Sleep Apnea - Sleep Disorders - Health/Fitness

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About Dave J. (Scoop0901)
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
I can answer questions on sleep disorders, in general, and sleep apnea, specifically. I've been actively involved in providing direct support to individuals, family members, employers, and others on the topics of sleep and sleep disorders for more than six years, keep up-to-date on valid, peer-reviewed research, as well as treatment options.

I can answer general questions including, but not limited to polysomnography (PSG or sleep study) techniques; health issues associated with sleep apnea; compliance with a CPAP or BiPAP machine, mask selection and fitting; insurance coverage; ADA issues; and more, but cannot provide diagnosis over the internet.

Why can I answer only general questions? The question would be better asked why I will not answer specific questions. That's the easy part. Your health is unique, or, in redundant terms, "individually unique," meaning that while there's a lot of research that has been conducted in the world of sleep over the past few decades, there is none that can foretell any specific individual's future. What may hold true for your friend, for instance, may not be true for you. It's just like if both you and your best friend like to drive. You both want to own your own vehicles, having the freedom to move about a will, but your taste, your selection in vehicle is vastly different. For example, you may prefer an environmentally-friendly sub-compact car that gets 50 miles to the gallon, but your neighbor may prefer a H2 Hummer. The same holds true with health care issues. While one person may suffer issues X, Y, and Z, as fully supported by research, you may suffer issues D, T, and S, never experiencing anything the other person experienced.

Experience

As to my experience, let's start back on January 1, 2000, one of nine days I spent in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) unit of a Northeast Philadelphia hospital. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea, along with a couple other sleep disorders, not to mention some very serious, very nasty health conditions related to many years of undiagnosed, therefore, untreated sleep disorders.

After somewhere around three months of fiddling with the equipment, adding a heated humidifier to the gear, and finding the right mask for me, I became 100 percent compliant with my BiPAP therapy. I have seemingly experienced what seems to be all the same, nay, all the classic problems everyone else who's ever used a CPAP, BiPAP, or other xPAP device has experienced, suffers. Things such as mask problems, humidification problems, among others.

I established a community education and support group, Awake in Philly, in Philadelphia, PA (USA), in May 2000, to help support and educate others about the true costs of sleep issues, including sleep disorders, sleep deprivation. We also work to educate the public, employers, and government and elected officials, as well as health care professionals about the dangers of these issues.

Since getting diagnosed, I've become a very vocal, very pro-active sleep activist, dedicated to helping others before they suffer the many woes that too often accompany untreated and undiagnosed sleep disorders and sleep deprivation.

In addition to working locally, I always think globally, yet act responsibly in all I do, yet have managed to extend the reach of my work nationally. I am involved with Awake In America, Inc., an all-volunteer national non-profit focused on sleep and sleep disorders. An all-volunteer organization is one where the people involved are committed to the efforts, and one in which no one is paid or compensated for their work with the organization, where all funds may be used for operations and actual work to fulfill the organization's missions. I know of no other non-profit corporation that can make that bold statement.

Awake In America was organized to assist others around the country to quickly and effectively launch support groups, but also to work on community awareness of sleep disorders, serve as an outreach source, among other issues. Awake In America also launched the only national xPAP Donation and Relief Program, which is designed to assist individuals without insurance or the financial means necessary, obtain equipment and supplies essential to treating diagnosed sleep apnea. We also have a national Sleep Study Relief Program, again, the first in the nation, and the only one of its kind in the nation.

Having spent more than 20 years as an investigative journalist and editor, I do careful, tedious research on all issues involving sleep and sleep disorders. I question everything in studies and reports, challenging findings, wanting to see if everything using strict scientific methods, uninfluenced by funding flowing from specific interest groups.

In the almost nine years of helping others, through Awake In Philly and Awake In America, as well as my personal blog on sleep, The Sleep Blog, I've done a tremendous amount of reading, much of which in the same books used to train sleep techs, as well as many of the same books that are on the shelves of many sleep specialists.

I've dealt with countless people, via email, instant messaging (IM), and on the phone, sometimes, basically doing the equivalent of providing a shoulder for them to lean or cry on. In the end, I offered ideas to help them overcome their challenges, and fortunately, I've been able to help a large majority of those people, but some required the hands-on, in-person approach of a physician or sleep specialist.

You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Sleep Disorders > Sleep Apnea

Questions Answered By Expert Dave J. (Scoop0901)
In Category Sleep Apnea

Subject	Date Asked

CPap machine side effects	10/17/2009
Q: I just started using a CPAP machine and I am wondering how long it takes to adjust to the side ... A: Ally: Thanks for writing, and please, whatever you do, commit yourself to faithfully using your ...
Sleep Apnea treatable w/o a CPAP?	10/7/2009
Q: I used a CPAP machine while in high school. I was about 5'1 and 300 lbs. I am now 24, 5'3 and weight ... A: Kev222 Many people have found themselves in similar situations, chiefly due to the lousy economy ...
Pressure Sores on Bridge of my nose	9/26/2009
Q: I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea about 3 years ago and since then have tried various masks ... A: Murphy: Your doctor may have "tried" many of the masks on the market (I doubt he tried all of them), ...
sleep apnea	9/24/2009
Q: I hear her chocking, loud snooring, and sounds like her breathing continues to start and stop all ... A: Verne: Awake In America has a couple of charity/relief programs to help people with ...
5htp	8/4/2009
Q: Just wanted to ask if you have heard of anyone that has tried 5htp for apnea? I have read it can ... A: James: I've not heard of anyone who has tried it, though I've heard of others who have tried a ...
HELP!! My husband was fired. PLEASE RESPOND ASAP	8/2/2009
Q: This is the first time I've used the Internet in such a way, and feel confident that you can offer ... A: Heidi: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) could apply, but it only applies if the person ...
Sleep Apnea	6/27/2009
Q: I am a 46 yr old male and ever since I have been 17 yrs old I have gone to bed every night at 7:00am ... A: Murphy: Since the time you had your sleep study, have you lost or gained weight, such as 30 lbs ...
Appliances	5/19/2009
Q: I've just learned that I've been suffering from sleep apnea for years. I always knew that I snored ... A: Martin: Do a Google search on "CPAP" to find the Gold standard for treating sleep apnea. None of ...
New mask	2/21/2009
Q: Dave I have been using the CPAP for about five years. In June I got a new mask,the very comfortable ... A: Your increase in weight is the likely cause of the issues you are describing. If you have massive ...
sleep apnea	2/18/2009
Q: yes my father has sleep apnea. he has the machine and everything but the thing is that his machine ... A: Eddie: There should be absolutely no difference in how things are in his life when he is using a ...
alternative	2/9/2009
Q: I wear my cpap for sleeping,and its very hard for me to sleep straight through the night.I only use ... A: The uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), it is a surgical procedure, conceived by a veterinarian (an ...
alternative	2/4/2009
Q: I wear my cpap for sleeping,and its very hard for me to sleep straight through the night.I only use ... A: Yaakov: I need a little more information about the "device" or item you heard about that you ...
oxygen levels during sleep	1/24/2009
Q: i just had my first sleep study done last night. the dr's office called to give me my preliminary ... A: Joy: First, thanks for writing. Second, if you've read some of my responses, you will certainly ...
titration study	1/21/2009
Q: I had my referral appt with the ENT today and he does not believe in jumping into surgery (not that ... A: Mary-Ellen: At your titration, you will be wired up, pretty much like when you had your initial ...
Sleep test	1/17/2009
Q: I have using a bipap machine for about four year with no change in my original original settings. ... A: Kenneth, and thanks for writing. It used to be suggested you undergo a new sleep study and ...
sleep apnea and gout	12/29/2008
Q: my boyfriend has been having a lot of gout attacks over the past few months and is being treated ... A: Kelley: I've never read of any connection between apnea and gout. If he is complaining of leg ...
T & A vs UPPP	12/9/2008
Q: What are the benefits of having a Tonsillectomy vs a UPPP to help treat sleep apnea/narcolepsy in a ... A: Julia: A tonsillectomy (aka T&A) is generally a surgical procedure used, in the realm of sleep ...
Sleep Apnea	11/24/2008
Q: My husband is 33 years old and is chronically tired. He had a sleep apnea test done a few years ago ... A: Kristy: You may want to check into Awake In America's Sleep Study Relief Program at ...
sleep apnea	10/18/2008
Q: I have recently been diagnosed with apnea (29 per hour) and am having a very difficult time getting ... A: Frieda: I'm not sure what state you're in, but now that you're diagnosed with apnea, many states ...
Cant sleep	9/18/2008
Q: I am 37 year old female. I am very fit and active. I lead a healthy lifestyle. I am having trouble ... A: Kira: This, of course, is the Internet, and no one can really pinpoint things in a word-based ...
Already diagnosed	9/10/2008
Q: My husband just completed a sleep study and was told that he stopped breathing once every minute. He ... A: Carla: Your husband needs to speak with the sleep specialist who gave him the results of the sleep ...
Already diagnosed	9/9/2008
Q: My husband just completed a sleep study and was told that he stopped breathing once every minute. He ... A: Carla: Being overweight is an age-old stereotype used many years ago to identity people who may have ...
tired	8/24/2008
Q: I am a 32 yr. old female. I have always (for 20 years) been that kind of person that needs a lot of ... A: Heidi: This, of course, is the Internet, and no one can really pinpoint things in a word-based ...
UPPP	8/5/2008
Q: I read your post about the person who had UPPP and it was a disaster, had to have a tracheostomy, ... A: Bill: If you contact me through the contact form on my personal blog site, Scoop's Views, at ...
UPPP	8/5/2008
Q: I read your post about the person who had UPPP and it was a disaster, had to have a tracheostomy, ... A: He actually had consults with several top docs in sleep here in the U.S., as well as two ...
heart problems to sleep apena	6/27/2008
Q: four months ago i had to go to the hospital because my ankles and legs were sewlling a i was short ... A: Lynn: I can ... no, I will ... answer only one part of this email, and that's the part that deals ...
test results	6/24/2008
Q: I told you I would let you know my test results and I do have the sleep apnea. I have the cpap ... A: I was using the Breeze nasal pillows, James. As you said, since your annual deductible is paid for ...
test results	5/30/2008
Q: I told you I would let you know my test results and I do have the sleep apnea. I have the cpap ... A: James: Congratulations on your diagnosis. This means you're that much further ahead in treating ...
sleep apnea	5/9/2008
Q: My child is working on a project about sleep apnea in her science class. we have found lots of ... A: There is no clear cut answer for that. If you want to research the etiology of apnea, you need to ...
sleep apnea	4/23/2008
Q: ive had a cpap machine for about 9 months. If I have some kind of device to keep my mouth closed ... A: Jeff: Your apnea will not be controlled, or managed, by you taping your mouth closed, nor by ...
oxygen levels	3/30/2008
Q: i had a sleep study recently and my oxegon level went 80 percent most of the night,but started at 97 ... A: Cindy: It's likely that during your sleep study, they added supplemental oxygen during the night ...
sleep	3/28/2008
Q: Im 30 and my wife thinks I have sleep apnea and says I seem to stop breathing for a few seconds in ... A: James: I am not sure what you mean, in precise terms, by "feeling of restriction" in your chest. ...
sleep	3/28/2008
Q: Im 30 and my wife thinks I have sleep apnea and says I seem to stop breathing for a few seconds in ... A: James: There are many sleep disorders that can be tested for, but when the doctor orders a sleep ...
sleep	3/28/2008
Q: Im 30 and my wife thinks I have sleep apnea and says I seem to stop breathing for a few seconds in ... A: Yes, asking your wife to count the seconds that she notices you not breathing is one way. But keep ...
sleep	3/27/2008
Q: Im 30 and my wife thinks I have sleep apnea and says I seem to stop breathing for a few seconds in ... A: James: Thanks for writing. To get to the heart of the matter, it seems you feel you may have ...
sleep apnea	3/8/2008
Q: i have sleep apnea ...im on a machine settings are....19/24 its great....i fell better...lost 50 ... A: Mike: Thanks for writing. As to the burping in the night and morning, I am taking it as ...
Bipap with full mask	3/6/2008
Q: I was recently diagnosed with apnea. The prescription is a Respironics Auto Series BiPap ... A: Fred: First, thanks for writing. The dry mouth you're describing is generally a hint that ...
Apnea and ADA	2/14/2008
Q: I have been diagnosed with sever sleep apnea with a sleep study but am unable to tolerate a CPAP. I ... A: Kevin: Sadly, a "doctor's note" does not substitute for a request for accomodation under the ...
Apnea and ADA	2/12/2008
Q: I have been diagnosed with sever sleep apnea with a sleep study but am unable to tolerate a CPAP. I ... A: Kevin: If you check the archives of the questions, you will find I've dealt with this topic at ...
Amount of sleep with BIPAP	2/11/2008
Q: I have been using an auto-BIPAP for just under a week. I use to toss and turn, and was up to the ... A: JC: As with all things in life, such as reading, writing, riding a bicycle, fishing, or using a ...
sleep apnea & constanting running nose from machine	1/25/2008
Q: I have been diagnosed with severe sleep apnea, over 80/hr. I am 53 male. I have had a machine with ... A: Ken: The issue probably is not related to the CPAP machine. The use of a machine that blows room ...
auto accident/speep apnea	1/21/2008
Q: My husband was involved in a serious car accident about 12 months ago. Shortly after the accident he ... A: Denise: Unlike soft tissue injuries (bruises, burns, etc.) or skeletal damage (broken bones, ...
Stiff neck/shoulders	1/6/2008
Q: I hate my condition and my CPAC machine. Since being diagnosed, it makes sense but every night I ... A: I have no idea why the sleep clinic and CPAP provider are useless. Perhaps because they are telling ...
Weight/sleep apnea	1/5/2008
Q: I see that over weight can cause sleep apena. I am 5'8" 240, high b/p, loud snoring, pause and gasp ... A: Wathena: To be honest, the best answer -- the most honest answer -- would be no. Up until ...
Pressure on my CPAP	12/29/2007
Q: My pressure is set on 16. I am wondering if I can use a nasal pillow instead of a full face. I ... A: Kim: While I cannot speak for every brand and type of nasal pillow setup on the market, I can ...
Leg twitching, kicking jerking	12/28/2007
Q: I use a CPAP machine, which works great. I'm a 62 yo male. I've had the machine for about three ... A: Gary: It could be that you may have restless legs syndrome (RLS) or periodic limb movement ...
CPAP use and belching	11/26/2007
Q: I have been experiencing excessive belching for several months - it began while I was using a CPAP, ... A: Irene: Is it possible the BiPAP caused anything like what you're describing? Well, the most ...
Sleep Apnea	10/25/2007
Q: I am just trying to put my sleep apnea in perspective to see if it is really as bad as I think it ... A: Mark: Thanks for writing. First off, I don't candycoat anything, especially when it comes to ...
hypoapenas	9/8/2007
Q: what are hypoapenas? A: The word you're thinking of Peg, is hypopnea, which comes from the Greek and means shallow or ...
Sleep Apnea disability	8/1/2007
Q: Is sleep apnea considered a disability under the ADA? A: Joseph: As with all things legal, which the ADA most certainly is, very few things ever lend ...
How much sleep do I need?	7/31/2007
Q: First off, I apologise if this is a somewhat trivial question. It has been bugging me for a while ... A: Chris: Thanks for writing. Some of what you're describing may be related to when you are ...
Severe Sleep Apnea and Overweight	6/19/2007
Q: Dave - I was recently diagnosed with severe sleep apnea (80+ occurences/hour). I have had a CPAP ... A: Joe, sleep soundly and you will lose (a little, not much) weight by an increased metabolism. Sleep ...
sleep apena	6/10/2007
Q: i have a cpap machine with the pressure set at14 been using it for about 6 months i have had my ... A: David: I am not certain why you had your tonsils removed, but if that helped, great. While the ...
Uvula surgery	5/30/2007
Q: I am diagnosed with mild sleep apnea. AHI 10.5. Snoring is a major social problem for me as for the ... A: Benny: I know many people, too many to count, who have undergone UPPP and other procedures. All ...
Help with getting sleep wearing CPAP Bi-level machine	5/30/2007
Q: I was recently diagnosed with OSA. I am committed to being compliant, however, I am having a hard ... A: Alethia: Thanks for writing. Let's see what I can do to help you. If you keep watching The ...
Sleep	5/23/2007
Q: How much sleep should an average person get every night? A: David: Researchers say an average adult should get between seven (7) and nine (9) hours of sleep ...
Some knowledge, many questions	5/15/2007
Q: I was first diagnosed with OSA when I was 16. The cause was attributed to over-grown adenoids, & a ... A: Chelle: Thanks for writing, and let's see what I can do to help you with these questions. ...
Jaw Pain since CPAP	5/4/2007
Q: I am just getting started on using CPAP machine for my sleep apnea. I have Respironics comfort gel ... A: Linda: Oddly enough, yes, a lot of people mention this kind of thing. Some people talk about a ...
tongue tremor	4/20/2007
Q: Couple of weeks ago i tried to go to sleep and in between the awake stage and sleep stage found that ... A: I would suggest you speak with an oral surgeon or an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist. While a ...
sleep	3/26/2007
Q: my father had a sleep test in a sleep diagnostic center. the exam was 9-5 overnight. my dad says he ... A: Snoring and sleeping with your mouth open can lead to a dry mouth. In fact, within the past 10 ...
Sleep Apnea	3/23/2007
Q: I was just diagnosed with MILD sleep apnea. Is a CPAP machine required or is there other treatment ... A: Linda, everyone wants some other kind of treatment. The case is true for people with apnea, cancer, ...
sleep	3/22/2007
Q: my father had a sleep test in a sleep diagnostic center. the exam was 9-5 overnight. my dad says he ... A: Marvin, thanks for writing. First, many people who go in for sleep studies often believe they ...
sleep	3/21/2007
Q: my dad one day woke up gasping for air it got to a point were i was going to call a medic. hes 5'6 ... A: What you're describing, Marvin, sounds like sleep apnea. I'm not sure where you reside, such as in ...
DEEP SLEEP -> 2	3/21/2007
Q: Would you please tell me why people toss & turn in their sleep? Thanks C Barwick A: This sounds like it may be a homework question, but it also sounds like a very vague question, ...
sleep apnea	3/2/2007
Q: After being diagnosed with mild sleep apnea and put on a cpap machine...nose gear one...still ... A: Deanne: Thanks for writing. In sending your question, you left out a lot of information that ...
DEEP SLEEP	3/1/2007
Q: Would you please tell me why people talk or yell in their sleep? Thanks C Barwick A: Cameron, thanks for writing. This is an interesting area of sleep, but on that is still fairly not ...
Sleep levels	2/21/2007
Q: Hey, I've red a lot of sleep tips over the internet. I was wondering (im 16 by the way) since I only ... A: Roshan: Thanks for writing. First, there is no secret to getting to "deeper" levels of sleep. ...
UPPP surgery.	1/25/2007
Q: I have obstructive sleep apnea & am using the CPAP machine.What do you know about this surgery?Does ... A: Randy: UPPP surgery, according to the history I learned from a professor of veterinary medicine ...
belching,flatulance with bipap	1/1/2007
Q: I have been on a Resperonics lpro2 Bipap machine for 2 months with no problems. Suddenly in the ... A: Pauline: Changing the pressure on your machine isn't a wise thing to do. A pressure lower than ...
Who will insure individuals with sleep apnea?	12/27/2006
Q: I've recently become self-employed and I am in the process of insuring my family with an individual ... A: Don, unfortunately there's not a lot to do except talk with a variety of companies. Until people -- ...
Sleep pattern	12/14/2006
Q: My office hours are from 5 in the evening to 9 in the morning that is 16 hours thereafter I get 32 ... A: Byju: No one, especially on the Internet, can help you solve or prevent illness, injury, or ...
sleep apnea	12/9/2006
Q: after a recent sleep study i was diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea.i was advised to begin cpap ... A: Chris: Answering in general, there are many people who do not have oxygen levels fall below 90. ...
unsure of diagnosis	12/1/2006
Q: I am writing this on behalf of my husband, who was recently diagnosed with sleep apnea. He is 24 ... A: Amanda: I've known many people over the years who never had issues with falling asleep at ...
dont know where to go	11/21/2006
Q: Where can i get a free test for sleep apnea in wisconsin A: Check out Awake In America's site. It's a non-profit organization which I am affiliated with, but ...
Getting used to the CPAP Mask	11/17/2006
Q: I was diagnosed w/sleep apnea last Dec and with the speed of my PCM I just received the CPAP ... A: Frank: You can get a second length of tubing to apply in-line between your CPAP and mask, giving ...
Cpap machine settings	10/23/2006
Q: I don't have health insurance and was lucky to have a cpap machine given to me. It is new and she ... A: Renee: When a doctor dies, someone or some clinic or practice takes custody of the patient ...
Sleep apnea/excessive sleep	10/13/2006
Q: Dave, Just wondering if I might have sleep apnea or some other disorder. If I'm left to sleep as ... A: Josh: I'm not sure what you mean when you ask about insurance picking up "the table for related ...
Waking and Gasping For Air	9/28/2006
Q: Sometime I wake up from a sound sleep gasping for air. I can only take in very short breaths and ... A: Dan: All of it sounds like it could be a sign of apnea, but the ENT is taking the prudent, ...
leg pain	9/15/2006
Q: have u ever heard of sever leg pain below the knee as a symtom or that has been relieved ... A: William, thanks for writing. I am guessing you are asking if I ever heard of severe leg pain as a ...
sleep apnea: alternative methods, compliance with device	9/9/2006
Q: I live in Canada and recently was diagnosed with extreme sleep apnea. My symptoms, I now recognize, ... A: David: Thanks for writing. As far as your friend is concerning, he should not have a ...
Sleeping while awake	9/1/2006
Q: From time to time when I try to sleep i would start hearing this strange buzzing noise and my body ... A: Eric: Without having more information to go on, it sounds like it could be one of two things that ...
I don't trust my doctor's diagnosyis	8/11/2006
Q: I've been found to have sleep apnea. They've started me off at a presure of 9 that they told me is ... A: Steve: There is a lot of information missing from your question that could help me give you a ...
sleep apnea and a breathing machine	7/21/2006
Q: My husband stops breathing at night and will be seeing a sleep specialist in the next few weeks. ... A: Carol: A setting of 2LPM for oxygen isn't terribly high in the big picture, but as an interim, ...
Chin Strap with Nasal Mask	7/4/2006
Q: I have been using a chin strap with my nasal mask to keep my mouth closed, supposedly to eliminate ... A: Robert: My first question to you would be, "Is your pressure on your machine 10 or higher?" If ...
Sleep Testing	7/3/2006
Q: Dave: I went for a sleep test last night to test for sleep apnea. The numerous wires and belts took ... A: Richard: Sometimes it is surprising how much sleep you actually get during a sleep study, ...
Tee shirts for sleep apnea	6/15/2006
Q: Do you know of any places on the web where I can purchase those tee shirts with a pocket on the back ... A: Roberto, thanks for writing. Sorry, but I never heard of any place that actually sells anything ...
Sleep Apnea	6/1/2006
Q: I am doing a research paper on sleep apnea. I am trying to talk with people knowledgeable about ... A: Jamie: If you want to introduce yourself to a group of folks with apnea, I would suggest visiting ...
sleep less	5/19/2006
Q: My name is Alen and I am 17.last year I used to sleep 6-7 hours a day but since two months ago I ... A: Alan: You don't say if anything's changed in your life, if you have any health issues, if there's ...
Cpap machine	4/30/2006
Q: I have just been put on cpap for sleep apnea. I did great in the sleep study and found the ... A: Mia: It sounds like you don't like the smell of a new machine. The machines, when new, are like ...
Intresting sleep habit	4/29/2006
Q: I go to bed at night and I rest very well, but I tend to raise my arm, right usually I am told, for ... A: Karen: I would suggest speaking with a sleep specialist about this. It could be a parasomnia, ...
sleep apnea	3/19/2006
Q: I have sleep apnea and am ready to purchase the CPAP mask. I've talked to several people who ... A: Dick: Thanks for writing. This is an important issue, and may be the critical factor in ...
sleep deprivation research	2/26/2006
Q: I am 10 years old and am doing a research project on the effects of sleep deprivation. Can you give ... A: Jet: Here are reference pages, as well as quotes from each page. If you need more specific ...
bipap recommendations	2/22/2006
Q: After 4 years of problem free use of a RemStar Auto CPAP, I was switched to a ReMstar Pro 2 Biflex ... A: Louis: I would suggest contacting Respironics' Customer Service Dept. about the issue ...
sweating when sleeping	2/21/2006
Q: Bit of a strange question from myself but I was wondering if there is any disorder for heavy ... A: Paul: That could be a sign of several different things, including sleep apnea. A straightforward ...
Sleep apnea	2/10/2006
Q: I am 45 years ol and have been wearing a cpap for about 5 years. I went from using 6 as a pressure ... A: Gary: I am guessing you are talking about a dental device, such as a positioner. These would ...
general question and certifications	2/9/2006
Q: Dave, I noted an answer you wrote to a person regarding "personal prefernces" in machines ... A: Pollee: This would be an issue the physician would and should be addressing if it were pertinent ...
QUESTION ON OSA	2/2/2006
Q: I assume you are a layman with this disorder? Anyway, I was just diagnosed with 'probable' OSA. My ... A: Patricia: Congratulations on being scheduled for a sleep study. That's a good first step toward ...
Naturopathic/Homeopathic Cures	1/27/2006
Q: Are there any naturopathic/homeopathic cures for sleep apnea? If so, what are they, and where can I ... A: Mike: At this point, the only natural product available to treat sleep apnea is a CPAP machine ...
sleep apnea	1/26/2006
Q: ResMed vpapIIST-A, mode st, ipap 14, epap 10, bpm 12...little black spots on humidifier and mirage ... A: One thing you will need to do with your new equipment is maintain it. A weekly cleaning of the ...
REM density	1/17/2006
Q: Can you explain me what REM density is? Also, since my sleep study does not have this value ... A: Roberto, sleep density is a clinical term used to describe the number of eye movement bursts you ...
Sleep apnea and the ADA	1/9/2006
Q: Is sleep apnea generally considered a disability under the ADA, and if so, what is the best way to ... A: You can find information at the following locations: ...
Sleep	12/5/2005
Q: im 16, i dont know if i have a sleep disorder but i can never get a good night sleep and i want to ... A: Jon: What you are describing could be indicative of several sleep disorders. The best thing ...
sleep apnea question	10/13/2005
Q: I have been diagnosed with a mild case of sleep apnea. My sleep study showed an apnea index or ... A: MKSB: Can a case of apnea that mild lead to excessive sleepiness? Sure. Remember, everything ...
Insurance Coverage of Sleep Apnea diagnosis and treatment	10/12/2005
Q: Dave, I am trying to find out how well sleep apnea is insured in the US. Is there a way I can do ... A: Mehul: If you send me an email detailing exactly the type of information you are looking for, ...
swallowing air	9/6/2005
Q: .well i was recently given a cpap device for my obstructive sleep apnea.the pressure setting is at ... A: This is something a lot of folks do when they are fairly new to xPAP. Some people develop the ...
general sleep question	9/3/2005
Q: I was wondering what type of advice you would give to a teenager who gets at least 8-10 hours of ... A: Sarah: Without knowing more about specific lifestyle habits, it is general to get very specific, ...
sleep medications	8/25/2005
Q: I am hoping you can help me with this. I have been taking either lunesta or ativan for the past 2 ... A: Jennifer: Unfortunately, as you are discovering, sleep aids are not meant for long-term use. ...
sleeping patterns	6/30/2005
Q: This isn't about sleep apnea, but I thought I would ask you anyway. I am usually awake a few hours ... A: Marg: From the description, there's not much on the Internet that I can suggest other than to ...
Sleep Apnea	6/7/2005
Q: I think that I have emailed you before, but I now have my sleep results in my hand from my sleep ... A: Sarah: There's more to the sleep study than just the numbers. The graphs, as well as the rest of ...
Body stiffens	5/20/2005
Q: This has been happening on and off for the past six 4 months,when I awake from a sleep(usually from ... A: It sounds as if you may be waking during a dream, perhaps even a nightmare. The "stiffening" sounds ...
Questions about sleep study parameters	5/11/2005
Q: For the following: SaO2 awake average = 97% SaO2 worst case = 90% Average SaO2 desaturation = 2% ... A: SaO2 awake average = 97% SaO2 worst case = 90% Average SaO2 desaturation = 2% Didn't they ...
sleep apnea and narcolepsy	4/25/2005
Q: I was diagnosed with sleep apnea and narcolepsy over a year ago. I am using a C-flex machine for ... A: Karen: I will offer basic ideas on questions, but you will really need to base the specific ...
SNAP vs Sleep Lab	2/24/2005
Q: Did you realize the article you quoted from chest comparing SNAP to the sleep lab was not conducted ... A: If it were possible to contact Ed now, I would refer him to the Awake In America Sleep Study ...
Sick After Naps	2/23/2005
Q: I've been tired my whole life.... don't laugh it's true.... my mom says I was born sleeping.... I ... A: Amanda: Thanks for writing, and what you have described sounds familiar. While no one can ...
i have a lot of problems sleeping, can you help me	1/12/2005
Q: I really need help. I havent had any sleep in a few days. I dont know why, but i just cant fall ... A: Kyle: Ruling out any recreational drug use, you may want to contact your health care provider for ...
Oxygen Desaturation	12/29/2004
Q: In PSG studies, how would you define a desaturation? The 2 schools of thought I have run into ... A: Franco: I'm sorry, but I can't be of great help to you on this. I've seen similar issues, where ...
Feeling of intoxication while dreaming	12/29/2004
Q: Hey. My dad is a doctor and I've tried explaining this to him, but he keeps blowing me of because he ... A: Colin: From what you are describing, you have some sort of sleep disturbance, or possibly even a ...
Central sleep apnea	11/17/2004
Q: I would like to know what are the treatments and symptoms of central sleep apnea. Can central sleep ... A: Roberto: Thanks for writing. The symptoms of central apnea vs. obstructive apnea are pretty ...
Doubt	11/17/2004
Q: My age is 21.Is it enough for me a six and half hours sleep daily. A: Studies over the past 50 years have shown the body needs between 7 and 8-1/2 hours of sleep per ...
bathroom interuption	10/29/2004
Q: Lately when I sleep, I usually get interupted by having to go to the bathroom in the morning. I ... A: Michael: The cause of the problem could stem from many things, such as apnea, diabetes, ...
sleep study help	10/8/2004
Q: I would like to hear your opinion regarding a sleep study that I took in 2002. Here are the ... A: Roberto: The study is two years old, and if you are wanting an honest answer about if you need a ...
Sleep Apnea CPAP machine covered on insurance?	10/8/2004
Q: I'm just curious. I'm having many of the symptoms of OSA, drowsy at work, falling asleep at ... A: Bryan: Thanks for writing. Your question can only be answered by your insurance carrier. The ...
CPAP and sleep problems	9/25/2004
Q: I have been on CPAP for a month. I have Remstar Pro with the pressue at 8, and cold air humidifier. ... A: Thomas: Although the doctor writes a prescription for the type of machine (CPAP, BiPAP), if you want ...
Sleep Apnea	8/13/2004
Q: A nurse had suggested to my father that he may have sleep apnea- Unfortunately, he blew her off and ... A: Melinda: You are in a tough spot. I'm sure you've heard the old saying, "You can lead a horse to ...
BiPap	7/19/2004
Q: I am looking to purchase a BiPap. I currently have an old heavy box type Respironics. It works ... A: and thanks for writing. Any of the machines you listed are good machines, but the KnightStar is the ...
sleepiness	7/14/2004
Q: My daughter is 21 and home from college for the summer. She slept 14 hours straight one day and the ... A: Pat: What you are describing could be one or more of several sleep disorders. Although you've ...
Sleeping and hypnosis	7/11/2004
Q: I recently heard a hypnotist claim that, through self-hypnosis, he was able to become as rested from ... A: Joe: Tricking the mind into believing something isn't new. People often do that same thing ...
snoring	6/25/2004
Q: what is available for 53 year old white male that snors he is about 40 pounds over weight does not ... A: Becky: That is a tough question to answer on the Internet. Only a detailed exam, and possibly a ...
Testing Question	6/1/2004
Q: I recently underwent a sleep study and was told by the pulmonary physician that I experienced 25 ... A: Charles: Without further information, it would be hard to try to second-guess the causes of the ...
masks	5/1/2004
Q: I need to purchase a new mask. I have been using a Respironics Comfort Classic since I started CPAP ... A: Gary: There are a number of excellent masks on the market right now. For me, I prefer the ...
Sleep Apnea	3/15/2004
Q: I was in the military for twenty years and retired in 1991. I had problems with sleeping while on ... A: Jeffery: Apnea is not an "illness," rather an anatomical disorder. You can learn more about ...
Sleep Deprivation in Teens	3/11/2004
Q: My name is Nick Omland and I'm doing an in-depth story for my journalism class about sleep ... A: Nick: Thanks for writing, and as a former reporter and editor, I'm sure your teacher will want ...
Never Sleeps	3/11/2004
Q: I am a 35 yr old male. As a child I had problems relaxing to fall asleep. As I grew older I seemed ... A: Andybear: What you are describing could be one (or more) of several of the 88 classified sleep ...
You may not know the answer...	3/8/2004
Q: You may not know the answer to this, but I'll give it a shot. The other night when I was falling ... A: April: Thanks for writing. What you are describing is a normal part of sleep. During deeper ...
Breathing	2/7/2004
Q: Every once in a great while I am awakened by having breathing difficulty. I wind up panting or ... A: Edward: What you are describing could be one (or more) of several of the 88 classified sleep ...
HELP	1/22/2004
Q: i hope you can help me out. i am 18 and have not had a normal nights sleep in years if i'm really ... A: Esther: thanks for writing. What you are describing is typical of teenagers, but also typical ...
Sleep Apnea	1/18/2004
Q: I work for the Postal Service and notified them I was going to be tested for Sleep Apnea. I have ... A: Patrick: Since you are a federal employee, things are a little different. The Americans with ...
hypersomnia?	1/9/2004
Q: My wife suffers from something that to the best of my description is something like hypersomnia. ... A: Alex: From your description, your wife could be suffering from any one (or more) of the 88 ...
Idiopathic Hypersomnia	10/29/2003
Q: I was diagnosed with this recently. I am 47/male and have probably had this problem since I was a ... A: David: Thanks for your story, which is all too familiar. I hear from many people who have been ...
Wake up gasping for air when sleeping on my back	10/26/2003
Q: I don't know if I have Sleep Apnea. I'm going to check it out. I've been examined by a Throat ... A: Bob: It sounds like the ENT may recommend a procedure called a UPPP or UP3. Here's some general ...
Night terrors?	10/23/2003
Q: Last nite was the 2nd time now that Ive been terrified during a dream,and leaped out of bed while ... A: Sandy: I received the other email, announcing you have diagnosed yourself. Self-diagnosing is ...

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