I have gone through several sessions at a sleep lab and was diagnosed with sleep apnea.  A C-PAP machine was prescribed.  I used it for 6 mos. and then it was taken back due to my not logging enough hours on it.  I hated the thing.

What other options do I have?  Breath-Rite strips help some.  I heard there were dental devices that could be used.

Thanks for any replies!

welcome
it took me a full 3 months to get used to my CPAP
patience and positive thinking are essential
it6 helps to adjust by using the machine whist awake and sitting in a comfortable chair, watching TV or relaxing in some way

The only proven method of stopping apneas is CPAP. Breathe Right strips open only the nasal passages but do not open the airway passages where apneas occur.  There has been some success with surgery for those with mild apnea, but the results sometimes do not last and the operation itself is a very painful one.  If you do a search, you will find posts here which address the pros and cons.

While using the machine does take some getting used to, it is well worth the effort. After a while many people, myself included, will not sleep without it for a couple of reasons.  1. Eliminating the symtoms of OSA , in my case the worst of which were debilitating fatigue and waking up each and every morning with a headache.  2. Lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke.  

There definitely is a period of adjustment for most of us, but you will find a wonderful, supportive group of people here who have all been through it, so I would encourage you to try using CPAP again, posting any questions or problems you might have here.  

Good luck!

sleepyjean

zaqxsw wrote:

I have gone through several sessions at a sleep lab and was diagnosed with sleep apnea.  A C-PAP machine was prescribed.  I used it for 6 mos. and then it was taken back due to my not logging enough hours on it.  I hated the thing.

What other options do I have?  Breath-Rite strips help some.  I heard there were dental devices that could be used.

Thanks for any replies!

You need to post more detail...........type of apnoea, severity, titrated pressure etc. Otherwise you will not get relevant responses.

You mention that you used cpap for 6 months.................unfortunately as you didn't clock up enough hours, you really didn't use it. CPAP must be used constantly while asleep if you are to get the benefits.

Breath rite strips do nothing to help your apnoea........they may help to breathe a little better, nothing more.

The success of dental devices depend on a number of things, please post back with details.


DAniel.


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

(Anon)

I just located this site. I am a 55 year old female from Upstate, NY. I'm desperate now. Two years ago, I went for an apnea test. However, it didn't go well for me because the medical center where the test was performed was closed for the night and I was alone with the medical person, (a strange man) and I could not fall alseep. I was never told that I could have been given a sleep aid, so throughout the entire test, I simply laid there the entire night, dosing on and off for short periods of time. It was sheer agony. I was told in the am by the nurse that I did snore a few times during the test. After the test, the medical person simply opened the back door to the office and out I walked, into the dark early morning, and had to wait outside in the cold snow for 15 minutes, until my cab arrived. An experience that I never wish to encounter again.

Most every night, while I am sleeping, I am suddenly awakened by a gasping for air. I have to have my air conditioner fan on, in my bedroom, during the winter hours. I find it soothing and beneficial to my sleep the night before. I also noticed that between my eyebrows is a terrible line developing. If I have a really bad night, the line becomes more profuse.

I feel that it is now interrupting my concentration during the day.

Since the test 2 years ago, I have gained over 40 lbs. I am NOT a big eater. Every morning I awake feeling as though I have not even gone to sleep at all.  It is affecting my daily life, in every way.  Now I wake up in the mornings, almost in tears from my horrible night's sleep.

I also have a muscle disorder that renders me exhausted, too.  What do I do? Won't I ever sleep sound again?

TruthLives

Find another sleep center. Is it done in your local hospital perchance?  Also use a sleep aid during the new test.