To recap: The first sleep study showed that I have Sleep Apnea which required me to return to the to the sleep center.
My first night with the mask (referred to as both study #2 and night 2) on did not go well. I was in the lab tossing and turning from 9 pm to 4 am. The scheduled release time was at 5am, but the respiratory tech was kind, and didn't force me to stay any longer. I slept for a grand total of a gi-normous (note the sarcasm) 90 minutes. I spent the rest of the time trying to (unsuccessfully) get comfortable. I am a stomach sleeper, and unfortunately, the masks don't function well in that position (air leakage). The tech informed me that although I slept very little, he was pretty sure he found the correct air setting for the CPAP, and I shouldn't have to come back.
By the third time, I pretty much knew the drill and things went smoothly. I did, however, take an opportunity to try a mask that I hadn't tried yet. On the second night, I first tried a mask that basically took up my entire face. It covered both mouth and nose, and had an extension that rested on the forehead. The piece on the forehead obstructed my vision. I hated it.
It didn't last that long. So, for the remainder of the evening I used a mask that only encompassed the nose; they called it a "nasal pillow". I liked the fact that it was so unobtrusive. However, I didn't like the fact that any time I opened my mouth (and I realized then I do this more than I originally thought) I felt like I was being suffocated; it was a frightening occurrence.
Therefore, on the third night I tried a third type of mask. This mask covered both mouth and nose, but had no piece extending above that. It was the best of both worlds, and I was able to fall asleep and have a relatively normal night.
After a follow-up with yet another (different) doctor, I was prescribed a CPAP machine to treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea. For those that don't understand the disorder, it is a disorder characterized by abnormally shallow breaths (hypopnea events) or complete pauses (apnea events) in breathing. Every person with Sleep Apnea is rated on the AHI (Apnea Hypopnea Index) to rate the severity of their disorder. My apnea events were averaged at 5 per hour. My hypopnea events were more numerous than my apnea events; as a result my oxygen saturation frequently plummets below the 89% threshold. After the treatment, I was assigned an AHI of 9.9 (less than 5 considered normal). This is a mild form of the disorder, but it is still important that I use the machine.
At home I've been having troubles getting used to the machine. Although it does have humidity control, the heat of the summer months makes the mask even more uncomfortable to wear. I also have had issues with feeling claustrophobic since the mask covers both means of breathing. I know rationally that I can breathe just fine (heck the machine is designed to help me breathe!). However, I still have feelings that I will get stuck in the mask and I won't be able to breathe. Oh me. I've been working on wearing my mask more often (I have to wear it a minimum of 5 hours/5 nights a week for insurance to cover it).
So, the question you probably want to know is:
Gastric bypass surgery obviously requires me to be anesthetized, and also to be on pain killers afterwards. Both of these things can affect lung function. It is important that they have a CPAP available while I am unconscious and under the influence of these substances because we don't want anesthesia to worsen my condition (right?). I don't think I have to spell out the ultimate worse consequence of not monitoring my breathing.
In the end, now that the doctors know about my condition, they can perfectly adjust my CPAP to reverse any effects the medications may have on my breathing.
My first night with the mask (referred to as both study #2 and night 2) on did not go well. I was in the lab tossing and turning from 9 pm to 4 am. The scheduled release time was at 5am, but the respiratory tech was kind, and didn't force me to stay any longer. I slept for a grand total of a gi-normous (note the sarcasm) 90 minutes. I spent the rest of the time trying to (unsuccessfully) get comfortable. I am a stomach sleeper, and unfortunately, the masks don't function well in that position (air leakage). The tech informed me that although I slept very little, he was pretty sure he found the correct air setting for the CPAP, and I shouldn't have to come back.
Alas, that turned out to be false.
Bask in the Hideousness:
You can also see a few of the many electrodes on me.
Therefore, on the third night I tried a third type of mask. This mask covered both mouth and nose, but had no piece extending above that. It was the best of both worlds, and I was able to fall asleep and have a relatively normal night.
After a follow-up with yet another (different) doctor, I was prescribed a CPAP machine to treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea. For those that don't understand the disorder, it is a disorder characterized by abnormally shallow breaths (hypopnea events) or complete pauses (apnea events) in breathing. Every person with Sleep Apnea is rated on the AHI (Apnea Hypopnea Index) to rate the severity of their disorder. My apnea events were averaged at 5 per hour. My hypopnea events were more numerous than my apnea events; as a result my oxygen saturation frequently plummets below the 89% threshold. After the treatment, I was assigned an AHI of 9.9 (less than 5 considered normal). This is a mild form of the disorder, but it is still important that I use the machine.
At home I've been having troubles getting used to the machine. Although it does have humidity control, the heat of the summer months makes the mask even more uncomfortable to wear. I also have had issues with feeling claustrophobic since the mask covers both means of breathing. I know rationally that I can breathe just fine (heck the machine is designed to help me breathe!). However, I still have feelings that I will get stuck in the mask and I won't be able to breathe. Oh me. I've been working on wearing my mask more often (I have to wear it a minimum of 5 hours/5 nights a week for insurance to cover it).
My home equipment:
There is no way not to ruin your hair putting this on:
So, the question you probably want to know is:
Why is it important to know this information before gastric bypass surgery?
Well, I'm glad you asked.
In the end, now that the doctors know about my condition, they can perfectly adjust my CPAP to reverse any effects the medications may have on my breathing.
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