Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   More (most) aggressive treatment for sleep apnea?
   I had a UPPP surgery to help with my sleep apnea (CPAP machine-titration 19), it wasn't effective. I would like to know what are other more aggressive options to help regulate my sleep apnea.

   • ANSWER:
     Not sure if they have one in your area, but the "Sleep Wellness Center". I know the guy from the morning show I produce has sleep apnea. He used to fall asleep on air (no joking), and would be drousy during the day. He's been fine ever since they diagnosed it and reccommended he use the machine he currently has... He swears by it.

2. QUESTION:
   What are the risks to leaving sleep apnea untreated?
   What are treatment options? I have a relative with it and he refuses to get medical help for it, because he doesn't want the doctor to tell him to stop smoking.

   • ANSWER:
     Sleep apnea causes daytime fatigue, agitation and loss of concentration due to inadequate sleep.
     Blood pressure during apneic episodes also spikes at a dangerously high level, probably precipitating stroke in those who are predisposed. Sleep apnea can be caused by taking sedatives at bedtime, sleeping on ones back, and being overweight. Diagnosis is relatively simple, and if eliminating causative agents does not help, the sufferer can wear a snug fitting mask attached to a small compressor that forces air into the lungs at regular intervals to mimic regular breathing.

3. QUESTION:
   I have sleep obstructive apnea and I'm only in my twenties...?
   What treatment options are there besides cpap cause I really don't want to have to use the face mask every night. Plus I was wondering if sleep apnea could cause anxiety and breathing difficulty during the day. I have been checked out by several doctors and I don't have any other serious conditions but I'm worried about the long term effects and complications of sleep apnea. I want to lose weight I heard that could help significantly(I'm about 50 lbs overweight).

   • ANSWER:

4. QUESTION:
   treatment of sleep disorders after CABG surgery ?
   I have a patient with mild obstructive sleep apnea, who had Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery recently after a Myocadial Infarction, and now he is recovering well 5 days post-op but his sleep apnea has worsened and he can't get any sleep ever since the surgery.
   do you have any suggestion or any management options to offer?
   thanks a lot !

   • ANSWER:
     Cardiac asthma suspected.

5. QUESTION:
   Does anyone know any other alternative to sleep apnea other than that awful mask?
   Treatment Options: Medication, etc.

   • ANSWER:
     There are nose pillows, and also a surgery that places some sort of thing inside your mouth in the back where you cannot truly notice it that can help. Weight loss will help greatly. I have sleep apnea and I know that it can be cumbersome and some poeple cant stand anything on their face. But from day 1 for me I got used to it. I have recently tried to sleep without it and can make it 2 or 3 night without now where I couldnt several months ago. But you do need to use it if you have been diagnosed. Not using it can cause you to have heart problems also and you could stop breathing and never start back up.......check into the sorts of different things you can do to help other than the mask.

6. QUESTION:
   Sleep apnea project abstract-which one?
   My partner and I are disagreeing about the wording for our abstract. Would someone rewrite it using both or just give your opinion on which one i should use?

   OPTION 1

   Over 20 million Americans suffer some degree of sleep apnea; those who do suffer from Sleep Apnea, are prone to suffer from excessive sleepiness, waking frequently throughout the night, morning headaches, and severe side effects on the heart and circulation. This project was designed to inform those suffering, or those who know someone suffering from Sleep Apnea.
   Data was extracted from many reliable sources, along with a live interview. It was determined that sleep apnea is not widely known and often goes undiagnosed. The general population has probably already been exposed to Sleep Apnea without knowing it. There are few cases that have negative repercussions that may be life threatening, and require a doctor's assistance.
   The doctor revealed that there are many different treatments available for sleep apnea that can help to reduce, if not eliminate, the side effects. It is recommended that you should begin a healthy diet to help reduce Sleep Apnia, some healthy measure you can take are: Avoid alcohol and sedatives, some medications are designed to keep the patient breathing overnight. People with sleep apnea can also use a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) mask or a BIPAP (Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure) mask to relieve the symptoms. In severe cases, surgery may be required to relieve the symptoms.
   More people need to know about sleep apnea because it could be depriving them of sleep and contributing to high blood pressure and other circulatory problems. This could inspire people to go consult their doctor about their sleeping patterns and get treatment if it's needed.

   OPTION 2

   Over 20 million Americans suffer some degree of sleep apnea; all of these people are in danger for side effects such as excessive sleepiness, waking frequently throughout the night, morning headaches, and severe side effects on the heart and circulation. This project was created to inform people about this condition so they can help themselves or family members that may be suffering.

   Data was extracted from many reliable sites, pamphlets, books, and from a live interview with sleep expert. It was determined that sleep apnea is not widely known and often goes undiagnosed. The general population needs to be informed about this condition because there can be life-threatening repercussions that require being treated by a doctor.

   The doctor revealed that there are many different treatments available for sleep apnea that can help to reduce, if not eliminate, the side effects. It is recommended that people with sleep apnea should lose a reasonable amount of weight in healthy ways, avoid alcohol and sedatives, can use medication to stimulate the brain to keep the patient breathing throughout the entire night. People with sleep apnea can also use a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) mask or a BIPAP (Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure) mask to relieve the symptoms. In severe cases, surgery could be needed to relieve the symptoms.

   More people need to know about sleep apnea because it could be what's causing their sleep deprivation and contributing to high blood pressure and other circulatory problems. This could inspire people to go consult their doctor about their sleeping patterns and get treatment if it's needed.

   • ANSWER:
     Either are fine but you have some incorrect information. I would clarify that you are discussing obstructive sleep apnea and not central. With that being the case, there is no medication to treat it. I would also clarify who the sleep expert is. Is at an RPSGT, RRT or a board certified physician in sleep medicine. Surgery is not the answer for severe cases unless you are talking about a tracheotomy. Any other surgery is less than 50 percent effective and that is only if they know exactly where the obstruction is and if you are discussing central sleep apnea, surgery will not work. The only recommended treatment for CSA is BiPapST. It is like a ventilator but only with a mask. If you are looking at the second option, 2nd paragraph last sentence I would changed treated by a doctor to requires to be diagnosed and given proper treatment. I hope you realize that OTC measure do not work they only mask the symptoms. Algoll and sedatives only make it worse. Avoiding them will not eliminate a person from having OSA. People who are thin and children can also have sleep apnea. Weight loss will help but OSA should be treated in the meantime with CPAP, autopap, or bipap. Standard Bipap is generally only used for people with high pressures or people who retain CO2.

     Please email me.

7. QUESTION:
   sleep paralysis is this true?
   Don't stay up and move to the point of exhaustion, as this can increase the likelihood of sleep paralysis.
   Reduce stress.
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   Eat healthy. Avoid going to bed hungry. Avoid caffeine 5 hours before sleep.
   Remember that, although it can feel dangerous, it isn't.
   Some may find that the more they try to move, the worse it gets and the longer it goes on for. If so simply relax for a few seconds, stop trying to move and after a few seconds have passed, try moving an arm or leg, then you should be out of the paralysis.
   Most episodes can be stopped by coughing the word 'cough' repeatedly. Although you may still go into another episode if you try to immediately go back to sleep. Coughing is both a voluntary and involuntary response, which such responses break the sleeping state.
   Note: Some may not be able to speak under sleep paralysis, rendering this method useless.

   Talk about it with others.
   An improper sleeping schedule can be a cause of sleep paralysis. Try to get 8-10 hours of sleep every night at the same time of night every night, and sleep paralysis may go away.
   Concentrating on trying to move or "shake" yourself may break you out of it in no time.
   Sleep paralysis is most common while sleeping on your back. Try to avoid sleeping this way
   Try to avoid coffee or medications that affect your heart rate.
   Consider having a sleep study to diagnose whether the cause of the sleep paralysis may be sleep apnea. With proper treatment of a diagnosed sleep apnea condition, the sleep paralysis events may subside and/or disappear.
   If you find you are experiencing paralysis as you are falling asleep try sitting up and staring at a bright light for a minute or so before lying down again. No one is sure why, but this does help some people.
   Always remember to relax because sleep paralysis last only a few seconds or minutes and will fade away momentarily.
   Some people that frequently deal with sleep paralysis have found the following technique to be helpful. Take a moment each day to relax and imagine the sensations of your sleep paralysis. Focus on your breathing, then take a deep breath while picturing that breath lifting you up to consciousness as you open your eyes. Practicing your escape procedure when not experiencing the paralysis can greatly reduce the anxiety that can accompany an episode.
   Make sure that you are actually awake. Sleep paralysis could very well be a dream, and you will likely be able to discern whether or not it is a dream by moving into the next room. Focus on moving into the next room, or in general, away from the location of paralysis.
   Although you may feel that you are not able to move, you can try concentrating on moving one finger (or any small part of your body) - when this succeeds and you experience the small movement, the paralysis recedes. Of course, you need to be lucid to do this.
   Inhale deeply then exhale forcefully (do not hyperventilate). Repeat this several times; most of the time this can get you out of sleep paralysis.
   Medical marijuana has been proven successful in preventing episodes in states that allow its use as prescribed by a doctor.
   Always remember that sleep paralysis is a medical phenomena and just that. Do not associate it with supernatural things like ghosts and evils. It will only make it worse. Keep reminding yourself that it's just a medical phenomena.
   If you experience disassociation( "out of body" feelings), Try to "feel" the texture of your sheets, clothes, or furniture around you- you'll find that you wake up faster from tuning into a sense. Alternately, ignore the sense of paralysis, and allow yourself to follow the "out of body" feelings; you can turn an unpleasant surprise into an enjoyable lucid dream, which you may be able to control. Try visiting friends or pleasant spots you have visited. No harm can come to you, so don't be afraid.
   If you can 'fall asleep' in your dream, when you wake up, you will wake from your dream as well. Almost like falling asleep twice - except when you wake up in your dream, you wake up in real life.

   • ANSWER:
     This part is true.
     Don't stay up and move to the point of exhaustion, as this can increase the likelihood of sleep paralysis.

     The likely hood of it occurring is not even mentioned.
     Comment and ask the people at everyhealth.

8. QUESTION:
   I have to make an important decision--Surgery?
   I have a pretty major decision to make regarding surgery. I am 17 years old and although I am not overweight (I am 5'11 and 160 pounds, muscular build) I have sleep apnea. I've got it pretty badly--in a sleep study I did a few weeks ago, I averaged 7 times an hour in which I stopped breathing (for 8 hours a night, that equals an average of 56 times in one night!) and each time, my oxygen level fell to 73 (which is very low). As a result, my doctor referred me to an ENT (Ear Nose & Throat doctor). I had the appointment today, and the results were that my tonsils are insanely large (almost twice the size they should normally be), my adenoids have grown back (I had them removed when I was 6, but apparently the damn things came back!), and my uvula (little dangly thing in the back of your throat) is gargantuan.

   The ENT gave me these options:
   1. Have the surgery to take out the adenoids, tonsils, and most of my uvula (if not the whole thing). The issue is that it's only a 50/50 chance that the surgery will make a major difference in my apnea and actually cure it. It's almost certain that it will help, but only a 50% chance that it will majorly help me. I would be out for about a week and a half to 2 weeks, including no work, no school (not that big of an issue for me...I've got senioritis already), no driving, etc. Basically being homebound for 2 weeks. That, and this surgery will cost several thousand dollars.

   2. Don't have the surgery and instead go straight to a CPAP or BiPap machine (breathing machine to use at night to provide air pressure to keep my airway open so that I can breathe somewhat normally). This will not cure my apnea in any way, but it will make it manageable. It's not a cure, just a treatment device.This also won't keep my apnea from getting worse in the future as the surgery could. This machine will also cost a few thousand dollars.

   3. Don't have the surgery or the machine, but continue life the way it is. I really don't want to do this (I am exhausted almost all the time) and I want the problem to be fixed, but this one doesn't cost any money--money which we may soon not have (my dad works for GM...'nuff said).

   I know it's my decision (and my family's) in the long run, but I really need advice on this. This is a life-changing decision, and if I don't treat this it can and probably will kill me later in my life. Honestly I'm leaning towards #1 because that could actually fix the problem--#2 would just give me a machine which would help, but not fix the root problem. I figure if I'm 'broken' I should have the surgery to 'fix' it, not just something to help but still be broken.

   What do you think? I really need advice...

   • ANSWER:
     My first inclination is to tell you to go with the surgery. Still, because it is such a hugh decision, have you considered getting a second and third opinion? Go with the dominant recommendation.
     The very best to you.

9. QUESTION:
   Important Decision to Make: SURGERY.?
   I have a pretty major decision to make regarding surgery. I am 17 years old and although I am not overweight (I am 5'11 and 160 pounds, muscular build) I have sleep apnea. I've got it pretty badly--in a sleep study I did a few weeks ago, I averaged 7 times an hour in which I stopped breathing (for 8 hours a night, that equals an average of 56 times in one night!) and each time, my oxygen level fell to 73 (which is very low). As a result, my doctor referred me to an ENT (Ear Nose & Throat doctor). I had the appointment today, and the results were that my tonsils are insanely large (almost twice the size they should normally be), my adenoids have grown back (I had them removed when I was 6, but apparently the damn things came back!), and my uvula (little dangly thing in the back of your throat) is gargantuan.

   The ENT gave me these options:
   1. Have the surgery to take out the adenoids, tonsils, and most of my uvula (if not the whole thing). The issue is that it's only a 50/50 chance that the surgery will make a major difference in my apnea and actually cure it. It's almost certain that it will help, but only a 50% chance that it will majorly help me. I would be out for about a week and a half to 2 weeks, including no work, no school (not that big of an issue for me...I've got senioritis already), no driving, etc. Basically being homebound for 2 weeks. That, and this surgery will cost several thousand dollars.

   2. Don't have the surgery and instead go straight to a CPAP or BiPap machine (breathing machine to use at night to provide air pressure to keep my airway open so that I can breathe somewhat normally). This will not cure my apnea in any way, but it will make it manageable. It's not a cure, just a treatment device.This also won't keep my apnea from getting worse in the future as the surgery could. This machine will also cost a few thousand dollars.

   3. Don't have the surgery or the machine, but continue life the way it is. I really don't want to do this (I am exhausted almost all the time) and I want the problem to be fixed, but this one doesn't cost any money--money which we may soon not have (my dad works for GM...'nuff said).

   I know it's my decision (and my family's) in the long run, but I really need advice on this. This is a life-changing decision, and if I don't treat this it can and probably will kill me later in my life. Honestly I'm leaning towards #1 because that could actually fix the problem--#2 would just give me a machine which would help, but not fix the root problem. I figure if I'm 'broken' I should have the surgery to 'fix' it, not just something to help but still be broken.

   What do you think? I really need some advice...

   • ANSWER:
     i don't know what adenoids are. sorry, not takinf anatony, and not planning on it. i have my sciences finished. but above all, i say to have the surgey. i don't want u do die!
     *gives you a cookie and a hug*

10. QUESTION:
    Will curing G.E.R.D. have a very large impact on breathing problems?
    I have been considering Nissen fundoplication surgery for my hiatal hernia, and would like to hear from people that have already had this done. I want to know, specifically, if this surgery improved any of the respitory conditions associated with GERD.

    Also, will this place any restrictions on my pilot certificate?

    Here is a crap load of background about me:

    At one point I had done everything the doctor told me, including eliminating food from my diet that aggravates the condition, loosing weight until I was within the "healthy" parameters for my age/height/fitness, altered my sleep angle, and was on Nexium, Previcid, and Gaviscon. All of these actions helped the condition, but did not eliminate the symptoms. In fact, the symptoms were still so bad, that I gave up on the treatments.

    I have been suffering from G.E.R.D. for my entire life, as I was born with a hiatus hernia. I also have hyperhydrochlorhydria, which aggravates the gastroesophageal reflux disease, as well as causing Gastritis and similar symptoms in the lower GI tract.

    As well as the common symptoms of G.E.R.D., I have also been diagnosed with chronic bronchitis as a child, and then later diagnosed with asthma as an adult. (it is believed that G.E.R.D. can cause asthma)

    The spasms in my stomach as well as the acid levels have been much higher lately due to some increased stress. These increases have led to Laryngopharyngeal reflux, which seems to be causing sleep apnea like symptoms.

    Once I can aford health insurance, I'll happily go through the same process where the physician and specialists tell me to change my diet, lose weight, take drugs, so on and so forth. Eventually, i will have exhausted all the non-surgical options, and I'll probably opt for the surgery.
    RE: Sandy

    Acutally, yes, I do have discomfort in my ears, as well as (gag) a lot of wax!

    I've actually had fifteen reoccuring ear infections, as well as some vertigo and swimmer's ear. According to Wikipedia, this can be connected to the GERD and LPRD
    I forgot to mention that I have the "lump" sensation associated with LPRD, as well as throat pain. I decided to add these details as others had commented that they have these symptoms. Although it is not relavent to my question, I feel these added details may help shed some light on their conditions.

    Check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastroesophageal_reflux_disease for GERD info, annd look for the links for LRPD and asthma

    • ANSWER:
      Well, from personal experience I can say that, yes, it did have a great impact on my ability to breathe. Mine only flares up once in a while, but when it does, it gives me asthma. I am not allergic to anything and the feeling of not being able to breathe correctly while having the chest pain from the gerd was scary, I thought I was having a heart problem!!! Once I take the neccessary steps to get the gerd under control with my meds, better diet, and sleeping posture... then I can breathe free & easy again. I don't have the hiatal hernia, so I never needed the surgery. I wish you good luck!

      edit/// To "Sandy": Yeah, my gerd did that too. It caused pain in my esophagus & throat... sometimes the pain shot up into my ribs, neck, and ears too!!! The nerves in my esophagus are weird like that. Sometimes, also, the acid that would come up at night would make my throat hurt and sometimes give me a hoarse voice & sore throat, which would affect my ears too!

11. QUESTION:
    My husband hits me while he is sound asleep!?
    We've been married 25 years.Recently my husband started moving around a lot when dreaming. This week, twice now I have been awakened by his fist coming down hard on top of my head. The first time I yelled, he woke up, it as over. Last night I had to yell "Wake up" at least 3 times while trying to hold his arms back from hitting me while his legs were kicking me. He woke up, couldn't believe what he'd done and went back to sleep. I could not sleep - too scared it would happen again. Sleeping apart is not an option - we did that for years before he was diagnosed with apnea & nearly ended up divorced. He's upset because I was exhausted all day after only 2 hours sleep. t took so long to get him to accept treatment for apnea - is this another treatable problem? Is he hiding unresolved bad feelings about us that come out when he's asleep. How can I sleep tonight - or any night now?

    • ANSWER:
      Wow! Your husband is going through some weird kicking and punching episodes there.

      Does he remember any of his dreams or why he's suddenly gotten animated while asleep?

      Is he under some kind of pressure?

      Honestly if its getting too wild, you need to move away from the ape that keeps hitting you. Seriously. The couch is a lot better than a broken nose, a broken neck, or some other injury.

12. QUESTION:
    Too tired to function/live life? I've tried everything. Ideas?
    First of all, there are a couple of things to factor in... I have been battling depression ever since I can remember but it is not as bad as it used to be(I know this can make you tired). Also, I have moderate sleep apnea and have a c-pap machine but have not been able to use it successfully. I just can't get used to it. I've had it for over 5 years, tried every different mask, herbal sedatives and everything you can imagine. I know the fact that I get poor sleep is a major contributor. I've tried mouth devices and the surgery is not an option, obviously making me feel helpless to treating it. I've been evaluated by countless doctors. Blood tests and cat-scans show that I don't have a thyroid disorder. I have been given all kinds of herbal supplements that if taken regularly, prove to slightly improve my energy but not significantly. I've been on every wakefullness medication that hasn't worked, even abused medications that weren't meant for wakefullness like adderall, which makes me crazy and extremely irritable.They all make my body ache like a 90 year old(I'm 21). I have completely changed my diet, thinking that I might be allergic to gluten but that barely made a difference and I couldn't afford it(I'm a college student, barely able to manage 2 classes). I've tried quick fixes to get through the day like strong ginseng tea but everything that gives me enough energy to get through the day also causes me to crash so hard that I can't move for the next two days. Ironically, I think I'm allergic to caffeine(it causes throwing up and diarrhea). I practice every common thing that I know to improve energy-drinking a lot of water, vitamins known to improve vitality, exercise(when I can), even expensive shoes that provide special support, you name it. I had trouble sleeping and waking at the same time as the other kids in high school. I worked with disabilities to knock off my first hour class because I couldn't stay awake in class, or even drive to school without nodding off but I could still function, have friends, and get through most of the day. It's gotten worse since then. I'm in college and I can't even make it to once-a-week, nighttime classes. I certainly can't hold a job and extra things like hanging out with or even contacting friends is to physically exerting. I have a small window of time in each day of a couple hours where I am awake. It's hard to go out to do things like grocery shop. If I can't make it back in time, my mind slows down and I become incoherent. When this happens I have trouble making it home. For example, I'll wake up in another city, my groceries spoiled because I fell asleep and missed my stop. It's not just my body, it's my mind. I can't remember anything or organize my thoughts. Often I will miss things because I think I am in yesterday or tomorrow. My room and hands are covered in notes reminding me to do things like "take a shower, go to bank, eat dinner". Because I can't sustain myself, I am paying for college in all loans and my mom(who is strapped for money and has other children to raise) is paying for all of this out of pocket and we have no insurance. She is constantly coming up with new things it could be and looking into new treatments that she can't afford. I know that I have a duty to my mom and everyone pulling for me to keep trying but sometimes I wish that they would just stop. I am a passionate person and don't want to be part of something I can't participate in. Ideas?

    • ANSWER:
      This may be too simple of an answer but i can't seem to accomplish most of anything unless I take -timed release mega B vitamins.
      They give me incredible energy.
      They might work for you too.
      Also Bee Pollen works too.