Apnea

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   How can you get a sleep apnea test done without any insurance?
   My fiance has sleep apnea and needs a sleep test done so that he can get the machine to help make it better. He has no insurance as he is out of work. We have been trying to find free sleep tests in Ohio but have had no luck.

   • ANSWER:
     alot of medical research companies have free testing for certain types of illnesses. Go to the NIH website. That is National Institue of Health. Or contact a medical school or a University hospital associated with one.

2. QUESTION:
   What do you know about sleep apnea surgeries?
   I hate the mask (as many people do). I have severe obstructive sleep apnea. I am considering surgical options but I've been told the only one that may work for me is the mandibular advancement (when they break your jaw and move it forward). Has anyone had this before? What were your experiences? Did it work? Do you know of any other surgery that may help? Oral appliances?

   • ANSWER:
     I had a mandibular advancement back in the day when they still wired your mouth shut for 6 weeks. (Many surgeons now opt for a screw and plate closure along with tight rubber bands that allow more mouth movement and a little more eating options!)

     I did have about a year of orthodontics before I could have it done, incidentally, so it was not a quick fix by any means.

     The surgery itself sounded far worse than it actually was. The most pain I had was like a dull headache in my jaw area. Pain management was not a problem at all. I did miss eating what I wanted and lost significant weight. (What I would do to have that happen now!!!) I missed yawning the most, though!

     It did fix my sleep apnea completely. I have never even snored since. It was well worth it for me.

     My 5 year old had tonsils and adenoids removed for the same reason (sleep apnea) with good results as well. I had previously had that surgery, and it was much more painful than the mandibular advancement.

     I hope this helps! Best of luck to you!

3. QUESTION:
   What is the best solution for sleep apnea?
   I have sleep apnea but Im sure i do not want to use a c-pap or an a-pap machine. Just looking for the next best solution.

   • ANSWER:
     Someone else already said it, but it should be repeated. Get the CPAP.

     I never thought I would be able to sleep with one. For about a year I told myself that it would not help me sleep, that it would make it more difficult for my wife to sleep, that it would be uncomfortable...

     The very first night I used CPAP it felt a little akward, but by the end of the first week ALL of my symptoms had disappeared. It has been three years now and I have no more headaches, no more muscle cramps, no more waking up several times a night with horrible heartburn or horrible sweating. My blood pressure and cholesterol have returned to normal. In one week I went from a 25 year old in danger of having a heart attack to a well rested guy who can just enjoy life again. I cannot even begin to explain how much better you will feel.

     Get the CPAP and try it for a week. Just 7 days. If you can't do it, talk to your doctor. There is a surgical procedure that can reduce apnea, however less then 30% of the people who have it see any significant change and most people must have the surgury repeated throughout their lives to stay symptom free.

     Most importantly, do not ignore this condition. If you do you will continue to gain weight, the headaches will get worse. Your blood pressure will continue to skyrocket. You will develop holes in your stomach and esophogus from the acid. You will have a potentially fatal heart attack. Left untreated and supervised by a doctor this condition will kill you.

     Get the CPAP.

4. QUESTION:
   Is sleep apnea a condition your born with or can u develop it?
   I used to sleep through the night without waking up most of the time. Now I wake up maybe 3 or 4 times a night. I never get restful sleep. I also experience a lot of sleep paralysis. Could this be linked to sleep apnea?

   • ANSWER:
     What Is Sleep Apnea? Are you feeling sleepy all the time? Do you snore? Is your doctor having a difficult time treating your high blood pressure? If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, then you might have Sleep Apnea (also called Obstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA).

     Sleep Apnea is a condition involving pauses or decreases in breathing during sleep. It is usually due to airway collapse. This collapse occurs in the nose and/or the throat - anywhere from where air enters the nostrils to the back of the tongue. Imagine a straw collapsing when trying to suck on a thick milkshake. Frequently, this airway collapsibility problem is inherited and starts in childhood. In the daytime, it is not a problem because there is good muscle-tone in the airway and the brain monitors breathing. But at night, the throat muscles become relaxed and the brain is not as attentive to the airway. So on inhalation, the airway walls can either completely collapse or significantly narrow. This is a problem because 1) the body must struggle to breathe and 2) the brain has to 'wake up' to reopen the airway.

     These frequent awakenings lead to fragmentation of nighttime sleep. You may not remember them because they are so short. In fact, patients with sleep apnea can wake-up more than 30 times an hour and think that they slept uninterrupted through the night. Since sleep must be continuous and consolidated in order to be restorative, a number of cognitive problems can occur with sleep fragmentation: daytime sleepiness, memory problems, concentration difficulties, emotional instability, irritability, slowed reaction time, and most importantly, an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents.

     There are also cardiovascular consequences of this constant 'struggling to breathe.' This puts a strain on the heart and blood vessels, leading to increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.

     Finally, there are social implications to Sleep Apnea. The snoring associated with sleep apnea can disrupt the sleep of others. In fact, one study showed that when a person treats his/her sleep apnea, the sleep partner gets the equivalent of one hour more sleep per night.

     Sleep apnea is a progressive disease and often gets worse with age. Weight gain, alcohol, and other sedating/relaxing substances exacerbate it.

     Who Gets Sleep Apnea?

     A common misconception is that only overweight men that snore loudly have sleep apnea, but the facts are:

     1) Sleep apnea can occur without snoring
     2) Thin people can have sleep apnea
     3) Women can have sleep apnea
     4) Children can have sleep apnea

     In other words, anyone can have it. Even skinny women. Even children.

     I Think I Might Have Sleep Apnea, How Do I Find Out If I Have It?

     Make an appointment with your primary care physician, or if your insurance allows it, go straight to a sleep specialist. If your physician thinks you might have sleep apnea, then he/she can refer you for a sleep study or comprehensive sleep evaluation.

     How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?

     There are four main categories of treatment for sleep apnea: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), Surgery, Oral Appliances, and Behavioral Modification.

     The most effective way to treat sleep apnea is with CPAP. CPAP is a mask worn over the nose attached by a hose to an air compressor. The air compressor gently and quietly blows room-air into the nose, which 'stents' the airway open, preventing airway collapse. This is the most effective way to treat sleep apnea, and all patients diagnosed with sleep apnea should at least try it before considering other options.

     Surgery can be an effective way to treat sleep apnea. A number of different procedures can be performed. These range from nasal septum repair to jaw reconstruction. Talk to your doctor about whether surgery is the right option for you.

     An oral appliance is a device made by a dentist or an orthodontist designed to pull your lower jaw forward. By pulling your lower jaw forward, the tongue is pulled away from the back of the throat. If your airway obstruction is occurring behind the tongue, then this can be an effective way to treat your sleep apnea. The treatment of sleep apnea with oral appliance should be a coordinated effort between the sleep physician, the dentist/orthodontist, and the patient.

     Behavioral modifications can help in the treatment of sleep apnea, but are usually the least effective. These include such techniques as weight loss, sleeping on your side, and avoiding alcohol before bedtime.

     None of these treatment options is ideal, but they all can be useful in treating sleep apnea and resulting in more restful sleep. With risks like heart attack and stroke, you should do everything you can to get your sleep apnea under control. If you think you have sleep apnea, contact your doctor or go to a sleep center. It could be the best decision you ever made.
     By: Scott Fromherz
     Ar

5. QUESTION:
   Is it possible to have sleep apnea and insomnia at the same time?
   I have been suffering with sleep apnea for months now. After waiting three stressful weeks for the machine to arrive, I used it but only managed to get 3 hours of sleep. I also noticed, that before I had the machine my average time spent sleeping decreased. Tonight I am fully awake and I cannot sleep at all. Is it possible to have sleep apnea and insomnia together? I have serious depression already, so I think that this is a logical explanation. What do I do?

   • ANSWER:
     Your not alone friend. I have both as you do and what I suggest is now that you have the machine, you go to your doctor and get a sleep aid that can be accompanied by an antihistamene. Let me tell you I am on Trazadone for sleep and hydroxyzine which is the antihistamene. Together they work wondurfully. Also you may be overweight which many are who have apnea. Try not to drink too much water and if you are getting up in the night to urinate often then ask your doctor for a diuretic which will reduce the overall body fluid in the body. You may want to look into the possibility of type 2 diabetes. Hope this helps. Hang in there it gets better.
     p.s. I am awake by choice as i was off yesterday catnapping all day in the rainy weather. Just so you don't ask yourself, Why is he not asleep then?" LOL

6. QUESTION:
   Can a person bring a sleep apnea machine aboard an airplane when flying internationally?
   I have sleep apnea and use a sleep apnea breathing machine when sleeping (no oxygen) with a mask and distilled water. When travelling on an airplane internationally can I bring it with me so it is with me at the other country when I get there?

   • ANSWER:
     Hello !

     I know that most personnel at security checkpoints in airports are familiar with CPAP machines. t's advisable to carry along your prescription and/or statement of medical necessity from your physician so that you can demonstrate the need for your CPAP machine.

     I found from different sources that many CPAP users report no problems getting through the X-ray machine and passing the subsequent explosives and chemical tests, while others are forced to check their CPAP machines because they don't pass the X-ray check.

     My recommendation would therefore be to expect to be able to take your CPAP machine on an airplane with you, but don't be surprised if you end up having to check it. And don't forget your prescription from your doctor!

     Good luck!

7. QUESTION:
   I have sleep apnea,bi polar,personality disorder just put in a appeal with si am I wasting my time?
   I just received my 1st denial letter from ssi. Do you think I have a chance with sleep apnea,bi polar, personality disorder, panic attacks and I receive lots of meds for these conditions.

   • ANSWER:
     Can"t say if your wasting your time or not, however I do know that SSI ALWAYS denies you the first time around. Its procedural. My Father In Law suffered a massive stroke and through the process I found out that they always do that.

8. QUESTION:
   What is the best health tool to help sleep apnea?
   I know there are tools and machines to treat sleep apnea,,which do you recommend that I can order online that isn't a discomfort?
   Yes.. I;ve heard of apnea monitors but which brand?
   I get worried when I hear my father snoring then he doesn't breathe for 10 seconds then he takes a deep breath in

   • ANSWER:
     1 in 5 adults suffer from sleep apnea. It can be very dangerous so if you suspect sleep apnea is a problem it's best to see a doctor immediately.

     The question is about home remedies. This is not medical advice only a few possibilities to lessen the symptoms of sleep apnea.

     Lose weight - eat less and exercise more
     Lower blood pressure
     Stop smoking
     Stop the cause of heartburn
     No alcohol or sedatives before going to sleep.
     Keep regular sleeping times - sleep on your side
     Raise the head of the bead
     Dental appliances can sometimes help
     Use a humidifier
     Keep sinuses clear
     Stablize blood sugar

     Sleep apnea can affect anyone at any age, even children. However, risk factors include:
     * Male gender
     * Being overweight
     * Being over the age of forty
     * Having a large neck size (17 inches or greater in men and 16 inches or greater in women)
     * Having larger tonsils
     * Having a family history of sleep apnea

     In mild cases of sleep apnea, conservative therapy may be all that is needed. Conservative approaches include:
     * Lose weight
     * Avoid alcohol and sleeping pills
     * Change sleep positions to promote regular breathing
     * Stop smoking. Smoking can increase the swelling in the upper airway which may worsen both snoring and apnea.
     * Avoid sleeping on your back

     The most commonly performed surgical procedures for sleep apnea include:
     * Somnoplasty: A minimally invasive procedure to reduce the soft tissue in the upper airway.
     * Nasal surgery: Correction of nasal obstructions such as a deviated septum.
     * Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): A procedure that removes soft tissue on the back of the throat and palate, increasing the width of the airway at the throat opening.
     * Mandibular maxillar advancement surgery: Invasive surgery to correct certain facial abnormalities or throat obstructions that contribute to sleep apnea.

9. QUESTION:
   How well does a tonsillectomy cure sleep apnea?
   I have sleep apnea and have a tonsillectomy scheduled for later this year. How well does this fix sleep apnea?

   • ANSWER:
     Tonsillectomies alone do not 'cure' sleep apnea. Surgical remedies for sleep apnea usually are for those patients that do not respond well to other treatments, usually surgery is a last resort.

     The correct term for the surgery is called a Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, it removes parts or all of the uvula, soft palate, tonsils, adenoids, and pharynx. Its success rate is about 50%. Basically its a coin flip.

     The tonsillectomy could work, only if its enlarged. Same goes with the other parts that I listed above. The enlarged tissue(s) tend to obstruct your airway when you sleep, especially when you lie on your back.

     I would recommend getting a second opinion and see if your doctor would recommend a sleep study performed on you. Also check with your insurance if it is covered.

     Usually, sleep apnea can be resolved with diet and treatment using a CPAP machine (Continous Positive Airway Pressure). It can significantly improve your sleep.

     Good luck and have a good night's sleep!

10. QUESTION:
    How do you turn the pressure down on a Sleep Apnea Machine?
    I have Sleep Apnea and need to adjust the air pressure on the machine. I have lost my insurance and can not afford to have it professionally adjusted. If you know how please answer this question. Thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      There are 275,000 different kinds of machines... Ok, not really. But there are so many different kinds, you should include the make of machine. However, a lot of 'home machines' are locked in to a specific setting by the company and cannot be adjusted - without knowing how to unlock it.

      And, why do you think the air pressure needs to be adjusted? Without a formal sleep study, it's almost impossible to know what pressure you need.

11. QUESTION:
    What else can a sleep apnea test tell you about your health?
    Went to a sleep apnea test. What else can Physicians tell about such a test. I was hocked up to about 36 different electro cables.
    Thanks. I looked very funny after being hocked up to all these electrodes.
    Thanks. I looked very funny after being hocked up to all these electrodes.

    • ANSWER:
      A polysonogram or sleep study can identify about 80 plus different sleep disoders. Sleep apnea is by far the most common. It can tell if you have any siezures or brain wave abnormalities from the EEG They can tell if you have any heart rythm abnormalities from the EKG. The leg wires are EMG and they can tell if you have restless leg syndrome. The wire on your finger can tell what your oxygen level is all night. Other wires include the snore microphone, flow sensor (in the nose), the face electrodes are generally EMG wires. They can tell when you are in REM. The belts around the chest are to show respiratory and abdominal effort. It helps to determine if you have central sleep apnea vs. obstructive sleep apnea.

      Hope this helps

12. QUESTION:
    What are some books I can read to research the mental issues caused after a person has sleep apnea?
    I am doing an assignment on the mental conditions caused after a person is diagnosed with sleep apnea. This means what type of issues they mentally encounter as a result of sleep apnea (such as depression, changes the must do in their environment etc.) And I would like some literature to read and information that Sleep Apnea causes that most would not be aware to know about.

    • ANSWER:
      there are tons of sites dedicated to sleep ( after all you spend like 1/3 of your life doing it.)

      jsut google " sleep book"
      or "sleeping disorder"

      you will have more than you can read .

13. QUESTION:
    How long does it take to recover from throat surgery for sleep apnea?
    I recently had throat surgery for sleep apnea. My throat is exptremely sore, especially when I swollow. How long will this last?

    • ANSWER:
      I had a client who had the same surgery you describe and it took her about 6 weeks to finally feel normal. Take care of yourself and get as much rest as you possibly can - this will help your body heal. You'll probably feel some residual from the surgery (depending on how sensitive you were to the anesthesia they gave you) for about another month or two.

14. QUESTION:
    Is sleep apnea considered a pre-existing condition that is not covered by CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield?
    I am considering switching insurance during open enrollment to CareFirst, from Kaiser. I have sleep apnea and am on a CPAP machine. Is this considered a pre-existing condition that would nto be covered, or can it be transferred to the new insurance as durable medical equipment?

    I am waiting on an answer from CareFirst, but need to make a decision by next week.

    • ANSWER:
      The only time you should be penalized for a pre-existing condition is if their is a gap in your coverage. If there's a period in between switching ins where you do NOT have coverage then yes sleep apnea is a pre- existing diagnosis. Most of the time you will have to provide documentation to your new isns company that you have not had a gap in coverage.
      You sould be okay to switch.

15. QUESTION:
    Is it possible that sleep apnea may contribute to night leg cramps?
    70 year old, male with night cramps approximately 5 hours after falling asleep. He appears to have sleep apnea that is untreated at this time. Takes Prednisone, blood pressure medicine and Crestor. Could the sleep apnea contribute to the leg cramps?

    • ANSWER:
      I battled for over 10 years with what I now know was untreated sleep apnea, and never suffered from leg cramps. I am not 70 years old though. I would ask his primary doctor, remember that doctors do not offer opinions on forums like these, at least not officially.

      Now since I have treated my sleep apnea and use the cpap and have taken my share of sleep apnea tests, I can tell you that I have had a few leg cramps in the last few months or so. Leg cramps can be dehydration or any other ailment. Have a sleep study done, and I am sure that so many other symptoms may disappear.

      Some of the symptoms that I did have from sleep apnea were, high blood pressure, loss of hair in my lower legs due to poor circulation and air flow, heart burn and acid reflux, and a slew of other stuff, that have hence disappeared and rectified themselves.

16. QUESTION:
    Can a sleep apnea test be dangerous for a 92 year old woman?
    My mom is 92 and going to take a sleep apnea test tomorrow night. She is not in great health.

    • ANSWER:
      A sleep apnea test cannot be harmful - the test itself is just a sleep study, they put some stickers on you and these give information to a computer. It's easy. The only possible reason it could be detrimental is if she is stressed out.

      If she's reasonably healthy and calm it will all be OK

17. QUESTION:
    Is my sleep apnea the reason that my husband and I cannot conceive?
    We have tried for two years now, and still nothing. My period has been non-existent for about a year now. We are not using any birth control (obviously). My doctor says it's just because of my sleep apnea. I already have a son from a previous relationship. Any suggestions?
    I have a CPAP machine and have had it for about a month now.

    • ANSWER:
      FIRST OF ALL I AM NOT AN EXPERT ON FEMALE PROBLEMS, BUT SLEEP APNEA CAUSES MANY THINGS UP TO AND INCLUDING DEATH! SLEEP APNEA DISTURBS YOU WHILE YOU ARE SLEEPING, IN THAT YOU CANNOT GET WHAT IS CALLED "REM" OR TRUE SLEEP. IT IS WHERE THE BRAIN REALLY "UNWINDS", WITHOUT "REM" SLEEP ONE DOES NOT FEEL AT EASE! THINGS DO NOT FUNCTION ALL OVER THE BODY AS WELL, YOU SIMPLY ARE SLEEP DEPRIVED NO MATTER HOW MANY HOURS OF ACTUAL "SLEEP" YOU PUT IN!

      I ASSUME THAT YOU HAVE GONE TO A SLEEP CLINIC FOR THIS DIAGNOSIS? IF NOT YOU SHOULD GO FOR A TWO NIGHT STUDY, USUALLY SPACED SEVERAL WEEKS APART, TO SEE EXACTLY WHAT SPECIFICALLY IS DISTURBING YOUR SLEEP. MANY TIMES THERE ARE THINGS SUCH AS A TWITCHY LEG, WHICH CAN BE CURED WITH ONE PILL BEFORE BED, WHICH CAN ALSO DISTURB THIS "REM" SLEEP STATE.

      YOUR BODY SIMPLY CANNOT FUNCTION WITHOUT THIS DEEP STATE OF SLEEP, OVER ANY LONG PERIOD OF TIME WITHOUT SOME FORM OF NEGATIVE REACTION! YOUR BRAIN CONTROLS EVERYTHING, IF IT IS NOT WORKING RIGHT THEN ESSENTIALLY "YOU" ARE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY!

      SLEEP APNEA IS EASILY TREATED USING A DEVICE CALLED A CPAP! ALL IT DOES IS KEEP YOUR AIRWAYS OPEN WITH A SLIGHT POSITIVE AIR PRESSURE WHICH WAS DETERMINED AS IDEAL BY THE SLEEP LAB SESSION. IT TAKES TWO TO THREE WEEKS TO GET USED TO IT! BUT IT IS NOT AN OPTIONAL DEVICE. IT IS A PRESCRIBED MEDICAL THING, EXACTLY LIKE A MEDICATION, A PILL OR A SHOT FOR AN INFECTION ! YOU MUST USE IT IT WILL SAVE AND EXTEND YOUR LIFE!

      I PROMISE YOU THAT ONCE YOU GET USE TO IT YOU WILL FEEL MUCH BETTER!

      I AM A VERY HARD HEADED STUBBORN 61 YEAR OLD FOOL, I LIVED IN DENIAL THAT I HAD ANY PROBLEM AT ALL. MY WIFE WHO LOVES ME FORCED ME, I RESISTING THE WHOLE WAY, TO GO TO THE SLEEP CLINIC. I INITIALLY HATED THE "D#@N CPAM MACHINE". MY WIFE MADE ME USE IT AGAIN BECAUSE SHE WANTED ME TO CONTINUE TO LIVE! GUESS WHAT? SHORTLY I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE DARN THING AND NOW AFTER NEARLY TWO YEARS I STILL LOVE THE THING! I FEEL 20 YEARS YOUNGER AND LOST WEIGHT, THE THING WORKS!

      TRY TREATMENT FOR SLEEP APNEA IT WILL MAKE YOUR LIFE MUCH BETTER I SWEAR THAT TO YOU! EVERYTHING ELSE SHOULD WORK OUT!

      PLEASE DO IT!

      GOOD LUCK,

      APS

18. QUESTION:
    What is sleep apnea and how is it diagnosed in children?
    My daughter wakes up every morning at 4am she is 1 and a half someone has suggested to me that it could be sleep apnea. What are the symptoms of this and what is it? Thanks

    • ANSWER:
      Sleep apnea is any period of time where ther is no breathing while asleep. Usuly the time period is a minimum 10 seconds.

      The most common kind of sleep apnea is called Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome. It is characterized by repetitive episodes of upper airway obstruction that occur during sleep, usually associated with a reduction in blood oxygen saturation.

      symptoms:
      excessive daytime sleepiness
      frequent episodes of obstructed breathing during sleep. (The patient may be unaware of this symptom -- usually the parents are extremely aware of this).

      Associated features may include:
      snoring - loud, squeaky, raspy
      nocturnal snorting, gasping, choking (may wake self up)
      restless sleep
      heavy irregular breathing
      excessive perspiring during sleep
      severe bedwetting
      bad dreams (nightmares)
      night terrors
      sleeps with mouth open, causing a dry mouth upon awakening
      chest retraction during sleep in young children (chest pulls in)
      sleeps in strange positions
      confusion upon awakening
      morning headaches
      unrefreshing sleep
      excessive daytime sleepiness
      may develop high blood pressure
      may be overweight or underweight
      learning problems
      excessive irritability
      change in personality
      depression
      difficulty concentrating
      Developmental problems
      failure to thrive or grow
      frequent upper respiratory infections
      hyperactive behavior

      How serious is sleep apnea?
      It is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. The risks of undiagnosed obstructive in children with sleep apnea include learning problems, developmental problems, behavior problems and in some cases, failure to grow, heart problems and high blood pressure. In addition, obstructive sleep apnea causes daytime sleepiness that can result in personality changes, lost productivity in school and interpersonal relationship problems. A child with sleep apnea may lag behind in many areas of development. The child may become frustrated and depressed. The severity of the symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe.

      How does the doctor determine if my child has Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

      A sleep test, called polysomnography is usually done to diagnose sleep apnea. There are two kinds of polysomnograms. An overnight polysomnography test involves monitoring brain waves, muscle tension, eye movement, respiration, oxygen level in the blood and audio monitoring. (for snoring, gasping, etc.) The second kind of polysomnography test is a home monitoring test. A Sleep Technologist hooks your child up to all the electrodes and instructs you on how to record your child's sleep with a computerized polysomnograph that you take home and return in the morning. They are painless tests that are usually covered by insurance.

      How is Sleep Apnea treated?

      In children, simply removing the tonsils or adenoids may take care of the problem.

      Sleep Apnea in children where removing the tonsils or adenoids does not take care of the problem is usually treated with a C-PAP (continous positive airway pressure) or Bi-Level positive airway pressure. C-PAP is a machine that blows air into your nose via a nose mask, keeping the airway open and unobstructed. Bi-Level has an inspiratory pressure that is higher than the expiratory pressure. The sleep doctor will "prescribe" the pressure and a home healthcare company will set it up and provide training in its use and maintenance.

      When your child needs a machine, it can be quite intimidating. A C-PAP machine requires some care and a period of adjustment, but the benefits of C-PAP therapy are worth the inconvenience. C-PAP is NOT a venilator, it merely keeps the airway open so your child can breathe easily. It is not a complicated machine like some mentioned in the above link to kidshealth organization, nor do you have to worry about 24-hour nursing care or your child being in intensive care unless there are more complicated problems. A one night stay in a sleep clinic to monitor the child's breathing is generally all that is required. Here are some tips if your child comes home on a machine. A C-PAP machine may be "prescribed" for your child. A home healthcare company that contracts with your insurance will provide the machine and show you how it works and how to clean and maintain it.

      Find out about the different manufacturers who provide respiratory equipment for obstructive sleep apnea.

      Some children have facial deformities that may cause the sleep apnea. It simply may be that their jaw is smaller than it should be or they could have a smaller opening at the back of the throat. Some children have enlarged tonsils, a large tongue or some other tissues partially blocking the airway. Fixing a deviated septum may help to open the nasal passages. Removing the tonsils and adenoids or polyps may help also. Children are much more likely to have their tonsils and adenoids removed to solve the problem.

      The only available treatment for severe apnea until the early 1980's was a tracheostomy. A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure where a small hole is cut in the neck and a tube with a valve is inserted into the hole. During the day the valve is closed so the person can speak. At night, the valve is opened, thus avoiding the obstructions. This procedure is only used today as a last resort or to avoid respiratory distress, or other serious medical complications (Your child would have to be extremely sick to require this).

19. QUESTION:
    Is there any other way to treat sleep apnea than using the mask?
    I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea recently and have started using the C-Pap machine at night, but i find that i wake up in the middle of the night and take it off because i can't seem to use it right when i roll over . It's frustrating. I just want to sleep thru the night. Any suggestions?

    • ANSWER:
      oral appliances like retaner looking things and stuff, surgeries and such but the cpap is most effective.

      You may need a new mask. Did you get a fitted properly for the mask, there are a ton so just a pick of small medium large doesn't cover it sometimes, as for the tubing and rolling over My respratory therapist puts a hook above her bed for the tube.

20. QUESTION:
    Is it safe to take Imovane with sleep apnea?
    I just read that you shouldn't take Imovane if you have sleep apnea. My doctor prescribed it for me, forgetting that I have sleep apnea. Has anyone with sleep apnea taken Imovane? Is it safe as long as I am using my CPAP?

    • ANSWER:
      If you are treating your sleep apnea with Cpap you should be O.k. I believe the reason they do not recommend it, is because hypnotic drugs actually lengthen apneas in untreated individuals. Same goes for Ambien and so on... still if you are not sure you should ask your physician or pharmacist. Good luck.

21. QUESTION:
    How can I remove mental fog due to years of sleep apnea?
    I feel like my mind is weak because I had sleep apnea all through school. I am in my mind 20's and have sleep apnea due to the structure of my body (I am not overweight which is the usual cause). I did ok in school but I just feel like I didn't absorb everything I needed to. What would you do? I know use C-PAP and have been for a few month and am feeling a lot better. Any advice would help. Thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      yoga or martial arts(from a good school where they teach mind to focus and not only combat)

22. QUESTION:
    What other problems could be mistaken for sleep apnea?
    I have many symptoms of sleep apnea but my sleep study shows that it is not an issue. I am tired all the time, no energy or motivation. Depression and anxiety are a major problem. I wake up many times a night feeling like I cannot catch my breath, like my chest is very heavy and not getting enough air/oxygen. What other conditions could cause these symptoms?

    • ANSWER:
      Did they check your limb movements while you were in for the sleep study? Periodic Limb Movement Syndrome & Restless Leg Movement Syndrome can both create excessive daytime sleepiness, as can Idiopathic Hypersomnia.

      Depression and thyroid problems should also be ruled out. Sleep issues can affect mood and depression issues can affect sleep. It's often difficult to tease the two apart.

      Because of the breathing problem, allergies and asthma should also be looked at as the potential cause.

23. QUESTION:
    How many teenagers out of every 1000 have sleep apnea ocd anxiety and adhd?
    I have sleep apnea ocd anxiety and adhd at age 14. Is it really rare for someone my age to have all those problems?

    • ANSWER:
      Do you really want a statistic? Like for a class or a paper, or are you actually comparing to yourself? Who knows how many in 1,000? Perhaps someone who did a study. But as far as ADHD, anxiety, ocd and at least problems sleeping, they can all go together. ADHD seems to have some clusters of symptoms, and sometimes ADHD people have trouble filtering out things that they find irritating. Sleep Apnea can be caused from weight, or chemical things going on in the brain. You could try a couple things to get these a bit under control. First, cut out all caffeine. Cut out all sugary things, soda pop, and wheat products. Try to up your protein intake (real meat, and not fried stuff), and fresh fruits and vegetables. Watch to see what happens. If this helps, great. If you need to, you can also see how removing dairy from your diet works. If these don't help, try to decide if you are under some specific pressure that is bothering you. But do try to eliminate these things, first. It may take 2 or 3 weeks to see the actual result, but it may be worth it. Look up ADHD and candida, or ADHD and food sensitivities, online.

24. QUESTION:
    this is for those that have sleep apnea. How do you get used to the cpap machine?
    I am having a sleep apnea test done soon and may have to use the machine. I had the sleep apnea long time ago but I couldn't get used to the machine so I sent it back.

    • ANSWER:
      Sleep apnea machines and masks have come along way in the last 2 years. 1st make sure that the home care co. that is setting up the equipment will work with you, if they aren't willing to, go to another company! You are the customer and they CAN get you comfortable with something. There are so many different masks & nasal pillows available, not to mention what they are doing with the machines now! Puritan Bennett has a machine that is about the size of the 1st personnal CD players they came out with in the 80's, and Respironics has machines that work with your breathing pattern!(check out their web sites)
      This is something you need to be pro-active about. Lack of sleep does so many bad things to your body- poor memory, weight gain, depression, etc. Not to mention what the lack of oxygen in your body when you don't breath at night does to your brain and heart.
      Good Luck!

25. QUESTION:
    What to expect at apnea overnight sleep clinic test?
    I've been given this overnight appointment with no info so I don't know what to expect at all. Can anyone advise please and does anyone out there have experience of sleep apnea?

    • ANSWER:
      I have sleep apnea, a serious case of it too boot.

      Like you I went in "blind" to my sleep study. I was told to bring clothes, morning ritual stuff, and whatever else that helps you sleep. They usually ask you to be there around 8 or maybe 9p.m. so they can start putting the electrodes on varies part of your body. I had like one on each side of my calves and couple on my chest and 10 various points on my head.(don't worry the goop does wash out of your hair)

      When you are ready too sleep they will hook up the electrodes to the monitor. All you do is sleep and they will watch you on the camera while they watch your heart beat and breathing. If your wake up sometime in the night and have to use the bathroom,, well its kinda awkward but you have tell them you need to use the bathroom. You just can't get up because you are hooked up to the monitor. They come in, unhook you, go do your business, come back, they hook you back up and you go back to sleep.

      In the morning they come unhook you and take the electrodes off and you shower and go to work or home if you want. It takes them a couple days come back with a diagnosis.

      There are different levels of sleep apnea. You are only allowed 15 interruptions an hour for it too not be a problem. Interruptions can be you snoring, tossing and turning, not breathing, heart doing goofy stuff, it goes on but those are the basics.

      I had an average of 55 interruption's an hour. My brother was 66. I had stopped breathing at one time for about 45 seconds.

      The way I understand sleep apnea is when you are not going into R.E.M. enough to be getting good sleep. Basically R.E.M. is the time your brain shuts down to get the much needed down time and your body goes into auto mode. Sometimes your body may forget to do the basics when in auto mode and your brain has too wake up and tell you to do them. Don't let this scare you because you would be surprised how much of this actually goes on when we sleep. I also found out through my doctor that sleep apnea does run in family's. My Grandpa, Dad, and Brother all have it and so do I. One thing that contributes to my problem is a small jaw. It's half an inch smaller than should be. Some people go do that thing to their nose to help with the snoring when in fact it is probably the jaw. You might ask about that when you talk to your doctor. I hope I helped and good sleeping.

26. QUESTION:
    What is the difference between apnea and asphyxia?
    What is the difference between apnea and asphyxia?

    • ANSWER:
      Apnea is a term for suspension of external breathing.
      Asphyxia is a condition of severely deficient supply of oxygen to the body that arises from being unable to breathe normally.

27. QUESTION:
    What exactly is scarring from a septoplasty that causes sleep apnea?
    I had septoplasty they think I have scarring that is now causing sleep apnea how is that possible my roof of my mouth vibrates and my snoring increased after the septoplasty. What happened? He is doing a sleep study but cant you tell some other way?
    Is this a sign of a bad surgeon? Move septum vibrates too and the roof of mouth only when I sleep? Im not fat it was the surgery

    • ANSWER:
      Sleep apnea is an obstruction somewhere in the airway. It can be caused by a number of things. Scar tissue is very likely cause. Sleep apnea surgery does not work for many people because the scarring is actually worse than the original problem

      My question to you is did you snore before your nose job. If so you probably had OSA previously. Many people do.

      Sleep apnea is found in people of all sizes and shapes. Kids get SA as well.

      When you have the sleep study, you can ask many questions to the sleep techs and the doctor at the follow up.

      Best wishes

28. QUESTION:
    How do i cope with an epileptic who has sleep apnea?
    My partner was recently diagnosed with epilepsy. After witnessing all three of his seizures I'm pretty scared. He also has sleep apnea which is the main cause of his epilepsy. At this point, I'm too scared to sleep. Considering he had his seizures in his sleep and he always stops breathing and the twitching I'm so terrified. How do I cope with this. I haven't slept in weeks. I know he gets annoyed with my constant worry so could someone please help me?

    • ANSWER:
      Sleep is one of those things that is absolutely necessary for people to live full and healthy lives. It is supposed to be a source of rest as well as a way to repair the body to take on the activities the following day. However, there are some people who do not experience the kind of slumber others do. One of the disorders that is associated with sleep is a condition known as apnea seizures.

      Basics
      Sleep apnea is caused by the body's inability to breathe properly during sleep. This can be caused by various factors such as obstruction of the air passages. When this occurs, the person has trouble breathing and the sleep is disturbed. Another cause for sleep apnea is the inability of the central nervous system to perform its function of regulating breathing properly. When this occurs, one of the symptoms that can manifest is seizures. The signs of seizures can range from feeling disoriented to involuntary muscle movement.

      Epilepsy
      Sleep apnea and epilepsy are two medical conditions that are often connected by their tendency to exacerbate the manifestation of each other. When a person experiences sleep apnea, the person is deprived of sleep because he or she tends to wake up at various times. The constant lack of sleep can decrease an epileptic patient's ability to fight off the occurrence of a seizure. On the other hand, the medication taken to treat epilepsy has side effects that affect the respiratory functions of the central system as well as relaxing the air passages. Thus, this can cause a predisposition to sleep apnea. Both of these conditions tend to cause seizures for people.

      Evaluation
      Apnea seizures can happen to anyone and at any particular point. However, there are some people who are more prone to experiencing it. For example, apnea more commonly occurs in men. People who snore or are overweight also have a higher risk of experiencing apnea seizures. The reason behind this is that they are the ones who have more trouble getting enough oxygen in their systems while they sleep.

      Effects
      Sleep apnea seizures can take a major toll on the body. People who experience involuntary movement while they sleep tend to wake up tired and without energy in the morning. A headache is also most likely to set in. Besides the inconvenience of exhaustion, the effects of apnea seizures can also be life-threatening. The deprivation of sleep over prolonged periods of time can cause cardiac arrhythmia, or the irregular beating of the heart.

      Treatment
      Doctors recommend an overall healthy lifestyle when it comes to lessening apnea seizures. Weight loss and regular exercise is needed because it will help the body regulate the oxygen it uses. Thus, the cause of sleep apnea, which is abnormal respiration, can be eliminated or lessened. In some extreme cases, surgery may be resorted to in order to tear sleep apnea and the seizures that accompany it. A procedure called the tracheostomy, which involves the removal of any obstructing uvula, can be performed.

29. QUESTION:
    What are some treatments for sleep apnea?
    My boyfriend has sleep apnea and snores. It has gotten progressively worse. I am not sure what to do. it seems when i elbow him, he stops temporarily but not long enough for me to fall alseep. It is often so back that it not only prevents me from sleeping but, once i fall asleep, it wakes me up again. HELP!

    • ANSWER:
      Sleep apnea should be diagonsed from a reputable sleep clinic. There may be another reason for his snoring such as weight etc.
      The usual treatment is sleeping with a positive air flow machine (I think it is called Cpac. If he stops breathing his oxygen level goes down and it can be a very dangerous health condition. Have him see a Dr. that specializes in sleep problems.

30. QUESTION:
    What are some ways for me to get rid of sleep apnea?
    I've been told I need to wear a little mask attached to a small machine for my sleep disorder. What are some ways to get rid of sleep apnea? I know one way is to lose weight. My goal is to lose at least 20 pounds.

    • ANSWER:
      Colon cleaning is the new method to shed weight. Researchers have illustrated the point that not all unwanted weight is thanks to additional fat, a great deal of weight basically rests there in your colon, and all you need to do is flush it out. http://galips.bestweightloss4u.info has a risk free trial on currently, give it a try out, you could shed as much as 20 pounds!

31. QUESTION:
    What do you do when your husband has been diagnosed with sleep apnea and won't use the machine?
    My husband has sleep apnea and will not use the machine. He also has diabetes. He goes to work, comes home sleeps for about two hours, goes to bed at 12:00 AM and gets up about 4:30 for work. On the weekends he will sleep if you let him about 14 hours a day. He would do this during the week but he has to go to work. I just don't know what to do. I'm very concerned.

    • ANSWER:
      Unfortunately, there's not much you can do... You can show him all the information about sleep apnea and its deleterious effects on health, how improved sleep can actually improve diabetes, etc etc, but until he decides to do what he needs to do, he'll probably just hear it as "nagging" and ignore you even more industriously.

      If it gets to be that bad, you could lay down an ultimatum: That if he doesn't start taking better care of himself, you'll leave because you can't stand to watch him take such risks with his health. I would certainly not recommend that, unless the marriage is already irretrievably broken and you would actually be okay with it if he said, "All right, bye then."

      My sympathies are with you; it's very frustrating to watch someone you care about neglect themselves. Unfortunately, your options are rather limited. I hope someone else has a more productive answer for you. Good luck.

32. QUESTION:
    how can you tell the difference between nocturnal panic attacks and sleep apnea?
    how can you tell the difference between nocturnal panic attacks and sleep apnea? are there any signs or anything..
    i usually wake up very shortly after falling asleep and i feel like my body is shaking and then sometimes i wake up feeling like i need deeper breathes..

    • ANSWER:
      Sleep apnea you actually stop breathing, but panic attacks you just get rapid breathing. You need to do a sleep study or have someone watch you all night to see if you stop breathing.

33. QUESTION:
    Can sleep apnea cause palpitations during the day?
    My heart skips beats all through the day, and my
    heart rate stays well above one hundred all of the
    time. I have been to a cardiologist, and he gave me
    a stress test and a ultrasound of my heart. Every
    thing came back normal. So, I would like to know
    what is causing this because it is driving me crazy!!
    I have a history of sleep apnea, but I am not sure if
    this is the problem.

    • ANSWER:
      Untreated sleep apnea can cause all sorts of problems, both physical and emotional. Your organs, such as your heart, simply do not get enough oxygen to function well. It may be that you also have anxiety, which can also cause palpitations. You really ought to be tested for sleep apnea in a sleep lab, and then get a CPAP machine to wear over your nose at night. You will feel better within a week or so, and the distressing symptoms will go away. BEEN THERE, DONE THAT. My very best wishes to you.

34. QUESTION:
    How much does it cost for a Oral Mandibular Advancement Device for sleep apnea?
    I have tried a cpap for sleep apnea and I just cant get used to it. I have made an appointment with a dentist for the oral device. Has anyone gotten? How much does it cost?

    • ANSWER:
      More than you can imagine.

35. QUESTION:
    Is there an alternative sleep apnea diagnosis method other than an overnight sleep study?
    I believe I have sleep apnea, but because I am currently in a residential treatment program, I am unable to go to an overnight sleep study.
    Is there an alternative method with which I can be tested for sleep apnea?

    • ANSWER:
      Not one that would be recognized by an insurance company.

      Have a friend watch you sleep. If you repeatedly stop breathing for 15-20 or more seconds, then you probably do have sleep apnea. More prevalent with snorers.

36. QUESTION:
    Is there anyway to test for sleep apnea without sleeping over somewhere?
    I can't do the sleeping over bit due to agoraphobia, but my roommate said I stop breathing at night and last time I went to my doctor she mentioned that I might have apnea. So is there a test that doesn't involve sleeping somewhere?

    • ANSWER:
      No.

37. QUESTION:
    How do I find free study to diagnose sleep apnea?
    I know my bf has sleep apnea pretty bad, but there's no way we can afford to pay anything right now or any time soon. Does anyone know where we can get a free diagnosis in Phoenix or the surrounding area?
    Thanks for any info

    • ANSWER:

38. QUESTION:
    Could sleep apnea caused by enlarged tonsils effect my running?
    I was just diagnosed with possible sleep apnea due to large tonsils and adenoids. My sleep test could not be scheduled until after my first two meets and the results will not come until the fifth one. So I was wondering if either the apnea or the tonsils and adenoids would effect my running and decrease my times. I run the 2 mile. Thank you.

    • ANSWER:
      Your large tonsils are probably more of a concern since it's lymph tissue and in generally swells up because of illness such as a bacteria infection or strep throat. Tonsils are suppose to shrink in size as you grow older. If they are becoming larger than it's best to see a throat, nose specialist. Good health.

39. QUESTION:
    what is the mortality rate for patients with severe sleep apnea?
    ___ out of ____ people die from severe sleep apnea. (or any other statistics about mortality rate)

    what is the life expectancy with proper treatment?

    • ANSWER:
      There is a lot of undiagnosed sleep apnea out there so your first question is difficult to answer. People who fall asleep at the wheel because of sleep apnea and die in a crash would be in a different statistics. People who die of heart disease because of damage from high bp caused by sleep apnea fall in a different category.

      You second question is also difficult to answer. It depends on when the person was diagnosed and what is their co morbidity's. Does treatment save lives, I would say definitely. It saved mine. I was diagnosed in my 30s and am 100 percent compliant.

40. QUESTION:
    where can I purchase reasonably priced accessories for a sleep apnea machine?
    My husband is challenged with sleep apnea and uses a machine to assist with this condition. It is sold by a company called Apria. To replace the plastic piece(s)(not the machine)is so expensive. One tiny piece of plastic should not cost or more. Any ideas on where to purchase these pieces at a reasonable cost and not directly thgrough the Apria site.

    • ANSWER:

41. QUESTION:
    Is removal of tonsils a must for sleep apnea?
    My kid has a mild sleep apnea that is 5 episodes that lasts about 10 second in the hour on average. The ENT specialist is recommending a surgery to remove tonsils. My question : Is this absolutely required given it is a mind case(as I have been told)? Any side effect/longterm effect if I don't get this done? Will this surgery absolutey cure the sleep apnea?
    Thanks in advance for your kind advice.

    • ANSWER:
      In most cases for children, yes, having the tonsils removed will fix the apnea issues. Surgery is never a 100% guarantee. Not having it done could result in possible continuation of the airway being blocked, which will lead to future health issues. Anything from just being extra tired, feeling like there's a lack of rest although you have a full nights sleep, to serious issues, like Hypertension, Heart Disease, Stroke, Obesity, Depression and so on.

      If you still have serious concerns, you can always get a second opinion. I would just talk to your EMT again and express you're concerns.

      Hope it works out well for your kid : )

42. QUESTION:
    Can young women have obstructive sleep apnea?
    Is it possible for a young, very slender (5'6"/102 lbs), petite female to have sleep apnea? I recently started dating such a woman and she told me that sometimes she wakes up gasping for air and her heart is pounding. She has been told in the past that she snores. I thought that only people who were overweight or older can develop that condition.

    • ANSWER:
      Apnea can effect anyone of any age. Young children can have sleep apnea.

43. QUESTION:
    Why does sleep deprivation make the symptoms of sleep apnea worse?
    I recently did a sleep study and found that I have obstructive sleep apnea and it causes me to wake up during the night - often many times. I go through cycles where the problem gets much worse, one night of poor sleep leads to another worse night of interupted sleep, and so on - sometimes for a month or even more. I have heard that sleep deprivation makes the symptoms of sleep apnea much worse, and as I am searching for the right treatments, I was just interested in finding out why - what is the mechanism that causes this? Very strenuous exercise during the day or early evening can have the same effect. Thank you for any insights.

    • ANSWER:
      Actually, sleep apnea is a condition where you actually stop breathing during sleep. For most people, this causes them to wake up quickly; for others, it's a life-threatening situation (especially for babies and small children). I imagine if you're not getting much rest, when you do finally get to sleep your body is so tired it's hard for your body to wake up when you stop breathing. Also, even though your body eventually trains itself to sleep lightly in order potentially avoid apnea, when YOU finally get some sleep your body falls into a deeper sleep. This makes it harder for your body to avoid apnea. I would advise you to get plenty of rest whenever possible. I believe you should obtain a sleep apnea monitor from your physician. This will sound an alarm to wake you up when you stop breathing, or if your oxygen saturation level drops below a certain percentage. This may alleviate some of your anxiety and help you sleep better at night. Just a thought. Good luck.

44. QUESTION:
    What alternatives are effective for sleep apnea, besides CPAP?
    I can't afford a CPAP machine right now. Are there any other alternatives that help with sleep apnea? I've tried a dental device before, but it hurts my jaw and teeth too much. Surgery is also not an option right now due to the cost. Is there anything else that can be done? I'm trying to lose weight, so no need to tell me that, either.

    • ANSWER:
      It may be worth revisiting the sleep apnea mouthpiece option. If you can get it into hot water before putting it in for the first time it should mould to your features better and be less uncomfortable

45. QUESTION:
    What kind of doctor would you go to for snoring/sleep apnea?
    My husband and I are having severe problems with snoring. I think he suffers from sleep apnea. Would a GP treat this or should he go straight to an ENT?

    • ANSWER:
      Neurologist could refer him to a Sleep Pathologist to have a Sleep Study done, to see if he needs a CPAP or something like that. If you don't have insurance, the sleep study is quite expensive. A normal doctor should be able to refer him to the right place though, he shouldn't have to go to a neurologist for it.

46. QUESTION:
    Does anyone know if there is a correlation between sleep apnea and diabetes?
    My husband has diabetes and Sleep Apnea. Can you tell me if you have diabetes can this cause you to have Sleep Apnea?

    • ANSWER:
      Is he overweight? Both diabetes and sleep apnea are correlated with obesity. This COULD be the connection. I am unaware of any direct connection between diabetes and apnea.

47. QUESTION:
    Can sleep apnea in your childhood affect how well you sleep later on in life?
    I had sleep apnea when I was younger due to very large tonsils and adenoids. They were taken out when I was four years old. I am now 18 and have been having difficulties falling and staying asleep for around four or five years now. I was wondering if there is any connection.

    • ANSWER:
      Some patients have problems even if they had surgery. For example, if you had big adenoids, then surgery can be an important step to do, avoiding complications with a CPAP machine for the rest of your life. However, did you know that some sleep apnea patients had the same difficulties in sleep even they've had removed the tonsils and adenoids?

      One of the reasons is that they have another cause for their sleep disorder, like fat around their neck, a big tongue that can obstruct the airways in sleep, or central sleep apnea.

48. QUESTION:
    Can sleep apnea make me so tired that I feel like sleeping 20 hours a day?
    There were 2 days in the past few months when I slept for 20 hours Was that because of the sleep apnea?

    • ANSWER:
      If you have sleep apnea and it is not being treated properly, then yes.

49. QUESTION:
    Are there any natural ways to treat sleep apnea?
    I have just been diagnosed with sleep apnea, and I;m awaiting the appointment with the pulmonologist. Just wondering what to do in the meantime.

    • ANSWER:
      Natural cures for sleep apnea

      There are several natural medicines for sleeping problems that might help with sleep apnea. However, it’s best to consult someone – such as a homeopathic physician -- about taking any of these. He or she might recommend one or several of them in some combination

      Here are some natural treatments that could work if you have only a mild case of sleep apnea.

      *Minimize your use of alcohol, antihistamines, or tranquilizers.
      *Make sure you get treatment for allergies and colds or sinus problems.
      *Develop regular sleep habits, and especially make sure you get enough sleep at night.
      *Gargle with salt water to shrink your tonsils
      *Try sleeping on your side or sitting up rather than sleeping on your back.
      *Don't smoke or expose yourself to other irritants (such as dust or perfumes).
      *Use an air humidifier by your bed side.
      *Place bricks under the head of your bed to raise it
      *Try eliminating mucus-producing foods (such as dairy and bananas) for two weeks. Then begin eating themn again and see if you notice any differnces.

      There are also small devices which can be inserted into the mouth to help keep the airway open during sleep. These devices help by either bringing the jaw more forward or by keeping the soft tissues up to avoid them collapsing and blocking the airway. These devices do not cure sleep apnea and it likely to get worse if left untreated.

50. QUESTION:
    How do you know if you have Sleep Apnea ?
    I was wondering if anyone on here has sleep apnea and how do you feel when you have it ? The reason I ask is because I was wondering if I had sleep apnea a perfect example is: There are times when I will wake up gasping and choking and continuous coughing and my throat feels a bit rare and sore. Are these some symptoms for people with Sleep Apnea?

    • ANSWER:
      Common symptoms of sleep apnea;
      Snoring
      waking up often
      weight gain
      feeling tired most of the time
      gasping/choking (which means your breathing stopped momentarily)
      falling asleep involuntarily during the day

      more severe symptoms of sleep apnea;
      falling asleep while driving
      waking up needing to urinate urgently (several times a night)
      thrashing about while sleeping
      grinding your teeth while sleeping

      I strongly urge you to get a sleep study done. It is painless and only takes one evening to do. Sleep apnea deprives the brain and body of oxygen. The standard treatment for sleep apnea is that you get to sleep using a C-PAP or Bi-PAP machine. You wear a mask to bed and the machine pressurizes the oxygen flow while you sleep. No more snoring, sore throat, waking up multiple times, etc. etc. etc.

      I have been using my machine for almost 3 years. Insurance paid for it & the sleep study. I have great energy now, feel more alert than ever. It did not take long to get used to the mask and I love the long term benefits.

      If you snore, chances are you have some form of apnea. Get a sleep study done ASAP