7 Things That Make Sleep Apnea Worse

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very interesting article. I have terrible time with CPAP machine--my nose gets all conjested at night and I end up pulling off the CPAP and have to sit up. How can I find out exactly what is causing same. Your article points out that there may be other abnormalities. I don't smoke, drink but have gain weight in recent years. I feel my horrible sleep pattern contributes to the weight issue.

margaret o'hara of IL 3:24PM October 19, 2012

My husband seems to think I have sleep apnea due to his observing one time my gasping for air in my sleep. Also, we had just gotten off a car trip to and from California and I went straight to bed, skipping dinner. He was tired the next day so thought since he was driving and concentrating, I should have been less tired (even though same car and same sitting position and possibly with sleep apnea). Lately, I have been getting tired earlier (9-10) before bedtime (10-12 midnight). I have decided to get the sleep study done after reading this article. Thank you.

Mrs. Green of TX 4:56PM July 17, 2012

Does anyone know a fix for central sleep apnea?

Simon Mayerhofer of CA 11:59PM May 26, 2012

I am taking 10mg Saphris for about 2 weeks now. I just fell asleep and I am almost positive I just had sleep apnea. I woke up from gasping.... I've also been gaining alot of weight. I've had a baby 3 months ago... and I weigh more now than I did when I was pregnant!! I thought maybe it was due to the fact that I forgot to take my Saphris last night. I think its working great... but not so sure I like the effects :/ But I'm going to the hospital, because I've also been dizzy and nauseous all day long, and short of breath.

Angelia Fatzinger of PA 4:49PM February 11, 2012

I have been on saphris (10mg at bedtime) as a partial treatment for clinical depression. Upon "falling" asleep I developed severe dry mouth, swollen tongue, and many awakenings. I was told that I began to snore. Recently I was diagnosed with positional sleep apnea (sleeping in a chair helped). Although I did not make note of an appetite shift immediately it is now the case that I finish a meal with no sense of satiation. With daily exercise and the attempt to eat wisely I continue to gain weight.
I have become aware that insulin resistance can result from the medication saphris, and that it does not always resolve when it is stopped. Anybody else?

Patricia Whitten of CA 8:20PM July 27, 2011

I live with someone who has severe sleep apnea, is overweight, trouble breathing whether asleep or awake, and will do nothing about it. My doctor says he will either have a stroke or heart attack. Today he fell asleep while driving and he could have caused an accident. I live every day, waiting for something to happen so that I can get him in to the doctor and get some help. I had an appt set up for him to have his sleep disorder studied and he refused to go. Help!

karin klaers of IA 9:50PM April 19, 2011

I've been trying for four years to get use to my C-PAP. I also have gird, so it's a double whammy. I got fitted with a new nasal cushion last week and the difference in the new style is amazing. I went online the week before and found out how to adjust the settings, as I was being blown away and figured that if I could get use to the machine at a lower setting and work my way up to the prescription setting, I'd at least be trying and perhaps making progress. It's all working and I am now just one setting away from where it's suppose to be. I look forward to going to sleep now, crave the machine when I get into bed, and my life IS CHANGING. I am reclaiming my life. I am a 56 year old woman.

Laurie Weiner of CA 6:20PM July 05, 2010

If you're having a large amount of discomfort with your CPAP, there is something wrong with the adjustment or how you're using it, or the mask you're using. You could try different types of masks - nasal masks, full facial masks, nasal pillows, freestyle, etc. Or, it could be the use or non-use or need for a humidifier, depending on your environment, pressure level, or personal comfort level. If your mask is more than 6 months old, it may just need to be replaced. Or, it could cause trouble if it's the wrong size. If you're using a humidifier, it may need to be cleaned and decontaminated from moulds and algae that grow in them. Or, the pressure levels may need some adjusting. Or you may need a BiPap rather than a CPAP. Or, if your nose is drying out, you could try a saline nasal gel available at any drug store.
You could try cleaning your mask, hose, filters, and humidifier (if applicable). You could try using the saline gel. You could try obtaining a new or different mask. If those don't solve the problem, your best bet is to talk to a respiratory therapist. The supplier of your CPAP may employ one, or perhaps your doctor could help you arrange for a consultation with one at your local sleep lab. Tell the therapist just how your machine is uncomfortable for you to use, and they may have a solution.
I have no particular training in this field. I've got sleep apnea myself, and have dealt with some of these problems.

Beth of OK 6:42AM June 17, 2010

I know sleep apnea is causing me to have a constant appetite. I only want really fattening foods like chocolate, bread, burgers, etc.... I will eat a healthy, hearty breakfast, go to the gym, and have to sleep for the next several hours because I just don't have energy -- sometimes I can't get through a workout without yawning a LOT and wanting to lay down right there in the middle of body pump class and go to sleep. My machine is SO uncomfortable and I have been trying to sleep through the night with it for almost a year now... and I haven't been able to. I am 24 and not overweight, but may be soon if I don't get rid of this terrible disease.... Any Suggestions????

Lauren of VA 11:45AM June 11, 2010

Dear MS Lyon,
Ms Taylor's concern about not having her CPAP available when the power is out is easily remedied. Buy a good, moderately sized absorbed glass mat(AGM) battery - no liquid to refill or spill - and an appropriately sized DC to AC inverter (available anywhere - check on line with New Egg)This combination will power her CPAP for a long time - more than just a night.
I wouldn't consider a nap or a night's sleep without my CPAP.

John Wonder of AZ 2:40PM August 25, 2009