Back Sleeping With CPAP?

[OMyMyOHellYes]

Probably.

It took me several years of PAP therapy before I was able to. I was back sleeper, got fat and started down the apnea trail and lost the ability to sleep on my back - just couldn't go to sleep in a supine position.

I can now, most nights, and I feel SOOOOO much better the next day if I can. Back, hips and knees. Way more rested (I think arthritis and joint pain in other positions disturb my sleep).

OMMOHY

[PaulaO2]

This just keeps getting worse

My Dr. just tells me to go to physiotherapy and I'm not sure if he can fix this.

I may have to try an oral appliance instead...Feel like I'm running out of options. How do the oral appliances work?

Oral appliances work by pulling the jaw and therefore the tongue forward. Unless fitted correctly, they can cause jaw issues. You must get an adjustable one and it must be fitted correctly. The biggest issue with oral appliances is their lack of being able to ensure they are working. You would have to wear an oximeter and track your oxygen saturation rate. As long as your oxygen rate stays up, then the device is most likely working. You would have to first wear the oximeter for a week or so without the device so you have a baseline of what you do without assistance. Then you would have something to compare it to.

It is quite possible your ears will not be affected by CPAP. If the noises are not due to pressure but just a noisy ear drum, then all is well. Your best bet is to get the machine and start out at a low pressure then slowly increase it to your treatment pressure over several months. This will allow your sinuses and ears to acclimatize to the sensation of the air.

The overall body improvement benefits of CPAP use is well worth the problems of getting used to it. Lower blood pressure, lower heart rate, healthier organ systems due to regular oxygen being delivered, better sleep, healthier brain...it is a long list.

Stop worrying about all this. You're getting wound up and you don't even know if you will actually have any problems. Relax. It will be okay, even if there are problems. We'll help you through it.

[linn]

This just keeps getting worse

My Dr. just tells me to go to physiotherapy and I'm not sure if he can fix this.

I may have to try an oral appliance instead...Feel like I'm running out of options. How do the oral appliances work?

Oral appliances work by pulling the jaw and therefore the tongue forward. Unless fitted correctly, they can cause jaw issues. You must get an adjustable one and it must be fitted correctly. The biggest issue with oral appliances is their lack of being able to ensure they are working. You would have to wear an oximeter and track your oxygen saturation rate. As long as your oxygen rate stays up, then the device is most likely working. You would have to first wear the oximeter for a week or so without the device so you have a baseline of what you do without assistance. Then you would have something to compare it to.

It is quite possible your ears will not be affected by CPAP. If the noises are not due to pressure but just a noisy ear drum, then all is well. Your best bet is to get the machine and start out at a low pressure then slowly increase it to your treatment pressure over several months. This will allow your sinuses and ears to acclimatize to the sensation of the air.

The overall body improvement benefits of CPAP use is well worth the problems of getting used to it. Lower blood pressure, lower heart rate, healthier organ systems due to regular oxygen being delivered, better sleep, healthier brain...it is a long list.

Stop worrying about all this. You're getting wound up and you don't even know if you will actually have any problems. Relax. It will be okay, even if there are problems. We'll help you through it.

Thanks Paula...I'm sleep deprived and very depressed. I'm panicking because I am in such bad shape.

Thanks for the support...it means a lot.

[PaulaO2]

Yeah, I know. And it is okay to be there. Just put your foot on the floor to stop the spinning. Sleep in a recliner until you get your CPAP. See an ear specialist if you have not already.

Go sit out in the sun a little. Breathe. Close your eyes and expose your face to the sun. Seriously. It's getting to be that time of the year (for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere) where sun exposure is getting very important. Especially to those of us with depression and/or anxiety.

[linn]

Yeah, I know. And it is okay to be there. Just put your foot on the floor to stop the spinning. Sleep in a recliner until you get your CPAP. See an ear specialist if you have not already.

Go sit out in the sun a little. Breathe. Close your eyes and expose your face to the sun. Seriously. It's getting to be that time of the year (for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere) where sun exposure is getting very important. Especially to those of us with depression and/or anxiety.

I don't have a recliner, perhaps I should get one.
Yes, it is a difficult time of year for depression and anxiety and I have them both. Thanks for the kind words.

[DariaVader]

I don't have a recliner, perhaps I should get one.
Yes, it is a difficult time of year for depression and anxiety and I have them both. Thanks for the kind words.

should definitely consider having a recliner in the house... one that you can sleep in. That way if you hav no power, or cannot use pap - it is better than nothing and you can still sleep!