Finally addressing my sleep apnea

After 20+ years of very loud snoring, and countless years of sleep apnea, I finally started seeing an ENT yesterday. I still have to have my sleep studies, but they are all scheduled. On the first visit, he seemed confident that I would probably only need the oral appliance, and not the CPAP. We'll find out for sure after the sleep studies.

As I'm getting older, I'm realizing that my teenage "invulnerability" is worn off.... I really need to get things fixed instead of just ignoring them.

Re: Finally addressing my sleep apnea

You'll feel better in the long run - who cares if you need help to get there.

Re: Finally addressing my sleep apnea

Yes - you will definately feel better once you treat it...good luck

Just to give you a head's up though...they may make you try the machine first. I had a CPAP years ago that I gave back for a few different reasons (insurance, comfort, etc). Four years later, I called the doc looking to go straight to the dental appliance & they told me that I needed to try the CPAP again for a minimum of 1-3 months first. Their reasoning is that using the CPAP will allow the dentist to know what "pressure setting" you need before they make the mouthpiece. You might just want to check with the doc at your Sleep Center about that to see if it's the same for you so that they don't surprise you with that...Good luck to you!!

Message edited 3/19/2009 10:17:10 AM.

Re: Finally addressing my sleep apnea

Posted by jam11308

Yes - you will definately feel better once you treat it...good luck

Just to give you a head's up though...they may make you try the machine first. I had a CPAP years ago that I gave back for a few different reasons (insurance, comfort, etc). Four years later, I called the doc looking to go straight to the dental appliance & they told me that I needed to try the CPAP again for a minimum of 1-3 months first. Their reasoning is that using the CPAP will allow the dentist to know what "pressure setting" you need before they make the mouthpiece. You might just want to check with the doc at your Sleep Center about that to see if it's the same for you so that they don't surprise you with that...Good luck to you!!

Re: Finally addressing my sleep apnea

you will feel SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much better....oh my Goodness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

my dad had it and we begged him for YEARS to go get treated....

since he has been on the machine:

1. lost 20 - 30 pounds - his sleep is more productive, thus giving him more energy during the day.

2. his blood pressure has gone down.

3. he no longer falls asleep at the drop of a hat during the day (in the middle of conversations).