Central Sleep Apnea Cure

Posted on October 11, 2011 by


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Central sleep apnea is caused when the brain doesn’t send proper ...

In sleep disorders, obstructive sleep apnea is the most common condition that's seen, but a significant number of people with obstructive sleep apnea will also have central sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea is thought to be a condition that's associated with a number of different neurologic problems, as well as heart or kidney failure. During the night, people with central sleep apnea stop breathing when signals in the brain that tells the body to breathe don't work properly. No effort is even made to inhale. In contrast, with obstructive sleep apnea, an effort is made to breathe in, but because of collapse in the upper airways, air can't get into the lungs.

One of the hallmarks of central sleep apnea is Cheyne-Stokes breathing, where after a long pause, due to gradually increasing levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), shallow breathing is triggered which gradually becomes deeper and deeper, and then once CO2 reaches a safer level, the breathing becomes more shallow again.

Unfortunately, treating central sleep apnea is more of a challenge than treating obstructive sleep apnea, and the best way of treating this condition is to use a variation of CPAP as a respirator. This is a servo-ventilator feature that's found in machines that can treat this condition. When it senses that you're not breathing, it literally breathes for you, rather than applying constant positive pressure for obstructive events. Some people will have a combination of obstructive and central events, which is called mixed or complex sleep apnea.

A number of different neurologic conditions can cause central sleep apnea, but here's a simpler explanation:

We know that a HUGE number of people have undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea. Up to 1/4 of all men and 1/10 of all women have it, and by the time you're 60 or 70, the vast majority will have at least some degree of sleep apnea. If you're human, and you can talk, then you're susceptible to breathing problems at night, even if you don't suffer from any apneas. The reason is that complex speech and language development unprotected our upper airways, and everyone's tongue can fall back and obstruct your breathing at night, especially when you're in deep sleep, due to muscle relaxation.

I've also talked about how modern humans' jaws are shrinking, due to a radical change in our diets and the addition of bottle-feeding. This had lead to increased rates of dental crowding, with more and more people needing braces. The smaller the jaws, the less space there is for the tongue, which can take up too much space, ultimately crowding the airway.

We also know that there's a linear correlation to complications of apneas, even in the very low range, where having an AHI of 4 is significantly worse than having an AHI of 2, although officially, you won't have obstructive sleep apnea, since you come in below 5. Sleep apnea patients are also known to have thick or viscous blood that tends to clot easier when there are areas of low blood flow or small vessel constriction. People with obstructive sleep apnea by definition have smaller vessels and low blood flow simply due to the massive stress response that naturally constricts blood vessels and causes hypertension.

Numerous imaging studies also show that people with obstructive sleep apnea have much higher numbers of lacunar infarcts, which are small areas of dead brain tissue that's normally seen in routine CT scans of the brain. Other studies reveal lower blood flow, metabolism and brain tissue density in certain critical parts of the brain that control memory, executive function, and autonomic function. Areas of the brain that address hearing, including the high frequency sound perceiving areas of the inner ear, are also extremely sensitive to instances of low blood flow or stagnation. One recent study showed that people with sleep apnea had lowered auditory brainstem reflexes, but after treatment with CPAP, or after thinning patients' blood concentrations, these auditory reflexes improved.

One finding that's fascinating is that parts of the brain that control breathing are also affected preferentially by these events. Knowing that even mild levels of sleep-breathing problems can aggravate various levels of clotting and vessel blockages, if you happen to clot off a small vessel that leads to this area, then your neurologic breathing patterns can be affected. These same areas also control autonomic function, which includes heart rate, temperature, digestion, sweating, and vascular reflexes. Damaging even a small part of the brain in this area can wreak havoc on your breathing patterns, as well as other regulatory functions that control your body's organs.

Since we know that obstructive sleep apnea is strongly associated with heart disease, it makes sense that central sleep apnea is commonly seen in patients with heart disease. Not only can obstructive sleep apnea cause heart disease, by applying this model it can also cause central sleep apnea. Poor involuntary nervous system control, especially of the heart, can wreak havoc on heart function. It can also cause problems with digestion and even your hormones.

Although we have a way of treating central sleep apnea, the results are not as satisfying compared with treating obstructive sleep apnea. Ultimately sleep doctors don't have very good answers to why this happens, or how to treat it effectively. Think of it as a permanent neurologic condition, where rather than having weakness of your lower legs, you have weakness of the nerves that control your breathing patterns. Treating the obstructive component probably won't cure the central sleep apneas, but at least it could prevent it from getting worse.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. QUESTION:
    what is Central Sleep Apnea n how is it cured?
    what types of sleep apnea do they have and how are each cured. thanks

    • ANSWER:
      A person with central apnea has issues with the respiratory center from the brain. This center controls the chest muscles to make breathing movements.

      When the respiratory center stops working during sleep, then your breathing stops, too. The brain does not respond to the changes of the respiratory gas levels from the blood (oxygen and carbon dioxide).

      In central apnea, you stop breathing in sleep for a period of time (at least 10 seconds), but there is no effort to breathe at all, like in obstructive sleep apnea. Therefore snoring is not present in central apnea.

      Typically, you will wake up several times at night, often with the sensation of gasping or choking during sleep. If this waking up episodes are frequent enough to cause disruption of your sleep, then you feel very tired during daytime.

      The treatment for central apnea is based on medicine therapy and breathing machines.

  2. QUESTION:
    Central Sleep Apnea, Any Ideas?
    Since 10 to 15% of people with Apnea have Central Sleep Apnea, I'm looking for like-diagnosed people who are willing to share their stories, cures, what they are doing with their Doctors, if anything. I was diagnosed in 2004 and have never been told it's a not a curable condition, but surfing the internet tells me about "diaphramatic pacing" and the ability to get well. So far, Doctors have about killed me (no offence), and I find aerobic exercise to be of the most benefit. What do you find?

    • ANSWER:


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Central Sleep Apnea Causes

Posted on October 10, 2011 by

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Before your partner or spouse moves out of the bedroom because of your snoring, it is best to start doing something even if you think that it is not a real annoyance to you. There is Natural Treatment for Sleep Apnea, especially in milder cases that have not reached the levels of sleep apnea. If at all feasible, finding the main reason to snoring is always a means to an end. But until you have got that one figured out, it might make more sense to find an effectual method to ease the snoring problem.

For Natural Treatment for Sleep Apnea to start with you should change your sleeping position by making sure that you do not sleep on your back at night. Pillow propping in the back and the front of you can be a big help in keeping you on your side throughout the night could be another Natural Treatment for Sleep Apnea. By staying on your side, you are better keeping your throat passages clearer so to not have any obstruction in the soft tissue areas were your nose and throat connect up at.

Natural Treatment for Sleep Apnea also has an option where you can choose to prop up your upper body only by the means of pillows under your upper torso area or raise the upper end of the bed with planks or books for a raised top end of your bed without having to worry about keeping yourself in certain positions throughout the night. There are also special memory foam pillows for your head to keep in healthier breathing positions, but be prepared to pay good money for the cost of your pillow. They are not cheap, but if they help or not, they are worth it for the comfort of your head and neck alone.

Some Natural Treatments for Sleep Apnea are to use throat sprays or to gargle with mint mouth wash directly before going to bed. Both of these methods are great for de-flaming your throat passages for better breathing thus are the Natural Treatment for Sleep Apnea. These are both good choices for Natural Treatment for Sleep Apnea if you are having bouts of allergies or colds and they are safe methods of choice to use for as long as you want. Many of the sprays have vitamins along with being herbal, so no harm can be done with protracted use. Another Natural Treatments for Sleep Apnea is to drink herbal teas such as nettle tea as has anti-inflammatory feature.

There are nose drops and nasal sprays which are also available and that will clear nasal passages for air to easier flow through. These are most always natural sprays or drops and are even made in a mild form just for babies and children. Natural Treatments for Sleep Apnea includes Nose strips that can be bought at any store or pharmacy are also safe for adults and of older kids, and tend to work quite well in keeping the outer nostril areas of the nose open throughout the night for better airflow.

When you think that your snoring might be related to allergens, it is good to make sure and keep your bedroom as dust free as you can by vacuuming that specific room more often, including the curtains or blinds in the room. Change sheets and blankets often and make sure to use non-allergenic fabric washing soaps and softeners along with special hypoallergenic pillows if at all possible as these are Natural Treatments for Sleep Apnea.

Frequently Asked Questions

    [FAQITEM]


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Central Sleep Apnea Cpap

Posted on October 10, 2011 by

Central Sleep Apnea « Foodforthoughttoday's Blog

Central sleep apnea is characterized by the temporary absence of a signal to breathe from the brains respiratory center. When this happens, there is no effort to breathe made by the individual.

Any type of sleep disordered breathing is a serious health problem that impacts the heart and whole cardiovascular system. There is evidence to show that, in persons with heart failure, there is a high incidence of sleep disordered breathing. Most frequently that disorder being obstructive or central sleep apnea.

When a patient with heart failure has central sleep apnea (CSA) they typically also exhibit a form of breathing called Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR). CSR is associated with severe dysfunction of the left ventricle of the heart and patients with CSR are in a high risk category for cardiac transplantation.

Patients with CSA and Cheynes-Stokes Respirations have a very poor prognosis. There is data available that shows that survival rates decrease by 50% in patients with heart failure and CSA.

Various methods have been used to treat CSA - oxygen therapy, CPAP, BiLevel ventilation and, most recently, Adaptive Ventilatory Support (ASV).

There have been some long term advantages found by treating patients with central sleep apnea and CSR with ASV. There have been fewer respiratory disturbances when a patient is asleep and also improved sleep quality.

The conventional PAP therapies like CPAP and BIPAP have shown mixed results in dealing with patients with central sleep apnea and CSR. A unit like the Resmed VPAP Adapt SV is the first PAP device cleared by the FDA to treat central sleep apnea and CSR in the home environment.

ASV therapy has demonstrated the ability to improve clinical outcomes and the quality of life in heart failure patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. QUESTION:
    Are there other remedies for central sleep apnea besides the CPAP machine?

    • ANSWER:
      I think a lot of the other posters are talking about obstructive sleep apnea, not central sleep apnea. With central sleep apnea, treat the underlying cause, if possible (such as treating congestive heart failure, if that is causing the apneic periods). If the person's oxygen saturation drops from the apnea, it might be a good idea to be on oxygen while asleep. Take a look at the sources below, which have some more information about treatments. Hope this helps.

  2. QUESTION:
    does a CPAP cure central sleep apnea?

    • ANSWER:
      Central sleep apnea...sounds like that's neurological. If so, then CPAP wouldn't help. You have to be trying to breath for CPAP to help by keeping open the passages. If the brain is failing to send a signal to breathe, then CPAP won't get air in.

      If your doc said you have central sleep apnea (and if I'm not wrong about it being neurological), and he wants you on CPAP, he might think you have *both* types of apnea. Certainly possible.

  3. QUESTION:
    whats the cure for central sleep apnea?
    on my 4th mask. cpap. sleep study says non obstructive. do i have central sa. when i put my mask on my nose i cant get much pressure. do not know why. my sinus area x ray says its ok. looking for answers. tired all the time.

    • ANSWER:
      You can treat central sleep apnea with medicine or with CPAP. However, I know that some people with nasal masks have some problems.

      Can't you try full face mask? Or, are you really sure that you have the right pressure? Maybe you need to take the sleep test again.

      As for the medicine, I recommend to speak with your doctor, because some of the drugs can harm your sleep and your health.

  4. QUESTION:
    Should I be using a BiPAP instead of a CPAP for Sleep Apnea? Please read?
    About 3 years ago I did a sleep study and was found to have Obstructive sleep apnea. My 2nd sleep study about a year later after having surgery for a deviated septum and another surgery to remove my tonsils showed that I was having Central Sleep Apnea issues throughout the night. Not all night but at times. The sleep study tech looked shocked when she saw this. I later found out that Central Sleep Apnea isn't that common. After the 1st sleep apnea study I was given a CPAP which I was compliant with but didn't change a thing after more than 2 months of use. Not a thing changed health wise. I tried all the masks, full face, nose only, mouth only. I have about 5 or 6 different types of masks and while some work better than others none have worked. After doing some research I saw that people who aren't compliant with CPAP or people who have Central Sleep Apnea do A LOT better with a BiPAP. Problem is my insurance doesn't cover BiPAPs or meds for Central Sleep Apnea only CPAPs. Any suggestions other than getting a different insurance which isn't possible at this time.

    • ANSWER:
      Well I would talk to your sleep doc. If you have CSA, then you certainly need bipap because the cpap does not treat it. My insurance covered it(50%) but it had to go through a process. I choose to by one online as I found it cheaper. Email me and I can geive you more info.

  5. QUESTION:
    how is central sleep apnea treated?
    sleep test says non obstuctive sa. is this central sa. im on cpap. 4th mask. i cant get any pressure to go thru my nose but it has alot on my mouth. i use my nose only to breathe when i sleep. any advice.

    • ANSWER:
      Central sleep apnea is when the brain does not tell the body to breath. They treat it with bipapST. The machine will take a breath for you if you do not. Cpap will not work

  6. QUESTION:
    if my sleep studys says negative for obstructive sa do i have central sleep apnea?
    the doc has me on a cpap. its not working. i cant get enough air going to my nose.

    • ANSWER:
      If you do not have OSA, why did they put you on cpap. A sleep study would show what is central and obstructive events. CSA is treated with Bipap ST.

  7. QUESTION:
    do i have central sleep apnea if im negative for obstructive sa.?
    my sleep study says im neg for obs. sa.
    i have cpap. 4th mask now. cant get enough presure on my nose. only on my mouth. i sleep breathing out my nose. deviated septum and turninates removed. sinus area ok...any advice.

    • ANSWER:

  8. QUESTION:
    Anyone improve their Sleep Apnea by sitting up when sleeping instead of lying down?
    I've had no success using a CPAP for Sleep Apnea. On my last sleep study the tech I had some Central Sleep Apneas which I didn't have on my sleep study the year before. My sleep doctor wouldn't give me meds for Central Sleep Apnea or but me on a BiPaP machine because they don't deal with Central Sleep Apnea. I know when I'm laying down I don't breathe much but when I'm sitting up it's fine, I'm wondering if this could carry over into my sleep.
    Sorry for spelling errors. Sleep deprivation rears it's ugly head.

    • ANSWER:
      Why don't you put the head of your bed up on some risers so that you are no longer lying flat and won't get back problems from sleeping in a recliner. That 6-8 inch incline may be all that you need to be able to breathe easier. Losing weight is your best bet for getting relief from your symptoms and your physician has probably already told you this. Start a walking program - it is the easiest to accomplish - start with short distances at a slow pace and over several weeks, gradually increase your speed and distance until you are walking 30-45 minutes a day at a brisk pace. You should be sweating when you reach the increased speed of walking. If you don't, you aren't walking fast enough. You would be surprised how much improved your breathing can become with only a 10 pound weight loss!

  9. QUESTION:
    Why am I so tired? I get plenty of sleep. Sleep with a CPAP machine but I can not wake up? What is wrong?
    I have a CPA because I have Central sleep apnea. For some reason unknown I just stop breathing while I am sleeping.
    I am take Lexapro before I go to bed. I was taking it in the morning but I was so sleepy during the day so I started taking it at night.
    I use a CPAP MACHINE sorry

    • ANSWER:
      go to dr.House! baci

  10. QUESTION:
    Had to take my loaner CPAP machine back to DR since my apnea hits were not high enough for insurance to cover?
    They want to run more tests but I have been with out that machine for days now, and I can tell a difference. I am so tired.
    What can I do until I get a CPAP to sleep with, that I won't be so tired?
    I do not have obstructive but central sleep apnea.
    I can really tell a difference in my energy when I use the CPAP. I contacted the DR but ehy want me to wait until I have taken more tests.

    • ANSWER:
      Centrals are caused because some people's bodies can't stand air blowing in their faces, what you really need is a VPAP (that's V) it was developed in Europe & now is available here in the States now, it's very expensive, hope you have Good Insurance, ( & don't rent it, you'll need it for a lifetime) but have your DR to order a VPAP test
      sometimes this is seen (Centrals) in cardiac pts,
      1 out of 2 / 50% of heart disease pts have Sleep Apnea

  11. QUESTION:
    Question about sleep apnea.?
    I have moderate obstructive and central sleep apnea. My blood oxygen levels according to sleep study dropped down to 60. I tried the CPAP machine for a couple of months and finally gave up. And I can't sleep with that dental appliance either. BTW I am tall and very thin, medically I would be considerated underweight.

    I am looking to buy a pulse oxyimeter with alarm that would wake me when my oxygen gets too low, like below 80. Do you think this would work? Where is a good place to buy one?
    Thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      I would think that would wake you up just as much as sleep apnea.

      Go to the place that supplied you with your machine and ask them to be fitted for a new mask. They have ton's of choices and there is bound to be one that will work for you. If you find a nice respiratory therapist who is willing to spend extra time with you, you can find a mask or nose mask that will work right for you.

      Good Luck!

      I've had sleep apnea for years and it took a while to find a working mask.

  12. QUESTION:
    any information on sleep apnea?
    so my dad has severe sleep apnea. its mixed apnea (obstructive and central) and he has episodes 70 times a night. he uses a machine (CPAP or BiPAP) to breathe.

    what does this mean? will he be okay? is his life in danger?

    • ANSWER:
      Hello Nicole,

      there are a lot of information about sleep apnea. You can find books about this disorder in shops, or you can read interesting things from internet or from my guide about sleep apnea:

  13. QUESTION:
    cpap has no pressure threw my nose. only with my mouth.?
    my sleep study says negative for obstructive sleep apnea. does this mean i have central sleep apnea?. had a deviated septum and turbinates removed. my sinuses and head area are clear. i have some fluid in my inner ear area. so i want to know what do you think is the reason i cant get any air from the cpap when i put it on my nose. the ent docs are no help. thanks

    • ANSWER:
      CPAP simply means Continous Positive Airway Pressure.

      The face mask fits tightly around the mouth and nose. Air enters the lungs via the nasal passages and the oral (mouth). You are saying that, "You cannot get any air from the CPAP into your lungs via the nasal passages." Air will enter your lungs via the route which offers the lowest resistance. If this does not happen air will leak to the exterior via the soft cushions.

      I hope this explanation helps.

  14. QUESTION:
    Do I really need a CPAP machine?
    I am only 39. I had a sleep study. I had 1 obstructed sleep apnea, 1 central sleep apnea, and 15 hypopneas. I am extremely tired but I also have periodic Limb Movement and it was 139 times. I believe my tiredness could come from the restlest leg and PLMD more so than the apneas. I was prescribed a CPAP machine and I don't really feel like I need one. Anyone have any suggestions.
    Yes, my oxygen level did drop a little. It was 89% without CPAP and 91% with CPAP. Also, it showed I got more rest with the CPAP but when I went back for the second study, they gave me an Ambien because I had a hard time going to sleep the first time. The PLM were 50 without CPAP and 139 with CPAP, so it didn't help that much with I don't think that it does.
    I think they are basing a lot of this on the survey I took. The sleep survey that measures how sleepy you are during the day I think which was 16.

    • ANSWER:

  15. QUESTION:
    Sleep apnea with SpO2 of 69%, supplemental oxygen?
    Had already posted a question, meant to ask this as well.

    I went for a polysomnograph (sleep study), and it showed I have obstructive sleep apnea as well as some central apneas. My doctor told me I stop breathing approximately 45 times an hour, and my pulse ox, at its lowest, was 69%.

    Question A) Is this critically low O2 saturation?

    Question B) Will CPAP or APAP keep my pulse ox up, or will I need supplemental oxygen as well at night?

    Question C) Have you ever seen someone's pulse ox drop this low with sleep apnea?

    Thanks so much, folks!
    I'm unsure what you are asking me this for. I am asking a legitimate question. I have a very minimal understanding of this subject, and have no idea about the scenario you presented...

    • ANSWER:
      Hello, there.

      A) That saturation is low and definitely calls for supplemental oxygen. It is not the lowest I have seen during sleep studies, though. I'm a respiratory therapist who worked in a sleep lab for a bit, and seeing someone with really long apneas and extremely low saturations always made me want to get out of my chair and do something about it!

      B) CPAP or BiPAP will help with keeping your airway open and avoid having so many episodes. I am sure your physician has gone over with you about the differences between obstructive vs. central apneas. One is where your airway becomes obstructed and does not allow for airflow to occur (obstructive). The other is your brain not sending adequate signals to control your breathing (central).
      Sometimes these devices do help with the oxygen saturation, as there are less episodes of no breathing, but that can also be deemed incorrect. Unfortunately, some patients require supplemental oxygen on top of their "machine" treatment.

      C) I have seen saturations in the 40's... that is when it gets really nail-biting scary. This does not mean that your saturations are adequate, though.

      Please follow your physician's instructions. Remember that they do not mind answering questions you may have.
      Hope I helped, and disregard the previous poster.

  16. QUESTION:
    diagnosed with sleep apnea?
    hey, 22yrold marine 2 1/2 years in been on 1 combat tour to afghan. I finally recieved my results from the sleep study my MO referred me to. The end comments from the phsyician was I have mild obstructive sleep apnea and also severe snoring. I had episodes from obstructive, central and mixed about 40 in 5 hours. I will be meeting with my MO in the AM to see what he has to say. Anyone else share this problem? Looks like ill have to get a cpap machine. I have heard rumors that sleep apnea is automatic Med board. If anyone could shed some light I will appriciate it.
    I am an infantryman by trade and being in a grunt unit isn't exactly the easiest place to be when you want treatment esp. the way Afghanistan is now sending more troops. hope for the best I guess. I feel as if the problem is progressively getting worse.

    • ANSWER:
      Hey Joe Rogan has that, he talks a bit about it here..
      http://blog.joerogan.net/archives/215

  17. QUESTION:
    my sleep study says negative for obstructive sleep apnea?
    does that mean i have central sa. what can i do for it. cpap is not helping

    • ANSWER:
      Your question lacks crucial information to give a meaningful answer but hopefully this helps you in that direction.

      A sleep study generally is done in one of three ways.

      A limited study often just uses a finger pulse oximeter and measures blood oxygen saturation as well as heart rate. This can only rule in OSA but not rule it out. Oxygen dips of 4% or more are looked for as they tend to correspond with an apnea or hypopnea event. Great care must be taken that the sleep technician understands sampling rates and software extrapolation algorithms to correctly 'score' the sleep study. This type of study is no good for detecting Central Sleep Apnea (CSA). It's often done in-home.

      A multi-channel study can be done in home or at the sleep lab. This also measures blood oxygen levels and heart rate but adds airflow through a nasal cannula, and often chest effort and body position. With the extra data channels recorded, this can distinguish obstructive events from central sleep apnoea. Hypopnea's are better detected too.

      Lastly, a polysomnogram (PSG) is a full blown sleep study including all the above plus wires to measure brainwaves and so on. It's the most comprehensive and always done in the lab.

      If you are overweight, you snore and feel tired in the day and the pulse oximetry study came out negative, they should do a multi-channel or PSG with you. If it was already such a more comprehensive test and OSA was ruled out, did they comment on CSA at all?

      If you are still tired in the day and CPAP doesn't work, it can be any of a number of other sleep disorders, such as periodic limb movement etc. Or not a sleep disorder at all but for example problems with thyroid function.

      So if you have reasons to suspect OSA, witnessed apnea events, snoring etc. ask to go up a level in sleep diagnostics with a more in-depth study. This may be able to confirm CSA or a different sleep disorder altogether after which the correct therapy can be prescribed. indeed BiLevel may be more appropriate or in case of PLMS, some form of medication can work very well.

  18. QUESTION:
    Stop breathing at onset of trying to go to sleep?
    I stop breathing during the beginning stages of sleep and wake up ia a panic, often jumping out of bed gasping for air. It started 28 years ago and only happened about once every couple of months. Now, it happens daily, even when I try to nap. The only was I can drift off to sleep peacefully is with either, Ambien, Lunesta or a BENZO (like Valium or Lorazepam). The last week it is getting even worse. I get a throbbing small pain near either my right temple area, sometimes either temple area or on the top/side middle of my head. I have been to two sleep studies, but the last one was 2 years ago and that night I didn't have an event. However, I was diagnosed with having mild OSA. The sleep doctor put me on a CPAP machine (which I bought) and it only made the condition worse. He tried every titration and still was bad. I don't know if I have mixed sleep apnea. I had a neurological study done and it turned up negative. I have read about Central or Mixed Sleep Apnea and in my opinion, I might be suffering from it. It seems that my brain-control center for going to sleep have gone haywire. I have read about taking Medroxyprogestorne (Provera, Cycrin, Amen), Acetazolamide (Diamox). Theophylline (Theo-Dur, Respbid, Slo-Bid, Theo-24, Theolair, Uniphyl, Slo-Phyllin), traicyclic antidepressants and selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's). I am currently taking Surmontil 100 mg. per day and and Lamictal 125 mg. Please help me if you have any ideas or suggestions. I feel that my body can't handle the stress of this much longer.

    • ANSWER:
      You're obviously on meds from the doctor. Talk to him and let him know how you feel. Ask him to recommend a Specialist that you can see for a second opinion. There is a chance the combination of drugs could be causing the problems. Make sure the doctor knows all of the over the counter medications and supplements you are taking too.

      Hope things get better for you.

  19. QUESTION:
    Anyone know what type of illness I have?
    Hi. I am trying to figure what kind of illness that I am having and the doctors doesn't seem to help. I've done many test and haven't gotten to the point of what it is. So far the symptoms I am having is really low energy and not able to do things that I normally do, and always sleeping more than 8 hours sometimes it can be 13 hours straight. When I spoke to my doctors they thought I had problems with my thyroid and when I took the test it proved negative. Then I saw a sleep specialist and did 2 type of test a multiple latency test and a test where u have to sleep overnight all they found was sleep apnea one is obtrusive and the other is central and also periodic limb movement disorder. I also had to do the cpap test and that didnt help either. Nonetheless even with the medication they gave hasn't worked...Someone tell me if they know what type of illness I have. Then I thought I had the chornica fatique syndrome or the Epstein-Barr virus , but I am unsure of it. What should I do?
    I also did an Iron level test, and found that I am not anemic, but rather have too much Iron in my blood so far I've seen a total of 3 doctors. Also did a blood test for my blood sugar and saw that I was still in the safe zone and am not diabetic.
    I've tried to do many things even changing my diet. I once weighed 180lbs and now weigh at 150lbs took me long enough I even did exercise but it was so hard to do them because I would give out too quick. I would feel so weak that I can't even do a 10 min exercise. It's like my muscles dont have any strength in them to lift something up .
    No I dont get any arm pains when I comb my hair, but I just feel weak when I lift it its like my arm feels very weak I dont know any other way to explain it.
    You know that is an interesting disease that is possible that I may have it cause all the symptoms do match for the muscle weakness. I dont know if it had anything to do with creatine I once took creatine to get bulkier.
    These are all wonderful responses I will keep them in mind and make sure to do them. Also yes I have seen a psychologist and psychiatrist regarding depression and anxiety disorders just wanted to add this to my details to get a better idea of the situation.

    • ANSWER:
      Get your liver checked. The doctor can do a cbc and see if your liver enzymes are elevated. However, 40% of the people with hepatitis C have liver enzymes in the normal range, so you should have a hepatitis panel done. The first complaint people have with hepatitis C is they are fatigued. Next comes joint pain, headaches, etc. Best wishes, hope the doctors figure out what it is.


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Best Sleep Apnea Mask

Posted on October 9, 2011 by

Sleep Apnea Masks: Buying the Best Sleep Apnea Mask for You

BiPAP Masks
A brief overview of the varying types of masks available for use with a BiPAP machine.

Those who suffer from sleep apnea know the benefits provided by devices such as BiPAP machines. However, one of the most overlooked parts of the apparatus is the mask that is worn, without which the BiPAP machine would be unable to effectively treat the symptoms of sleep apnea. Because the mask is such an important part of the treatment, there are many different options available to accommodate a wide range of needs.

When choosing a mask to use with your BiPAP machine, it is important to take into consideration some very important factors that will effective you and the effectiveness of the mask or other delivery system you choose: do you tend to breathe through your mouth? Does your mouth open while you sleep? Do you have large amounts of facial hair? Do you feel claustrophobic when using conventional face masks? These are but a few of the questions to ask when you are looking for a mask that is suitable to your needs.

For those who have no problems with mouth breathing and whose mouths stay closed while asleep, a mask that covers only the nose may be and effective and comfortable option. These masks often have a chin strap to ensure that the mouth doesnt accidentally open while sleeping, as well as to further secure the mask and create a tight seal. However, if you often find your mouth open while you sleep, you should consider buying a mask that covers both the nose and the mouth. This is very important, as breathing through the mouth while using a mask that covers only the nose will reduce or eliminate the effects of the BiPAP machine and therefore reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.

If you feel claustrophobic while wearing a face mask, another option to consider are nasal pillows, which insert directly into the nose and require no headgear. The seal is created against the inside of the nasal passages, leaving the face exposed. This is also an excellent alternative for those whose facial hair prevents a tight seal from forming while wearing a traditional face mask. Another option to consider is using an interface that resembles nasal cannula, except the tubing is large enough to create a seal when inserted into the nostrils. Both of these options are extremely viable alternatives to face masks in most cases. However, if the BiPAP machine is administering a high pressure, it may cause the seal to break due to the lack of headgear used with the nasal pillows or cannula.

Because your comfort is necessary to a good nights sleep, it is very important to choose a comfortable mask to go along with your BiPAP machine. If your mask is causing you discomfort and preventing restful sleep, the treatment will become ineffective and your symptoms will not clear. It is important to try many different options to find the one that suits you the best and affords the most comfort to ensure the maximum effectiveness of the treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. QUESTION:
    What is the best mask to use for sleep apnea?
    I understand their are newer versions of sleep masks to use for sleep apnea suffers. Any information

    • ANSWER:
      I think the best mask for you would depend on what you can tolerate having on your face.

      There are 3 different types of masks for CPAP's: Full face masks, nasal masks and nasal pillows.

      In my opinion the best full face mask out there is a Resmed Ultra Mirage, or a Resmed Mirage Quattro. The reason I feel that they are the best if because of the ease of removal. They have clips in the front of the mask versus some of the other brands that just use a ball and hook closure method. Full face masks are great if you don't have facial hair, and you sleep with your mouth open (which CPAP doesn't always alleviate), or if you have frequent sinus problems that keep your nose clogged. The down side to them is that if you toss and turn a lot they are hard to keep a seal with. If you are claustrophobic at all- then you wouldn't like a full face mask.

      Nasal masks are good for patients who want a mask that isn't nearly as much a hassle as full face masks. They don't cover as much of your face, and you can use them with a chin strap if you have a problem keeping your mouth closed. There are several good ones, but my favorite would have to be a Comfortgel. The ring that touches your face is made of gel, and according to my patients is comfortable. The down side is that that gel breaks down pretty quickly, and the mask needs to be replaced about every 6 months. A good alternative is a Comfort Fusion. The ring is made out of silicone, and can be replaced without having to get a whole new mask.

      The hottest item available now is called a nasal pillow. There are several brands out there, but my favorite (and the favorite of my patients) is called an Optilife Nasal Pillow. This mask has 2 small straps that come down the side of your face, a built in chin strap, and small pillows that fit inside your nose. It's lightweight, great if you toss and turn- and doesn't cover much of your face at all. Another couple of nasal pillows that are out there- and are worthless- are the Resmed "Swift" nasal pillows, and the Breeze Sleep Gear. Don't waste your time on those!

      There are some new forms of masks out there as well. One is called a Resmed Mirage Liberty. It has nasal pillows, and a mask that covers your mouth all in one piece. I'm not really fond of them, but I do know that they are available.

      Whatever you decide on, make sure that it's comfortable. If you don't like your mask you won't use your machine, and there are lots of options available through most DME companies. I would ask to speak to one of their Respiratory Therapists since the RT's will know the most about your choices. Good luck to you!

  2. QUESTION:
    choosing the best mask for cpap : Can you help me in choosing the best mask for cpap ?
    Hii.. I am Hyouma.. I am a patient of sleep apnea. While sleeping, I use to have difficulty in breathing. I was suggested to use a cpap mask by my doctor. But choosing the best mask for cpap is always going to be a difficult task. I am looking forward for all your replys.. pls help me in choosing the best mask for cpap..

    Thank You

    • ANSWER:
      hii Hyouma,

      I understand that how it feels like suffering from sleep apnea. I really know what a person exactly goes through. My father had been a patient of sleep apnea as well. He was unable to breathe easily while sleeping. But now it is completely Ok. So, i must say that it can be cured if it is properly dealt with. And yes cpap masks really do help in getting rid of the sleep apnea. OKiee, Let me try to help you a bit in choosing the best mask for cpap. Speaking from my experience's point of view, choose a mask that can be best fitted to you and in which you feel comfortable to be. You can also refer to a site that I am giving you as a source for choosing the best mask for cpap. My Father had referred to this particular site and he was awesomely benefited. You can try this too. i have tried my best in helping you for choosing the best mask for cpap.

  3. QUESTION:
    My husband takes off his CPAP in his sleep.?
    My husband started using his CPAP for severe sleep apnea about a week ago. He has the best of intentions, and really wants this to work out, but as soon as he goes into a deep sleep, he takes his mask off. I tell him to put it back on, and he gets confused or irritated. We've been doing this 4-5 times a night, and we are both getting quite frustrated. How do I help him keep his mask on at night????

    • ANSWER:

  4. QUESTION:
    difference between Cpap and Apap?
    my doctor has advised a Cpap mask for my Sleep Apnea. what is the difference between Cpap and Apap? which is the cheap and best Cpap machine available in the market?

    • ANSWER:
      APAP stands for Automatic Positive Airway Pressure.

      An APAP machine automatically adjusts on a breath by breath basis to blow the minimum pressure needed to keep your airway open during sleep. This allows your machine to provide you with your ideal pressure nightly.

      APAPs tend to be more advanced, more feature rich and more expensive than CPAP machines.

      CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.
      CPAP therapy provides a constant airflow which holds the airway open so that uninterrupted breathing is maintained during sleep. It is traditionally provided through a nasal mask that seals around the nose to maintain the pressure level.

  5. QUESTION:
    How can I suggest to my fiance he needs to shower more?
    I don't know if his co-workers smell him, I do, so they must. I wonder if they say stuff behind his back. He ALWAYS showers everyday when we stay with his mother for a long period of time. His best friend asked me if he showered and when I didn't reply he knew the answer. He does have other health issues. I had to make a doctor appointment to get his in-grown toe nail taken care of, I called his doctor about his sleep apnea, but this is hard. I drop hints but must be missing my mark. He has no problem saying the dog stinks and I want to say nope its you. I was thinking of keeping the sheets on and closed up in the warm room so maybe he will smell it. I have only had success once, I asked him to wear my favorite calogne to mask the smell or say use that body wash I love how yummy you smell after, but on a daily basis its more difficult. It isn't a religious or nationality thing. His mom raised him and his sister alone (she owned and ran a store) so they were home alone a lot. No real male romodel. He and his sister are two very different people, they both leave clothes on the floor (not a big deal) but she is a health fitness trainer he works for a big company and eats out sometimes healthy sometimes not. I can't go a day with out showering, his best friend even mentions to him that he showers 3 times a day if neccessary and my fiance is not getting the hint. Can't use sex as a tool, that is a whole other issue. HELP!
    Yes I should be able to talk to him. I am his first fiance/long time girlfriend. He does get defensive. it is not easy for me to hurt his feelings. I can't see him taking this well.. For Christmas I got my brothers and him old spice products to wash with, so he wouldn't feel bad and I was hoping use more often. I should know better than to "hint". I just can't stand hurting him. No mental issues

    • ANSWER:
      you keep hinting. stop hinting - men don't hear hints.

      tell him he stinks, outright. and set a boundary with him now that adult males shower everyday and take care of themselves. this is a red flag for YOU, my dear.

      when my ex-husbands sex addiction flared up he would not shower. does he have any mental health issues?


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Baby Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Posted on October 9, 2011 by

Baby Sleep Apnea Symptoms | BABY CENTER

Sleep is the common breathing problem in which there is continuous breath loss. The people who suffer from this problem do not get proper sleep in the night and suffer from day time drowsiness. Researchers have found that Sleep Apnea is caused due to the collapse of the tissue at the back of the throat. Moist of the people who suffer from the problem are not even aware of the same. Choking or gasping during sleep is a common symptom in this problem, but often people do not realize the same. The struggle for breathing is often forgotten on waking up, but drowsiness grips the person with the passage of day. Some of the most common symptoms are snoring, frequent silences followed by breathing, choking and gasping. Snoring is not at all similar to the problem of Sleep Apnea.

CPAP sleep apnea or Continuous positive airway pressure is the best possible and the most popular for of treatment available. Doctors recommend this apparatus to almost all the patients who suffer from sleep apnea. CPAP Sleep Apnea is a face mask that is used during the sleep to maintain the airflow in the airway thus avoiding the collapse of the throat tissues. The CPAP Sleep Apnea is very compact looking face mask that comes along with a humidifier to help in normal breathing. CPAP come in a wide range of prices and it mainly depends on the features provided with the face mask. Though there are people who initially face a few problems with this device but regular usage can make things really easy.

Click Stop Snoring Natural Ways and Sleep Apnea Threatmen for SECRET tips you didn't know before.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. QUESTION:
    Baby is gasping for air at night?
    My son is 3 months old. For the past few nights I wake up to him gasping and choking like if he cant breath. At first it was once maybe twice a night. Now its at least 5 times. His other symptoms are a runny nose that has been going on for about a week already and a fever that just started this morning. I'm taking him to our local urgent care as soon as they open at 2:00 today. Have any of you moms experienced this? A few things run through my mind like RSV or infant sleep apnea. Just want some opinions. Thanks.
    well. i could take him to the childrens hospital now. But being that there are so many cases of the swine flu out here i dont wanna take any chances of him catching anything. I'm leaving now and hopefully everything goes well.

    • ANSWER:

  2. QUESTION:
    4 yr old brother might have craniosynostosis? Please help!?
    My brother went for a doctors check-up today, and the doctor said he has to get a CAT scan, because his head is somewhat flat on the sides. He wanted to check for synostosis. I'm really scared. He was born premature. He has had developmental delays. (walking, talking, potty training). But isnt that common for preemies? I also heard that noisy breathing/sleep apnea is a symptom of pressure on the brain. The doctor pointed out today that he may have sleep apnea! How common is Craniosynostosis? Is it likely that he has it? Will he be able to get surgery if he does? I heard that it is usually done when the patient is a baby? How dangerous is it? Can someone have a slomewhat flat skull, and NOT have synostosis?

    Thanks for all the help, i'm just really worried. I'm 14, by the way.

    • ANSWER:
      Craniosynostosis is when a suture or sutures (openings) of a baby close too early. While it can cause problems, like harder for the brain to grow or pressure on the brain, it doesn't always. Many people likely have cranio. and aren't aware because it never affected them. (One in 1800!) Sometime take a look at bald people and the weird shape of some of their heads -- likely you're looking at cranio. Sometimes you can see a ridge or bump on their head where the suture closed up or sort of overlapped.

      It all depends on which suture/s closed early as to what the treatment should be. There are new, less invasive surgeries now being used in some cases. To a good neurosurgeon, it doesn't seem like this is a big deal surgery most of the time, since it mostly deals with the skull, rather than the brain. (Seriously, this is what a neurosurgeon told me!)

      Your brother should be seen by a good neurosurgeon, rather than a neurologist. I say this because I've heard of far more neurologists scaring parents and being totally wrong. I don't know why this happens, but it's been my experience in giving support to many many preemie parents. If you are near L.A., Dr. J. Gordon McComb at Children's Hospital L.A. is someone to consider. Most big children's hospitals have good neurosurgeons on staff.

      A neurosurgeon can give you and your parents information on whether your brother needs surgery for cosmetic only reasons or if it is necessary for proper development. Also, have they ruled out positional plagiocephaly? That's where a preemie's head is misshapen from laying on it in the nicu. That's very common.

      Here is a 23.5 wk preemie who had cranio (metopic, the suture running up the front of the forehead), but his parents didn't opt for surgery since the neurosurgeon said it would be only cosmetic in his case. As a baby he had a ridge going up his forehead where the suture overlapped, but now it is gone. Most of his side flattened head is from positional plagiocephaly. He didn't have treatment for that as treatments weren't really available then like they are now. (There is now a special helmet to reshape the head.) His head did grow and is now on the larger side and shaped like other family members, and no brain problems at all. (He's 13 now.) www.preemies.us

      Preemies DO develop slower than their full term peers, often slower than their adjusted age. There is help in through the Early Intervention or school programs.

      Noisy breathing can be a sign of enlarged tonsils/adenoids (or just too big for the kid). This is very common in preemies.

      It's unlikely that your brother has serious cranio because it would have been noticed by one of his doctors a long time ago. Doctors have to cover ever thing to make sure they don't miss something.

      I'm so sorry that you have these adult worries at your age. It's really very unfair! Try to talk to your parents about your worries. I know they might be spazzed right now, but they can help you. Your little brother is going to be fine!! Please let us know how he is doing. = )


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Best Sleep Apnea Machines

Posted on October 9, 2011 by

... you ll be able to find the best sleep apnea machines respironics cpap

Although useful in sleep apnea therapy, CPAP air from sleep apnea machines is actually an irritant. The increased airflow from Respironics CPAP machines and other brands affects everyone differently - some patients may experience bleeding and irritation that can lead to infection, while others are more prone to excess mucous, which can lead to sneezing and congestion. Some patients' irritation may accumulate from extended use, while other new patients might react poorly to CPAP air from their first couple of treatments.

For sleep apnea patients, humidification is the best option to cut down on irritation and avoid these symptoms.

Just like CPAP machines, humidifiers come in all shapes and sizes - some are attached directly to sleep apnea masks or machines, while others are intended to stand on their own. Here are some of the different types of humidifiers:

Heated humidifier: As the name suggests, a heated humidifier relies on heat to create moisture. These machines typically have several heat settings so patients can customize the amount of moisture they wish to receive. Heated humidifiers are considered very effective and typically have small, convenient water chambers.

Passover humidifier: Unlike heated humidifiers, passover humidifiers are freestanding water chambers that can be added to the path of your sleep apnea machine. Typically, air will originate in the CPAP machine, pass through a hose to the humidifier, and then continue through another, longer hose to your Respironics CPAP mask. Moisture is added to the CPAP air as it passes over the humidifier chamber.

Passover humidifiers typically work best with low pressure CPAP machines and are often prescribed to new sleep apnea patients. These humidifiers can work wonders for some patients, but for others they are simply not enough. In passover humidifiers, there is no way to customize the amount of moisture received, and they produce less moisture when operating at colder temperatures. Patients can turn their heated humidifiers into passive humidifiers by turning off the heat.

Integrated humidifier: Integrated humidifiers are designed to work as components of CPAP machines, which means patients only need a single hose and power cord, for added portability. Since these humidifiers are constructed for specific machines, patients need to replace them every time they switch machines. Also, some types of integrated humidifiers function as passover humidifiers, which restricts the amount of moisture created.

Built in humidifier: Built in humidifiers are permanent components of CPAP machines, creating a very compact setup. These can function as either heated or passover humidifiers. Patients who travel often may not enjoy built in humidifiers since they cannot be removed from CPAP machines, making the overall machine heavier than a machine without a humidifier. Also, since the CPAP and humidifier are a single unit, if there is a problem with any component, the entire machine will have to be repaired.

Stand alone humidifier: Stand alone humidifiers are separate units connected via hose to CPAP machines. These humidifiers feature large water chambers for optimum humidity, in addition to adjustable levels, however they are less compact than integrated or built in humidifiers and require a separate power cord.

Despite their differences, all humidifiers require simple maintenance. Most importantly, the tanks should be filled exclusively with distilled water, which will allow your humidifier to stay clean and safe for use. Distilled water evaporates without creating any mineral deposits - unlike tap water, which can cause white mineral buildup or mold to accumulate in your tank. If distilled water is not available, bottled water is an acceptable substitute, provided patients do not allow standing water to sit in the tank.

Besides that, all you have to do to keep your humidifier working well is to rinse out the chamber every morning.

If dryness in or around the nose continues to be a problem, patients should try facial moisturizer or saline nasal drops. Additionally, sometimes dryness is exasperated by certain other factors, such as sleeping with an open mouth. In these cases, doctors recommend special CPAP masks that cover both the nose and mouth. New masks take some getting used to, but after the adjustment period is over, patients will experience decreased nasal dryness and irritation.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. QUESTION:
    What are the best sleep apnea machines?
    What should a person diagnosed with sleep apnea use for maximum comfort and breathing improvement?

    • ANSWER:
      The best sleep apnea machines for people with this disorder are dependent on the type of condition they have. You would need to consult a healthcare specialist for that.
      There are two basic types of sleep apnea machines available today. One is the CPAP machine and the other is the BiPAP machine. The CPAP machine produces a continuous flow of air under a certain pressure that allows the muscles on your throat to open up. The BiPAP machine, on the other hand, simply determines whether there is enough air in the lungs and supplies oxygen as needed. The latter is typically prescribed to people who are obese or otherwise have neuro-muscular conditions.

      CPAP machine is the most popular among the two. It is known to help alleviate difficulties in breathing for both central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea.

      To get more information on sleep apnea and possible treatments and machines, you can visit http://getmoresleep.info, this is where I got my own machine and I am very satisfied with it.

  2. QUESTION:
    What is the best health tool to help sleep apnea?
    I know there are tools and machines to treat sleep apnea,,which do you recommend that I can order online that isn't a discomfort?
    Yes.. I;ve heard of apnea monitors but which brand?
    I get worried when I hear my father snoring then he doesn't breathe for 10 seconds then he takes a deep breath in

    • ANSWER:
      1 in 5 adults suffer from sleep apnea. It can be very dangerous so if you suspect sleep apnea is a problem it's best to see a doctor immediately.

      The question is about home remedies. This is not medical advice only a few possibilities to lessen the symptoms of sleep apnea.

      Lose weight - eat less and exercise more
      Lower blood pressure
      Stop smoking
      Stop the cause of heartburn
      No alcohol or sedatives before going to sleep.
      Keep regular sleeping times - sleep on your side
      Raise the head of the bead
      Dental appliances can sometimes help
      Use a humidifier
      Keep sinuses clear
      Stablize blood sugar

      Sleep apnea can affect anyone at any age, even children. However, risk factors include:
      * Male gender
      * Being overweight
      * Being over the age of forty
      * Having a large neck size (17 inches or greater in men and 16 inches or greater in women)
      * Having larger tonsils
      * Having a family history of sleep apnea

      In mild cases of sleep apnea, conservative therapy may be all that is needed. Conservative approaches include:
      * Lose weight
      * Avoid alcohol and sleeping pills
      * Change sleep positions to promote regular breathing
      * Stop smoking. Smoking can increase the swelling in the upper airway which may worsen both snoring and apnea.
      * Avoid sleeping on your back

      The most commonly performed surgical procedures for sleep apnea include:
      * Somnoplasty: A minimally invasive procedure to reduce the soft tissue in the upper airway.
      * Nasal surgery: Correction of nasal obstructions such as a deviated septum.
      * Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): A procedure that removes soft tissue on the back of the throat and palate, increasing the width of the airway at the throat opening.
      * Mandibular maxillar advancement surgery: Invasive surgery to correct certain facial abnormalities or throat obstructions that contribute to sleep apnea.

  3. QUESTION:
    What is the best solution for sleep apnea?
    I have sleep apnea but Im sure i do not want to use a c-pap or an a-pap machine. Just looking for the next best solution.

    • ANSWER:
      Someone else already said it, but it should be repeated. Get the CPAP.

      I never thought I would be able to sleep with one. For about a year I told myself that it would not help me sleep, that it would make it more difficult for my wife to sleep, that it would be uncomfortable...

      The very first night I used CPAP it felt a little akward, but by the end of the first week ALL of my symptoms had disappeared. It has been three years now and I have no more headaches, no more muscle cramps, no more waking up several times a night with horrible heartburn or horrible sweating. My blood pressure and cholesterol have returned to normal. In one week I went from a 25 year old in danger of having a heart attack to a well rested guy who can just enjoy life again. I cannot even begin to explain how much better you will feel.

      Get the CPAP and try it for a week. Just 7 days. If you can't do it, talk to your doctor. There is a surgical procedure that can reduce apnea, however less then 30% of the people who have it see any significant change and most people must have the surgury repeated throughout their lives to stay symptom free.

      Most importantly, do not ignore this condition. If you do you will continue to gain weight, the headaches will get worse. Your blood pressure will continue to skyrocket. You will develop holes in your stomach and esophogus from the acid. You will have a potentially fatal heart attack. Left untreated and supervised by a doctor this condition will kill you.

      Get the CPAP.

  4. QUESTION:
    What is the best way for me to sell a CPAP machine(used for Sleep Apnea)?
    I have a CPAP machine used for Sleep Apnea. I no longer use it, as I have found relief using a SnoreGuard. I have tried to sell it locally to my city on Craigslist. This has proven ineffective. The original cost was about 00. I would sell it for starting price of 0. Any ideas of other better reached selling websites?
    Thank You!!

    • ANSWER:
      http://www.secondwindcpap.com/

      From what I can see they buy and sell cpap machines.

  5. QUESTION:
    What would be the best way to take my CPAP (machine used for sleep apnea) machine when I fly?
    I was recently diagnosed with sleep apnea. I have the cpap machine and of course of a carrying case. I have a flight in a month. Ideally I would use that as my "personal" carry on item. Problem is, that spot is already "filled" (so to speak) by my laptop bag. I do have a rather large (but still in regulation size) nike bag that I think I could fit it into. Does anyone know if that would be allowed. Or does anyone have any other suggestions?

    • ANSWER:
      Yes, that would be fine. CPAPs are specifically allowed as carry-on.

  6. QUESTION:
    I have sleep apnea,Is the cpap machine the best way to treat this.It is so hard to get use to this machine.?
    Is the cpap machine the only way to treat this condition.

    • ANSWER:
      Sleep apnea is a horrible thing to suffer, and can be life threatening. There are answers for those diagnosed with this disorder.

      The Greek word "apnea" literally means "without breath." There are three types of apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed; of the three, obstructive is the most common.

      Untreated, sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure and other cardiovascular disease, memory problems, weight gain, impotency, and headaches. Moreover, untreated sleep apnea may be responsible for job impairment and motor vehicle crashes. Fortunately, sleep apnea can be diagnosed and treated. Several treatment options exist, and research into additional options continues.

      Current treatments for Sleep Apnea:

      * Avoidance of alcohol and medications that relax the airway and/or reduce respiratory drive
      * Weight loss
      * Positional therapy, i.e., avoiding sleeping on the back (for adults)
      * Oral appliances
      * Surgery (a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy is the most common treatment for pediatric patients)
      * Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) The most appropriate treatment depends on an individual’s medical history and the severity of the disorder.

      Often there are only minor adjustments to be made with the mask and headgear, and improving compliance is a concern for everyone involved in treating sleep apnea patients.

      Your doctor has prescribed the CPAP machine for your disorder. It is important that you discuss your concerns with your physican. I can tell you this.....the CPAP machine is not easy to get used to, but once you persist and do adjust, you will sleep way better than you ever have.

      Hope this helps.

      Take care my friend.

  7. QUESTION:
    I have to go on a sleep apnea machine, does anyone know which is best or at least not so scary to have on.?

    • ANSWER:
      I have been 100% lucky. From the first time I put on my CPAP, I have been confortable with it.

      The biggest problem was that in the beginning I was extremely congested during the day. My nose would not stop flowing. The best fix for this problem was a humidifier. For the first couple of years, I simply put a wet washcloth over the air intake. With that, I immediately improved on the congestion. I also invented a counter-current flow device to put in the mask, which helped even more.

      When I have a cold, I can't breath through my nose at night. When this happens, I use Afrin once a day, at bedtime, to assure that I can breath. I don't use it in the morning, since more than a couple days of Afrin can cause nosebleeds.

      As for the mask, I use a standard Respironics silicone mask. Each mask usually lasts for a couple of years. It is soft against my face, and I have no adverse reactions. The mask is held in place with a Respironics headgear made of elastic velcro straps.

      It isn't pretty, but it can surely help you sleep and return your life to you.

  8. QUESTION:
    whats is the best cpap machine for sleeping apnea problem?
    i have about 15 to 20 stop bteathe in an hour. thanks you all for helping me

    • ANSWER:
      I use the Resmed - it's very good - very quiet, get the humidifier attachment and the gel mask. The humidifier tank detaches and is easy to fill and clean (a lot of them are difficult to clean).

      http://www.cpap.com/cpap-machine/resmed-s8-autoset-II-cpap-machine.html

  9. QUESTION:
    besides cpap machine what is best cure for sleep apnea?
    need help this is killing me

    • ANSWER:
      Sometimes you can have nasal surgery or have tonsils removed.

      Losing weight often helps.

      Cpap is the most common and effective treatment.

      An ear, nose, and throat doctor should be able to tell you about your surgery options

  10. QUESTION:
    what is the best manufacturer of Cpap machines?
    sleep apnea sufferers have to use Continuous pressure machines for sleeping.

    • ANSWER:
      i LOVE my Fisher Paykel CPAP machine (they make kitchen items like dishwashers too) i've never had a problem with it (x 5 yrs)
      i LOVE my Res Med Mirage Quattro Full Face Mask too, it's Deluxe
      i have heard of some people buying CPAPs on EBAY? but you'd have to know what pressure & How to change it
      CPAP saved my life

  11. QUESTION:
    I have "Sleep Apnea", what is the best face mask to get ?
    I'm in the process of getting a machine, mask and everything. Can anyone give me any heads up on this subject before I go and buy ?

    • ANSWER:
      It may be a couple of times before you get the right mask. Make sure that the machine isn't very noisy cause that's always a headache if anyone is sleeping with you. It depends on the person though with a mask, you will get a red mask line around your face in the morning. I would just look at different mask including those that are more comfortable to wear than those snug ones.

  12. QUESTION:
    i have sleep apnea what is the best solution to this problem I'm tired of this machine?

    • ANSWER:
      If your sleep apnea is genetic and not weight associated there is nothing you can do about it. If it is weight associated, not sleeping will only make your weight issue worse as you seek other ways of getting energy. I was first diagnosed back in 1998, so I'm speaking from experience.There are a few things you can do, but going without the machine can cause heart problems.
      Here are a few tips:
      *If the air is irritating your nose ask for a warm air humidifier. This will add moisture and heat the air a bit making it more comfortable.
      *Try changing masks. There a different kinds, you just need to find what is comfortable for you.
      *It usually takes about a month or two to get use to the machine, so please be patient. I would wake up for a month to find that I had ripped off the mask and thrown it across the room, but after a month everything was good and I started sleeping through the night.

  13. QUESTION:
    who makes the best cpap machines?
    I am reading up on sleep apnea and would like to hear some advice on what may be the best cpap macines on the market?

    • ANSWER:
      I have a Remstar Pro with C-Flex. It has over 12,000 hours on it and I have had no trouble at all with it. It is quiet and light weight, easy to travel with (it came with a case). I also use a full face mask because I have allergy problems and the associated congestion makes it difficult to breathe through my nose at times. The full face mask allows me to breathe through my mouth when necessary. It took a little getting used to, but I can't sleep without the CPAP now - not even for a short nap. Good luck and I hope this helps a little.

  14. QUESTION:
    Sleep apnea, little REM sleep, insomnia?
    Hi there-
    Recently diagnosed with moderate to severe sleep apnea. Also it has been stated that I am not staying in REM sleep for any useful length of time.
    I usually sleep very little at night...always have been nocturnal.

    I sleep best during the day. But the last 5 months have been rough.
    I only stay asleep for a couple hours and then feel hyper and irritable when I get up.

    New diagnosis of sleep apnea and very poor amount of REM Sleep.
    I am doing a titration study tonight with c-pap machines to see what volume works for me.

    I would like to hear from others on how if at all treatment has helped?
    If your situation is similar to mine as far as minimal amounts of sleep with diagnosis of apnea?

    What can I expect with treatment. Some have said they feel better right away. Others have said it takes awhile. I would like to hear anyone else's experience with this.

    Thank you.

    PS...Do you ever adjust to life with that machine stuck on your nose?
    And is there sex after c-pap even if your significant other doesn't have a thing for Darth Vader breath sounds?

    • ANSWER:
      I have the same problem. I am on a cpap machine I use the full mask. If there is a problemu will feel better right away. I think that it is all linked to oxygen in the body. I pap machine is like a small humidifer which u breath in thru your nose. do u have sinus problems? If your nose is plugged all the time, a full mask will force u to breath thr your nose. The first night I slept 12 hrs. I never woke up. I found out that I was exhausted, maybe half dead and did not know it.

  15. QUESTION:
    How to choose best CPAP?
    DH was just diagnosed with sleep apnea and prescribed a CPAP. Any suggestions for choosing the best machine? It looks like there are more options available online (etc.) than there are available at the local medical supply store.

    • ANSWER:
      My husband has been using a cpap machine for several years. At first he had the type that fitted a mask over his nose but he found it uncomfortable and now he uses a full face mask. I think you need something that you feel comfortable with as you'll be using for some while! Speaking as the "spouse" opt for something that makes as little noise as possible and one where the straps are reliable. It's a bit like sleeping with darth vader and an alarm goes off when the machine thinks he's stopped breathing (when the mask slips for example). Oh for a quiet night!

  16. QUESTION:
    What is the best cpap machine on the market?
    I think it comes down to the Respironics System One REMstar auto and the REsMed S9 elite.

    Cost is not an issue here. Any input will be greatly appreciated, I'm new to all this and feel overwhelmed. Yet sleep apnea is creating a huge burden on my life.

    Again, thanks to anyone that can lead me in the right direction.
    I meant to write the S9 autoset, not elite.

    • ANSWER:
      I think the Respironics machine probably has the edge. It is an autotitrating machine which gives a gentle lead in at the beginning and ramps up the pressure to meet your need during the night. Respironics also has a great reputation and great customer service. Good luck!

  17. QUESTION:
    ATTENTION SLEEP STUDY PEOPLE,,How can I deal with my sleep Apnea?
    PLEASE READ ALL THE DETAILS.

    I am working HARD to loose weight so I can sleep better.

    I DO NOT want to use a machine.

    I allready had (2) sleep studies done and I cannot ABSOLUTLY cannot wear the machine!!! .

    I FEEL LIKE I AM SUFFOCATING!!!! EVEN ON THE CORRECT SETTINGS!!!

    What is the best position to sleep so my throat does not close on me? Can I sleep sitting up?

    I MUST know so I can loose more wieght so the lack of sleep DOES not affect my metabolism. PLEASE I am desperate and want to improve my sleep w/o the machine.

    Also I am eating a low fat diet and working out 6 x a week.mostly walking and biking cardio stuff. I try to get 6-8 hrs of sleep a night.

    Also would going to bed earlier help me???

    Thanks so much
    The first sleep study was to figure out what setting to put the machine on and 2nd was to test the machine on me.
    Thats why I had 2 done. Thata what they wanted.

    • ANSWER:
      I have used bipap for 7 years now. I could not loose weight prior to going on for treatment. Without treatment you generally do not have the energy to exercise. There is a hormone that is secreted in REM sleep that is a appetite supressent. I have lost a significant amount of weight and my pressures have gone up. Thin people can have sleep apnea too. You say that you are sleeping 6-8 hours a day but your are only sleep for a few minutes at a time and not getting the restorative sleep. OSA can lead to hypertension and stroke and many other complications from being untreated.

      I was anti mask and machine at first. I am very clausterphobic. I worked with a great RRT. I still call her with questions at time. I started sitting up and holding the mask to my face and watching TV. I used the ramp on the machine starting at a lower pressure until I feel asleep. I also talked to a complaint cpap user for ideas. I used the online message boards aka support group at sleepnet.com. It was very helpful. I will tell you to make sure that you are using a heated humidifier will be helpful. Depending on your settings, bipap and autopap are tolerated better than cpap. I have had bipap because I used to retain CO2. I was told that I could go to CPAP because I was doing better but I already had a bipap so I kept using it. My trusty machine finally broke after 7 years. I used a cpap machine for a week while getting my new bipap and I hated cpap. Bipap is more comfortable but more expensve.Autopap is between a cpap and a bipap.

      I am 100 percent compliant. I feel asleep on an airplane. The plane was delayed and there was a time difference and I had been up for more than 24 hours. I felt horrible for days. My symptoms had returned. I was at grad school and could not concentrate.

      Best wishes.

  18. QUESTION:
    Can anyone recommend the best "CPAP" machine/mask on the market?
    I have sleep apnea and my doctor wants to order a CPAP machine for me. I want to get the BEST one out there. Anyone have experience with these?

    • ANSWER:
      my machine is called the resmed.. i love it.. it has a nice carrying case and even has the humidifier also.. i have had mine for a yr now and no problems as of yet. my insurance paid for it so didnt cost me anything.. and if i need more masks or hoses they send them to me ups.. the company i got mine from is called. nationwide medical. inc in agoura hill, CA there number i think is 818-338-3500.. good luck and you will sleep much better soon..

  19. QUESTION:
    My hubby saved my life, how can I help him save his from obesity and sleep apnea?
    Sometimes I kid around and say I'm all kinds of broken, but that was how I felt when he became my friend. I was in a verbally abusive relationship, although he never hit me, it probably would have hurt less if he had. Overweight, bi-polar disorder, PCoS, and more problems on top of that. I was ready for suicide, just to get life over with since I was that unhappy.

    My new friend helped me understand that although I had some problems, they weren't worth giving up on everything, including letting my family down. He became my best friend for the next three years, then he moved from Canada to the US to be with me. We ended getting married 3 weeks later.

    When I meet him he was an online friend. I didn't know everything about him as far as physical attributes, but I really didn't care. Before he flew down he told me he was a heavy set guy, and I was ok with that. He reminds me of a huge teddy bear now.

    My problem is this. When he moved here he was overweight, I don't know how many pounds he was, but he was wearing a 2x shirt... Since then we've been married for 1 year and 8 months (today actually, how funny.) and he has gained another 2 shirt sizes. My husband now weighs in at about 360 at 5'8". I had sleep problems so I did a sleep study, I thought "well heck, he has sleep problems too, we'll both go". They diagnosed him with Sleep Apnea, he stops breathing about 200 times an hour. I was terrified for his life, if he stops breathing that many times an hour, what is my promise that he will start breathing again? Well now to say the least he has a breathing machine that helps him at night. He hates it, but he wears it for me.

    We went and saw our General Practitioner. He said that with Sleep Apnea, if it's untreated the heart enlarges, and if it goes untreated he could have died within a matter of 3-5 years, if it he was lucky.

    My husband's problems with weight started when he started gaming online. Mom is a superb cook and made something like 6 course meals on a daily basis, as a stay at home mom. I think this is around when he hit 22ish. (He's 30 now) We still game online... for a couple of months after seeing the doctor we walked 2 miles every day, when it started raining heavily in the area for a few weeks we stopped. Then I tried getting gym memberships for us, we went for 3 weeks... then he would refuse to go.

    I've done everything. I've cried, I've voiced my opinion, commented about how his shirts occasionally show his tummy poking out, tried putting him on an expensive diet, showed him that I’m willing to support and work out too, and taken him to the gym or just randomly walking. For the life of me I can not get him to take more interest in his weight. I'm heartbroken that he isn't taking this matter more seriously. My parents and brother are concerned, what's the likeliness that he will survive the next ten years at this rate, what will happen to me when he’s gone. He’s literally the light of my life; he’s what keeps me stable.

    How do you push someone to understand what they are doing to themselves? I'm overweight by about 30-50lbs, but since we've gotten married I've a few pounds, and kept it off.

    It's hard doing things together, shopping for clothes, being intimate. He wonders why I pull back, and I've tried telling him why, but he doesn't understand, or doesn't want to. My last thought is to send him back home to his family, leave him and maybe he'll understand how much I need him to be healthy. But then I don't even know if he'll take action.

    I know my husband is lazy, I am too to an extent, but he takes extremely good care of me. He has a hard time finding a job because he’s an immigrant to the US, so now he’s attending college to get additional training in his career. He’s not doing nothing all day. He’s studying, going to school, doing labs, and yes some gaming too. There’s no harm in that I think… It’s how we spend time together and keep within a budget.

    Note: I don’t have insurance; I lost my full time job that had benefits. Since then I had to take the first job I could get, which is only part time. Before when we had the insurance he didn’t find the idea of weight loss pills acceptable, he thought they could cause permanent damage. Now that we don’t have insurance he’s thinking that MAYBE he’ll eventually take them. I don’t know if he’s saying it because he knows I can’t afford to get them for him, or if he was serious. My sister in law’s extended family has a doctor in it, he’s from Mexico. He offered to bring medication to my husband to help stimulate his metabolism. My husband said NO without a second thought. He said medications from Mexico weren’t safe. My brother argues that the same medical companies make drugs all across the world, but he just said no, and left it at that.

    Sorry. I know this is long, but thank you for taking the time to read it, and possibly help me.
    As a response to my first comment. My hubby sometimes says that I approach him at the wrong times, IE: He's had a bad day. Other times he says he knows he needs to try, but just doesn't. He's even mentioned that if he cooks diet foods that I don't always like them, and that's disappointing for him. I've offered to cook my own meals, so that way he won't feel as though he's being unappreciated, but then he comments that he feels useless since his daily tasks are less than mine.

    • ANSWER:
      It hurts to see someone who's helped you gradually kill themselves with constant suicide, especially whenever they don't see the issue, or at least have no real desire to rectify it. There's only so much you can do or say to him. I don't know if counseling is an option, I know it's expensive, with or without insurance. You've tried talking to him, sneaking in exercise... etc. You're a good woman for trying. I don't know if I missed it or not, but what's his reaction when you tell him flat-out how you feel about his condition? Is he concerned in response, indifferent, thinks you're overreacting, etc.? You'd think he'd at least humor you and give it a shot.

      Addendum: Sorry, took me a while to get back to this question. His responses are... I don't know. My mind goes to extreme measures as being a solution, but I've never been in your position verbatim, so I don't feel completely adequate in giving you advice. Whatever you so choose, I wish you and he luck in the end-result.

  20. QUESTION:
    My sleep habits are the worst. How do I change my life around?
    Actually, I know the standard answers. Get a good routine going, go to bed at same hour and up at same hour every day, good diet, exercise, relaxation, blah blah blah. The trouble is I am now 73 and this has gone on for 11 years since my wife died. I live alone and have none of the good habits because I am always in the same rut and unable to change or, if I do change, it is for about two or three days and then I stay up to 3 AM and sleep to noon. Today, I am so mad. I stayed up ALL night and now it is sunny and 9:30 AM. I am not sleepy after being up for 22 hours, but know I need some sleep. I am afraid this is another lost day. I've been to the "sleep specialists" taken numerous sleep tests, got machine for sleep apnea, meds for sleeping and anxiety and depression. So why am I still up all night? Worst of all I don't do anything productive in those night hours when I am awake. My best working times are, like most people, during the day.

    • ANSWER:
      I am sorry to hear about your wife. It is kind of hard to answer your question because you have been to all the specialist and they have giving you everything from medicine to some form of treatment and it hasn't helped.

      I suffer with insomnia at times my doctor has giving me sleeping pills but I don't take them to strong. What I found to help me on those really stressful sleepless days is: tea, getting a book to read, and prayer.

      Also you might want to try a natural sleep aid (Melatonin) here are some facts about it, you can find it at your local vitamin or nutrition store.

      Melatonin is a popular remedy to help people fall asleep when the sleep/wake cycle has been disturbed, such as in shift workers or people who with jet lag.

      Melatonin is a hormone found naturally in the body. The pineal gland in the brain makes serotonin which is then converted into melatonin at night when exposure to light decreases.

      Melatonin is typically taken about 30 minutes before the desired bedtime. Some experts caution that melatonin should not be used by people with depression, schizophrenia, autoimmune diseases, and other serious illness. Pregnant and nursing women should not use melatonin.

      I hope things get better, I will be praying for you!

  21. QUESTION:
    I am pretty sure my dog has sleep apnea.?
    I have tried using a CPAP machine on him, but when i wake up he is always just chewing on the mask. i tried adding paper to the sides to make it more for a snout and not for a nose. How can i get him to understand this is best for him and not a really expensive chew toy. also he snores and I have considered putting him down if he snores again. Thank you.

    • ANSWER:
      This might be better answered if you post it in the pets section under dogs - sorry I cant be any help.

  22. QUESTION:
    can you get discharge for mild sleep apnea?
    Ok, I been told by a major who is my care provider that my choices are: Discharge from the Army under General discharge with honorable condition if I choose, A Easier place and MOS of duty, or not say nothing and drive on. I went to see a 2LT today and he said the none of that stuff will happen, the only thing i'll get is a drive on and hope for the best. I know it's mild and my machine is set to 3 but I feel like everybody giving me the run around. The unit will be going to the field soon and their talking about sleeping in tent but i can't cause theirs no plugs in a tent. So, i honestly just want to get out cause am always tried and getting in trouble for falling asleep around 1 or 2 and I tell them I can't help it but I get smoke for it anyways. So what do you think I should do?

    • ANSWER:
      okay first of all go to medical and make sure all of this is documented over and over again. you could be getting paid big bucks from the VA for disability later on in life and medical bills paid for and many other perks from the VA. it can initially save you from losing out on benefits also. Also make sure you want to get out for sure because being discharged from the military in the wrong way could initially stop you from getting other jobs. just like i said if you get anything out of this just GO TO MEDICAL AND DOCUMENT EVERYTHING!!! keep complaining about it until you get sick of it!

  23. QUESTION:
    What is the proper way to clean the hose of a c-pap machine?
    My sister has sleep apnea and must wear a c-pap machine. She wants to know how to properly clean the plastic hose and fittings without harming the accessories. She believes that dawn detergent would not be harmful but not really sure about the best solution. Please advise. Thank you in advance.

    • ANSWER:
      Do not use Dawn detergent. You are supposed to put it in the sink with water and a little distilled vinegar. Make sure the solution goes all the way through the hose then hang the hose to dry. I usually hang mine over the shower bar. To clean the fittings use this solution also. Make sure to change the filters and to clean the mask use non-alcohol baby wipes. You are supposed to clean the mask daily and the hose and other things weekly and the filters should last about 3 months.


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Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome Sleep

Posted on October 8, 2011 by

Steven Rose, DDS - Sleep Apnea / Snoring

As you may know, if you've already been diagnosed with this condition, UARS mimics 'sleep apnea' (otherwise known as obstructive sleep apnea), because the symptoms are nearly identical, namely excessive daytime drowsiness and difficulty with early morning arising. Snoring is also a very common symptom that is often present in both UARS as well as sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea differs from UARS however, in that it is characterized by periods of 'apnea' or 'hypopnea' which happen frequently throughout the night, as demonstrated in the standard polysomnogram (also commonly referred to as a sleep study). 'Apnea' means that the sufferer experiences episodes where little or no air exchange occurs when attempting to breath while asleep, typically due to the tongue and other soft tissues relaxing and collapsing down into the back of throat and restricting air movement. This is the "obstructive" part of the term "obstructive sleep apnea." Poor oxygenation during sleep causes the body and brain to experience fatigue the next day.

Although the symptoms among sleep apnea and UARS patients are similar, UARS does not entail significant findings of apnea or hypopnea, as demonstrated in a standard sleep study. Nor does UARS typically involve the tongue causing obstruction by collapsing down into the back of the throat, as happens with sleep apnea. Nonetheless, the impaired breathing of UARS, the cause of which up until now has not been fully understood in the medical community, involves decreased ventilation and oxygenation during the night which leads to a disrupted sleep pattern.

These sleep disruptions come in the form of mini-arousals (or mini waking periods) which may be observed and measured on an electroencephalogram (or EEG), which is an instrument that is used during conventional sleep studies. Again like sleep apnea, the result of the sleep disruptions and poor oxygenation during UARS is that the body and brain experience fatigue the following day.

When a patient who undergoes a sleep study is diagnosed with UARS instead of sleep apnea, many doctors will suggest that the patient consider a trial of the typical treatments for sleep apnea anyway, such as CPAP, palate surgery, or oral appliances. These treatments are not always effective for UARS however, and there are often reimbursement challenges with these treatments for UARS when dealing with many insurance companies, due to the absence of the actual diagnosis of sleep apnea.

The discovery and history of UARS: A physician and researcher at the prestigious Stanford University Sleep Medicine Program, Dr Christian Guilleminault, who is also a French citizen, is credited with bringing UARS to light within the medical community. Dr Guilleminault has been a researcher in the field of sleep medicine from the 1970's until the present day. He was the first to recognize the 'sleep-disordered breathing' condition which he termed 'UARS', in a series of medical journal articles that he wrote and published with his co-authors in the early 1990's. The phrase sleep-disordered breathing refers to a group of related conditions that includes snoring, UARS, and sleep apnea, among others.

A seminal article on UARS is "A cause of excessive daytime sleepiness: The upper airway resistance syndrome", which Dr Guilleminault co-published in the journal Chest. This is the official journal of the American College of Chest Physicians, and the article may be found in the 1993; 104 volume of Chest, on pages 781-787. A link where you can read this online if you're interested is located at: http://www.chestjournal.org/cgi/reprint/104/3/781.

Prior to Dr Guilleminault's published findings, patients who suffered from symptoms of UARS were commonly labeled by their physicians as "idiopathic hyersomniacs", which is a medical term for patients who are excessively tired during the daytime, but for which the underlying cause is unknown. A common treatment for such patients had been the use of "stimulants," such as amphetamines.

Dr Guilleminault admitted that stimulants had a role in the temporary treatment of tiredness that was truly "idiopathic," and not due to any discernable underlying causes. However, he advocated that the use of stimulants was not ideal for the long-term treatment of patients diagnosed with sleep-disordered breathing conditions.

Early in his research on UARS, Dr Guilleminault performed studies on a group of patients who had been labeled as "idiopathic hypersomniacs" by their doctors. Dr G. found that a sub group of these patients displayed numerous very short arousal periods during the sleep studies which he performed on them. He found that these arousal periods correlated with an abnormal increase in respiratory efforts during sleep. In other words, he noticed that this sub group of patients labored to take deeper breaths shortly before their mini waking periods. He determined this through the use of a device which measures the esophageal pressures of his patients. The esophagus is the tube which carries your food from the back of your throat down to your stomach, when you swallow food. Dr G. found that the mini arousals were preceded by a peak in the inspiratory esophageal pressure.

To this day, many sleep specialists, when they discuss UARS with their patients, will mention that "esophageal pressure monitoring" (abbreviated Pes), combined with a sleep study, is necessary for definitively diagnosing UARS. This comes from Dr G.'s work and his discoveries regarding the characteristic rises in esophageal pressure which precede the transient night-time arousals in patient with UARS.

Nonetheless, esophageal pressure monitoring is not commonly used in sleep studies, and this measuring modality is rarely available, except perhaps for research studies like those which Dr G. conducted. Therefore, UARS is generally a "diagnosis of exclusion." The diagnosis is usually arrived at "presumptively" when a patient has symptoms of sleep apnea, but the sleep study reveals that no apnea episodes are actually present at night.

Regarding treatment, Dr G. suggested that some patients suffering from UARS might be successfully treated with nasal CPAP on a temporary basis, and that in some cases palate surgery might provide relief, as well. Ultimately though, he conceded that a universal, long-term cure for UARS had yet to be discovered.

Want to learn more?Visit my website by clicking on thelink provided below.

Eric Falcon, MD recently discovered a cure for his own UARS and snoring. Read about his unique remedy by visiting http://www.uarsrelief.com

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Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

Posted on October 7, 2011 by

California Sleep Apnea Expert Dr Jonathan Greenburg discusses sleep ...

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend a sleep apnea machine to help treat your sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a type of sleeping disorder where the sufferer is awakened as many as 50 times per hour because they cannot breathe. The most common form of sleep apnea is called obstructive sleep apnea anda sleep apnea machine is the most common form of treatment. If you are looking for sleep apnea cures,there are many proven treatment options. Why not pay a visit to your health care provider and see what solutions there are to solve your sleep apnea.

How To Determine If You Need a Sleep Apnea Machine

First, it is important that your condition is diagnosed by a professional so that proper treatment can be prescribed. Diagnosis is performed by means of a sleep study or Polysomnography test. Polysomnography tests are usually conducted overnight in a sleep lab. The patient is connected to a series of electrodes which measure the biophysiological changes that occur while sleeping. Measuring brain, heart, eye and muscle activity, the goal is to determine if a patient stops breathing while asleep, when it occurs, how frequently it occurs and for how long. If obstructive sleep apnea is diagnosed, there are several treatment options. There are two types of sleep apnea machines to choose from. One is the CPAP or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine and the other one is the BIPAP or the Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure machine.

WhichSleep Apnea Machine is Best

Let's begin with an explanation of what obstructive sleep apnea is. In obstructive sleep apnea, the airway tissue in the mouth and throat can collapse, causing a temporary blockage and preventing the patient from breathing normally. As the person struggles to breathe, they are awakened and sleep is disrupted. The CPAP or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine increases air pressure in the airways by pumping air through a small mask that fits over the nose and mouth. So, as a person breathes in, the airways in the nose, throat and mouth are kept open and prevented from closing by the positive air pressure. The CPAP sleep apnea machine delivers a constant or continuous flow of air so as the patient exhales; they must do so against the pressure supplied by the CPAP Machine. For some, especially those with neuromuscular conditions, this can be difficult.

This is why the BIPAP or Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure Machine was developed. The difference here is that the BIPAP sleep apnea machine uses two levels of pressure while the CPAP only uses one. As the person exhales, the BIPAP machine reduces the air pressure making it easier to exhale. The two pressures that are being used in a Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure machine make it easier to get more air out of the lungs and have also been shown to be effective for treating some patients with congestive heart failure and some lung conditions.

Both sleep apnea machines perform the same function but do it differently. Whereas the CPAP machine works continuously as the person inhales and exhales; the BIPAP machine provides breathing assistance to the person. The BIPAP is commonly used in patients who have heart failure and other diseases that affect the heart and the lungs as well as for those patients who have nervous system and muscular problems. Your doctor or medical provider can help you decide which sleep apnea machine is appropriate for you.

For those who are lucky enough to not require a sleep apnea machine such as those with mild sleep apnea, other less invasive sleep apnea treatment options exist.There are several types of dental devices thatcan be effectivefor treating sleep apneawhen worn during sleep. These can also be used as stop snoring devices. The mandibular advancement device is fitted on the lower jaw and it pulls the jaw forward to allow air to pass freely. There is also a tongue retaining device that is used for people who snore. It is fitted to the tongue and it sucks the tongue forward, clearing the throat and allowing the passage of air.

Remember that a sleep apnea machine is not a substitute for breathing. These are not ventilators. What the sleep apnea machines do is make sure that you take the proper number of breaths every minute according to what your doctor determines is right for you. After careful diagnosis of your type of sleep apnea, he may recommend a sleep apnea machine that is just right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.


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Sleep Apnea In Children

Posted on October 7, 2011 by

Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children: Accurate Diagnosis, Effective ...

If your child suffers from perspiring when he or she sleeps, the first thing to do is not panic. There are many natural and environmental reasons a child might perspire while sleeping. You should also discuss the matter with your doctor before you jump to conclusions or take any advice from online sources.

In this article, however, I will discuss three common medical reasons a child might suffer from sweating while sleeping. This isn't intended to replace a visit to your child's doctor; this is just to help you be more informed.

Tuberculosis Causes Sweating While Sleeping

While any infection or fever can cause children to suffer from sleep hyperhidrosis, one of the most common causes of severe, drenching perspiration in children and adults alike is tuberculosis (TB). Tuberculosis most often affects the lungs and may reduce a child's overall immune system, making him or her even more susceptible to other night perspiration triggering infections.

Hyperthyroidism Causes Sweating While Sleeping

If your son or daughter's small body is creating too a high a volume of thyroid hormones, than he or she may be suffering from hyperthyroidism. In addition to night sweating, symptoms of hyperthyroidism include unexplained weight loss and distinct lethargy. As always, if you suspect that your child may be suffering from this condition, please consult with your pediatrician.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. QUESTION:
    Night terrors and sleep apnea in children?
    My daughter had a sleep study done because we thought she had OSA (obstruction sleep apnea) due to large tonsils. It turns out that she might have had a sleep terror also. She always woke up with a blood curdling scream and a look of "possesed" on her face. I have never put the 2 and 2 together but I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this? My daughter is 2 1/2.

    • ANSWER:

  2. QUESTION:
    How are small children tested for sleep apnea?
    I can't see the same testing being used for adults in children....
    I don't know any toddler that would be alright with all that stuff hooked up to them, or them being able to leave it alone.
    Is it the same?
    Also, how is it treated in children?

    I am googling it, although I'm having some trouble finding the information I need for children.

    • ANSWER:
      I'm assuming they'd test a child the same way they test an adult by doing a sleep study test. They hook them up to machines and monitor them while they sleep.

  3. QUESTION:
    Can children have sleep apnea?
    My 4 yr old snores and sometimes she seems to stop sleeping in the night could this be a sign of sleep apnea? She is other wise healthy and not overweight at all
    she also stopes breathing for a fer seconds and then seems like she is catching her breath.
    I just noticed this last night so no wise remarks about my parenting plz.

    • ANSWER:
      One of my daughters had sleep apnea. She snored like a grandpa from a very young age. She was underweight and constantly tired from the sleep apnea. If you're not getting quality sleep, it can hinder your development. We ended up getting her tonsils and adenoids out when she was about 3. It made a world of difference. Definitely mention it to her pediatrician so she can be looked at by an ENT. You don't want to mess around with sleep apnea.

  4. QUESTION:
    Know anything about sleep apnea in a child?
    My 3 year old has sleep apnea. I just realized this (along with snoring) and have him an appointment for an ear, nose and throat doctor. I'm wondering if there is anything I should know, or anything that will help the situation until our appointment. I didn't realize that children get this...any suggestions are welcome! Thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      Yes children have sleep apnea. There are two types. The first is the most common. It is obstructive. Generally removing the tonsils and or adenoids solves the problem. I have seen obese children with OSA that use cpap but this is rare. The second type is central sleep apnea. It is when the brain does not tell the body to breathe. This is treated with bipap.

      google sleep apnea in children and look at www.sleepnet.com

      Best wishes

  5. QUESTION:
    Can sleep apnea as a child pass on to adulthood?
    Im 26 now and when I was born I had sleep apnea till I was 5 years old. It was really bad, I actually almost passed away 2 times when I was little. I was just wondering if it is possible that I could still have sleep apnea??? I wake up alot in the middle of the night and I am always super tired during the day. I am over weight... so I know that could be part of it. Just wondering if anyone has any advice...Thanks

    • ANSWER:

  6. QUESTION:
    Can sleep apnea in a child...?
    be caused by allergies, he also has eczema what i think is caused from milk allergy, could that cause his sleep apnea too.

    • ANSWER:
      I don't know, but here are some links..you could take him to a university sleep clinic or an ear nose and throat specialist...

      Eczema and Atropic Dermatitis (sebborheic dermatitis,etc)

      atropic dermatitis (eczema is one type) at govt. website
      http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/dermatitis/ffdermatitis.htm

      National eczema Association
      http://www.nationaleczema.org/lwe/aboutad.html (about atropic dermatitis)

      Government clinical trials
      http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/gui/action/FindCondition?ui=D004485&recruiting=true

      eczema topics on medline plus (national library of medicine)
      http://search.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/qu...

      some possible vaccine problems with smallpox vaccine and people with atropic dermatitis (eczema is one type) (link above says people with eczema should NOT take the smallpox vaccine)
      http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/news/newsreleases/2006/eczema_spox.htm

      they say sometimes food allergies are involved..here are some links...
      http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsConditions/Eczemacc.html
      http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/pa/pa_eczema_hhg.htm
      http://kidshealth.org/teen/diseases_conditions/allergies_immune/eczema.html

      a general discussion of food allergies (govt website)
      http://www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/food.htm

      an eczema diet
      http://kroniknya-duniaku.blogspot.com/2006/11/eczema-diet.html

      one woman's journey
      http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/eczema.htm
      http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/eczema2.htm
      http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/eczema2.htm#cause

      another person's journey
      http://www.eczemavoice.com/forum/messages/271/48.html

      here is questions about eczema on yahoo answers
      http://ca.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20061201032215AAtOUyG
      http://in.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20061210040314AA20M0e
      http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=ArFUqUXxCk8Ca4YzgxRP5uTsy6IX?qid=20070227120626AAdFeNs&show=7#profile-info-852395927c9364fe1e8c7cdf222d61dbaa
      http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ag6Dt9nBMrtRRIELgyTSyO_YxQt.?qid=20070305002036AAMc1lp

      In Japan and turkey they have a treatment for it where you get into a sauna and let little fish eat off the eczema flesh.
      http://www.realself.com/blog/psoriasis_treatment_doctor_fish.html

      here is the hygiene hypothesis
      http://www.theopenpress.com/index.php?a=press&id=13747

      eczema vs psoriasis
      http://curezone.com/forums/fm.asp?i=6909

  7. QUESTION:
    Is there any type of financial assistance for a sleep apnea study?
    My husband snores, gasps, and wakes up in the morning feeling tired and usually has a headache. All tell tell signs of sleep apnea. I have sleep apnea, and remember that feeling all too well. Anyway, I am disabled so I was able to get most of my sleep study and my CPAP paid for through Medicare. He has no insurance and he just got a job after searching forever, but the job has no medical benefits and we can not afford to pay out of pocket for a test but he desperately needs one. I know he and I both need to lose weight, and we are trying but he needs something now. I worry about him. Does anyone know any type of assistance programs that might help him? We live in Southern Illinois. Oh, and he has tried to get Medicaid, but can not since he is not disabled and since we do not have children. Thanks in advance to anyone who can give me information, and God bless!

    • ANSWER:

  8. QUESTION:
    why does a 4yr old with sleep apnea need to stay in intensive care after tonsils and adanoids are removed?
    My 4 year old daughter has been to see the ENT doctor today who has said she needs her tonsils and adanoids out because of her sleep apnea. But he said because she has sleep apnea she will have to recover in intensive care rather that in the wards like other children without the apnea. He never explained why this is and i cant find anything online about this either. He said she will need to spend at least 1 day in ICU. Can any1 explain why this it. I was in such a state at the time i didnt think to ask
    Its not that im being ungratfull for the extra care at all, I am curious as to what these 'extra complications' may be and if anybody knows what they are here. I would have asked the doctor but I was in such a panic at hearing intensive care that my brain wouldnt ask what i wanted it to

    • ANSWER:
      I would have thought it was obvious....because of your child's sleep problem they need to be extra careful and keep a closer watch on her.
      Having tonsils and adenoids out can lead to complications in any one.
      Be very grateful your child is getting this extra care. They are making sure all is well....all the best !!

      Edit naturally you are concerned and hearing 'intensive care' can be alarming.
      Remember the op is on her throat. It can be difficult to swallow after for a little while.
      They would keep an extra eye on any child with any problems.
      The intensive care unit will be fine. It is not frightening and you will have extra privacy and extra support making sur e all goes well.
      Feel reassured that your daughter will be in very good hands 24/7.
      Try not to worry they are just giving your daughter extra care.
      I am sure it will be fine...all the best.

  9. QUESTION:
    Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover sleep studies?
    For possible sleep apnea in a young child.

    • ANSWER:
      It should if it is prescribed by a doctor.

  10. QUESTION:
    Is sleep apnea dangerous?
    I think I might have sleep apnea but I'm not sure. I didn't start having it until the beginning of the school year. I read it's rare in children. [I'm only 14] Is it dangerous? Should I tell my parents/see a doctor?
    I sometimes wake up in the middle in the night and notice I'm not breathing then i end up gasping for air. It happens several times if i try going back to sleep right after.

    • ANSWER:
      Yes! Plus, it is weird that this is happening, and you're so young... all the more reason to go get checked out!

      Plus, it's kind of fun, you'll get to spend the night with a bajillion electrodes hooked up to your head (for the sleep study). Do get checked out! They can tell you how serious it is then, and what kind of treatments you'll need to follow (breathing aids, airway machines, sleeping position, etc).

      Good luck!

  11. QUESTION:
    Low energy and sleep apnea?
    My Doctor and I believe that I may have sleep apnea, which I am scheduled for testing. My appointment isn't until next month and then it takes three weeks to get the results back. In the meantime, I am totally exhausted and find no motivation to get anything done, which is very difficult because I have three children. What are some things I can do to raise my energy levels so that I can make it through the day and accomplish at least the basic needs of my family?

    • ANSWER:
      The machine is your best solution if this is your condition. Make sure to get a mask that fits well and does not come off at night. Later, I persuaded the doctor to prescribe two masks (nasal & mouth/nose) so that I could switch off.

      Sleep apnea is position related. Get several large pillows and make yourself comfortable in a sleep position on your right side. During the test, make sure to sleep on your back so that the testers can see your apnea problem.

      Keep experimenting with position until you find something that allows you to get deep sleep without waking yourself up.

      Long-term:
      + Use a CPAP machine.
      + Exercise aerobically building up to about 50-60 minutes per day, 5 days per week. Get your doctor to recommend an aerobic heart rate based upon your health. Choose an exercise that you enjoy and can incorporate into your daily routine. I bicycle to work, at lunch, and on my trip home from work. I have also gone to the YMCA early in the morning to swim for 50 minutes continuously. Remove TV or some other activity from your schedule so that you can make time for this.
      + Learn to eat a vegan diet. Read "The China Study" by T. Colin Campbell. I dropped 50 pounds so far without much effort by simply going mostly vegan and exercising.

  12. QUESTION:
    can my sleep disorder have an affect on my unborn child?
    I have Sleep Apnea and it has had put a lot of stress on my body. I haven't gone to the doctors for my sleep disorder and i dont have one of those things that help you breath at night. I just found out that i am pregnant, and i am afraid that my sleep apnea will harm the baby. I know that with sleep apnea you have more carbon monoxide in your sistem. Can some one tell me if this will hurt the baby?

    • ANSWER:


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Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea

Posted on October 5, 2011 by

Note: OSAHS = Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome

Whether you’ve recently been prescribed Provigil for the treatment of your narcolepsy or hypersomnia, or you are just looking for more information on the drug before pursuing it as a means to treat what ails you, it’s important to consider what effects it can have on your body before you start taking it.

What is Provigil?

Provigil is commonly prescribed for patients who suffer from a wide variety of ailments relating to hypersomnia. These ailments include narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder and obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome. It treats these illnesses by providing a stimulant to the patient that increases alertness and enhances the mood. Unlike other types of stimulants, like amphetamines, Provigil will not cause anxiety, irritability or moodiness.

Provigil has also been prescribed more recently in the treatment of ADD/ADHD and severe depression. These uses are not yet FDA approved and the relationship between depression and Provigil use in the long term is not yet known.

Is Provigil Right for You?

If you suffer from one of the illnesses that Provigil treats, it’s important to consider the side effects of the drug before taking it, just like with any other type of medication. Provigil side effects vary from person-to-person, but a few appear regularly in a wide variety of patients. Common Provigil side effects include headaches, nausea, diarrhea and insomnia.

Provigil side effects increase when the drug is taken before, during or after alcohol consumption. Like with any potent medicine, doctors will advise you to stay away from alcohol while on this medication. Other lesser known Provigil side effects include the inability to reason or control reaction time and motor skills. This is why doctors also recommend that patients avoid this drug while driving or operating heavy machinery.

For women, Provigil side effects can prove to be very problematic if sexually active. Provigil can alter the effectiveness of some forms of birth control. Women are advised to use a second, non-hormonal, method of birth control to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Women who use Provigil and are trying to get pregnant should stop using the medication and still use a second form of birth control for a month after stopping. This allows the medicine to completely work its way out of the body and will avoid any effects on the developing fetus.

Where to Turn for Answers

If you still think this medication is right for you after seeing potential Provigil side effects, it’s important to visit with your doctor to discuss your treatment options. Your doctor understands this drug better than anyone and can advise you whether it’s a good option for your ailment. Your pharmacist will also be able to answer questions pertaining to potential (and possibly) serious drug interactions.

Seeking treatment for your illness, whatever it may be, is a great step toward your overall health. Visit your doctor as soon as possible to discover your options with Provigil. Don’t let your illness keep you from enjoying the life you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. QUESTION:
    central sleep apnea and hypopnea?
    I've just been diagnosed with central, obstructive and complex sleep apnea, as well as hypopnea. Does anyone have any info on these afflictions? Maybe I'm being a bit of a hypochondriac, but what I've read so far sounds kind of scary.

    • ANSWER:
      It can be scary if untreated. There is a respirator type mask you can be fitted wiyh to relieve the symptoms.


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