Hi Dave,

I was reading a reply of your on another post and you mentioned that you lost someone due to sleep Apnea Complications. Now I'm majorly freaked out!

I was recently diagnosed with Sleep Apnea and received my cpap machine last week. I had to wait for the mask and just received it. However, I can't seem to get it to fit...so long story short....I haven't used the machine yet.

The true confession is: I haven't really taken this whole Sleep Apnea thing very seriously. Now I read your post and OMG.

What exactly happened if you dont' mind my asking?

Marieze

This is from the Mayo Clinic website:

Sleep apnea is considered a serious medical condition. Complications may include:

• Cardiovascular problems. Sudden drops in blood oxygen levels that occur during sleep apnea increase blood pressure and strain the cardiovascular system. About half of people with sleep apnea develop high blood pressure (hypertension), which raises the risk of heart failure and stroke. If there's underlying heart disease, these repeated multiple episodes of low blood oxygen (hypoxia or hypoxemia) can lead to sudden death from a cardiac event.
  The more severe the obstructive sleep apnea, the greater the risk for high blood pressure. In contrast, central sleep apnea usually is the result, rather than the cause, of heart disease.
  A study published in November 2005 in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that obstructive sleep apnea greatly increases the risk of stroke, regardless of whether a person has high blood pressure. However, effectively treating obstructive sleep apnea can lower blood pressure and the risk of other cardiovascular diseases.
  

• <LI class=doublespace>Daytime fatigue. The repeated awakenings associated with sleep apnea make normal, restorative sleep impossible. People with sleep apnea often experience severe daytime drowsiness, fatigue and irritability. They may have difficulty concentrating and find themselves falling asleep at work, while watching TV or even when driving. Children and young people with sleep apnea may do poorly in school or have behavior problems. <LI class=doublespace>Complications with medications and surgery. Obstructive sleep apnea also is a concern with certain medications and general anesthesia. People with sleep apnea may be more likely to experience complications following major surgery because they're prone to breathing problems, especially when sedated and lying on their backs. Before you have surgery, tell your doctor that you have sleep apnea. Undiagnosed sleep apnea is especially risky in this situation.
  
• Sleep-deprived partners. Loud snoring can keep those around you from getting good rest and eventually disrupt your relationships. It's not uncommon for a bed partner to sleep in another room, or even on another floor of the house, to be able to sleep. Many bed partners of people who snore are sleep deprived as well.

People with obstructive and central sleep apneas may also complain of memory problems, morning headaches, mood swings or feelings of depression, a need to urinate frequently at night (nocturia), and impotence. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may be more prevalent in people with sleep apnea. Children with untreated sleep apnea may be hyperactive and may be diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Marieze, Here ya go.

My cousin was just 3 years younger than me. He was around 390 lbs, 5'08" tall.Afer he was diagnosed with sleepapnea, he got a cpap machine and used it each night. From what my aunt told me, either he pinched the hose shut by laying on it or the machine quit, which caused him to have a heart attack. He passed away in his sleep. That was enough to scare me into using mine all the time. When I had my sleep study, they said I quit breathing 19 times in 2 hours, and would wake myself up quickly when I was out of air. You may need a different type of mask for yours. I have the full mask which covers the nose and mouth. Not the most comfortable thing but it works. I sleep much better with it. Hope this helps....Dave

Dave and Terry,

Thanks to you both for your replies. Terry, that information is a real kick in the butt to me! And Dave, that story is so awful. I think I'd better get my but in gear. Thanks again to you both!

Marieze