In January 2010 I had a 2nd sleep study (original study in August 2004). I received a new CPAP with the same setting, 12. I tried using the new CPAP but felt like I was drowning in my sleep. So I stopped using it. One of the sleep apnea side effects I suffer from is stuttering. This happens when have I have spent months without the CPAP. The neurologist says it is the result of not getting enough oxygen to my brain. After losing more than 60 lbs I thought that sleep apnea was a thing of the past, but apparently this is not the case for me. I was sent home from work last Wednesday because of the stuttering (it also makes me exhausted beyond belief). I tried using my CPAP last night and thought I was going to die! I start with the ramp at "4" and it eventually works it way up to 12. Each time it would reach 12 I would wake up choking, my chest hurting terribly, feeling like I was having an asthma attack and feeling sick in general. Needless to say, after being awakened a couple of times choking I took the mask off. I am, of course, exhausted today. I can't go on like this and I don't want to end up in the hospital again. Any sleep apnea patients out there with some sage advice for me? Will the apnea go away with more weight loss?

I appreciate any and all advice.

I would talk to the provider that gave you your new CPAP. Maybe its not working right, or set wrong? I have 2 slim, always been slim relatives that have used CPAP for several years. I am not convinced that my losing 100lb will end my sleep apnea, but I'm hopeful.

If your new machine doesn't work like you need, try to swap it out. Or maybe try another mask? But definitely don't go without your CPAP if you require it. When I first got mine 5yr ago, I thought I will never get used to this. 2mo later I didnt mind it all. Now, I can never sleep without it. I use a Mirage Swift For Her LT mask, very light and quiet. My machine is an MSeries Respironics. I had to get a heated hose, as I had alot of rainout in my mask due to our bedroom temp being so cold in winter. It cured the rainout issue.

I would talk to the provider that gave you your new CPAP. Maybe its not working right, or set wrong? I have 2 slim, always been slim relatives that have used CPAP for several years. I am not convinced that my losing 100lb will end my sleep apnea, but I'm hopeful.

If your new machine doesn't work like you need, try to swap it out. Or maybe try another mask? But definitely don't go without your CPAP if you require it. When I first got mine 5yr ago, I thought I will never get used to this. 2mo later I didnt mind it all. Now, I can never sleep without it. I use a Mirage Swift For Her LT mask, very light and quiet. My machine is an MSeries Respironics. I had to get a heated hose, as I had alot of rainout in my mask due to our bedroom temp being so cold in winter. It cured the rainout issue.

Thanks Calico, I didn't think of calling the CPAP provider. I will give it a try.

Maybe a different CPAP might work. The nasal pillows are a lot less suffocating and easier to use for some people. Also, your sleep apnea might not be weight related. Normal weight people have sleep apnea, too.

Good luck.

You might also be having panic attacks. It took me at least six months to be able to sleep the whole night through with my CPAP (and my pressure is 18, sigh). I don't think my apnea has anything much to do with my weight, since my doc says my nasal passages are abnormally narrow and everyone in my family has it regardless of weight, but I'm hopeful that weight loss will lessen it some. You just have to keep on using the CPAP to get used to it.