Do CPAPs Even Work for Sleep Apnea?

[@SciShow]

Note: Upon upload this video had a misread of a line saying CPAPs are "Not much better than nothing" when the line was supposed to be "Much better than nothing." We've edited the video to remove that mistake!

[@PTNLemay]

Props on that due diligence

[@gautamdutta630]

Deleting as replying to wrong comment

[@LemurWhoSpoke]

Simpler solution than a CPAP: force yourself to sleep on your side and eliminate carbs from your diet. I heard a military story recently where snoring soldiers risked giving their position away to their enemies. The solution was to make them sleep with their heavy rucksacks on their backs. This prevented them from sleeping on their backs. FYI, it is unnatural for primates (including humans) to sleep on their backs. Pillows are the only reason we can do so. Most people don't realize that pillows are an unnecessary comfort/luxury. Not surprisingly, sleeping on your backs causes a lot of health problems. As for the carbs, that's another case where one of civilization's "great inventions" causes more harm than good. Aside from genetic and microbiome factors that help some people stay thin, carb consumption is the primary reason why people are overweight. Simple starches and sugars are not a normal part of a human diet. You shouldn't eat any at all. (This includes white rice, bread, etc.) If you're going to eat carbs, eat vegetables and fruits with high fiber content, like pears. So, in short, the best ways to prevent snoring and sleep apnea is to sleep on your side like a normal primate/human and stop eating the carbs that make us fat and unhealthy.

[@dylangergutierrez]

Yikes; pretty big meaning shift from one extra word. I was genuinely surprised and confused when I heard this; gives the impression CPAP are snake oil or something

[@susanfarley1332]

Is there a surgery that can help sleep apnea?

[@McMintyMP]

My sleep apnea was so bad the doctor seemed legitimately concerned about me dying and I was 29 at the time. I can't live without my CPAP it's the best thing ever.

[@T0asty-]

That's what my doctor said lol

[@GTaichou]

Same, I was told if it had gone unchecked for another 10 years I'd be stroking out and having heart attacks

[@helenTW]

What was your AHI? I know someone who has an AHI of 65. I am glad you got to start the therapy before it did major damage. If you waited longer you could have developed type 2 diabetes, constantly high blood pressure, depression, coronary heart disease and heart failure. I am proud that you faced it head on and went to see a doctor. I'm happy for you!

[@abbyz13]

@@helenTWAHI is irrelevant to severity when it comes to health issues; people with mild apnea are just as at risk of heart problems as people with AHIs of 160/hr. the best option is always to use your CPAP.

[@helenTW]

@@abbyz13 I was just curious and not referring to severity.

[@thebadbuttonbespokecorsets7131]

My spouse has finally stopped snoring and it lowered blood pressure for us both. Him, because he's actually getting real sleep, and me, because his snoring was keeping me from sleeping.

[@sherilynn1310]

There's no question at all that the partner's sleep is improved. Unless, of course, both are on CPAP. Plus we got suckered into buying adjustable beds that constantly migrate away from each other. Sleeping is hell! Bespoke, stay healthy so that you don't need to add another hose to your bed!

[@MazaB]

Yes for us too ! And also I used to be woken up when I couldn't hear him breathe 😞

[@plantyfan]

YES I second this for the spouse's snoring! It's also nice to no longer hear the pause in breathing and wonder if this is "it" for real 😱 If I never again experience the lack of breathing in my partner while he sleeps, it will be too soon.

[@Kotapises]

I don't have sleep apnea but still snore pretty bad, but my lovely boyfriend never complains and have gotten so used to it that he says it feels weird when he's sleeping alone and he doesn't hear my "sleep sounds" (His words, not mine!)

[@bryonslatten3147]

OSA and snoring are different problems. CPAPs help with snoring but do not necessarily eliminate it.

[@AluminumHaste]

I personally know 5 people who are on CPAP, and they ALL had their quality of sleep DRASTICALLY improved. One guy was so bad, he would fall asleep while on support calls, while waiting for peoples' routers to reboot. Since getting his CPAP he's back to normal.

[@McMintyMP]

I used to regularly start falling asleep while driving most of my life. Got on a CPAP two years ago and I've gotten tired while driving once.

[@Tim3.14]

My wife her parents and several aunts and uncles use them, and it's been life changing for all of them.

[@dakkonfury]

Hey that’s me! Well not quite, but there was audio evidence of me providing tech support over the phone while 100% unconscious. And I did a good job according to my manager at the time. I’m now on a cpap and while I still have some episodes of sleepiness during the day my QoL is much better.

[@wesleywalker4709]

I used to fall asleep driving all the time. I'd fall asleep at red lights. I'm surprised I wasn't killed prior to CPAP treatment.

[@Fomites]

​@@dakkonfuryWow!

[@danicamargarit6832]

I've been with my husband for over 15 years...he's been snoring LOUDLY and choking in his sleep the entire time. He got diagnosed with OSA years ago, we got a cpap machine, and he never used it... until 6 months ago. He got dx with high blood pressure. I told him that he now MUST use the machine. I didn't care how uncomfortable it was. I got used to sleeping while pregnant and/or breastfeeding so he could get used to breathing all night with a mask. The difference has been INCREDIBLE. Not only is HE sleeping better, but I do too!!! I didn't even realize it, but I spent most of my night monitoring his breathing, kicking him when he didn't take a breath for over 10 seconds. We both sleep soundly now.

[@uweschroeder]

If it's uncomfortable for him, he should try different masks. That's often the problem. He needs a mask that fits his sleep patterns like does he move a lot, is he a mouth breather etc. For me a simple nasal pillow works perfectly - but I'm neither a mouth breather nor do I move much (or at all) - so a nasal pillow stays in place. There's so many different masks out there, I bet he just has to find the one that works for him.

[@vjr5261]

Thank you

[@rdj0981]

Yes, you were existing, not actually resting or sleeping because of anxiety. I understand. Great that he's using it now. I've gone through a few masks throughout the years and have settled on a large. I'm 43, 6' 210lbs

[@danicamargarit6832]

@uweschroeder he has the nasal pillows now and that's been the best one for him. He just gets annoyed with the hose and all that, but he can deal with it 😂

[@danicamargarit6832]

@@rdj0981 💯 and it only got worse for me once we had kids because then I had mom-sleep mode activate. So then I was really just existing and not resting!

[@cosumel]

I had undiagnosed apnea for decades. I almost died twice from seizures in my sleep. Now that I have a cpap, I don’t have to stay caffeinated all day just to stay awake, and don’t wake up a dozen times a night. Your mileage may vary, but it has been a huge improvement in my life. To put a fine point on it, before the cpap, I stopped breathing for at least ten seconds at a time 61.5 times per hour. After, it is 0.6 times per hour.

[@shanesmith6815]

I got similar results. Well worth it. My wife appreciats it too.

[@4g4m3n0n]

I scored 97 events per hour when I got mine. I was falling asleep while driving, which was extremely dangerous. The change was instantaneous. I've been using it for a couple of years now and I don't care what any study can say, for me it's a life saver.

[@harmonicaveronica]

I'm glad you got treated before anything terrible happened! My husband's best friend got in a really nasty wreck from falling asleep at the wheel due to untreated sleep apnea. He's lucky to be alive, let alone be able to walk. Also he couldn't see his dog for like 2 months because he was in the hospital and then a rehab center, and I think he loves that dog more than his mom lol

[@deliaguzman1138]

Same for me. Driving and falling asleep on a daily basis-it ended when I got my CPAP.

[@temporalTechnologist]

yeah i was having many events and also falling asleep while driving before i got my cpap. thank god i got it

[@aerocarnie]

Holy moly! I'm on the "severe" end of the scale with 36 events per hour, which was more than any of the other patients I spoke to... until now! No wonder you were falling asleep at the wheel! Glad it's helped you so much! (I love mine, too!)

[@jessebob325]

My spouse had 70ish events per hour. CPAP took care of all that. She uses it religiously. She even has a battery backup for travel.

[@Eontologist]

My CPAP has greatly improved my quality of life!! I have very severe OSA and putting the mask on/feeling the pressure has become part of my nightly wind down routine. It’s somehow very comforting/relaxing and I fall asleep so much faster now too which is wild!

[@nickgjenkins]

Yep. I've only missed one night in the last 5 years (my CPAP was lost by an airline... my own damn fault for checking it). That one night was HORRIFYING.

[@DrRyguy24]

Same for me. I would feel like crap without mine.

[@EmilySmirleGURPS]

I went to 100% usage on my first night. I apparently don't mind stuff being strapped to my head when I sleep, or something? As far as daytime sleepiness and function, I've got a significant improvement. Can't comment on anything else.

[@greenyjess]

Saaaaame. I can't really sleep at all without mine.

[@Furryicecream]

With CPAP, I don't snore as loudly or erratically, allowing both myself and my partner a full night's sleep!

[@miribmakesitbetter5269]

I was diagnosed with OSA in 2016. You can pry my cpap out of my cold, dead hands. I don't even care that much about the long term health benefits, it fixed a symptom that had been attributed to my depression for 20 years -- lethargy, difficulty accomplishing things, which turned out to be caused by daytime sleepiness, not depression. I just last week had to do a new sleep study to qualify for insurance to pay for a new cpap machine. I slept without cpap for one night and was exhausted for almost a week. The sleep I got the night after that sleep study was heavenly. So even if cpap doesn't fix long term health issues it still makes a massive difference for me. I travel with it. I went camping last summer and bought a battery backup and a solar panel to recharge with for the camping trip. It's incredible. And yes it was annoying for the first week or two, and occasionally still is. But I get good, restful sleep that refreshes me, which is priceless.

[@TiredKnitter]

Same

[@metallikat05]

I had terrible apnea when I was 20. I finally got hired into my job and got insurance, got a sleep study, and a CPAP, and I got to feeling so much better. 20 years later, I could NEVER go without it.

[@entercreativename]

Nurse here! One of my earliest patients during nursing school was a gentleman who had sleep apnea. After losing almost 100 pounds (he did great on that!), he decided that he no longer needed his CPAP machine without having another sleep study. Problem was, by that point, even with the weight loss, his sleep apnea had worsened enough to have made his heart rhythm change to atrial fibrillation, which is where the first chamber of the heart just jiggles, and it can cause the blood in that chamber to clot, leading the clot to break off causing heart attacks, strokes, and the same in the lungs (known as pulmonary embolism). He unfortunately had that clot break off and landed in the hospital after a heart attack. So, for now, if you're someone who was told to use a CPAP, even with lifestyle changes and improvements, it's still good to get a follow-up sleep study to see what changes happened with the lifestyle improvements.

[@jblyon2]

I have an APAP machine. As I've lost weight my pressure needs have actually increased. It's directly linear to the weight loss too. When my weight loss stalls over the winter (I exercise outdoors and fail miserably indoors) the pressure remains constant over those months. There is a BIG misunderstanding with weight and OSA. Many people do NOT have OSA because they are big. They are big because they have OSA!

[@OswaldBeef]

I had serious breathing and neck issues after neck injury. A whiplash like injury. After 5 years of breathing issues day and night. Intensive rehab and redesigning of my posture cured my breathing and night snoring. Years later my neck was reinjured. Major cervical instability and boom back to sleep apnea issues. I'm rehabbing my neck again and seeing improvement however a cpap machine is on the way. I hope if I can strengthen and fix my neck and posture I once again wont have sleep apnea. Neck exercises in the key

[@RepentfollowJesus]

Sounds like you are saying even on the c pap his sleep apnea got worse.

[@jblyon2]

@RepentfollowJesus It can get worse with weight loss. Many people are heavy due to their apnea, not experiencing apnea because they are heavy. My spine is deformed and the extra weight actually compensated for the spine bend causing the apnea, so as I lost weight I've needed more pressure to keep the apnea at bay. You can't just assume you don't need treatment anymore.

[@ArbitraryConstant]

Anecdotal but after I got my CPAP I went from barely squeaking by at work, barely staying awake in the afternoons or in meetings, to completely crushing it. I got a promotion and an award for one of my projects. I also had neighbors that used to bang on the wall because I was snoring so loud and that stopped. I use it consistently and I really feel awful if I miss a night.

[@sashamoore9691]

Ur insurance will go up tremendously when u age! Sad but true

[@Miata822]

Same story. Getting a decent night's sleep completely changed my attitude and attentiveness at work and in my personal relationships. 2 decades on and I am living a life I couldn't even imagine for myself pre-CPAP.

[@gigaherz_]

Whatever the case may be for the science. My friend was given one of these machines, and he's noticed a massive change in the quality of his sleep and his ability to focus while working.

[@Iowapictures]

Mine works great.

[@N1RKW]

After starting using CPAP, I stopped falling asleep at the wheel in the middle of the day. I can't speak for anyone else, but it works well for me.

[@FacePlantJan]

​@@N1RKWI got used to slap myself across the face to stay awake. After two nights of use, I came home from work and went for a walk instead of falling asleep on the couch. Even if long term effects may not be solved by CPAP, my daily quality of life has improved immensely.

[@skinned66]

First thing I noticed is I stopped waking up to go to the bathroom almost immediately. I still don't, and definitely sleep a lot better overall.

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

@@N1RKW When it works it works, the problem is that other options aren't typically provided for patients that can't make it work. I tried it for nearly 2 months and couldn't sleep with it in. The amount of pressure that was required to push my tongue out of the way was significant and it forced me onto my back due to none of the masks being appropriate for side sleepers. If I knew then what I know now, I would have demanded some other form of treatment. But, the only one that I was offered was some form of CPAP and it doesn't work for everybody and unless they specifically look at what's causing the airway to become blocked, it's just a guessing game.

[@MrCharkteeth]

CPAP is great because I can pull the covers over my head for extra cozy warmth in the cold dry winter while still getting fresh slightly-warmed humidity-controlled air.

[@KyahTheAuthor]

Yes sssniperwolf! I often wake up under the covers to hide from the sun 😅

[@DonnaMilliron]

Exactly!! Not only has my life improved a thousand percent, but I can pull the overs over my head and block out the light while staying warmer too! I sleep longer and way better!!! 🫶🏻

[@Verity2true]

I do this too ❤ It's like a snorkel for in your bed haha 😂

[@Peppermintlarry2479]

I have pet birds in my living room which is right next to my bedroom. So every morning, I put in ear plugs and put a pillow over my head so I can sleep in until 7am and I can still breathe, its great!

[@drcatspaw]

Yeah, doing this is great.

[@Nino-xp5df]

My partner uses a CPAP and it has improved both our lives so much! I used to wake up because he practically stopped breathing, it was scary. Few years ago, he had to have some surgery and the anaesthesiologist asked a bunch of questions beforehand and basically urged him to get this checked out in a sleep laboratory. That's how we found out it was a rather severe issue. I'm forever grateful to that doctor for taking the time!

[@pirobot668beta]

My sleep apnea 'vanished' a few months after I divorced and moved into my own place. Was it the decrease in stress? Did 'happy me' sleep better than 'grouchy me'? Turns out I was allergic to her skin-cream and hair-products. That was 8 years ago. Don't get me wrong: when I needed CPAP, it was a genuine life-saver! All I'm saying is that the causes of apnea are sometimes hard to determine. 4 sleep-studies, Doctors never asked about allergies...despite me mentioning that I got itchy eyes just before bed every night.

[@WatchTowerJ]

Hi, Registered Polysomnographic Technician here. I found this video very insightful, but I will say I see a loooooooot of people that initially struggle with CPAP treatment. As the person directly running the studies and titrating the machines though I can tell the extreme improvement in sleep depth and consistency as well as the maintaining of oxygen levels at night. I have patients regularly desatting into the mid 70s to high 60s at night which is extremely dangerous to their overall health. I throw a CPAP machine on them and boom fixes it like nobodies business. They work! New mask technologies and CPAP machines also have dealt with the noise issues as well. Any CPAP you get at home medical now will be whisper quiet. It is well understood in the world that if you don't follow a treatment plan prescribed by your doctor you will have a worse outcome. If anyone reading this comment is having trouble getting used to their machine one effective way of acclimating to it is by trying it out while you are sitting at the couch watching TV or a movie. Let your body sit and relax with it in a low pressure environment. If you are still struggling, I would try a different mask, home medical companies are there to help you through your journey and making sure that the treatment is an effective one for you.

[@goodguyaus]

Thank you for the work you do (& the tips)

[@Aaron-ui9tj]

HME respiratory tech here, this is great advice. We spend a lot of time on our new CPAP setups, and this makes a huge difference in achieving adherence. Make sure you choose a well respected HME provider.

[@cammystorm]

Fellow Registered Polysomnography Technologist here and I approve of this message. 😊 For many of my patients who have anxiety with the CPAP, I have them watch a show that they love while wearing the device and after a bit, they do great! Their mind is taken off of their anxiety and their body can acclimate. This is while I do CPAP training with them. Also, I would suggest that people talk with their technologists the night of the study. Let us know if you are having trouble exhaling or the mask is pinching your nose. We often have solutions!

[@kathrynmceachern9503]

My only struggle is a lack of access.

[@amypetersen1668]

Thank you for this answer. My dad uses a CPAP and it’s very quiet. He also doesn’t seem to have a full mask, more like a nasal cannula type thing. Hearing this is also comforting because my doctor is concerned I may have sleep apnea and says maybe we will schedule a sleep study for me. I actually have trouble falling asleep and I’m afraid a CPAP would keep me up. But if there are tips and tricks to make it work better for people that makes me feel better. But yes, my dad’s CPAP is very quiet, you would never know he has it on

[@polythewicked]

My husband snored like a chainsaw and had so many episodes a night where I’d hear him choking for a moment. It took years to convince him to have a sleep study which showed he has severe sleep apnea. His CPAP has helped immensely.

[@Crochet_bro]

Yes. The danger of sleep apnea isn't suffocation. It's the damage it does to your heart. With less oxygen coming into the body the heart has to work harder to keep your body oxygenated. After I started using mine I felt so much more rested and my blood pressure improved

[@Fomites]

I think the apnea affects the brain more than heart.

[@Crochet_bro]

@@Fomites it's part of the same issue. The heart has to work harder to keep the body oxygenated. The body's cells are slowly suffocating, the brain included

[@sagaravn1107]

See, this is an issue I've been wondering about myself. When my body was struggling to get enough oxygen 54 times an hour, how can it not have been affecting my brain as well? Am I this low functioning because I have had stress breakdowns, or because there's loads of small areas that was damaged?

[@mjinba07]

The heart's been focused on but, of course, low blood oxygen will affect all the organs. Including blood pressure, and including the brain. It can absolutely impact mental clarity and mood.

[@Crochet_bro]

@@mjinba07 one weird thing that CPAP therapy has caused is my voice to change. I used to have a much more nasal speaking voice. Now it's more similar to my bass singing voice. My doctor said that chronic snoring can cause inflammation of tissues affecting the voice. Now that the inflammation has healed my voice is closer to what it should be

[@DbeeSapphire]

Using a CPAP with the Resmed AirFit P10 nasal pillows makes an amazing difference in comfort and non leakage for me. I also customized the strap using a thin tubular stretch material. This lessens the overwhelming feeling of too much apparatus on one’s head. And it comes in pretty colors 😊

[@anniemayfield4589]

Not fair! Yours comes in pretty colors??

[@DbeeSapphire]

@@anniemayfield4589 Only when you make your own 🙂

[@DbeeSapphire]

In case you want to make your own. I get tubular elastic on Etsy. Search for “Tubular Elastic Stretch Cord Elastic Tube 5 yds 45 colors lallehandmade”. I then attach male Velcro on the outside of the grey over ear plastic pieces. The Velcro is cut to fit approx 1” long at the widest area, both sides. The tubular elastic is fed over the grey plastic, and the seam of the elastic adheres to the Velcro. To put the elastic on and off the Velcro, I push thin plastic between the Velcro and the elastic, then just pull it off. As it stretches over time, just cut off .5 or 1” and reinstall. I typically use the same elastic about a 6 months to a year. Sorry if this is confusing.

[@tridoc99]

I am a dentist and my wife is a dentist board certified in dental sleep medicine. This is a really great video, especially on your discussion of efficacy versus effectiveness as it applies to the two options. Nice work!

[@sharon94503]

This brings up a point that is never discussed. People who are missing teeth (mostly back/molars) and those (most) with dentures that obviously remove them at night have structural changes that affect how the mouth relaxes differently.

[@SinisterMD]

As a primary care physician OSA is quite a bit more common than people think and once treated can have significant beneficial effects for the patients. There is even something referred to as a "CPAP high" when people who use it finally get a good night's sleep and feel fantastic the next day. Thanks for explaining the differences in the studies and why we see those.

[@FacePlantJan]

Turned out I averaged 85 breathing stops an hour during testing. After two nights on CPAP, I came home from work, looked at the nice weather and went for a walk instead of crashing onto my couch. CPAP High is real😂

[@YayComity]

I occasionally have those great days, but most are not. And having a contraption on your face is not good for sleeping or your stress. And the efficacy is not great. I still have to sleep in a very particularly head position of I'll wake up gasping, in afib, chest pain etc. Doctors say that's normal.

[@Echo81Rumple83]

oh, baby, you have NO IDEA how high [elated with jubilation] i was when i saw the immediate benefit from it inna few nights. now if i can only get my bedtime routine and sleep hygiene ironed out to an exact science, but ADHD is a five-letter harsh mistress X3

[@GaleneIanthe]

​@@FacePlantJan85?! Mine only averaged about 30 and my OSA was labeled "severe". And the CPAP high I felt was amazing. I can't even imagine the relief you must have felt from getting treatment!

[@FacePlantJan]

@@GaleneIanthe I'll make it better. The longest breathing stop was 48 seconds. So rough math, 85/hour= 1,5 each minute, and somewhere along the night I stop breathing for 48 seconds, and then I need to do another half breathing stop🤯 Pretty sure the CPAP is saving my life, even if it's just by preventing my car from hugging a tree because I fell asleep driving.

[@xyzxyzxyzxyzxyzxyz]

Without CPAP, I have 50 breathing stops per hour. With, I have 4. Within a day, I stopped falling asleep at work or while sitting down. I lowered my blood pressure. My stress levels improved, heart variability improved. Life quality improved radically. I use my CPAP machine extensively and at every opportunity. It took some time to get used to, but now I won't try to sleep for a minute without it. I don't care that I get allergic reactions to the medical silicon in the face mask. I simply will not try to sleep without it. When I accidentally falls asleep without my mask, I will wake up jetlagged and stay in a really bad mood for several day. A CPAP machine is the signle greatest improvement for my life out of all modern inventions I know.

[@crowsong8097]

You can get cotton covers for the silicone, and they are machine washable. I love those things.

[@FlesHBoX]

When I got my sleep study done, the technicians were scared for me. Apparently I had around 300 events per hour... I spent a tiny fraction of my sleep actually breathing, lol. Best thing that has ever happened for me was getting my cpap.

[@DekarNL]

There are antiallergic mask covers, foam masks, and ones that only go up your nostrils. Might be worth a shot.

[@xyzxyzxyzxyzxyzxyz]

@@DekarNL thanks! I have tried a few my hospital provided that minimizes the amount of silicon, but they all still leave red marks and peeling skin around the nose. I have come to accept my fate. At least, I get to sleep. A lot of people don't have access to these machines. I have tried making cloth coverings, but my autism sensitivity issues are too much to handle with them. And the allergic reaction only seems to happen on dead skin. So once I have peeled off all the dead skin, there's no longer any reaction. So I'm basically constantly walking around with fresh baby-soft pinkish skin around my nose and cheeks. It really doesn't bother me any longer. I'm too old (and autistic) to be bothered by my appearance.

[@Brockzillagaming]

​@@xyzxyzxyzxyzxyzxyzyou don't have to make your own, I bought mine on Amazon. Very inexpensive too.

[@anaisabelquiros1344]

Throat surgery is a better option than any machine. I had mine 5 years ago and my quality of sleep and life overall changed dramatically. You should do a follow up video on this.

[@adamstephens1371]

Throat surgery isn’t a guarantee to fix sleep apnea and some people either have other issues besides something abnormal with their throat and there’s also central sleep apnea which isnt the same as obstructive sleep apnea

[@philippekosmas7567]

WRONG

[@BeautifulMidniteRose]

My spouse just started using a CPAP about three months ago. I deal with insomnia, so his constant snoring was making both of our sleep quality terrible. Him using his CPAP fixed this issue, and my insomnia has greatly reduced. I help him out by reminding him to put on his CPAP before he falls asleep, which has greatly help the effectiveness given his forgetfulness from ADHD. I've also noticed that he is much happier after work and has more energy. It's been a lifesaver in this household.

[@adrianmoss7515]

I can't overstate how much my wife's CPAP machine has helped her. But she DOES do what the doctors tell her and uses it for 8 hours a night. She's kept that up for some 5 years now and I'm so proud of her. Oh, and it costs her nothing, as we've got our NHS here in the UK (SFUUSA).

[@KyleJMitchell]

Does the machine still need maintenance on the order of every six months as the video mentioned? Glad to hear that it doesn't cost anything in any case. The dream of an eventual American equivalent to the NHS is one of the things that keeps me going, so long as I don't think about the reality too much.

[@rougesunset]

Gotta buy distilled water though, yea?

[@jessemanning5409]

(SFUUSA) 🤣

[@WarningStrangerDanger]

​@KyleJMitchell The US has the best available options in the world. With my insurance, I get everything for free and at a higher standard than anywhere else in the world. I know there are a lot of young people without insurance (I'm in my 30s) and blame the economy biased towards the old and well-established at the expense of the young. I've had both public and private healthcare. You will always get a faster, higher, standard of care from private over public.

[@KyleJMitchell]

@@WarningStrangerDanger I'm glad you've been fortunate in the American system as it is currently. But because the standard of care you describe isn't available to literally everyone in the country, it's not a very good standard of care. I am not concerned whether it's great for you or for any one individual if it doesn't work (read: is inaccessible) for others; as being alive and healthy is a fundamental right of humanity, the fact that we lock even mediocre healthcare behind a paywall that many can't get past makes our system one of the worst possible. And if this situation is caused by the system being privatized, then that's the first aspect that needs to be thrown in the garbage and forgotten forever. Once you've expanded your perspective to include other people and the needs of society, I know you'll agree.

[@paulrector3299]

Anecdotally, my bipap makes a HUGE difference in my sleep quality and eliminates my sleepiness during the day.

[@BreakChannelZero]

Mine literally keeps me alive. Been using one for most of my life.

[@timbocf76]

Same. I would be dead without my cpap

[@y_fam_goeglyd]

My son has one (fortunately being in Britain, it was given to him). It's made a huge difference to him. One thing we quickly learned regarding keeping it clean if you're in a hard water area is to get deionised water. It's made a big difference in how clean it gets.

[@P4Stalot]

What is deionized water, and how did you get it?

[@alexisflory6496]

​@@P4Stalotit's basically pure water. No minerals, neutral acidity. You can buy it at some grocery stores.

[@jblyon2]

@@P4Stalot It's interchangable with distilled water for medical purposes. Either are good for CPAP machines. Where I live distilled water is everywhere and deionized water is non-existent. As a person, the main difference is you can drink distilled water but not deionized water.

[@jemm113]

I have to thank my orthodontist for averting my developing sleep apnea! I was discovered by a local dentist to have events at night. Thankfully at the same time my brother had discovered an orthodontist in New Port, CA that specialized in palatal expansion. After the many months getting it expanded, I had been getting perfect sleep! And I even started breathing primarily through my nose AND stopped breathing through my mouth at night which DRASTICALLY reduced my plaque buildup! Definitely get informed about all your options!

[@-aku2805]

To be honest, I was scared seeing the title of this video. But I'm relieved to hear that they do work when used correctly.

[@-aku2805]

My OSA is extremely severe and I would have been devastated to hear if my CPAP was doing nothing. I do feel the effects though - if I stop using it I feel very hungover and dry the next morning.

[@ghoulia7657]

It's verging on an irresponsible title. The participants didn't even follow the recommended guidelines of 4 hours a night.

[@-aku2805]

@@ghoulia7657 Yeah exactly. For a treatment to work, you actually have to use it. Who knew?

[@ghoulia7657]

@@-aku2805 Haha, right. I use mine 90-100% a night. I want to see this studied. There was a brief mention of the few who followed recommendations had better results. To me, that's the headline.

[@daveh7720]

Yeah, they turned that old trope of "If a headline asks a question, the answer is always NO" on its head.

[@MindlessFocus]

My wife would not be here without one. Her apnea was at a dangerous level. With a CPAP. She does not snore at all.

[@apriladams7119]

I don't ever want to go back to feeling the way I did before I got my CPAP. What a HUGE improvement it made.

[@FraserElphick]

PLEASE DONT LET THIS VIDEO PUT YOU OFF A CPAP OR PERSEVERING WITH IT! It changed my quality of life massively for the better! I couldn't get by without my CPAP! If I fall asleep without it im screwed the next day! I will struggle to work, with terrible brain fog and a pounding headache in the morning. I sleep with it with no issues all night. Typically 6-7 hours.

[@georgedunkelberg5004]

AGREED! WAS MY USEABILITY JUST LUCK? ALSO HAVE SCIENCES' LIFE- LUCKS! HAPPY WITH VACS TOO AND THROUGH THE VIETNAM NAVY SERVICE TIMES.

[@yosemiteanemone4714]

Missing from this video (and the comments so far) is the Pillar procedure. It was tremendously effective for me. Best alternative to CPAP IMHO.

[@batintheattic7293]

Pillow procedure?

[@itsROMPERS...]

Explaining it would be valuable.

[@cammystorm]

It is a surgery that places implants in the soft palate. It is only approved for mild to moderate sleep apnea. So anyone with an AHI over 30 would not qualify. Also, with any surgery, the ENT has to make sure it will help with the obstruction. It can be a great tool, but it only works for those who meet certain criteria. There are over 100 surgeries that can be done for sleep apnea.

[@itsROMPERS...]

@@cammystorm wow, thanks! My doctor never even mentioned surgical options.

[@arfaust1150]

My husband's CPAP has greatly improved my quality of life!!

[@RaquelFoster]

Yeah, where's that study? As long as it keeps people from snoring, it keeps their partners from going crazy and murdering them!

[@grantbaugh2773]

I haven't noticed much of an improvement since using my CPAP (despite using it regularly and for the full 8 hours) but my snoring has basically disappeared so that's a win. Plus now I'm used to sleeping with it so going without would be another difficult adjustment

[@LemosNorway]

I've been using a CPAP machine for the past six months, and my life has completely changed. I'm much more awake now, my weight has gone down, and I can think more clearly. It's just awesome!

[@buzzsaw64]

And as your weight goes down you might not need to be on as high an air pressure for you CPAP

[@michachyra3513]

​@@buzzsaw64 unlikely. Supposedly cutting weight by 10 kilos lowers ahi by half so unless they dropped 30 kilos(unlikely) or had low AHI, in which case it shouldn't be that major anyway and qualification for using CPAP is borderline.

[@UndyingShadow83]

Yeah, as someone with severe OSA, CPAP therapy failed for me, THE FIRST TIME. I couldn't get it to fit right, it never got used for more than a few hours, and I abandoned it. When I was bone tired after 10-12 hours of sleep 10 years later, I tried again, and made myself FULLY commit. I now can't even sleep without it, it gets used 8 hours a night, and my life is so much better every day. Treatment compliance is a huge risk-factor in CPAP therapy and might explain why its so dang hard to draw conclusions on.

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

The fact that compliance is so hard to get ought to be a reason to offer patients other options. It takes the stress out of the equation, the CPAP doesn't have to work, because we have other options. From what I understand, it's mostly just severe cases that have to use CPAP, other cases may have better treatment options.

[@michaelme1548]

My first overnight sleep study was a failure.They put the mask on me, along with the sensors, and I stayed awake all night. Whenever I would relax enough to forget what was on my face I would panic because something was on my face.

[@Dietconsulting]

​@@michaelme1548 I send people like you to a hypnotherapist to see if we can help you deal with the claustrophobia

[@Verity2true]

Thanks for your insight and congrats on trying again. I feel some cognitive therapy support and coaching for first time use would improve compliance rates. I think all the therapy I had before I was diagnosed with OSA helped immensely. I used acceptance therapy and frustration tolerance techniques to help me in the first few weeks. Now been using one for 3.5 years

[@BadInfluenceMan]

How did you overcome the headaches? To create enough pressure to keep my throat open, it also pushes against my sinuses, resulting for me in longer periods of trying to get to sleep and issues with said sleep quality as a result. Does anyone else have / had that issue, and if so, did you find a fix?

[@BeeOstrowsky]

I have central and obstructive apneas and I had forgotten what it was like to have dreams until I got a CPAP. And what it was like to be truly well-rested.

[@aerathor]

Pulmonologist and CPAP user here - the biggest issue with the studies (particularly the SAVE trial that was touted as proof it didn't really work) is the adherence piece. As you'd noted it also depends on your definition of severity. Another piece you didn't really touch on is how hypoxemic people get overnight (which correlates with severity but not fully). The problem isn't the floppy airway per se but what it causes: 1) large swings in intrathoracic pressure which leads to changes in blood pressure, cardiac output, and heart rhythm control, and 2) low oxygen. We know from fairly good data that the machines are efficacious to help these problems. It's also hugely beneficial for sleepiness (as many commenters note). In studies the issues can be that many OSA patients have comorbid insomonia or other reasons to be sleepy. In people with an AHI>30 who are symptomatic (and especially hypoxemic) we have reasonable equipoise that it's effective. For people with an AHI 30 and no symptoms it's tricky. We'll usually still recommend it for the theoretical benefits but it's much murkier. AHI

[@aleksanderlenartowicz5659]

My CPAP is one of the best things that happened in my life. My apnea was horrible. 72 AHI. Saturation as low as 70% (YES! SEVENTY). Now I can live normally. I dont get sleepy. I dont have constant headaches. No grumpy "dont talk to me before my third coffee" attitude. I lost weight.

[@aleksanderlenartowicz5659]

It is REALLY hard to get used to though. Its loud, uncomfortable. But it works.

[@BradiKal61]

I can't imagine anyone being instantly used to using a CPAP, but for me the secret is using the style that is just nasal, and also using a head strap to keep my jaw closed so I don't accidentally breathe in through my mouth. I put a towel on my headboard so when I run the hose over it it doesn't make a ratcheting sound if I move around and pull the hose in my sleep. Little tricks like that help you to adjust as you remove the annoying things one at a time.

[@aleksanderlenartowicz5659]

@@BradiKal61 i use the full face mask, it feels better and I sleep with earplugs which makes it very manageable

[@TheTruePhoenixAU]

Mine dropped consistently below 65 :p who needs oxygen anyway, so over rated :p Never drops below 90 now with a good APAP machine. I don't get why people wouldn't use them though. I know I bought a fairly expensive model but it's super quiet and after a few nights you don't even notice it. Plus you get a free extra carry on when travelling as they aren't allowed to store it in luggage as you can't afford for them to lose it. Down side is lugging it around the entire airport but still worth it.

[@NickC84]

My saturation was as low as 64%!!!!!! I was like "Isn't that clinically hypoxic? Like... aren't I dying at that point?" they were like "It's transient so it would have to STAY like that but in general.. Yes". I was shocked.

[@lavender-hearts]

I've had a CPAP machine for about a decade now. Regardless of whether it helps with my cardiovascular health and blood pressure, it MASSIVELY improves my quality of sleep. I leave it on for a full night each night, and even with my insomnia, it's still far easier to keep it on and when I eventually do get back to sleep, I don't have to worry about waking up (again) because I can't breathe

[@algarcia689]

I have severe sleep apnea along with a minor heart condition which shouldn’t be a problem without the apnea, before using CPAP I couldn’t even walk 20 minutes without suffering cardiac symptoms similar to a cardiovascular disease, and my cardiologist was of no use for almost 3 years, immediately after I started using my CPAP I felt better and with more energy than when I was in high school.

[@Dannybme]

CPAP machine saved my life. i couldn't stay awake more than 5 mins sitting down.. went almost 2 year without a full night of uninterrupted sleep.. now i sleep great.. i honestly don't think i could live without it,.

[@PotatoBVBQueen]

This was such a great video. My mom was prescribed a CPAP machine this year. I love that she will get better health and sleep better. I love learning about the CPAP machine since I will be around it at night.

[@eosborne6495]

It took a few months for me to be able to use my CPAP every night and keep it on all night. There really is a big learning curve. But once I got used to it, I started sleeping more deeply, feeling better during the day, having more energy at the gym, better mood, lower blood pressure… it’s absolutely life changing. If anybody out there is struggling with a CPAP or doubting whether it’s worth it, don’t give up.

[@droger1448]

As a RPSGT who has titrated 100s of patients with CPAP for 10+plus years I enjoyed this video.. I been watching SciShow for years and I'm happy that they made a video relevant to my life's work. I have so much input I would like to add.. but the main take away is that I have done sleep studies on before and after and for the most part.., leaving OSA untreated for years will be a huge detriment to your cardiovascular system. CPAP, in conjunction with weight loss, will help improve your quality of life for SURE

[@spudd86]

I actually like my CPAP. It made an immediate and massive difference in my sleep. I went from falling asleep all the time to functioning normally.

[@andreamiller3578]

I was living with brain fog and couldn't stay awake. I was a danger to myaelf and others while driving. I was so exhausted and slept all the time but never got any rest because i stopped breathing over 100 times an hour. CPAP saved my life. It's truly amazing how much better i feel after a good night's rest.

[@amylsmith]

My husbands dad actually used one of the first iterations of a CPAP machine in Australia. It was essentially a modified vacuum cleaner. He unfortunately died young, but the technology has improved immensely since then.

[@mikecrawford7352]

My sleep study showed an AHI of 124. I have Complex Sleep Apnea. Obstructive and Central (Brain forgets to breathe) I’m mildly over weight. Since my diagnosis 10 years ago I have used my machine nightly, once I got used to it I fall asleep with it and wake up with it on. If I get out of bed I will put it back on when I return. I didn’t realize how bad I felt until I started to get proper sleep. Prior to my cpap diagnosis I never slept more than 3 hours because I felt 10 times worse if I did. I truly believe the cpap machine saved my life.

[@BradiKal61]

Good for you! I can get why some people don't think they have much of an effect, but those of us who know the difference no they can be lifesavers!

[@mikecrawford7352]

@@BradiKal61 nicely said. I think for the mild to some moderate sleep apnea people truthfully don’t understand how well they work. Cpap machines seem to be progressive in their effectiveness. In other words the more severe your symptoms are the greater the benefits are. Unfortunately the vast majority of people fall in the mild to moderate category there for the biggest voice are the ones that think its not worth it or benefit much from it

[@MrIansmitchell]

There’s no inherent reason for oral appliance therapy to cost more than a CPAP machine. Anti-bruxism mouthguards cost under twenty dollars. The only reason OAT costs what it does is lack of price transparency and insulation from competition.

[@blondecardsncrafts]

I got the oral mouthpiece Joe Rogan recommends and it was only €36 euro. Works brilliantly for me and I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea.

[@Dan-Simms]

Yeah I bet the cost to produce something like that is about $5

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

It's because you go through a dentist and they're made custom for the patient so that they get the jaw and tongue in just the right position. The nightguard that I wear was hundreds of dollars and I had to get a second one because I literally chewed through the first.

[@starsINSPACE]

The anti-bruxism night guards that cost 20 dollars or less are nowhere near the quality and usefulness of the more expensive ones made by dentists (mine cost 300USD). I've used cheap ones from the drug store and they hardly worked, although I suppose if your bruxism is very mild it might be okay. I had a lot better night guard that I sent away for after a self-made tooth impression. It cost 80 USD. That one was a big jump in quality. But the night guard from my dentist was way better. I do find it hard to wear any night guard though because I have very bad TMJ (jaw joint dysfunction and pain). Some people only have TMJ because of their bruxism. I have TMJ for other reasons so treating bruxism with a night guard doesn't work for me. I just have too much jaw pain.

[@MatthewMakesAU]

Mine makes a massive difference

[@amylynn5153]

When I had one I never slept so good before then.

[@k7iq]

Mine too ! Been using for about 20 years now

[@cherrymountains72]

The difference is so great... no longer do I wake up with massive headaches and no longer am I tired throughout the day.

[@artsytype]

Yes! They can work wonders for people!

[@eosborne6495]

My takeaway from this is CPAPs only work if you use them, which is truly groundbreaking.

[@Kempeth]

I have pretty severe OSA and over the years found out from numerous coworkers and acquaintances that they too were diagnosed and put on CPAP therapy. Aside from me and my father I have yet to meet anyone who uses the machine consistently for a full night's sleep. It's very obvious to me that there is a MASSIVE "compliance" problem in their application. At the same time, that 4+h / night counts as "adherent" seems absolutely bonkers to me. It doesn't surprise me at all that you would get mixed results when you use such a low bar. If someone told me "I am constantly tired and don't know why, I mean I do sleep a full 4 hours every night!" I would laugh them out of the room. (I know, because that actually happened.) I can't weigh in on their effectiveness with anything more than my personal anecdote: In my over 10 years of CPAP therapy I've slept like 3 nights without it, one was an overnight flight and the other two I forgot to bring it and swore I would never do that again. I am probably as close to the ideal CPAP patient as you can be. I took to it like a fish to water and am miserable without it. Obviously more research is always a good idea! And alternatives are always great! I just wanted to say that if you have OSA don't let other people's problems discourage you from giving it a shot. The machines have gotten a lot quieter over the years. New models no longer sound like Darth Vader, but fainter than a gentle Dyson fan. The 6 months between replacement parts seems also pretty excessive in my experience. Each of my machines has held up without fault for 4 years before being preemptively replaced by my healthcare provider (due to running over the 10k h mark). My biggest cause for parts replacement is my cat chewing on the tubes when I don't hide them well enough.

[@Kunabee]

I'm Autistic with a lot of sensory issues, and my sleep quality got worse after using the CPAP. I couldn't fall asleep at all with it on, and I was avoiding going to bed. The doctor, "helpfully", just told me to not use it since my sleep apnea was mild enough. However, it has helped both of my parents sleep better.

[@RD-vf6nx]

I am very dependent on my CPAP. Couldn’t live without it.

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

That's potentially one of the issues that doesn't get talked about as much as it should. I don't know if it's been adequately settled what happens after years on CPAP if you decide to stop or don't have access to the medical care for continued use.

[@edgray4471]

I love my CPAP and use all the time. Got a portable battery a month ago so I could take my CPAP and go camping first time in 10 years. Slept better camping than I ever did before.

[@GeekmanCA]

Well, here I go again disagreeing with the majority of commenters. I have mild-moderate sleep apnea and my year spent trying to use CPAP was a nightmare - the cure was almost as bad as the disease. I went through probably 5 different types of masks. I was lucky if I used it for more than 4 hour a night. It would take longer to fall asleep. And at the end of the day, I felt that for the huge investment I made, it wasn't making a huge difference. I ended up making a concerted effort to sleep on my side more often (instead of on my back), keeping adequately hydrated, and avoiding foods and drinks before bed that dehydrated me (ie: alcohol, sugary stuff). That alone made a huge difference and has increased my quality of life. I wish my primary care givers had made such basic suggestions before steering me towards a one-size-fits-most expensive device.

[@jaredsynn9490]

If you haven't already, look into an oral appliance. I also found CPAP intolerable, but the appliance was vastly better for me. Hope you find a treatment that works for you!

[@maccadole]

Yeah, if I'd only had the option of a standard CPAP I would've chucked it out the window. I switched to a BIPAP with a lot of specific settings available and have never looked back since. It's the best thing in the world. Perhaps if you'd had the chance to switch that could've been better fit for you as well.

[@atomicvinylreviews3420]

Same here... I tried for manny months, multiple masks aswell... but it genuinely made every attempt at sleep a torture session.

[@blondecardsncrafts]

Try the mouthpiece OAT. Works great for me, and I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea. My issue was Aerophagia... I got terrible wind pain from the cpap machine and would wake up after 3 to 4 hours on it. Joe Rogan (on KZbin) used a cpap machine and struggled on it, so he changed to a mouthpiece, and I got the type he recommended. Works brilliantly for me. Hope this helps ❤

[@JohnBaran-kw5jf]

I had the same problems. I spent a lot of money on masks but none of them improved my CPAP experience. The replacement hoses were also ridiculously expensive. In the end I decided it wasn't worth the effort or the money. I agree that consistently sleeping on your side throughout the night makes a huge difference.

[@Commandamanda]

There's also a surgical procedure to remove parts of the throat that relax too much - a coworker had it done, and he reported getting better sleep the night after the surgery, even as he was healing from it. He described it as feeling like he'd had a tonsillectomy, but with really great results!

[@bleach219]

I was stubborn and didn't see anyone for my constant exhaustion and bad snoring until my early 30's, got diagnosed with severe sleep apnea, just two days using it and I went from barely being able to function even when constantly loaded up with caffeine to wide awake and full of energy. It was such an extreme and startling change I ended up crying I was so relieved. So, people want to bash on CPAP's go ahead but they worked for me.

[@aceofspades3973]

My understanding has always been that CPAP helps when you're using it, and only when you're using it. The way that it works is by forcing air into your airways, and it DOES do that, which is indeed helpful (and potentially life-saving for those with severe sleep apnea). But it doesn't actually solve the underlying problem of your airways naturally closing up in the first place. It's a treatment, not a cure.

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

Yes, and for some people that is a worthwhile trade off. However, I don't care if it is the "gold standard" of care, I deeply resent that when I had my sleep study done that nobody bothered to offer any other options or look at what was blocking the airway. Had they done that, I would likely have wound up with an OAT to hold my tongue in place out of the way of my airway and not the CPAP machine that I can't use because it won't let me sleep on my side due to the mask. Or, possibly something to keep me from sleeping on my back, which is another issue, for side sleepers, the sleep lab can come up with incorrect results as it's incredibly hard to fall asleep in a sleep lab on your side just due to all of the wires that are involved.

[@marycarlson8837]

@@SmallSpoonBrigade My sleep test was done in my own house. They don't have to actually have a person watching you - just a way to send the info to the computer. No wires, no weird stuff. You tape the thing on your hand. No, I don't know how it works. Ask about it.

[@marycarlson8837]

@@SmallSpoonBrigade Also, if you can find a way to put the machine at the head of your bed instead of the side, then you can sleep in any position you want. My breathing tube is quite long and I never feel constrained.

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

@@marycarlson8837 That wasn't really an option, my bed didn't really have that option, it was specifically the mask that wouldn't allow me to sleep the way that I wanted to, I had plenty of hose. I did my sleep study at an actual sleep clinic because there were other possible issues with my sleep. They found the sleep apnea, but in hindsight it was because the wires forced me to sleep the way that I never do and the doctors came to the conclusion that it was sleep apnea, but couldn't be bothered to see what was actually blocking the airway. These days, I know that I have an abnormal sleep architecture that involves me being semi-awake while asleep and that I generally tend towards being burned out due to sensory overwhelm issues rather than the result of sleep apnea.

[@batou1468]

your body needs good sleep and REM cycles. if you deprive your body from good sleep every day, it can lead to a million different physiological and mental issues long term. yes it is not a cure, but to say it only helps only when you are sleeping isn't very accurate either.

[@LarsSveen]

They may be overprescribed, especially for people with mild cases, but for some people (like me) they are a life-changer. I started to notice that I was having trouble functioning, focusing at work, staying awake while driving, etc. It was pretty scary. I honestly thought I might have to give up my license, since I had trouble driving for more than 15 minutes. I went to my doctor and was like "what the hell is wrong with me?" He sent me off for a sleep study and they were like "this is one of the worst cases we've ever seen." Once I started using a CPAP, I felt like a new person. It's been 10 years and on the rare occasion when I fall asleep without it (or forget it when I travel) I'm miserable.

[@DianeRuotsalainen-ne8cr]

It is my impression that pap therapy is probably most acceptable and helpful for people with severe OSA (based on 29 years of cpap treatment).

[@kevinwhite6176]

I have very mild OSA (probably more like UARS), like my AHI is 7 and I only have hypopnea events, and I was prescribed a CPAP. It ultimately didn't do much for me, except using the nasal pillows mask made me realize I could suddenly breathe, and led me to find out I have nasal valve collapse. That's where the part of your nose that is narrow between your fleshy nostrils and the rest of your nasal cavity, is too narrow and collapsed inward. for people I know who have much more severe OSA, the CPAP is amazing for them.

[@LarsSveen]

@@kevinwhite6176 Perfect example. My AHI was over 100, so the CPAP was a big help for me.

[@Laeiryn]

Sleep deprivation is one of those things where you don't notice your cognitive decline, just the literal inability to remain awake...

[@eleksitia]

my case is one where i don't notice *much* of a difference wearing a mask. But there is certainly *A* difference. (Edit: Aka its helping me sleep better some, but its not a huge difference in sleep quality) (when i first got my cpap machine i was just above the minimum levels of events per night required for my Medicare and Medicaid to cover it. Although the doctors wanted to give me one about a year prior to that. I just wasn't above the minimum events per night for insurance to cover it at that time.)

[@garthholden9885]

I have severe sleep apnea, and I can tell you that these machines are lifesavers.

[@ashleyfwtx]

My husband has sleep apnea, which he only figured out because I noticed he would regularly stop breathing for several seconds at night and then gasp back into breathing. Home study didn’t show anything. We insisted on a lab study, which showed 40+ incidents an hour and oxygen sat levels in the 70’s. He’s had a CPAP for a few months now and it’s made a world of difference for both of us. He’s way less tired throughout the day. Incidents are down to one or two per hour. And I’m sleeping way better because he isn’t snoring.

[@robstockton911]

Just my personal experience, but using a CPAP completely resolved my a-fib, my elevated hemoglobin, and my daytime sleepiness. It also mitigated my hypertension. I went from taking six pills daily to one (at minimum dosage). Life-changing. I’m very compliant in using it all night every night, but it took about a month to really get used to it. I had “severe”-level sleep apnea. Took about two months of usage to get the full results. The rigmarole of getting accustomed to the mask & tubing has been very worth it for me, but again my situation was diagnosed as “severe.”

[@thecraftycyborg9024]

I have moderate OSA but I also have Central Sleep Apnea, pulmonary fibrosis, and RAD, so I flunked CPAP spectacularly a few weeks ago. So I’m being fitted with a device called a ASV, a new form of ventilator that looks to be a fantastic option. I’m excited to get one and be able to breathe in my sleep.

[@uweschroeder]

For CSA a ASV machine is a good option. You don't have a obstructive problem, you have a central nervous problem where your brain simply forgets to breathe. AS Ventilators force you to breathe. Good option for your problems, not much of an option for someone with a obstructive apnea issue.

[@JLone55]

CPAP / BIPAP has literally changed my life. It is unbelievable to me how i struggled for so long, trying to avoid facing the reality that I had a problem with this. I wish I would've addressed it much sooner. I wish I would've understood how this device is a miracle for people like me with OSA. If your'e on the fence I would say two things 1) You will not like wearing a mask to sleep, don't expect to enjoy that part. 2) Your energy and your body at a concious and subconcious level will heal and you will be so glad you did this. The benefits far outweigh the cons.

[@dandoriii2842]

I recommend not focusing on the like/dislike of the mask. There are plenty of things in the world we don’t like but learn to tolerate. My understanding is that women, generally, don’t enjoy wearing bras and men don’t enjoy wearing a cup for sports. They all do it because the benefits outweigh the negatives.

[@UndyingShadow83]

Yeah, I think its key that they don't undersell how much wearing a CPAP mask sucks at first. You've gotta force yourself. But now I don't use any of the slow pressure ramp or anything like that, it goes on when my head hits the pillow, and I honestly can't tell its running without checking for the air outflow with my hand.

[@elebenty5709]

Agreed. And don't underestimate changing mask types as needed. Since I'm not a mouth breather, I was able to use the nasal pillows. I still have a full mask in my kit bag, just in case I'm ever so congested I can't breathe at all through my nose, but haven't needed it for months. I have had my cpap over a decade. Wouldn't go without it.

[@nikkiewhite476]

​@@elebenty5709 it is funny when I was having issues from mouth breathing the only company in town refused to sell me a full face mask. It turned out that I had severe sinus issues from a medication that was completely blocking the right sinuses. Once that was sorted things settled down again.

[@danmallery9142]

I got my BiPap in my early 50s. Honestly, I look back and I think I had SA back in my 20s when I was fit and skinny! I probably could have benefited with a machine back then.

[@massukka]

When I got my CPAP-machine my life changed. Sleep apnea caused so many problems in my life: depression, self hate ("why am I not able to do all these things other ppl do?!") pain, and ofcourse tiredness and poor sleep. Now I'm totally fine with only 6hours of sleep when before even 12hours wasn't enough. My sleep apnea was pretty bad. Have to use it every time you sleep.

[@darrenjurme7231]

Pithy, superb critique of the study designs, & ID’ing the needs in study designs now to make the data of more practical, clinical & personal utility. Nicely done.

[@superbeefus]

I was nearly asphyxiating every night. I felt like crap every day, and my bipap has actually helped improve my quality of life. I can't sleep without it now, and on the extremely rare occasions that I do, I feel like death for days after, and I remember what life was like pre-bipap.

[@Whateverhasbeenmynameforyears]

I don’t understand. I love my CPAP. It has tons of hidden silver linings. Like when the only comfortable place is fully under your covers but the air gets too hot and you can’t breathe under your covers anymore. Not a problem when you have a CPAP it gets the air from outside of your covers. When you have a cold and you can’t fall asleep because you have to breathe through your mouth CPAP let you breathe through your nose unless it’s really clogged. And it helped me acclimate to high altitude and I didn’t get altitude sickness for the first time. I honestly found the full face mask more comfortable and less stressful than the nose one. But I was very worried about trying it so don’t be afraid of the full face mask.

[@FlesHBoX]

ooh, I hadn't even thought about high altitude. This is good news, since next month I will be heading to CO for an event.

[@RaquelFoster]

I don't even snore and now I want one. Cuz who doesn't want to hide all the way under the covers now and then?

[@riveramnell143]

I love being able to pull the covers over my face with my cpap. For me it’s because I’m light sensitive and if any light is showing, I can’t sleep. Also when I have migraines and the light hurts, I just bury myself. I have the full face mask too and at first I had dreams of an octopus being stuck to my face 😂. Now I’m used to it and love it but at first my brain didn’t know how to process it lol.

[@Whateverhasbeenmynameforyears]

@@riveramnell143 lol

[@GaleneIanthe]

I was diagnosed with severe OSA in 2022, and was recommended an APAP machine (which is just like CPAP except it will automatically adjust the air pressure depending on what you need as you change position throughout your sleep; it tends to be gentler on your airways so less chance of waking up with sore nose and throat). I adore it. My obstruction events are nearly non-existent when I wear it. I suffer from fatigue issues due to other health problems, but the difference in alertness and restfulness I've had since starting treatment for sleep apnea has made my life so much better. The morning after my first use, I realized I'd been waking up with some level of mild headache nearly every day for years because it was the first morning that I didn't. There is an adjustment period when you first start wearing it, because most of the different mask types don't feel comfortable. The best things you can do are to keep trying and to find other CPAP users you can talk to for support. Don't give up; it's so worth it once you get it to work for you!

[@BradiKal61]

I totally agree with you! I used to wake up with headaches, which I attributed to caffeine, although they weren't. I also used to shred my sheets by kicking my legs during those periods when I was choking in my sleep. After over 10 years of using a CPAP that initial difficulty about waking up with it on my face is gone, but I do sympathize with people that are having trouble making the adjustment, because it just seems like it's never going to happen in those early days.

[@rudolphpyatt4833]

Mine absolutely makes a HUGE difference. I am so much better since CPAP treatment that I can’t overstate the difference.

[@bigyeticane]

I have moderate sleep apnea and I use a CPAP machine every night that I can. For my part, I do appreciate the machine in theory. I no longer wake up having a panic attack anymore because my airway has become blocked and my brain wakes me up. But I also can't stay asleep for more than 3 hours at a time because the mask and hose bother me when I am sleeping. After you fall asleep, your jaw actually relaxes and slips down even lower than when you are relaxed and awake. This causes my mask seal to break, and air begins hissing in. Apparently when this happens, my sleeping self just takes the whole mask off and rolls over. I also have problems rolling over and pinching off the hose, or jerking the machine onto the floor by rolling too far. There are a LOT of factors to using a CPAP for different people. Thanks for mentioning the OAT device. I will ask my doctor. Thank you for the video too!

[@sarastredulinsky4243]

I'd honestly recommend talking to your sleep technician if you have one about different mask/headgear options. If you don't breathe through your mouth much when you sleep then you might want to try a nasal or nasal pillow mask. Heck, even just another brand of full-face or hybrid mask might provide you with a better fit and seal! There's also head gear where the hose attached on a swivel at the top of the head, so turning over doesn't actually effect the hose position (though that might not help if you're rolling too far. How wide is your bed? Do you need a longer hose? I'm pretty sure my hose would stretch most of the way from one side of a queen-size mattress to the other.) I had an AirFit N30i for years and then swapped it for an F30i when I started having mouth-leak issues. I toss and turn a lot when I'm falling asleep and I never had trouble with hose tangling with the top-of-head attachment. There are a lot of different styles of masks/headgear out there, so I would absolutely recommend talking to a specialist about options that might better fit your sleep style before giving up on the CPAP!

[@EdWalzak]

I loooove my cpap. I felt like a new man almost immediately. You have no idea how exhausted you are, and you will feel amazing. I avoided it for years and I regret it. I know this is anecdotal but it’s worth a try. See your doctor today.

[@EdWalzak]

I’m not a paid shill. Here’s my proof, I’m going to say something no husband would say for any amount of money. My wife told me I had apnea and told her she was crazy. Ready for this: My wife was right. 😂

[@rhondahuggins9542]

20 years on CPAP...I cannot sleep without it.

[@sagaravn1107]

Have you had any issues with your nose going dry through all these years?

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

@@sagaravn1107 You can get devices that will humidify or warm the air going through the machine if that's an issue.

[@danmallery9142]

@@sagaravn1107 They have built in humidifiers. If you have a dry nose, increase the humidification. I have no issues and I live in AZ.

[@georgedunkelberg5004]

@@sagaravn1107 ONLY SLIGHTLY UPON AWAKANING. USE DISTILLED $1BUCK/ GALLON STEAM DISTILLED! KEEPS ZERO MINERAL BUILDUPS.

[@mlmmt]

As somebody who started using a CPAP a few months ago, it has made a massive difference in how well I sleep, and I would never even consider not using it!

[@jadedcatlady]

I think mine helps. That, and the fact that it keeps me from super-loud snoring that disturbs my husband, means it’s essential for me!

[@TerminusVox]

I've been using CPAP and now VPAP (where the V is for variable) for twenty years. I don't intentionally sleep without my machine. Before treatment I literally fell asleep in just about any circumstance where you might think sleep is impossible. My quality of life is measurably better. The machines are worth the cost.

[@jslferrell]

My husband has been a BiPap user for 20 years, at times with additional oxygen and/or humidity. I just started using an APaP and am grateful.

[@PoniesNSunshine]

The cpap is great. The suggested cost of replacing all the functional parts every month is completely insane.

[@DianeRuotsalainen-ne8cr]

Manufacturer hype aside, they don't have to be replaced until they don't work anymore

[@catatonicbug7522]

Only the cushion (the part that seals air against your face) needs to be replaced monthly. The rest (tubing, headgear, water chamber) only need to be replaced quarterly. With insurance, it's not that expensive.

[@eleksitia]

@@catatonicbug7522 with my insurance (medicare + medicaid) it doesn't cost me anything.

[@danmallery9142]

Totally agree. They charge my insurance over 125 bucks for my headgear. It is an elastic strap and some velcro. It shouldn't cost more than 5 bucks.

[@sarastredulinsky4243]

@@catatonicbug7522 Monthly?? Quarterly??? I've been using my CPAP for 7 years and I've only ever gotten new headgear (never replaced the cushion/mask separately) ~yearly, usually when part of it broke. Only ever replaced the hose/water chamber when I got a whole new machine after my first started giving me 'exceeded motor life' warnings. Legitimately, if it ain't broke don't fix it. The manufacturers are clearly just trying to wring as much money as they can out of people.

[@BlaineNay]

I've been using a CPAP for over 10 years now. The difference is astonishing. I used to wake up multiple times each night with my body full of adrenaline. My body would decide that the adrenaline was necessary to keep me alive and give me a shot. Then, it would take a couple of hours for the adrenaline to subside so i could get back to sleep. I simply wasn't getting the rest I needed -- a problem for an airline captain. With diagnosis of sleep apnea and religious all-night use of my CPAP, I now am fully alert all day long. No more drowsy driving, no more sleeping in church, and no more in-flight naps. I wish I'd done the sleep study 15 years earlier.

[@manso306]

I suffered from unrecognized OSA for a decade or more. My quality of sleep was so consitently bad that I didn't even recognize it was a problem; there was all-pervading exhaustion but I (and my doctors) thought it was just my psyche. Did countless hours of psychotherapy (mainly for "depression" of which I never knew where it came from), tried various medications, got diagnosed with ADHD, tried stimulant medication, and STILL I couldn't get my life in order. One night with my CPAP machine, and I felt basically cured. No more depressive episodes, can keep up with household chores, was able to finish an education, and recently started on my first full-time job. But I recognize that I'm lucky that my pressure-settings were suitable for my needs from the start, and I got a suitable mask and everything at the very beginning.

[@georgedunkelberg5004]

MY LUCK WAS WITH SYSTEMIC PROVIDER ASSESMENTS, AND "TUNEINGS"!

[@KyleJMitchell]

Takeaways from this video: - The difference between 'efficacy' and 'effectiveness' is subtle but surprisingly useful. - Meta-analyses seem like a giant pain to run, especially if the original research is a hot mess to start with.

[@thingsido6303]

I was tired all the time. My girlfriend at the time told me I needed a sleep study. Did the study and a week later I received my CPAP machine. I've been getting awesome sleep for over 10 years now! Love my CPAP and would be lost without it!

[@施素珊]

Love the post-chemo curly hair and the bouncy adolescent energy, Hank! So glad to see you looking so healthy!

[@scottsinner7530]

Mine absolutely does. I feel more rested most days with it than without it, but the biggest difference is my migraines -- I went from a couple per month to a couple per year. That makes it entirely worth it, for me.

[@riveramnell143]

It helped me with less migraines as well. It’s wonderful.

[@Nordern]

"these machines are expensive" I am so glad the machine, accessories & replacements are free here, it's made sleep so much better for me

[@OtakuUnitedStudio]

It was 100% covered by my insurance.

[@yensid4294]

I'm happy to see that you included oral appliance as an alternative but nothing about the new sleep apnea implants. Would love to know about those.

[@Travlinmo]

This seems insane. When I got my CPAP I had terrible sleep quality and high blood pressure. After getting used to it, my blood pressure dropped to normal and my daytime energy levels rocketed up. For me, CPAPS work. Modern machines are very quiet. And my last machine lasted me about 8 years. AND, importantly, my wife can sleep and hasn’t felt the need to murder me from snoring. I like not being murdered. Guessing: if people don’t use there CPAPS… strangley… those people don’t get benefits.

[@cyclopsboi]

been using my cpap daily for 10+ years without issue

[@amenche]

My CPAP changed my life for the better. Took 3 months to get used to it, which is rough when we're talking about every night's sleep. But wow is it worth it

[@SamSB250]

I been using my Cpap machine for 10 years. i can tell you for sure that i can't live without it anymore.

[@punchpineapple]

This coming into my feed the day after I did a sleep study. Good to know this for when I get my results.

[@KeithCooper-Albuquerque]

I have been using a CPAP since 2000. I can't sleep without it, but it did take a little time to get used to it. It has helped my quality of sleep immensely!

[@josiahvellekoop4435]

I would encourage anyone with moderate or severe sleep apnea who is wondering if their CPAP is accomplishing anything to try to buy or borrow a pulse oximeter with logging capabilities. Log a few nights without the CPAP and a few nights with it. I found that I went from hours every night in the mid 80% to low 90% oxygen to only a few minutes at those levels when using the CPAP. That was enough to convince me to really put effort into getting used to it. It took over a month, but I'm now able to reliably get 5-6 hours per night with it and it has significantly improved my mental health. No idea if it will help my heart long term, but it definitely can't hurt.

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

Except that it doesn't work for everybody. Even after trying for 2 months, I still couldn't get to the point where I could sleep enough to make the trade off worth it. I'd get like 3 hours of sleep with the machine and then give up and just sleep normally.

[@mgweir3252]

I have been on a CPAP machine since '96. It has improved my sleep immensely. I no longer stop breathing according to my wife and my O2 levels remain at normal while I sleep. I cannot get a good nights sleep without it.

[@Dirsmuutio]

I love using my CPAP and it really helps me. The quality of life improved 300 % when I started using it.

[@saltpot]

Shout out to SciShow for covering the messy and complicated topics, even when it goes against the traditional knowledge and accepted conventions!

[@roberteskew7320]

Love my CPAP. It saved my life! And I finally became stable and able to hold down a job.