Severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

[lexi 1]

Just been diagnosed with the above would like to here from any other sufferers as to what they did to stop/reduce it .

I have been given the Cpap system to try at night ,I did a test a few weeks ago over night and they found I had not been taking a breath at times for three minutes no wonder I always feel tired !!!

[lexi 1]

I am a very slim build with a small tummy I have a very active life but don't do a main exercise as such but am about to change that I only noticed the issue as I have been unable to drive for more then 45 mins sometimes less for a few months without falling asleep

[lexi 1]

bernhund said:

You can develop apnea as you get older through the muscles in the throat becoming weaker, especially if you have a short jaw. So if your side profile looks a little undershot for example, this can cause it.
If this is the case, get a referral to the sleep clinic as you might find you need an op to advance your jaw. You will look different but breathing is quite handy sometimes.

This would be a last resort for me I do have an under bite I think its called but really don't want to do that !

I am starting to feel a bit more alive after three weeks with the sleep mask etc

[lexi 1]

Hi All been doing a bit of looking up about this has anyone heard of this :

http://www.schlafapnoe.com/en/home/?gclid=CMma-KSP...

[lexi 1]

bernhund said:

Have you tried an 'oral appliance' yet? This holds the lower jaw forward and opens your airways. I've tried both this and the CPAP, but neither were something I was prepared to spend the rest of my life with. My wife said it was like sleeping with Darth Vader when I was on the CPAP!

I went for the mandibular advancement and 100% happy with it. It sounds like a scary step to take and it did cause a bit of an issue at home with my wife, as I would look different. As it happens we both think I look better than before!
My situation was probably different to yours in that I had received multiple injuries from a car crash a few years before the apnea, which included punctured lungs, a tracheotomy, a jaw in 3 pieces and broken nose etc. All this could have contributed to the apnea. One thing for sure in my case was that I wasn't scared of having operations and at my age at the time (45), it was a no brainer. I wasn't prepared to spend the rest of my life on a machine.
Feel free to ask any questions if you want to or email me.

Hi Bernhund

I am at a cross roads with trying to decide if I want to risk having the mandibular op would it be ok to Pm you a few questions ?