Obstructive sleep apnea: More on CPAP

I've had a CPAP machine since 2004 and have had the air flow adjusted once.  Over this period I've had at least 7 different masks and beta tested one for Respironics.  If I get one night's sleep out of 14 I'm lucky.  We've tried different sizes for the pillows, different headgear, I've even gone so far as to add to the headgear to keep it on - all to no avail!  I wake up at least every 90 minutes without the mask, but wake up at least 3 times a night with the mask- usually, I find the mask on the floor without knowing how it got there.  My husband, bless his heart!, can't understand how this happens, especially since I modified the headgear.  I'm at wit's end and physically I'm a wreck.  No energy!
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Thanks so much for your post Dr Blaivas.  This series of posts on Sleep Apnea has been really informative for our members.  This one inparticular I hope sheds light for many. 

 

I can see there is a post from Jo Eells who is not having a successful time of it at all.  For those who just cannot use this machine and need another alternative, check out our treatment for sleep apnea section.

 

As well,  read our material on sleep apnea to lean more or just refersh your understanding.

 

All the best, sue (moderator) 

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I am interested in side effects, if any of long term CPAP use.  I have a BiPAP machine and have indeed experienced the throat irritation, nose bleeds (not often), and nasal congestion.  Heated humidity helps but the throat irritation seems to be chronic and I cough during the night.

 

That said,

 

Some nights seem "right on" and I get good rest.  Other nights it's like I didn't get enough air all night and wake up groggy with a headache.  My machine is new.  The titration is fine and checked within the past year.  I've been losing weight (40+ lbs so far) recently but wonder if I will ever not need a machine...or because of the long term use, I'm just dependent on it.  How would I ever know that I don't need it any more?

 

I've been using CPAP for 8-9 years now.  I find I can not sleep without it--either naps, dozing in the chair, as a car passenger (though a power inverter allows me to use the machine in the car now just fine).  It gets ugly when the electric goes out during ice storms, high winds, etc.  Am I now dependent on this machine to sleep forever? 

 

Are there any long term effects like breathing changes (lung atrophy), damage to throat due to constant irritation, etc.?

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I've been on BiPAP for about four months.  Last week I took an overnight blood oxygen level test.  The results show that for two 30 - 45 minute periods my blood O2 levels dropped into the low 80s and even the mid 70s for a few minutes.  Is this dangerous?  What are the potential health risks for low blood O2?  Could this explain why I am still tired?

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