Sleep Apnea 5: Deus ex Machina

[MrGrouchy365]

BTW, my pulmonologist said it is widely understood to be impossible to lose weight until the sleep apnea is treated.

[MrGrouchy365]

I found the series most informative as I await my own sleep study in less than a week now. However, I cannot find the promised followup after 5 Deus Ex Machina. Was that followup video ever made?

[Yalf111]

Can you please do an update no how you feel now?

[jball1954]

The "contraption" actually DOES address the weight problem. Sleep apnea can contribute to being overweight, and treatment can help you lose weight. Be informed before mouthing off.

[the49ersuck]

going for my sleep study next week. was just wondering how the mask and all that goes with it is going? are you still using it? on a scale of 1-10 how much do you think it has helped you? thank you for the info.

[AmethystAngeleyes]

I've been using my cpap since june 3/09 i use a fisher-paykel flexifit 407, very comfie but i have the red mark

across the bridge of my nose...started at a "pimple" type thing....gonna try remzzz liners and see if that helps......did your red marks ever stop???

[Digitalbumpin]

And HERE is where they wanted you.

A contraption on your face instead of addressing the real problem, your weight.

[1992peter]

Well done.

I am VERY PROUD OF YOU.

THAT IS EXCELENT!

Congradulations!

[DollarWord]

I am interested to know how you are feeling now? Is your well being dramatically improved?

[DlVlNATl0Nx]

I just heard news that my Uncle has this.

I'd send him your vids but he doesn't go online.  Haven't seen or spoken to him directly. I'll send the links to my cousin and she'll show him. I'm sure you covered something he doesn't know.

... and I thought I'd tell you. :)

[OHTXAZ]

I Have That Same Machine With the Exception Of The Display Window. I Just Recently Started Useing Mine After Haveing It For A Couple Months, And I Am Finding That I Feel Much Better With It On. I Went To Visit My Son, And It Was Easy To Pack & Go. It Is Great That You Made This Video. Have A Great Week ;0)

Roberta

[grandplans]

wow, I had always wondered how those machines work. my doctor wants to do a series of sleep tests on me. She thinks I may have it. thanks for sharing.

[novmoon]

very nice machine, it drops pressure before you fall a sleep very nice, you can get a nose mask that just goes in your nostrils, people find it more comfortable. I bet you are resting so much better, great for ya. If you sleep with your mouth open you can get a full mask it covers your nose and mouth. Cpap keeps your Aveoli open at all times.

[tunisianswife]

fantastic, informative series. So glad to see by your comments that you are starting to feel 'normal' again.

[FantasticBabblings]

It is amazing how well the machine works. I've grown accustomed to it. Putting it on is still an inconvenience, but once it is on I have no problem sleeping with it.

[TonyDi]

What a contraption. Takes some getting used to I know from the accounts of friends who use them. BUT the benefits are paramount. Makes for more restful, peaceful and refreshing sleep. Hope it works for you. Must consider getting checked out to be sure things aren't bad otherwise it's time to consider things like this. THANKS for a great series Phil on a really important issue.

[FantasticBabblings]

The mask is irritating my face, but the Dr. has prescribed a different one. We'll see.

[debbiez112]

another great video. I enjoyed the whole series. Lots of good information. I hope this makes you feel 10 years younger.

[FantasticBabblings]

I already feel ten years younger. You notice the results very quickly.

[DorothyDandrich]

I should be able to get one of those at a garage sale

[DameEdithDivine]

Thanks for this really good and important video. I watched it with interest all the way through. I like the way you used two cameras. I had never known exactly what was involved with the machine before, and have a new respect for the difficulties involved with sleep apnea. I hope you've resolved the problems with the irritation from the face mask. Upward and Onward! Pleasant dreams, my friend!

[FantasticBabblings]

Thank you, Val. The mask is still irritating, but I called the doc's office today and requested a different kind and he wrote a scrip for it. I should have it in a couple of days.

[Trepeg]

Woot, the anti-dieing machine!

Ive had mine about 2 years, I love the thing, but my wife hates hers, probably because she is on hurricane level and mine is only 10

[FantasticBabblings]

Hurricane level! lol! Mine is 12 and I am so used to it, sometimes I have to open my mouth to make sure there is pressure there. I'll adapt to anything if it will save my life.

[LeSaMilano]

reading the comments I can see you are well on your way Phil. I'm sure the mask issues are minor compared to actually feeling rested for the first time in a long while. I am so happy for you, although I must admit partly because I'm selfish - I do believe you're going to be posting more videos once you're revitalised!

xxx

[FantasticBabblings]

I am feeling so much better. And the poor babies have helped me as much as cpap!

[Imsoooconfused]

I like your hair all messy!

[FantasticBabblings]

Have you seen my bed head video?

[Weatherhill1]

Glad to see you're getting a hold on all this!

All my best!!!!

[oneiblind30]

Somehow I missed this one. Glad your on your way man! Now make a good video or I'll pull your hair!~

[ButterRivaLs]

I'm *so glad* to hear you're on the road to recovery. Thanks for sharing your story! I hope you'll update us all in a mini-vlog at some point. (No vlog pressure from me ... of course.) : )

PS I still think your idea for some velvet around those straps would look lovely. : )

[egonc]

Great video! I've had a CPAP for over 3 years and it's amazing how much better I sleep. Best of luck with yours and sleep tight;)

[ccmer2002]

Great video. I wish all our patients were as open to the process as you were! At the lab that I work for, the Respironics Comfort Gel wins as favorite nasal style mask (both among the techs for low leaks and among patients for comfort) and the all-time hands-down favorite nasal pillow style is the ResMed Swift. Technicians here do not like the OptiLife because of problems with leakage. The Swift is the most comfortable to wear, easiest to fit/adjust, and maintains very low leak values.

[Castaa]

I'm sure after a week or two it'll be fairly natural for you to sleep with the CPAP machine on your face.

Ok with that out of the way, we expect a new video every other day from you. :D

[FantasticBabblings]

I am sure they will be more frequent. But only when I have something to say :)

[DlVlNATl0Nx]

A normal life? Phil, your life (and mine) has never been, is not, and never will be "normal". lol

"Normal" as far as sleep goes, not a personal judgment. The only thing I disagree with is that there isn't an appropriate time to sleep but I assume you mean for 9-5 people who need to sleep basically the same time each night or day depending on when they work.

Wasn't there a painter some centuries ago, I forgot his name, that slept 15 minutes each hour?

Anyway, great vid. Careful with the mask.

[FantasticBabblings]

By normal, I mean normal for me. Screw everybody else. However, I think falling asleep while crossing the street or driving are inappropriate times to sleep. Inappropriate in terms of my well being. You read too much into my words - or too little.

[DlVlNATl0Nx]

Perhaps I'll just silently view from now on.

[FlingingDust]

I'm so glad that you got your machine and finally got some restorative sleep. I hope that you continue to get better and are quickly back to 100%.

[FantasticBabblings]

Thanks. I am getting there.

[f3xpgm]

Hello Phil! You are really lucky to have awesome people like that taking care of you, i'm impressed about it!

Thanks for sharing all the way about sleeping apnea, i guess it's something people don't have too much information about and maybe it will help someone realize they need to check it out and make a good change on their lives!

See you in the next video! Big hug!

[FantasticBabblings]

I am also quite lucky to have so many awesome people (like you) all over the world giving me love and support. It makes it much easier. Big hug back to you.

[kenrg]

You'll get used to the mask and the irritation will eventually go away. Glad the first night went well for you. I find that now I get to sleep much quicker than I ever did without the CPAP.

[FantasticBabblings]

Four nights of good sleep so far(not perfect, but much improved). I am starting to have periods when I feel fully rested. And I am falling asleep faster each night.

[davidproper]

wow. cpap machines have changed tremendously since I've seen them. Thanks for these insightful videos. Very informative.

[FantasticBabblings]

As Americans become more overweight, there is more apnea. And as there is more apnea, more insurance money. So the variety of cpap machines is proliferating. The marketplace has its ups and downs. It stimulates innovation, but it leaves some people out of the prosperity.

[davidproper]

The one the ex-MIL used was a good 3-4 times the size of yours. Huge filter on the front, large water bottle on the front. Noisy. Didn't have the ranp function either. Yours looks nice and compact. Looks like it'd be very portable for hotel rooms and the like.

[Blinkazoid]

Looks like things are headed in the right direction! Thanks for posting these Phil. It was very interesting and I learned quite a bit of stuff I didn't know which is always a good thing:) Best of luck.

[FantasticBabblings]

Thanks Robert. Things are definitely on an upswing.

[wildheart5]

I am happy this has worked out for you! Sweet dreams tonight!

[FantasticBabblings]

Thank you, and sweet dreams to you as well.

[ChickGin]

Thank you for sharing this experience. My husband needs a sleep study and probably CPAP as well. This has been very informative!

[FantasticBabblings]

I put it off for almost too long. My life was in danger. But it makes a huge difference.

[TamHickey67]

Bravo to you Phil. These videos will no doubt be of enormous benefit to others with the same problem.

5 squiggles, and good luck to you!

[FantasticBabblings]

Thank you. I am a true believer now. And thanks for the squiggles.

[Nitrobezene]

i'm glad you are feeling better already!  peace brother

[FantasticBabblings]

Thanks. I am doing much better.

[palmtreez101]

Where did Vlad go? I liked Vlad.

[FantasticBabblings]

Vlad works at the sleep lab. I like Vlad too.

[XthunderA]

Glad your better!

I do probably need one of this, but Ill just wait a bit more...

[FantasticBabblings]

If you're tired all the time, it is a great relief.

[XthunderA]

Depends lot on stress that I get exposed to from time to time...but,still nice to know such thing exist.Hope I settle soon,so I can take the time for it.

[wallywalt]

I fall asleep 3 minutes after turning the sucker-on... and I only get up to pee... knowing that I will back Sound asleep in 3 more minutes. That is, usually, when I change my sleeping side, too.

I take the mask off to hit the head... knowing a "New Fit" is coming.

Also... After a couple of grand Experimenting with 20+ masks... I swear by the Nasal Pillow- especially the Respironics OPTI-LIFE.

Enjoy the Rest!

[FantasticBabblings]

I looked at the Opti-life and it is interesting. I wish there was a show-room where you could go and sample the different styles.

[ftom2006]

Great to see that it seems to have a positive effect, with just little inconvenience. As a troubled sleeper myself, I know feeling tired all day. Never heared about this simple treatment, though. Very informative series, thx for sharing your experience.

[FantasticBabblings]

Thanks for watching. I wish you well in getting better sleep. It is vitally important.

[waterlogged22]

Thank you again. Was so interested in seeing all your books. You mentioned sleeping on your side. I don't know if you know about putting a pillow between your knees when you're in that position, but it helps a lot. I can't sleep on my back all night because I've had back surgery.

[FantasticBabblings]

Actually since the cpap I have been sleeping on my back most of the time. I put a pillow under my knees for that and it seems to help the back. When I can afford it, I may get a temp-ur-pedic mattress for the bed.

[RedMudPainter]

been using one since 1998.You don't really need the water thing,it's good for dry spells I guess.You will become addicted to the cpap.They say it is not addivtive,but thats bullshit.I can't sleep without mine now.Now if I fall asleep,I am violently awoken when I completely quit breathing...also if your insurance runs out,you have to try and find assecories on the black market...that kind of sucks,but I love it all the same,you will sleep great.

[FantasticBabblings]

I like the idea of the humidifier because I do tend to dry out at night, and I have allergies and sinus issues. I am getting used to it and sleeping quite deeply.

[skibby]

A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans, and a nice chianti. Psephsephpseph!...

This series should be featured on the front page. In fact, YouTube should start a category of featured SERIES, not just individual videos. The time and dedication you have taken to putting this out is invaluable.

[moomay11649]

Hahahaha!

[FantasticBabblings]

Well, Dr. Lecter, YouTube likes shallow, quasi-funny imitations of television on their front page. This would never suit them.

[muxusbxt]

Thank you.. This is very informative and interesting.. Thank you for sharing this part of your life with us.

5/5

[torigirl35]

hey phil. my brother had a cpap machine and it worked wonders for him. he did have the eventual surgery and it worked for him. anyway, i wish you nothing but restful nights and good dreams from now on. i hope things get better for you!! take care. ((hugs)) ciao for now.

*tori*

[FantasticBabblings]

Things are definitely looking up. I'm glad the surgery worked for your brother. Thanks Tori.

[BoomerChick55]

So glad you feel better. This series was wonderful, I'm sure you helped a lot of people.

[muxusbxt]

You are so right..This series of videos should be put on the front page of youtube.

[FantasticBabblings]

That will never happen, but I am glad people are watching and getting something from it.

[FantasticBabblings]

I feel great and I am getting things done. It's like coming out of hibernation.

[RoulinBrooks]

That mask doesn't look as bad as I thought it would. I can see how you could sleep on your side without too much trouble. I'm going to be interested in how things change for you over the next few weeks. You've said, Phil, that you haven't had a proper night's sleep in years. That can have a terrible impact. I've said before I think you're one of the smartest, sharpest people on YouTube. If you've been a bit "fuzzy" from sleep deprivation, then it'll be amazing to see you at 100%.

[FantasticBabblings]

Today, after three nights of sleep, I felt more refreshed than I have in 10 years, and I was more productive at work than I have been in over a year. Things are definitely looking up. On the subway and during what would have been zoning out time, I am listening to an audio book recording of Walter Isaacson's biography of Einstein. The difference is amazing.

[Lethesunshine]

Phil...I'm so sorry you have to wear that mask. It does look like it's irritating your skin. But, I'm also happy you are doing something for your health. We want you around for a very long time. Thanks again for sharing. I'm going to look into this for my husband. He keeps me awake because I know he's not breathing at times!!! Grrrrr!

(((Hugs)))

~Mimi

[FantasticBabblings]

The skin irritation was the first night. After adjusting the tension, it is going away. I am so glad I did this. The mask is a small price to pay for good health.

[schnukele]

Poor Phil! When the mask was first placed on your face, you reminded me of Hannibal Lecter!!! Hope that this is the answer to your problems. I don't have sleep apnea, but have struggled with insomnia for years. I rarely get 6 hours of sleep at night and certainly not in one stretch. Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

[FantasticBabblings]

After three full nights of sleep, I feel rested and refreshed, though there are still adjustments to be made. Progress, not perfection.

[hartnell114]

...if you dont like the clean water (non-tap) know from drinking it in the past it has a really odd taste,it isnt sour but its below sweet lol,do you find it leave an odd taste in your mouth?

[FantasticBabblings]

As for bottled water, it depends on which you get as to how it tastes. Same for tap water, depends on where you are. I like both as long as they are clean. The distilled water for the humidifier, though, doesn't have much flavor because it is stripped of the minerals. Fortunately, I am not going to drink it, but breathe it. Vapor, of course. I don't want to drown:)

[hartnell114]

haha i know but maybe some ends up in your tummy :)

[hartnell114]

its kind of like an artificial elephant trunt hehe,does it work a bit like a fan anf a steamer? i imagined so, glad to hear that youre sleeping better,im sure aftera week or two youll start to notice a big change,and id go for the gel kinds,ive had a mask before and i end up with a mark all over my face,try it a little looser? see if its softer for you :)

i swear he says somethng about the mask twice about half way through,doubly important i guess :) get well soon!! :)

[javalu882005]

hold on. so the cpap blow air in, how you breath out with out open your mouth?

ow man, you gota sllep in the same position, that's like real hard man. i know i can't sleep with out flip my self over like 10 times with out even knowing i am doing it.

[FantasticBabblings]

With the cpap I sleep so deeply I don't toss and turn like I used to. I breathe out through my nose. It takes getting used to, but the results are worth it.

[javalu882005]

ha ok Phil =) you keep health now =)

[BGenerous]

This has been an interesting series, Phil. I'm glad it looks like it is going to help. I look forward to the follow up.

[FantasticBabblings]

Thanks for watching and taking an interest.

[LordLargo37]

Hi Phil,

Maybe you could ask this question next time you speak with a doctor. Is there any danger in just allowing yourself to get used to the machine while you are awake, or does one really have to do it while sleeping?

My mom gets those same things with her mask, the irritation. Is there a website you know of that isn't a scam where she could buy a new mask like you are talking about in the video?

[FantasticBabblings]

I will ask, but I doubt if there is a danger in using it while awake. I don't have any direct knowledge about the websites but cpap(dot)com seems to have a good selection, including some gel masks.

[Joan3424]

You can also find some on ebay

[brgtb]

Thanks Phil, for making this documentation series, it has been extraordinarily interesting and I'm impressed that you shared this medical condition and procedure with the community. Great to see you're now doing much better!! Hugs!!!

[FantasticBabblings]

Thanks for watching and for the kind comments. I really appreciate the interest and support.

[burtoncharlessmith]

I'm lucky in that my Dr. prescribed a bi-pap machine instead of a cpap machine. Don't ask me why he did this. The bipap machine drops the pressure down when you are exhaling, then raises it up when inhaling. It feels completely natural, and I don't have to exhale against all that pressure.

My favorite mask is made by Respironics, and has a blue colored gel filled area around the nose. It seems to seal the best for me with the least tightness.

[FantasticBabblings]

I thought I might want bi-pap, but I am beginning to like the one way pressure. Exhaling seems to be strenghtening my diaphragm. Maybe that is imagined, but it seems to be improving my breathing while awake. Since I haven't tried the bi-pap I can't say for sure. I just checked out the Respironics comfort gel mask and it looks good. I may get it.

[OHTXAZ]

My Husband Was On The Bi-Pap When He Was Alive. He Had ALS. He Had A Tube Like Thing With Two Nostrel Insertins. ;0)

Roberta

[1992peter]

The tubes are called cannuli.

Or a cannula.

They fit in your nostrils, and they seal tightly, so that air can be pressed in.

Pressurized air.

[MisterWeed]

I can't imagine not sleeping well for month, would drive me crazy...

Really good to hear that you are sleeping well again!

[FantasticBabblings]

I'm getting there. Each day is an improvement.

[terry585]

Is there any chance that at some point you won't need the cpap?

[burtoncharlessmith]

For most of us, we need the machine forever unless we lose a substantial amount of weight.

[FantasticBabblings]

Ditto what BCS said. About half the people with sleep apnea aren't overweight, but among those who are, weight loss often reverses it. Others have structural issues that weight loss won't remedy. There are surgeries, but there seem to be more horror stories about those than successes.

[Joan3424]

I'm so happy for you! If you have ever seen any of my videos, I have a mark between my eyebrows from my CPAP, and I am getting a new mask, my gell has come off, which is why I have the mark. Yours is set at the same pressure as mine - 12. Welcome to the world of CPAP hair (a whole new take on bedhead!)

Sweet dreams...

Joanie

[FantasticBabblings]

Actually I have less bedhead since I sleep in one position. I have a video about bedhead that shows how it used to be. Really scary.

[strangeparty]

So now you're sleeping like a baby and we're sitting up, awake, watching your video at 2:30 in the morning. It's not fair! (just kiddin)

Sweet dreams ~ ~ ~

[FantasticBabblings]

Thing is, now I sleep so deeply I don't remember my dreams. Although last night I do know that I dreamt about the cpap machine at one point. I don't think that was a good thing.

[strangeparty]

LOL As long as you don't start dreaming the same thing every night.

[OHTXAZ]

I'm Just The Opposite. I Can Actually Remember Mine Again. ;0)

Roberta

[thizizliz]

Wow, good news indeed. I'd like to join the others in thanking you for sharing this journey with us. I'll be watching my hubby more closely to see if now that his asthma is under control, he's still having those episodes. Thanks and best of luck to you. Looking forward to the next update.

[FantasticBabblings]

Thank you for going along on the journey with me. Having the support of my YouTube community makes the process much more bearable. I am grateful.

[xendingo]

i'm very glad to hear things are gradually starting to improve for you. this has all been very interesting and informative to watch. thank you for sharing it with us all.

[FantasticBabblings]

Thank you for watching and offering your kind support.

[JimmyHook]

Phil, you seem to be in great hands here. I'm hoping that after a little time passes and you've been on this program a little while, you'll tell me something to the effect of, "I feel like a new person." I am holding that good thought. So, how many MiGs did you shoot down today, Maverick? Sorry--my clumsy attempt at good-natured levity among friends. Love ya, Phil! :)

[FantasticBabblings]

Hi Jimmy! I already feel like a new person. I feel rested and energetic for most of the day. I still have a lot of lost time to make up for, but each day is an improvement. Love ya back.

[JimmyHook]

That's great! See, you made a video in praise of science, and the gods of science rewarded you. All hail the God from the Machine! ;)

[FantasticBabblings]

At last, someone got the irony of the title :)

[JimmyHook]

Cool! Better late than never. I am prone to delayed realizations. Anyway, I'm sure prayer would have worked just as well as the CPAP ;)

[OneoftheImmortals]

Adjustments are the norm. I am glad to hear you were given the heated humidifier. I have to find out if they have something similar for people who need to be on oxygen 24/7. My brother was diagnosed with emphysema this past November. He says he feels better not using the oxygen while awake because of the dryness issue. The whole thing is a nightmare but what can you do?

I await your next installments. I find your series fascinating.

[FantasticBabblings]

I wonder about that, too. For years I have wished NY had oxygen bars. When in SF, I have stopped to inhale a little O2. I know it is new age and trendy, but I liked it. Perhaps that should have been a clue. But I wondered if restoration might happen faster if there were oxygen in the cpap. I will ask about that when I have my follow-up.

[OneoftheImmortals]

Thank you, I appreciate it.

[Largo64]

I tried a CPAP machine probably 20 years ago. One thing I notice in your machine is that it has a humidifier. The one I had didn't and I was terribly dried out after using it. I used it for only about two weeks and gave it up because I couldn't tolerate the constant pressure and the dryness. Perhaps the new machine would make a difference. I probably need to have a new sleep study. Thanks for sharing this.

[FantasticBabblings]

They have so many variations on it now: humidity, bi-pap, different masks. It still is an inconvenience, but for me it is better than the alternative.

[Justalazyday]

Thanks for letting us ride along.

I find this very interesting.

[FantasticBabblings]

Thanks for coming along.

[darthdidious]

Glad to see its working.

[FantasticBabblings]

So far, so good. After a couple of weeks I will let you know if that is still the case.

[msscience]

I commend you for sharing this important issue with us. Even though my sister has the CPAP, she is extremely private about the whole business. I have more empathy for what she deals with and how her life has been changed since she uses the machine. She says she loves the air so much, she wishes she could have it during the day too!! You do look refreshed when you wake up!! Bravo Phil.

[FantasticBabblings]

Thanks so much for your continued support. Today I feel really good, better than in years. I still have work to do with diet, exercise, etc., but it is getting better.