I recently learned that I have sleep apnea, anyone else?

I apparently only stop breathing when I dream, and really dont want a cpap machine, but think i have to get one. any suggestions or ideas?

So I take it that you have already had your sleep study... Did they tell you how long your apnea pauses are? Do you have obstructive sleep apnea or just sleep apnea?

If the doctor thinks you need a oxygen machine, then chances are you do. Better safe than sorry. If you have OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) they will preform a T&A (tonsilectomy & adenoidectomy) which is where they remove your tonsils & adnoids.

Was all up for answering this ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzz

Sorry nodded off...have to take care of my own narcolepsy, eh?

Not trying to make light of the conditions, but here try this:

Hope it ZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

if you go to Men'sHealth.com, there should be a segment somewhere on sleep apnea. I guess there is a special pillow you can buy now that doesn't stop sleep apnea but helps your neck muscles to relax.

get a Full Face Mask, instead of a nasal mask, because if you snore with your mouth open, the air from the nasal mask goes out your mouth, make sure you get a humidifier with your machine, & fill it up with distilled water, tap water will cause mold, which can kill you!

I was diagnosed with severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) two and a half years ago. I since figured out that I've had the condition since I was in Jr. High School. My test indicated I was having more than 90 interruptions of my sleep per hour and that my OSA's were from 10 seconds to more than a minute. I can tell you that I have some to love my CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine and humidifier.

My CPAP has become an absolute requirement for me and I have come to love it. I went through a split study test and so I only had about 3 1/2 hours of sleep on the CPAP but I was so alive, refreshed and energized after that sleep that I was chomping at the bit to get mine. Go into it with a very positive attitude and you'll adjust very quickly and enjoy life so much more. If it's vanity, get over it. Sleep Apnea can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and more. Why would you even want to mess with that?

If you need a CPAP, and most with OSA do, make sure you get it with a heated humidifier. For insurance, ask your doctor to include that in the prescription. For those here who have said that this is an oxygen device, that is incorrect. a CPAP, BiPAP or AutoPAP is a device that pressurizes normal air and in so doing keeps the user's throat open for breathing. The pressure is not great, just enough to prevent the throat from closing. This is why a sleep study and prescription are required to see what the minimum pressure required is. This pressure is measured in CC's of water and normally ranges from 5 to 20. Mine is currently 13 CC of H2O.

There are many types of masks and nostril pillows out there. If you have a mustache, you will likely want a nostril pillow to prevent leaks. I have a mustache but get away with the Respironics ComfortGel nasal mask without any great leaking. The machines will compensate for minor leaks. There is a company called cpap.com that has an "insurance" available so you can return a product you don't like for a small fee so you can find one you like. As they can't resell a return, this insurance is a game of numbers for them and as close as I can figure it covers about 50% of their cost and so they get 50% or less returned. Their prices are some of the best also.

Don't just take what the insurance company offers at first but check out your benefits. My policy will cover 50% of the cost but they wanted to rent me equipment and at that rate, I could outright buy the equipment in under six months for my 50% worth of the rent. I called in and found out that they would reimburse 50% up to their limits for each piece of equipment and all of mine fell well within their limits. I had my reimbursement in 35 days and I was on my way.

If you want some real information, pick up a copy of Sleep Disorders for Dummies.

I have severe obstructive sleep apnea as well. I went to the sleep lab at my local hospital and they had me spend 2 nights there to observe me as I slept. The room is arranged like a hotel room and you can watch tv or read. But there's electrodes taped to you and also a camera there monitoring you sleep.
...I got a sleep machine, and the study helped them determine the setting of air pressure I needed. (15). I admit it's not easy sleeping with a mask on the face. I get HORRIBLE dry mouth, and I think my tonsils are giving me a problem. Try the machine. Everyone takes their own time adjusting to wearing the mask. There are nasal masks, oral masks, and ones covering mouth and nose. Find the one you're most comfortable breathing in, and the machine itself fits on a nightstand and is quiet. It takes time getting used to it.

I recently found out that I also have sleep apnea. A sleep study indicated that I stop breathing 17 times per hour. I am using a c-pap machine (I am still adjusting to the mask tho') and it has made a difference in the way I feel during the day. I am more rested and I am not sleepy like I once was. I suggest if you need one, get it.