Quote:
Originally posted by Sanackranib
When I went over the test results with my doctor he told me that based on the fact that my difficulty is actually getting to sleep [once I get to sleep I am a sound sleeper] that the full mask would probably not be the best option for me. I agreed since having stuff over my nose or mouth really bothers me. |
That's why I was suggesting the Nasal Aire - There's not a lot over the nose at all. IT's not a FULL MASK at all, it's very small. See:
http://www.cpapman.com/nasalair.html Quote:
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the device I got looks somthing like a boxers mouth piece and changes the angle of the breathing passage keeping it more open so airflow is increased. but for me I never really got used to it. guess I'll just have to drop the weight since for most guys thats the main contributing factor. [/b]
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Yep, those are also somewhat effective, but definitely not the best thing. Also - it's been shown in many studies, that losing weight only cuts down on apnea in 20% of cases and in those another 10% only cut down 50% of the apnea. THose numbers for losing weight are pretty low. It is NOT the main contributing factor, it has more to do with the muscles in the back of the throat then anything else. Some people have muscles that stay tight and keep the airway open, some do not. It's not anything you have control over.
As I said before I went to a second doctor because my first doc was an ENT and didn't know a LOT about Apnea. My second doc is exclusively a doctor specializing in sleep disorders and nothing else. She was excellent and helped me get the right "mask." If you keep at it, you can get used to something like the Nasal Aire. Gotta tell ya I could NEVER tolerate the other masks, but the NAsal Aire did it. You barely feel it after a few nights.
My point is - don't give up on this - even if you lose the weight, you may not see a reduction in apnea. Better to treat it with the treatment that has the highest success rate - the CPAP. Get a second opinion if your doctor isn't suggesting other masks like the NAsal Aire.
--*Rob
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