I'd like to start by saying this forum and site have been wonderful in helping me learn about OSA and the experiences that others have had.  I have known I have had OSA for some time and just had my split sleep study and am going to the doctor in a couple of days to learn of the results and what to do next.  I am assuming that a CPAP machine will be recommended as the sleep tech told me I responded very well to it during the sleep study.  Was just wondering if anyone had any advice as to what i should ask the Dr at my visit.  Anything that I should make sure he covers with me?  Also, I have read some posts on APAP machines and was wondering if someone could help explain the difference between a CPAP and APAP.  Any advice as to how to research differnt machines to determine what might be best for me?  Lastly, I have noticed that I encounter night sweats while sleeping to the degree that I wake up some times and my pillow and sheets are soaked.  I havent noticed many others indicating that this was a sympton of OSA, and am concerned that it might not be associated with OSA and possibly something else I should have further examined.  Are night sweats common with OSA?Thanks for your help.

I havent heard the sweats associated with sleep disorders and would see your doc about them, many possible causes, from an overheated bedroom to AIDS
the main thing with a CPAP is to be patient and to keep thinking positive

Hi sleep deprived steve,

Apparently, nightime sweating can be a symptom of sleep apnea.  In the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section of this forum, under the topic "What is Sleep Apnea," sweating is listed at least once as a symptom.  
Click  here for link to FAQ topic
And this link is to a Stanford study about nightime sweating and it refers sweating occurring in some people who have sleep apnea.
Click here for link to Stanford Study  In this report they say:

Quote:

In OSA, the sweating is related to the sleep restlessness and movements. In one survery, 66% of those with apnea experienced excessive sweating.

It is good that you want to be asking your doctor lots of questions about your sleep study.  But also be sure to get a copy of the sleep study report.  Your doctor will likely go over that report with you and explain things, but it is good to obtain a copy for yourself.  It is your right to have a copy and the doctor should be able to provide you with one.  If not, ask the sleep lab.  Also, ask for a copy of the graphs from the study which accompany the report, all of this can answer many of your questions.  If you're like me, I have more questions after seeing the doctor or sometimes forget what was discussed, so a copy of that report is a must.

I don't have an autocpap.  There is no type of machine that is best.  Some respond just fine to straight cpap, others to autocpap.  Some require a bipap.  A straight cpap may work just fine.  An autocpap responds to the sleep apnea a little differently, changing pressures within a range, although I don't know much about it.  Many people like the autocpap because those usually have software you can get to download information from the machine that monitors your apneas and how you are doing.  Not everyone cares to do that.  And I'm told that some straight cpap machines also have that software capability although I don't know much about that.  And too, some people who have had an autocpap have switched to a straight cpap.  There just isn't one easy solution for everybody.  You might want to read more in this forum about those machines.  Also, your doctor may be knowlegable about the different types and might recommend a type for you.  The more questions you ask, the better.  I guess the bottomline is what works for you.  You might want to check with your insurance and the provider of the equipment as to exchange or refund policies, in case for some reason you and your doctor think you might need to try a different one down the road.  

But keep in mind, most problems with getting adjusted to the treatment have more to do with comfort with a mask and just some natural adjusting your body may need to get used to this.  When it comes to masks, you might want to ask about provider and insurance policies on mask replacements in case you might like to try a different kind.  

Oh, and you might consider registering as a member here at this forum.  It's not required, and you can certainly post any question you like.  But as a member, there are some extra nifty features which can come in handy.  And registering is easy, free and safe.  

But whatever you do, feel free to keep in touch and let us know how things go.  


Linda

I can raise my hand and say that I've had nights just like you describe - where I've woken up shivering but completely soaked with sweat.  Not a comfortable thing - usually have to make a quick trip to the bathroom, and getting back into a damp cold bed is no fun.

In my research, I found a few references to night sweats being a symptom of sleep apnea.  In fact, it was that and a few other symptoms that finally put me on the track of investigating sleep apnea as the cause of my symptoms.

I'm just getting ready to start treatment for my now-officially-diagnosed OSA (get my CPAP machine tomorrow), so I can't say with certainty that the night sweats will disappear, but I'm quite hopeful at this point.

Good luck!


_________________
--Frank (FJC)

Night time sweating, especially of the head and neck area was a symptom  that was relieved (thankfully) by my cpap.  It is a symptom of sleep apnea for many people.

Okie wrote:

Night time sweating, especially of the head and neck area was a symptom  that was relievedthankfully) by my cpap.  It is a symptom of sleep apnea for many people.

Hey! Another great benefit I can look forward to when I get used to using this CPAP machine. I have suffered through the night sweats many times. You are right, it's no fun returning to cold damp sheets.