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Life with CPAP



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Ever since my surgery, my CPAP leaves me with such a dry mouth! They gave me a humidifier but the thing uses loads of distilled Water and it gives me the feeling I am sleeping in a god damn aquarium.

I leave my CPAP on the ground though, as indicated by my "sleep doctor" but Water condensate in the tube and sometimes I even feel drops falling on my nose and/or mouth.

Hopefully I'll be able to give it back soon...

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Thanks all--sounds like we have a trend here! Mine is an auto CPAP so I don't think it's the settings. I doubt I'll be able to get off CPAP even with weight loss--I had apnea even when I was close to what is now my goal weight. I do recommend that if you are prescribed one you use it--it does take some time to adjust but the health impact is worth it.

Give the XyliMelts a try too--they're about 1 calorie so no worries there... I've also taken to keeping a glass of Water on my nightstand for the times I need it.

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I've stayed with my CPAP since 30 days before my surgery. The advantages of REAL Restful sleep have far outweighed the look of the mask while I'm asleep in the first place. I went from 70+ interruptions per hour and being tired EVERY afternoon to 1.5 interruptions per hour and 7 hours of REAL sleep that allows me to be awake all day. I can now make a 200+ mile round trip without needing a relief driver.

I am keeping mine in use for another 60 pounds lost (get under 240) and we will re-evaluate things. Being about 100 pounds lighter does help, for sure, but the benefits were INSTANT for me, so I have stuck with it. Talk to your Pulmonologist about different masks and fit options.

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First night using the new cpap. Didn't go too bad. Head feels a little weird. I tried to use one of these 5/6 years ago but the dang thing gave me sinus infections. I hope it doesn't happen again.

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First night using the new cpap. Didn't go too bad. Head feels a little weird. I tried to use one of these 5/6 years ago but the dang thing gave me sinus infections. I hope it doesn't happen again.

Make sure to use the humidifier and clean tubing and mask frequently.

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It's all about finding the right mask. I can't tolerate a full mask. Nasal pillows were comfy but my mouth opens and a chin strap didn't work. Finally found a hybrid mask with a mask piece that goes over the mouth and nasal pillows on the top. Sounds elaborate but it's super comfy for me. Absolutely keep it clean. I ended up with a machine that pumps ozone through to clean the tubes because I couldn't clean it often enough fit my allergies. I'm going to be done with mine not too long after the surgery.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using the BariatricPal App

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@@Ignatius my CPAP machine has a function that starts the flow slow at first and then slowly increases the pressure over 15 minutes. Check to see if you have this option. I too have the full mask and prefer it. I think it helps me keep my mouth shut (my husband would laugh out loud).

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Edited by Shrinkinqtpi

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I am really happy, after a new sleeping test, I could finally give back my CPAP machine! After a weight loss of 33kilos (around 73pounds), no more sleep apneas! Wow that is great, I am really glad! No more changing my mask everymonth because it's too big and finally normal sleep without this awful machine!

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I am really happy, after a new sleeping test, I could finally give back my CPAP machine! After a weight loss of 33kilos (around 73pounds), no more sleep apneas! Wow that is great, I am really glad! No more changing my mask everymonth because it's too big and finally normal sleep without this awful machine!

Awesome

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

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@@theantichick What's the name of your hybrid mask. I'm intrigued.

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I have a love/hate relationship with my CPAP, but only because I'm claustrophobic. I have a Dreamwear mask. It fits kinda like an oxygen tube you had in the hospital. (Best way I can describe it.) The hose connects at the top of my head, which allows better movement since I don't stay in one position. I am more rested each day. Good luck, I think the mask is the key to success!

Sent from my KFASWI using the BariatricPal App

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@@Mamapiller Just Googled the Dreamwear. I might have to check that out.

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    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
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