I have it, been on the machine since 2019. Changed my life. I was falling asleep at work and even a couple of times in calmer social engagements / watching films together etc. I’d ruled out camping when my snoring attracted a herd of investigative sheep, goats and cows around our tent.
The thought of doing things was often just.. difficult.
I was of interest to the lung function department because more typically people who have OSA are obese (but not always) and I was not obese.
I’ve found out lately that the the cause of mine is my jaw / tongue rests ever so slightly back in the night (so my throat closes when I lie back and muscles relax as I properly fall asleep). Turning on my side can sometimes negate it but when asleep we move so that isn’t a solution. I may be able to come off the machine all together if I get a Jaw Advancement Device from a Dentist.
There are two types of devices, one is a little cruder and £80 ish from a dentist - you test that for 3 months to get used to sleeping with it in and you airways clear. This tests it before spending the real money. If that works, you can spend around £1200 on a professionally fitted one that is more comfortable and designed specifically to your mouth.
If this works I can remove the machine all together - which is cool. The machine is a total game changer but I would love another solution. I am also beginning to chew those Jaw Shark things which, after a few months of usage, strengthens your jaw enough to a more forward/natural resting place too. Some claim that stops this condition - I just chew on mine as part of a morning routine (driving, or in shower)
For those who may or may not be posting about this but are curious about themselves / partners, if this doesn’t get treated it leads to early heart conditions (your heart has spent its life being overworked as your pulse/heart rate goes up and down in a state of emergency looking for oxygen). It also cannot be emphasised enough how much quality of life is improved after treatment. I would urge anyone not to delay treatment.
Clues you have Obstructive Sleep apnea
- You are told you snore loudly
- You feel exhausted every morning, like you didn’t sleep
- Your partner said you were holding your breath in your night (or suddenly inhaling air / gasping)
- You go to the toilet for a pee through the night, most nights (your bladder is also a muscle which tenses with the body when you can’t breathe, making you pee early)
- You find it difficult to watch a film without falling asleep
- Tired. Just so tired!
For anyone concerned about sleep machines - the new generation are super quiet, Sophie has no issue with it (there is a low white noise in the room which is calming / good for sleep anyway).
If given an air mask I strongly recommend getting a special cover for the part touching your face instead of going direct against the mask it is so much more comfy.
Good on you for raising awareness of it @rhouses . I think peeps don’t want to talk publicly about it but at the cost of a shortened / impact on day to day life.
Viva feeling awake!
