Beyond First-Line PAP Therapy: Selecting Treatments for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Comments · 593

• IN

  @IntraBalance · 3 years ago (edited) · pinned

  💤 If you&apos;re a clinician seeking a structured insomnia resource for patients — or someone personally struggling with chronic insomnia — learn more about the Effortless Sleep program here: <a href="https://pacificintegrativepsych.com/sleep-coaching-program/">https://pacificintegrativepsych.com/sleep-coaching-program/</a>

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• SI

  @Simon-pl2zi · 2 years ago

  My parents both have diagnosed sleep apnea, my father developed heart disease from sleep apnea, and my sister has been using a CPAP to sleep. &nbsp;About ten years ago I also started to develop sleep apnea, and would wake up during the night choking. It was so debilitating, I was getting more and more exhausted. I then read about people who had great results from an anti-inflammatory diet and exercise, which I decided to try as I was so desperate not to have surgery or use a CPAP. I went 100% cold turkey on the following - alcohol, refined sugar, processed foods and wheat products such as bread etc. I also began walking daily. &nbsp;It wasn&apos;t easy, and some days I wanted to give in to the food cravings, but I was really determined to give it a go. I noticed gradual improvements in my sleep after a couple of weeks, and within two months my sleep apnea was gone, completely gone. Whole food and exercise really is medicine, and today I still sleep through the night and the whole food diet and exercise regimen is now just a daily habit, it&apos;s no longer a chore.

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• KI

  @king5417714028 · 2 years ago

  I must be extremely fortunate. When I saw the c-Pap, I thought, “Oh, no way!” Then I put it on and thought that I never wanted to be without it. I had sleep issues beginning in junior high when I weighed 125. That was 1968, and there was no such thing as sleep studies or understanding of sleep problems. I could never maintain any regular pattern of attendance or consistent mental performance. It was extremely frustrating. From my first night with my c-Pap, my whole life changed. I had a great doctor who was frustrated by my use of my c-Pap anytime that I needed a nap as well as for my night’s sleep. He wanted regular hours, but I was struggling with extreme exhaustion after bad sleep and untreated sleep apnea for 38 years. He also was frustrated by the fact that I did not lose weight, having become obese over those same 38 years. I didn’t care that my body didn’t do what he wanted. I was functioning for the first time. After multiple failures in my attempt to get a college degree, I was able to attend regularly and think without that mental fog. It’s just been an amazing gift in my life.

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• BR

  @brendagallegos3042 · 3 years ago

  I hate my cpap SO much!!! I’m about to give up. It is making my quality of life worse. Who wants to live longer if you’re miserable?

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• TX

  @TXboymom2 · 2 years ago

  Im a &nbsp;nurse of 30 years, and have lost complete faith in our modern medicine -

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• SH

  @Sharon-w4j · 11 months ago

  I have sleep apnea and weigh 125 pounds, so no weight loss needed! And I have always been very physically active, so never lack exercise. I have used a CPAP for over 20 years and know I sleep much better because of it. It was definitely worth the effort to get used to it. I come from &quot;a long line of distinguished snorers&quot;, as my doctor put it, and others in my family also suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, and all successfully treated with CPAP therapy. &nbsp;It can work! I am still active and in good health at 82.

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• AL

  @aliciacarten8524 · 1 year ago

  Low vitamin b12 can cause a large beefy tongue which could definitely contribute to sleep apnea something to look into as well

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• MR

  @MrsCatFire · 2 years ago

  Sadly, losing 72lbs, and exercising didn&apos;t get rid of my sleep apnea. &nbsp;A $1700 sleep apnea appliance actually made the sleep apnea worse! &nbsp;Because of heart and other serious health issues I finally embraced my sleep apnea machine and my life is vastly improved. &nbsp;Do I wish I could sleep without my cpap? Yes!!! &nbsp;But until a miracle comes my way , I&apos;m using my cpap.

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• JO

  @joeblow5087 · 1 year ago

  I have sleep apnea and have fallen asleep behind the wheel and woke up when the car behind me honked. CPAP doesn&apos;t work for me due to severe uncontrolled allergies despite meds. CPAP blows snot down my airway, causing me to choke. The only thing relieving the sleep apnea is a dental device and weight loss. I swear by my dental device. Greatest invention since glasses.

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• JU

  @justsomeguy5490 · 3 years ago

  Sometimes a CPAP (or bi-pap or ASV) causes lots of central apneas. &nbsp;My OSA was nose based rather than tongue based. &nbsp;Supplemental oxygen was a more successful treatment. But boy did I have to fight for years with the &quot;you need a cpap&quot; and &quot;maybe you just need a different mask&quot; &nbsp;zombies at my provider.

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• TA

  @taniayager3361 · 2 years ago (edited)

  Losing weight is key but so is sleeping positions. I have a mild form of sleep apnea. I was exhausted for some time because I used to sleep almost flat and on my side which was bad for my breathing and getting air. I had the occasional dizzy spell as well. I&apos;ve since been elevating myself almost to a sitting position in bed and at first found it awkward but eventually my body got use to this pattern and I was able to wake refreshed every day. The sleep apnea is still there but in time I hope to cure it though I&apos;ve heard that losing weight does not always work! I do a lot of deep breathing exercises and have got back on my trampoline/rebounder to get the circulation and lymphatic drainage working in the body.

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• KI

  @KikuTea · 1 year ago

  Sorry, I forgot to mention: I find Dr. Wells’s pace of speaking much more comfortable for me. &nbsp;Thank you, ladies! &nbsp;😊

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