http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/12/051224094017.htm

It says in this article that playing a Didgeridoo helps with Sleep Apnea. Anyone buy one and try it?

I'm curious...maybe I should buy a Didgeridoo and learn how to play.


_________________
5'9 234lbs 37 years Old Male
Original Sleep Study: AHI = 30

Owner of Remstar Auto A Flex M series
ResMed Ultra Mirage Full Face Mask
Viewer 1.0 Software, Smartcard Reader
Integrated Heater/humidifier
Prescribed setting: 7-10 Cm

Does ayone know if a harmonica could substitute a Didgeridoo?


_________________
5'9 234lbs 37 years Old Male
Original Sleep Study: AHI = 30

Owner of Remstar Auto A Flex M series
ResMed Ultra Mirage Full Face Mask
Viewer 1.0 Software, Smartcard Reader
Integrated Heater/humidifier
Prescribed setting: 7-10 Cm

Several members practice the didgeridoo. I believe that one of the moderators has corresponded with one of the authors of the study concerning it. The bottom line seems to be that there is no harm in trying it, several people really enjoy playing, but don't give up your other treatment until a follow-up sleep study says that you are cured. (That hasn't happened to anyone yet as far as I know). Also, a search for didgeridoo in the search box in the upper right hand corner of the page will turn up plenty of posts about it.

There is much posted here about this preliminary study.  Usually it comes up about once a month, but you guys must be doing research because it has come up 3 times in the last 2 weeks.  Here is what I posted elsewhere:

I have had quite a bit of correspondence with the authors of the didgeridoo study and others involved in that kind of research.  If you put didgeridoo in the Google search bar on the left, you'll find a lot of posts on it.   It was a preliminary study and further studies are ongoing, both in using the didgeridoo and also in identifying the specific mechanism that improves AHI.  The authors of the didgeridoo study hope to publish their second paper sometime in the next year.  We have many professional singers here who still have apnea.  Apparently, the mechanism of AHI improvement using the didgeridoo is not the same as that used for professional vocalists (or other instruments).

The bottom line is do not stop using your CPAP.  I have worked with a didgeridoo store who have used this study as a selling tool.  They have been very responsible to say in their brochures that patients must remain under their physician's guidance and must be objectively evaluated as to their apnea status via overnight sleep studies.  I am going to go play my didgeridoo now....

Vicki


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That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

Thanks Vicki. Would you say that playing a Didgiridoo has helped your Sleep Apnea? Has it reduced your AHI? or reduced your pressure requirement?


_________________
5'9 234lbs 37 years Old Male
Original Sleep Study: AHI = 30

Owner of Remstar Auto A Flex M series
ResMed Ultra Mirage Full Face Mask
Viewer 1.0 Software, Smartcard Reader
Integrated Heater/humidifier
Prescribed setting: 7-10 Cm

sleepIsHell wrote:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/12/051224094017.htm

It says in this article that playing a Didgeridoo helps with Sleep Apnea. Anyone buy one and try it?

I'm curious...maybe I should buy a Didgeridoo and learn how to play.

If I remember correctly, the initial study with the didgeridoo comprised 38 patients, which is a small number. As Vicki has mentioned there are follow up studies being undertaken and if they follow normal guidelines for these types of studies it could take years.

Before rushing out to purchase a didg, you should see if you can manage 'circular breathing' as you will get nothing from the didg if you can't manage this.

Personally, I have 3 didgeridoos (one from Queensland, one from Southern Australia and one from the Northern Territory). Each is different in size, decoration and tone. Two have the beeswax mouth piece, while the third (from the NT) doesn't need this.........it's my favourite. Been playing them for about 3/4 years now.......cracking sound.....but they have not benefited my OSA or pressure setting.

Daniel.


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The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!

(Anon)

never had the lung power to play one myself..

Don't need lung power.  In fact, that is the mistake people make.  You just need flabby lips.  Great for those of us with flabby throats too.  

Vicki


_________________
That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.