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+--- Thread: Pillows and Non CPAP Strategies? (/Thread-Pillows-and-Non-CPAP-Strategies)
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Pillows and Non CPAP Strategies? - MattyG47 - 04-18-2016
I was diagnosed with mild to moderate apnea 5+ years ago in college, tried the CPAP and had poor results. I wasnt able to sleep well with how irritating the machine was. I dumped the machine, started exercising more and my health improved greatly. Still felt sleepy but it was far more manageable.
Years later I finally got a new pillow (nothing special) and for a week or two I was waking up early, I didnt feel groggy, and I was full of energy. A few weeks later the feeling slowly faded. Got another new pillow a few months ago and felt the same feeling for about 3 or 4 days and it faded again. Is there anyone who knows why a new pillow would have such an effective yet short-term effect? Does it give any clues as to how I can mimic that effect for the long term?
Either people arent posting it or my google-fu is weak, as I cant seem to find similar stories. Thanks!
RE: Pillows and Non CPAP Strategies? - FrankNichols - 04-18-2016
I have read similar stories but not for only a couple days, but a couple weeks. Are you cleaning the pillows daily?
RE: Pillows and Non CPAP Strategies? - MattyG47 - 04-18-2016
No, is that a normal practice? How should I go about doing that?
Come to think of it, I'm a side sleeper and I have trouble breathing through my nose, mostly because it always seems to get stuffed up.
RE: Pillows and Non CPAP Strategies? - FrankNichols - 04-18-2016
Here is a ResMed youtube on cleaning the P10.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0j6YkYuqqk0
EDIT: I shouldn't post this early in the morning, I assumed you were talking about nasal pillows. Sorry, ignore me.
RE: Pillows and Non CPAP Strategies? - OpalRose - 04-18-2016
Welcome to the forum,
I assume you are talking about "bed" pillows, since you dumped your Cpap machine.
Your untreated apnea has probably worsened over the last 5 years, and I don't know of any pillows that will make a difference.
What were the problems you were having with the machine. Was it the mask or something else?
We all go through an adjustment period when first starting out.
You may need another sleep study to determine the severity of your apnea.
Also, if you still have your machine, what make and model is it?
RE: Pillows and Non CPAP Strategies? - DeepBreathing - 04-18-2016
G'day MattyG47, welcome to Apnea Board.
If I'm reading you correctly you're talking about a pillow you sleep on, not the nasal pillows mask? That's the type you should clean every day.
I wonder if you tend to sleep in a position that closes off your throat somewhat, eg chin to chest? Perhaps a brand new pillow supports your head in a different way but you fall back into the old habit after a few days?
RE: Pillows and Non CPAP Strategies? - MattyG47 - 04-18-2016
Yes, sorry I am referring to regular sleeping pillows; I didn't realize there were CPAP related ones.
I am definitely a chin to chest sleeper, I will have to find a way to correct that while sleeping on my side.
I've been thinking about re-testing, because the original clinic I went to a few years ago was closed and the doctor had their license taken away. It was the discomfort of sleeping on my side with a mask, always pushed it uncomfortable to one side and sometimes lost the suction. I would be up for hours unable to sleep.
RE: Pillows and Non CPAP Strategies? - MitchS - 04-18-2016
(04-18-2016, 06:50 AM)FrankNichols Wrote: Here is a ResMed youtube on cleaning the P10.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0j6YkYuqqk0
EDIT: I shouldn't post this early in the morning, I assumed you were talking about nasal pillows. Sorry, ignore me.
You just made my day. Thanks I needed a good laugh.
RE: Pillows and Non CPAP Strategies? - FrankNichols - 04-18-2016
(04-18-2016, 07:33 AM)MattyG47 Wrote: I've been thinking about re-testing, because the original clinic I went to a few years ago was closed and the doctor had their license taken away. It was the discomfort of sleeping on my side with a mask, always pushed it uncomfortable to one side and sometimes lost the suction. I would be up for hours unable to sleep.
Well, I am a noob, and I use the F10 currently and I am a side sleeper who flops about a lot. My results so far are that I am, after 2 weeks, learning to manage the pillow so that it does not push on the mask when I turn. The first week I didn't sleep much, having to constantly reseat the mask to obtain seal. Now, maybe every other night I go the entire night without a major leak. It takes time to get used to it, according to everyone here.
I am going to try the P10 nasal mask to see if it leaks less, but honestly I am concerned with comfort. To me the F10 is extremely comfortable and after two weeks when I sometimes wake up and can't tell I even have it on.
RE: Pillows and Non CPAP Strategies? - MitchS - 04-18-2016
(04-18-2016, 07:33 AM)MattyG47 Wrote: I am definitely a chin to chest sleeper, I will have to find a way to correct that while sleeping on my side.Some members swear by using a soft cervical collar to prevent chin tucking. There are a few posts around on the subject.