Last month I visited my local sleep center and had the mandatory sleep study done for my surgery. I went into it thinking that there was NO WAY I had sleep apnea. Wouldn't you know that 1 1/2 hours into the night I was awoken by the technician to tell me I had to put the CPAP machine on because I had already stopped breathing 40 times that night! The technician told me I had severe sleep apnea.

Well the pulmonologist quickly ordered me the CPAP machine and I politely declined. The woman at the sleep center gave me huge attitude about canceling my order telling me I wouldn't be able the get the surgery without getting the CPAP machine. My doctor had already told me that I didn't need the sleep study results to get the surgery so no...you're lying lady.

I don't want the CPAP machine because I would need the full mask. I am also a stomach sleeper and the mask does not permit people to stomach sleep. I also live with my boyfriend of over a year who probably wouldn't like rolling over to Darth Vader. Yes I get headaches and don't feel rested during the day, but surely there must be something else out there that won't make me look like Predator.

Needless to say I recently discovered a device called "Provent" online. This is not a CPAP machine. It is simply two little bandaid things that go over your nostrils. Each bandage contains a valve that helps keep your airway open. I am all for trying something that doesn't require me to wear the God awful CPAP machine. I was wondering if anyone else has tried or uses Provent to help their sleep apnea. Does it work?

http://www.proventtherapy.com/index.php

Would your boyfriend rather roller over to Darth Vader or a dead girlfriend? Get the mask, wear it, trust me you will feel a lot better. Your heart will thank you!!

My son in law has severe sleep apenea and they gave him the bi-pap machine' date=' however it is like the c-pap only for more severe cases of apenea. I know my doctor said bring your machine to the hospital if you did have it.[/quote']

My doctor told me to being mine as well and it was in the same spot I left after surgery, in the bag.

POST OF THE DAY!!!! This is excellent - valuable advice and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing!!!

Your Welcome. My grandfather died at 65 due to a heart condition and from all accounts from my grandma we are certain he had sleep apnea and undiagnosed it took his life much too early. He died 3 weeks before i was born.

I sincerely believe in proper medical treatment because I want to live past 65 and meet my grandkids!!!! My mum was diagnosed about 10 years ago and started researching, my brother was diagnosed about 5 years ago and was so bad the Sydney hospital asked him to particpate in a medical study. They actually found that in his case, the mouth guard bringing his bottom jaw forward was more effective than the CPAP - they were astounded! This is not to say that would be the case with every patient and I am certainly not a doctor!!! But why wouldnt you want to explore all options to ensure your health is at an optimum level?

As stated, my own specialist tried the CPAP route with me first, I told him if he didnt refer me to dental surgeon I would seek alternative advice and he wouldnt get his commission anyway so he may as well just help me!! I'm glad i went in there armed with information because he was really difficult to start with and realised I wasnt just another cash cow he could milk.

Please do your research, seek alternative opinions, dont just settle for one option.

POST OF THE DAY!!!! This is excellent - valuable advice and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing!!!

I tried this and it did not work for me. I have to had a cpap for about 10 years. I hope that will change after the band. I know it is scary but the thought of never waking up was worse for me. I still don't feel energized but when your 5 feet tall and weigh 295 pounds there is not much energy to be found. My husband is funny in that if I go away (to family out of town) he now has trouble sleeping with out my machine going. You will do what you want but know everyone here just wants you to be healthy, happy and alive.

I have a CPAP machine, I love it. Of course I hated it at first, but I feel so much better, refreshed and just more mentally acute after using it, it is completely worth it. There are many types of masks and such, you just have to experiment to find the right one. It is totally worth any pain in the ass in order to get proper sleep. I also find it soothing now too, I'm so used to it, I can't imagine sleeping without it. I hated it at first though, so badly!!

I recently read up on REM deprivation and found it was quite interesting. I'm very glad to get restful sleep now. I read somewhere too that Michael Jackson going nuts before he died was due to REM deprivation because the propofol he was using to "sleep" did not allow for REM sleep.

CPAP's suck, but they are totally worth it in the end. Just keep trying. Why? Because you're worth it!

Oh, I was told the mouthpiece thing wouldn't work for me, but it does work for some people, depends on severity and such. Definitely worth looking into though!