Anyone Using a CPAP?

[forrest_and_trees]

Just curious, I've suspected I have sleep apnea however, without insurance, I cant afford the testing. That said, even if I *do* have it, all they'll do is prescribe a CPAP; right? If that's the case, there are tons of used ones online for as low as $100. So it seems like it would be a lot cheaper to just get the machine and save the $2000+ on testing. However, almost *everyone* I've talked to who's used a CPAP says they don't like them and eventually stops using it; which would account for all the used CPAPs for sale. So I guess my question is this, if you use one, is it worth it? Does it actually help? How long have you used it and what kind do you use? Have you gone through more than one and if so, why?

I'd appreciate any input you might be able to offer.

Thanks.

F/T

[Walnutz]

I know a few people who use a cpap machine and says it practically changed their life. They are now getting a full nights rest of actual sleep. They wake up energized like they did as a kid.

I guess it takes some time getting used to but well worth it.

[oakdad]

I have had one for about 8 years now.
My sleep improvement is so great I am more than willing to put up with its draw backs.

[Noles12]

It will change your life but people usually get tired of them for many reasons. Every male in my family suffers from sleep apnea. My dad has it the worst and uses a CPAP.

He loves the feeling when he uses it but hardly ever does. The machine is loud and running all night. It keeps anyone else sleeping with you awake. I know people who have wives that sleep with ear plugs. You also have a mask on the whole night. I personally could not sleep with something on my face. I move around and end up sleeping face down sometimes. You are talking about hoses rolling up with you and not being able to sleep in certain positions.

I think if you can get to sleep with it it will really help with your quality of sleep. But i personally couldnt deal with it. I mean when i was living at home i would find my mother on the couch because she couldnt sleep with him using the machine.

Also i dont think i would want a used one. You are talking drool, sneezing, and any other fluids that may have ended up in the mask or hose. I think that is something i would buy new

[Epic Ed]

I've been using one for a little over two years, and it was the beginning of my road back to joining the human race again. It allowed me to get a good nights sleep which allowed me to have the energy to get back in the gym. Everyone tolerates them differently, but it only took me a couple of weeks. The machines are not very loud at all, and it's a low, constant droning in the back ground much like a fan running at low speed. My wife has never had a problem with it, but she sure did bitch about my snoring. The minimal noise of the machine isn't even a blip on the screen compared to the snoring.

Buying a used CPAP isn't a bad idea, but you'll have to pay out of pocket for the mask. Finding the right one for you isn't going to be a quick and easy process. The machine, itself, also has a wide range of pressure settings and that's where a sleep study would be most beneficial. They keep increasing the pressure while you sleep to find the optimal level. You really won't know what pressure to pick because you're asleep. Setting it is also a bit tricky because the industry rigs the damn thing to only be "programmable" by "a medical professional". It's bullshit, and it's a ****ing racket to get the doc more office visits and more cash. Fortunately, you can find instructions online that gives you the super secret low down on how to program the DANGEROUS CPAP machine yourself. They act like the thing is a ****ing bomb.

Bottom line is you can do it yourself with some trial and error and it may be worth your effort to do so, providing you can afford the masks out of pocket.

[zaggahamma]

i knew a girl who NEEDED one....snored like a fn dude.....i always wondered if i would be able to deal with something on my face like noles posted but i tell you...if your not sleeping well...your health/life is at risk and i would definately use one...i think they are prescribed and they need to be set to your specs....i guess u could trial and error...i thought about trying one out cuz never wanted to shell out the 500 for the study(like u said thats $500 with insurance)(ridiculous that that isnt covered 100%)...but i prolly saved her life by pointing her out to the sleep study

[bbrock]

I have had a cpap for about 5 years. I would wake up with awful headaches and was tired all the time. The first time I used it i slept 9 or 10 hours straight. I woke up a different person. When i first started using my machine my wife would shake me awake because she thought i was dead. That is how sound i sleep now. I can't imagine sleeping without my machine.

[forrest_and_trees]

Thanks for all the great input. This actually helps quite a bit. The CPAPs I saw ran the gamut from $100 to $1000+; what's the difference, is it mainly bells and whistles or are there specific types I should look for or avoid? What kind do you use, and why did you choose that particular one. Is there anything you like or dislike about them?

[zaggahamma]

Thanks for all the great input. This actually helps quite a bit. Are the masks pretty much universal and you choose based on personal preference or is each one specific to the machine? The CPAPs I saw ran the gamut from $100 to $1000+; what's the difference, is it mainly bells and whistles or are there specific types I should look for or avoid? What kind do you use, both machine and mask, and why did you choose that particular one. Is there anything you like or dislike about them?

like u said personal preference/comfort....some fit just over the nose...some over mouth and nose, etc.

[Noles12]

Thanks for all the great input. This actually helps quite a bit. The CPAPs I saw ran the gamut from $100 to $1000+; what's the difference, is it mainly bells and whistles or are there specific types I should look for or avoid? What kind do you use, and why did you choose that particular one. Is there anything you like or dislike about them?

Im sure it has to do with comfort, noise, size, etc.

[zaggahamma]

i use one, it sucks being a single guy if you have a loving wife that makes it easier, she will just deal with it, but when do you whip out the CPAP when dating?

after you've destroyed both holes and she's already asleep

[forrest_and_trees]

i use one, it sucks being a single guy if you have a loving wife that makes it easier, she will just deal with it, but when do you whip out the CPAP when dating?

No doubt. there's nothing sexy about a CPAP.

[zaggahamma]

No doubt. there's nothing sexy about a CPAP.

so what...youre not stickin the cpap in her r u...hope u got sumfin else for dat instead...fvck her then tell her to take her as$ to sleep then set up shop