Is CPAP machines really that good

[cate1898]

Welcome to the forum rich2905, glad you found us here!

It's good you realize that CPAP therapy is not a cure, but a long-term way of life for us Sleep Apneaics. Sounds like you have the right frame of mind and realize that this is now your new way of sleeping. Congrats on getting your AHI below 5, it will only get better hopefully!

[Sleepster]

So I wonder could the cpap machines actually have such a significant impact or was just my first reading off.

Set your machine at a pressure of 4 cm (the lowest it will go) and see if your AHI goes way up. If it does, you know you need the machine.

[Phill]

I had dizzy spells, each one while working in the garden and in general about a year apart.
Usual thing would be pulling weeds, straighten up, fall over cracking head and ambulance to hospital.

After numerous tests they came up with OSA though none/few of my symptoms appear to match up with any of those described by those on the site.
Any connection between OSA and the dizzy spells would seem to be tenuous in the extreme.

Best of luck on your journey.

Oh, and the dizzy spells? you might have epilepsy, not really sure, so you had better take these pills.

[kwhenrykerr]

How has the CPAP worked for you ? Have you seen any other changes ?

[Mosquitobait]

Just wanted to add that the Airsense is not a BETTER machine than the S9. Simply a redesign from separate units to integrated. The algorithm remains the same. It is a FAR better machine than the previous S8. The Airsense for HER is better in the sense that it has a 3rd algorithm that is supposed to work better for women (and some men). Works for me as I don't wake up as much from changing pressures. BUT, I did get an S9 as a backup because I found the regular algorithm was just as effective.

The older S9's had a really crappy humidifier bin. They replaced the bin with these fold out holders to open - much improved.

Dizzy spells - I have bradycardia that is only apparent when laying down, but I would assume the sleep study would have showed that. Another cause is diabetes. Even if you are not yet diagnosed diabetic or even pre-diabetic, sudden changes in blood sugar can be problematic. Sudden change in blood pressure also does it. OK, that's my 2c worth.

[Sleepster]

Any connection between OSA and the dizzy spells would seem to be tenuous in the extreme.

I don't know about dizziness in general, but the type I have (non-vestibular) definitely is worse when I'm tired. The specialist I saw asked if I used my CPAP machine regularly, which I took as an indication that it's relevant, especially in view of his conversational style.

By the way, one indication that dizziness may be non-vestibular is that you don't ever see the room spinning. But you do feel dizzy.

[PaytonA]

A question for dizziness. When you are dizzy, does the room seem to spin or do you have trouble maintaining your balance?

[richb]

To answer how am I feeling.

Not sure, I still feel a bit strange in the morning but reckon that is the mask.

One of the reasons I have got onto this was because for the last 8 months I have been getting dizzy spells. I have had every thing checked out but had not done a sleep test. My doctor had been asking me to do this for years as I do/did have a bad snoring problem. Or at least that is what I am told and meet the other criteria for sleep apnea, not skinny - nice way to say I am fat and over weight.

I have still had the dizzy spells since starting but am going ok today as have been working in the garden most of the time.

I am not expecting immediate changes from the CPap, and see it as a long term benefit despite getting improved AHI figures. Waking up in the morning and checking how I went still has the novelty buzz in it. Once I get into Sleepyhead it will be more interesting I reckon, for awhile.


Any way many thanks for the comments and and a chance the rave on a bit.

All the best to all of you

Rich

Hi Rich,

Regarding your dizzy spells. I would get a portable blood pressure cuff and take BP several times a day. Do this especially when you feel dizzy. You might be experiencing low blood pressure and or orthostatic low blood pressure. Use a pocket calendar to keep records.

Rich

[Sleepster]

When you are dizzy, does the room seem to spin or do you have trouble maintaining your balance?

For me? No, and no.

[Sleepster]

Regarding your dizzy spells. I would get a portable blood pressure cuff and take BP several times a day. Do this especially when you feel dizzy.

I agree. Be on the look out for high diastolic pressure which could be an indication that your carotid arteries are partially blocked. An ultrasound test can confirm.

Also, when checking blood pressure pay attention to heart rate and respiration rate. Do you notice either of these being elevated when you're having a dizzy spell?