Alternative Therapy to CPAP (Nasal Breathing)

[Wcwilson]

I was diagnosed in 2018 with moderate sleep apnea.  I've consistently used a CPAP machine since, but have begun to utilize nostril breathing exercises during the day to help.  I've read the book Oxygen Advantage by Patrick McKeown who outlines behavioral therapy, primarily, mouth tape during the night as well as a variety of breathing exercises to combat asthma, and sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, middle of the night insomnia, etc.
I have performed these exercises for two weeks now, and forgone the use of the CPAP during that time.  I can say that my middle of the night insomnia has gotten better.  I've utilized the Pillow App to record my snoring, which is virtually nil, and by coincidence I have a temper-pedic mattress which also analyzes both snoring, and "sleep disturbances".  My energy level seems good.

Has anyone else tried these techniques?  Also, I'm interested in knowing what is an "at home" method for determining whether I am having any apneas?  Would it be a Oximeter, or some other device?  Previously, when I don't wear my CPAP, I can wake myself up and realize that I've had an apnea, but thankfully that has not occurred in the past two weeks.  I'd like some verification that I'm not experiencing apneas.

Wade

[G. Szabo]

You will need a sleep study to be sure. A Ring Oximeter would provide some insights, but it is not perfect. It also records the HR. My HR increases at apnea events.

[SeePak]

Hi Wcwilson.

Yes I have heard of Patrick McEwen through 'Breathworker' who is a member on this site.

We have a conversation going and I'm providing the thread below....

RE: Discussion on alternate treatments for sleep apnea

I have been practicing his breathing techniques and looking at my oscar charts and reducing my CPAP pressure I've gotten rid of epr and I'm finally getting sleep after about 6 months of terrible sleep!

And this has been a combination of getting all kinds of great information from people and Wiki on this website including finding a way to get rid of my mask leaks by switching to a new mask and also taping my mouth closed.

Looking forward to giving you more feedback and including you in the conversation we have going

[CPAPfriend]

hey Wcwilson

I've tried them and noticed marked differences. That was many years ago, and I think I'm overdue to properly deep dive this subject again. With each passing year, the importance of nasal breathing together with our ability to override what has long been viewed as out-of-our-control processes, seem to increase. I believe I read "Buteyko Breathing", and of course there is James Nestor's Breath.

The easiest things to try at home would be a pulse oximeter or a WatchPAT test. Both of those will be able to provide you with a good understanding of your quality of sleep. I just did a video that highlights what to look for with a pulseox: is CPAP fully treating you? Find out more with this tool.

Anyways, I'm a believer in the power of nasal breathing and taking back control of our breath, and the data seems to be quite on our side! The future looks bright.

[SeePak]

1. CPAP friend
   
2. Checked out your video
   
3. Sounds great about the pulse oximeter
   
4. Just had my second sleep study done after 35 years I have the prescription for 6.7 cm but I haven't seen the full report yet as far as movement etc etc and waking which I think might be included in that
   
5. I want to stress though that through the breathing exercises my nose is subjectively more open and I've been able to drop my CPAP pressure down to 5.8 and I can see where there are arousals Etc I'm just doing more breathing exercises until I see less of those and how I subjectively feel during the morning and throughout the day there has been a ton of improvement more to go and I look forward to your channel and some of your information
   
   

[Breathworker]

I was diagnosed in 2018 with moderate sleep apnea.  I've consistently used a CPAP machine since, but have begun to utilize nostril breathing exercises during the day to help.  I've read the book Oxygen Advantage by Patrick McKeown who outlines behavioral therapy, primarily, mouth tape during the night as well as a variety of breathing exercises to combat asthma, and sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, middle of the night insomnia, etc.
I have performed these exercises for two weeks now, and forgone the use of the CPAP during that time.  I can say that my middle of the night insomnia has gotten better.  I've utilized the Pillow App to record my snoring, which is virtually nil, and by coincidence I have a temper-pedic mattress which also analyzes both snoring, and "sleep disturbances".  My energy level seems good.

Has anyone else tried these techniques?  Also, I'm interested in knowing what is an "at home" method for determining whether I am having any apneas?  Would it be a Oximeter, or some other device?  Previously, when I don't wear my CPAP, I can wake myself up and realize that I've had an apnea, but thankfully that has not occurred in the past two weeks.  I'd like some verification that I'm not experiencing apneas.

Wade

I am also reading The Breathing Cure. I might have gone through the second chapter where he has all the exercises abit quickly, because i don't recall one s for middle of the night insomnia. Perhaps t's also later in the book and I haven't gotten to it yet. Can you please provide pagination for those particular exercises? I've read and seen quite a bit by him, but I'm wondering if this is something I haven't come across yet. Thanks.

[SeePak]

Hey breath worker
Page 110 though I have the phone app
Chapter 3 for insomnia go through there you'll find it

And the results I've been getting are phenomenal my nose is mostly unplugged though it will still plug up on one side once in awhile and then using his breath hold exercise it becomes clear again

And when I wake up in the middle of the night which I sometimes will still do I do a light breathing exercise and I get really sleepy again my nose is unplugged and I put on my mask and I'm back to sleep again

[Breathworker]

Thanks, SeePak. Still waking up a lot throughout the night, still feel pretty tired and fatigued most days. Maybe it's getting better. I am slated to have a procedure on my nose in November, although I will probably seek a second opinion. I have also been in contact with a woman who will probably be my breath coach.

You've been wearing a CPAP for 35+ years? Was it smooth sailing the whole time? I've been wearing this oral appliance for maybe three months. Breathing does help, just looking to dive much deeper. I have a lot of other stressors in my life right now.

[SeePak]

Sorry to hear things aren't getting much better for you.
The breathing exercises really need to be kind of a crunch course for me, whereby that's all I'm thinking about I'm trying all kinds of them and really giving it a shot and what I'm finding is just when I think I'm really doing good I realize I'm still not breathing properly so yes it's a lot of work and I can tell as Patrick has had thousands of patients that the work will pay off eventually.
35 years I would say not really smooth sailing but somehow I adapted to when my nose is plugged and I can't get much air through there with the CPAP although at first I was claustrophobic for sure .
But the number one thing with Patrick is to get our most closed all day everyday even during almost all light exercise and that's definitely what I'm doing and I've even taping my mouth closed which for me I didn't really like at first but because it works so well I got to do it

[Breathworker]

Earlier in the year before my sleep study when I just thought I was dealing with insomnia I may have been sleeping three hours a night. I am sleeping more than that so things so things have improved. I just have more than one issue involved. Buteyko breathing has certainly been a huge help.