.
And, weight plays a huge role in sleep apnea, which is why I'm still talking about food in this thread instead of starting a new one. Macartist mention the need to lose a significant amount of weight. A low-fat, low-sugar (or low-carb) diet and resulting weight loss can make a huge difference when it comes to sleep apnea. Same goes for weight loss due to exercise and activity. I can vouch for it from experience. And, when I was heavier, I wouldn't blame anyone but myself for the weight gain. Not doctors. Not the medical industry. Not the food manufacturers. Just me.
Robert
