+- Apnea Board Forum - CPAP | Sleep Apnea (https://www.apneaboard.com/forums)
+-- Forum: Public Area (https://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Forum-Public-Area)
+--- Forum: Main Apnea Board Forum (https://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Forum-Main-Apnea-Board-Forum)
+--- Thread: Tips to manage pre-CPAP (/Thread-Tips-to-manage-pre-CPAP)
Tips to manage pre-CPAP - willaien - 08-25-2022
I visited my new Psychologist, and he suggested Sleep Apnea might be the cause of my issues. He referred me internally to a Home Sleep Study. The home sleep study indicated 37 events per hour, or 37 AHI. He referred me externally to a sleep doctor to have a CPAP prescribed, and that doctor is apparently not going to prescribe anything on the first consultation.
Now I'm kinda stuck here, waiting an unknown amount of time until I can get a CPAP machine. Is there anything I can do to help mitigate the symptoms?
I tried sleeping on my side last night, since I don't know how directional my apnea is, however I woke up multiple times throughout the night sweating and heart racing either on my stomach or back and had to reposition. I'm going to modify a t-shirt to have front and back pockets for tennis balls to hopefully do better tonight.
Anything else I can try that has proven results?
RE: Tips to manage pre-CPAP - Sleepster - 08-25-2022
You can try a wedge, or somehow elevating the head of your bed.
RE: Tips to manage pre-CPAP - Jay51 - 08-25-2022
Great point by Sleepster. You could try sleeping in a recliner in the mean time also.
RE: Tips to manage pre-CPAP - upsman - 08-25-2022
If you choose to elevate, make sure it's your whole TORSO and not just your head.
A recliner, adjustable bed, or a wedge as noted above.
If you just elevate your head, as in extra pillows, etc, you'll be making things worse as this tends to close your airway.
RE: Tips to manage pre-CPAP - Jay51 - 08-25-2022
Willaien, many members here have found that a soft cervical collar helps also. Basically, it keeps the neck straight at night and prevents the chin from "tucking" towards the chest (which can cause partial or even complete airway obstruction).
As far as getting the correct size, most give a measurement of their height. Try to guess what height would touch both your upper chest and your chin and prevent your chin from moving. A ruler or tape measure would be helpful. Also, if a soft cervical collar comes in a S, M, L, or XL, then I have found it easier to pick the right size. It does not have to be real tight when wearing it either. It can fit a little bit loose.
Medical supply stores, probably pharmacies and possibly Walmart, etc. carry them. Can order one from amazon, etc. if you want to wait a few days. Fairly low cost if it does not work. It is 100% your decision if you want to purchase one or not.
RE: Tips to manage pre-CPAP - willaien - 08-25-2022
Thanks for the tips. I went out and bought wedge pillow to raise my head and upper back and a soft cervical collar from the local walgreens. I assume the idea is that the wedge pillow will allow me to back sleep with less obstruction?
I'll try the collar and the wedge pillow tonight and see if that helps. It'd be great if I had some sort of hard data aside from how often I remember waking up.
RE: Tips to manage pre-CPAP - willaien - 08-26-2022
Changing too many things at once may have been a mistake. Really tired this morning and I have no way of knowing which thing disrupted my sleep. Going to try just the wedge tonight.