Discussion
May be worth looking into allergies - my OH was found to be allergic to dust mites and cats. Caused allergic rhinitis, which in turn caused polyps in her sinuses which had to be surgically removed. She now has steroids that she has to put up her nose and a saline rinse that she does daily of her sinuses
If she misses a day I tend to have a very bad nights sleep!
If she misses a day I tend to have a very bad nights sleep!
I had some tests recently for a noise I make at night. My mate first told me about it when we camped in '91, but now I'm 47 I still do it.
I don't snore and it's not restrictive sleep apnoea. I breathe in then hold my breath, slowly loosing it out whilst 'humming' (for a better word). My body is consciously holding it's breath so it's not true apnoea.
Anyway, I had some tests last month, slept with a blood/oxygen monitor on. They suspect 'mild sleep apnoea' and I have appt's in April for a 'facial-mandibular' mask(?) to be fitted.
No-one seems to believe my body is holding it's own breath.
I don't snore and it's not restrictive sleep apnoea. I breathe in then hold my breath, slowly loosing it out whilst 'humming' (for a better word). My body is consciously holding it's breath so it's not true apnoea.
Anyway, I had some tests last month, slept with a blood/oxygen monitor on. They suspect 'mild sleep apnoea' and I have appt's in April for a 'facial-mandibular' mask(?) to be fitted.
No-one seems to believe my body is holding it's own breath.
I am not fat yet I have obstructive sleep apnea. Was diagnosed just over a year ago - apparently I have 'batwings' on my tonsils that obstruct the air flow when I'm asleep. They don't cut tonsils out on the NHS anymore sadly (only by exception)
The simple, non scientific test is whether you dream and if so rarely or 'normal' amounts? If you have OSA then chances are you won't dream as you won't fall asleep long enough to fall into a deep enough sleep.
Next non scientific test is when you snore do you just keep snoring regularly or does it fade out, stop then do a 'heroic snore' (I swear that's the medical term for it!
)
If any of that sounds familiar then you could have OSA. The next thing is to see your GP to refer you to the sleep clinic where they'll kit you out with some equipment and send you home to sleep for the night.
The problem (that I wasn't aware of before) is that if you are diagnosed with OSA, then you have to inform the DVLA who will normally take away your license unless you have a method on controlling the OSA. The NHS way is a CPAP machine which, whilst I have never seen in the flesh, looks horrendous!
I control mine very simply with one of these (took my score down from 33 (very high) to 4 (normal) on a retest.
https://www.denlabdirect.com/gbp/anti-snoring-devi...
The simple, non scientific test is whether you dream and if so rarely or 'normal' amounts? If you have OSA then chances are you won't dream as you won't fall asleep long enough to fall into a deep enough sleep.
Next non scientific test is when you snore do you just keep snoring regularly or does it fade out, stop then do a 'heroic snore' (I swear that's the medical term for it!
)If any of that sounds familiar then you could have OSA. The next thing is to see your GP to refer you to the sleep clinic where they'll kit you out with some equipment and send you home to sleep for the night.
The problem (that I wasn't aware of before) is that if you are diagnosed with OSA, then you have to inform the DVLA who will normally take away your license unless you have a method on controlling the OSA. The NHS way is a CPAP machine which, whilst I have never seen in the flesh, looks horrendous!
I control mine very simply with one of these (took my score down from 33 (very high) to 4 (normal) on a retest.
https://www.denlabdirect.com/gbp/anti-snoring-devi...
ben5575 said:
I am not fat yet I have obstructive sleep apnea. Was diagnosed just over a year ago - apparently I have 'batwings' on my tonsils that obstruct the air flow when I'm asleep. They don't cut tonsils out on the NHS anymore sadly (only by exception)
The simple, non scientific test is whether you dream and if so rarely or 'normal' amounts? If you have OSA then chances are you won't dream as you won't fall asleep long enough to fall into a deep enough sleep.
Next non scientific test is when you snore do you just keep snoring regularly or does it fade out, stop then do a 'heroic snore' (I swear that's the medical term for it!)
If any of that sounds familiar then you could have OSA. The next thing is to see your GP to refer you to the sleep clinic where they'll kit you out with some equipment and send you home to sleep for the night.
The problem (that I wasn't aware of before) is that if you are diagnosed with OSA, then you have to inform the DVLA who will normally take away your license unless you have a method on controlling the OSA. The NHS way is a CPAP machine which, whilst I have never seen in the flesh, looks horrendous!
I control mine very simply with one of these (took my score down from 33 (very high) to 4 (normal) on a retest.
https://www.denlabdirect.com/gbp/anti-snoring-devi...
They wouldn't remove yours?The simple, non scientific test is whether you dream and if so rarely or 'normal' amounts? If you have OSA then chances are you won't dream as you won't fall asleep long enough to fall into a deep enough sleep.
Next non scientific test is when you snore do you just keep snoring regularly or does it fade out, stop then do a 'heroic snore' (I swear that's the medical term for it!
)If any of that sounds familiar then you could have OSA. The next thing is to see your GP to refer you to the sleep clinic where they'll kit you out with some equipment and send you home to sleep for the night.
The problem (that I wasn't aware of before) is that if you are diagnosed with OSA, then you have to inform the DVLA who will normally take away your license unless you have a method on controlling the OSA. The NHS way is a CPAP machine which, whilst I have never seen in the flesh, looks horrendous!
I control mine very simply with one of these (took my score down from 33 (very high) to 4 (normal) on a retest.
https://www.denlabdirect.com/gbp/anti-snoring-devi...
I had mine taken out on the NHS
One side was swollen quite significantly. They didn't do any scans or anything really. Had a tube up my nose with a camera and an MRI or CT (can't remember which one).
I would be surprised if OSA was not a serious medical condition and as such the NHS should surely remove if push your GP/Consultant for referal.
But the link you put seems like it works for you. But the operation for me totally fixed me up. Although it was s
te recovery. No. Sadly the default NHS position is CPAP for OSA. I got a second opinion and was faced with the same dogmatic response sadly. Risk(cost!) of tonsils out is greater than a life sleeping with a mask on for the patient. Did you have yours out recently? Was it just your tonsils or did they take any soft palate out as well?
As you say the recovery is not nice in adults apparently and they've factored that into the strategic decision. Could get it done privately though I suppose...
As you say the recovery is not nice in adults apparently and they've factored that into the strategic decision. Could get it done privately though I suppose...
I have worried about Sleep Apoena as I knew someone of my age with it but I don't think (hope) it isn't that.
I'm a touch over weight so have decided on a diet but my love of chocolate, biscuits and chocolate biscuits is a problem.
Don't drink much anymore, wife blamed that but a dry week and i'm still snoring.
Sometimes a heroic snore does wake me up.
I'm a touch over weight so have decided on a diet but my love of chocolate, biscuits and chocolate biscuits is a problem.
Don't drink much anymore, wife blamed that but a dry week and i'm still snoring.
Sometimes a heroic snore does wake me up.
Skyedriver said:
I have worried about Sleep Apoena as I knew someone of my age with it but I don't think (hope) it isn't that.
I'm a touch over weight so have decided on a diet but my love of chocolate, biscuits and chocolate biscuits is a problem.
Don't drink much anymore, wife blamed that but a dry week and i'm still snoring.
Sometimes a heroic snore does wake me up.
Quick google threw up this article which might be helpful:I'm a touch over weight so have decided on a diet but my love of chocolate, biscuits and chocolate biscuits is a problem.
Don't drink much anymore, wife blamed that but a dry week and i'm still snoring.
Sometimes a heroic snore does wake me up.
http://jimhorne.co.uk/very-heavy-snoring-obstructi...
ben5575 said:
Quick google threw up this article which might be helpful:
http://jimhorne.co.uk/very-heavy-snoring-obstructi...
Clearly written and interesting content, thankshttp://jimhorne.co.uk/very-heavy-snoring-obstructi...
Believe it or not, even the shape of your jaw can cause OSA. It's often found that people with a short lower mandible are prone to apnea.
My apnea started a while after a nasty car crash when my jaw ended up in 3 pieces, my lungs were punctured and a roadside tracheotomy carried out. All no doubt affecting my breathing. But naturally I had a short jaw and the accident probably was enough to tip the balance. So after much elbowing from my wife for snoring and waking up short of breath, I got myself a sleep clinic appointment where all was revealed.
I tried the CPAP, which according to my wife was like sleeping with Darth Vader and I tried the splints that hold the jaw in place overnight. Both were horrible and the realisation that it would be for life, got me considering, and eventually having, a mandibular advancement surgery.
Of course none of the above may be relevant to your case, but if you have an undershot jaw, get yourself down to your GP and get an appointment down the sleep clinic or you'll never resolve it.
My apnea started a while after a nasty car crash when my jaw ended up in 3 pieces, my lungs were punctured and a roadside tracheotomy carried out. All no doubt affecting my breathing. But naturally I had a short jaw and the accident probably was enough to tip the balance. So after much elbowing from my wife for snoring and waking up short of breath, I got myself a sleep clinic appointment where all was revealed.
I tried the CPAP, which according to my wife was like sleeping with Darth Vader and I tried the splints that hold the jaw in place overnight. Both were horrible and the realisation that it would be for life, got me considering, and eventually having, a mandibular advancement surgery.
Of course none of the above may be relevant to your case, but if you have an undershot jaw, get yourself down to your GP and get an appointment down the sleep clinic or you'll never resolve it.
Another snorer here.
Been for a sleepover at the clinic in East Grinstead - all very efficient. Not suffering acute apnea just borderline.
I'm currently on the CPAP machine every night - approx. 2 months now. It does stop snoring, but I don't feel I'm getting much benefit as my sleep is still disturbed, mainly by rolling over onto the tube, or dislodging the mask, or both, during the night. At least my snoring isn't waking me up now.
My next appt is in January, when we'll discuss progress. For my wife it's great - she's sleeping better than any time for years - but I still get dog-tired around 16:00 and again 19:00, and am asleep before 23:00 come rain or shine.
And the CPAP is 100% effective as a libido killer. Apparently a 3ft piece of vacuum type tube and a rubbery nosepiece just isn't 'doing it' for her.
Maybe I need to insist on surgery?
Been for a sleepover at the clinic in East Grinstead - all very efficient. Not suffering acute apnea just borderline.
I'm currently on the CPAP machine every night - approx. 2 months now. It does stop snoring, but I don't feel I'm getting much benefit as my sleep is still disturbed, mainly by rolling over onto the tube, or dislodging the mask, or both, during the night. At least my snoring isn't waking me up now.
My next appt is in January, when we'll discuss progress. For my wife it's great - she's sleeping better than any time for years - but I still get dog-tired around 16:00 and again 19:00, and am asleep before 23:00 come rain or shine.
And the CPAP is 100% effective as a libido killer. Apparently a 3ft piece of vacuum type tube and a rubbery nosepiece just isn't 'doing it' for her.
Maybe I need to insist on surgery?
Try that mouth guard I linked to above, it works.
I finally got to the bottom of my problem. I have dangling flaps apparently, on either side of my uvular. Or 'batwings' as the consultant called them. My tongue falls back and essentially seals the airway when I fall asleep. Not my tonsils as I thought. Pretty picture below:
Having seen three consultants at various times they all failed to pick this up (wood for the trees/flaps for the uvular...). By chance I ended up getting referred to the Consultant who literally wrote the book on it and told me what the problem was straight away.
Sadly the NHS won't operate, so I may decide to go private and have them reshaped.
So lots of reasons for it, some anatomical like mine (or jaw as above) others due to being overweight etc.
I finally got to the bottom of my problem. I have dangling flaps apparently, on either side of my uvular. Or 'batwings' as the consultant called them. My tongue falls back and essentially seals the airway when I fall asleep. Not my tonsils as I thought. Pretty picture below:
Having seen three consultants at various times they all failed to pick this up (wood for the trees/flaps for the uvular...). By chance I ended up getting referred to the Consultant who literally wrote the book on it and told me what the problem was straight away.
Sadly the NHS won't operate, so I may decide to go private and have them reshaped.
So lots of reasons for it, some anatomical like mine (or jaw as above) others due to being overweight etc.
Sorry, I forgot - tried the mouthguard, dental torture. Could not sleep through the irritation/pain. Seriously unpleasant experience and I perservered for weeks, without improvement. Tried another, same deal.
Glad for those who find a solution, however.
Does it make a difference if snoring while breathing orally or nasally? I'm nasal...
Glad for those who find a solution, however.
Does it make a difference if snoring while breathing orally or nasally? I'm nasal...
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