Hot Tub Forum

General => General info Somewhat hot tub related => Topic started by: t6texan on January 03, 2009, 06:27:49 pm

Title: Sleep Apnea
Post by: t6texan on January 03, 2009, 06:27:49 pm

Hello was recently diagnosed  with sleep apnea. Does  Any of you other spa users have it? I was wondering how safe is it to use the spa , and what issues I should watch out for, other than no more hot tubing by myself. :(

Title: Re: Sleep Apnea
Post by: wmccall on January 03, 2009, 06:34:06 pm

I was diagnosed with SEVERE sleep apnea several years ago.  Do you find yourself falling asleep when driving?  If not, the hot tub isn't much different.  I rarely use the tub alone, but don't hesitate when the need arises. Now narcolepsy would be a different story.

Title: Re: Sleep Apnea
Post by: Vinny on January 03, 2009, 06:47:58 pm

I would say that if you find yourself falling asleep easily a lot then there will be a concern. I too have been diagnosed with severe sleep apnea and I function great most of the time.

I am a stomach sleeper and all of the tests have you laying on your back or side so I have to question the validity of the tests. My friend who runs the sleep lab where I had my test wonders how I function at all with the amount of incidents that I had - but being hooked up to wires and not being able to sleep on my stomach may have been the problem of why it was so bad.

There are also ways to deal with sleep apnea with the most effective being using a CPAP/BiPAP machine. Basically this blows air into your nose and/or mouth while you sleep and keeps the air passage open. People who get used to this clain they feel 1000% better.

Title: Re: Sleep Apnea
Post by: t6texan on January 03, 2009, 06:50:29 pm

No ! only had one experience so far that I felt I could very easily fall asleep while driving home.

Title: Re: Sleep Apnea
Post by: t6texan on January 03, 2009, 06:54:33 pm

Yes Vinny I do know about the Cpap machines but unfortunatly I havent goten mine yet.  :(

Title: Re: Sleep Apnea
Post by: Vinny on January 03, 2009, 07:01:43 pm

Quote

Yes Vinny I do know about the Cpap machines but unfortunatly I havent goten mine yet.  :(

Unfortunately, I never got used to my machine. It would develop a leak right by my eye blowing into my eye. I tried different masks and finally gave up.

Good luck with the machine!

Title: Re: Sleep Apnea
Post by: fdegree on January 03, 2009, 08:33:39 pm

I guess I fit right in.  I was diagnosed with sleep apnea a few years ago.  On average, an episode every 5 minutes...really sucks!!!

The CPAP didn't work for me either, also tried a few different masks.  Learning to deal with it for now.  But, I think I will revisit the medical community soon to see if there are any other options.

Anyway, regarding the hot tub...no worries for me.  I don't seem to even begin to get sleepy in the tub.  I guess I'm too busy star gazing...or something like that  ;)

Title: Re: Sleep Apnea
Post by: kokanee001 on January 03, 2009, 09:24:04 pm

I, too, suffer from sleep apnea. I use a CPAP machine every night. Also have an oxygen machine joined into it. Helps me rest a lot better. The masks have changed a lot every year, and the latest one isn't even a mask; just a pad that rests against the nostrils and blows air in. It would be nice not to be hooked up to anything, but advances have come a long way.

I don't find using my hot tub any different than driving. And I certainly don't worry about using my hot tub alone any more than I worry about driving alone.

Title: Re: Sleep Apnea
Post by: t6texan on January 03, 2009, 10:33:19 pm

Well im going outside to use my spa ;) This will be the first time ive used it in quite a while .  The air temp is cool but not to cold so it should be nice.

Title: Re: Sleep Apnea
Post by: wmccall on January 03, 2009, 11:20:56 pm

Quote

Yes Vinny I do know about the Cpap machines but unfortunatly I havent goten mine yet.  :(

I've had mine 3 years and never got use to the #$%$ thing.  I finally decided on a surgical option.  And Vinny, I've been through 4 of those sleep tests and I would rather have a root canal than ever do another one.

Title: Re: Sleep Apnea
Post by: t6texan on January 03, 2009, 11:32:40 pm

My sleep test was no fun either. First getting all those wires and probs  put on you, makes it really hard to relax mutch less turn over in the bed.  Not to mention the place where I had my test the landscape maintance crew decided they needed to run their gas powered leaf blowers around the grounds of the sleep study clinic at 10:00 pm for two hours straight. :o

Title: Re: Sleep Apnea
Post by: Spatech_tuo on January 04, 2009, 12:44:59 am

My sisted had this bad and slept with the mask/machine nightly. She was also noticeably overweight, got bypass surgery, lost 150 lbs and the problem was totally solved.

Title: Re: Sleep Apnea
Post by: Bonibelle on January 04, 2009, 12:56:22 am

My husband has a CPAP and I forced him to use it ..It is horrible sleeping with someone who snores very very loudly and then just stops breathing.  So we were both sleep deprived. When I finally moved out of the room, he conceeded to a sleep test and realized that he had a problem. The CPAP made a big difference (for both of us). The real solution though was, like Spatech said, weight loss. Since my husband has lost weight, he doesn't need the machine any longer.

I don't think having sleep apnea would raise any extra concern in the tub.

Title: Re: Sleep Apnea
Post by: wmccall on January 04, 2009, 09:13:37 am

Quote

My sisted had this bad and slept with the mask/machine nightly. She was also noticeably overweight, got bypass surgery, lost 150 lbs and the problem was totally solved.

That is where I am at.  I've lost 33 pounds so far and only have 50 to go.  ( I did the lap band, not the full bypass.)

Title: Re: Sleep Apnea
Post by: Bonibelle on January 04, 2009, 09:55:22 am

Bill, if you have done surgery, you probably have exhausted every diet out there..but I have to say the South Beach Diet is the easiest way to not only lose weight, but reduce your chance of diabetes. My husband and I did it last year this time and each lost over 30 lbs. It took months, but it was very easy. Dieting with your partner sure makes losing weight easier and if you learn why the diet works, you can keep the weight from coming back. I know for me, the coffee creamers packed on the pounds. I didn't realize how much I was using of that stuff (fat free flavored creamers). The biggest benefit of dropping that weight for me was relief from the arthritis in my knee. So combined with the hot tub, weight loss is also the ticket for managing arthritis. ;)

Title: Re: Sleep Apnea
Post by: Vinny on January 04, 2009, 08:07:17 pm

I believe that losing weight is the key to a lot of relief to a lot of ailments ... the problem is food is a good thing to have a vice on IMO! ;D

Title: Re: Sleep Apnea
Post by: Spatech_tuo on January 05, 2009, 10:54:57 am

Quote

... the problem is food is a good thing to have a vice on IMO! ;D

(http://www.simpsoncrazy.com/gallery/images/th/HomerSimpson21.gif)

[size=14][glow]

Ah, FOOD!!!!

[/glow][glow][/glow][/size]

Title: Re: Sleep Apnea
Post by: t6texan on January 05, 2009, 10:30:54 pm

One problem with sleep apnea is Weight . I have read somwhere that lack of sleep caused by sleep apnea cause some hormone inbalances that cause wieght gain. This in turn makes losing wieght  very hard >:(

Title: Re: Sleep Apnea
Post by: fdegree on January 06, 2009, 12:05:31 am

Ahhhhh, the secret to weight loss is napping.  I can live with that prescription. ;)

As many of you already know...sleep deprivation can lead to MANY physical problems. Even premature death :'(.

For me it is not being overweight that is contributing to my sleep apnea.  It seems to be genetics and a small airway :(.  While I could stand to lose 20 - 30 lbs., I had this problem many years ago when I weighed 175 lbs.  By the way, I'm 6' 0" if that helps to put it into perspective.

Title: Re: Sleep Apnea
Post by: pratzert on January 06, 2009, 10:52:45 am

I have it too !  Severe case.

I use a CPAP every night.... it's a pain, but has made a difference in my life for sure.

I used to find my head on my desk at work several times a day but the machine has changed all that.

I have never felt in danger at all when going into the tub alone.

I can think of worse ways to go than floating in a warm wet world of bliss.

Tim

Title: Re: Sleep Apnea
Post by: bobhol on January 06, 2009, 01:24:57 pm

I can honestly say I have never fallen asleep while driving....although I've  woken up a few times driving!!! ;D ;D ;D

Title: Re: Sleep Apnea
Post by: michiganwinter on January 06, 2009, 05:24:07 pm

I wonder if there is any correlation to hot tub usage and sleep apnea given the number of forumites having difficulties with this issue...

Title: Re: Sleep Apnea
Post by: wmccall on January 06, 2009, 09:44:49 pm

Quote

Ahhhhh, the secret to weight loss is napping.  I can live with that prescription. ;)

.  It seems to be genetics and a small airway

I still have my tonsils, which I may consider having removed. When I reach my goal weight, I am going to do another O2 night time test to see if things have improved.

Title: Re: Sleep Apnea
Post by: fdegree on January 06, 2009, 10:49:43 pm

I too still have my tonsils, though I am unclear as to how big of a roll that plays.  I realize they are "in the way", but if they are not flaring up, are they really a problem?

Title: Re: Sleep Apnea
Post by: Hillbilly Hot Tub on January 07, 2009, 10:43:41 am

I too have (had) sleep apnea. I fought to have a surgery called a UPPP done so I would not have to have a C PAP machine the rest of my life. Since I was very yound, 24, and went in front of my insurance board to prove that it would be less costly for them in the long run, Its been great.

My husband has untreated sleep apnea and sometimes falls asleep in the tub. I am with him, so not an issue. He has never gone under or had to have me save him yet. ;)

Title: Re: Sleep Apnea
Post by: fdegree on January 07, 2009, 01:49:51 pm

Quote

I too have (had) sleep apnea. I fought to have a surgery called a UPPP done so I would not have to have a C PAP machine the rest of my life. Since I was very yound, 24, and went in front of my insurance board to prove that it would be less costly for them in the long run, Its been great.

What is UPPP surgery?
How long ago did you have this done?
It sounds like it has worked for you, right?
Any issues as a result of the surgery?

Please forgive all of the questions.  I have been reluctant to go down the surgical route because the statistics have shown a relatively low success rate...around 60% as of about 3 years ago.  So, I'm curious about future options.

Title: Re: Sleep Apnea
Post by: Spatech_tuo on January 07, 2009, 01:53:55 pm

Quote

What is UPPP surgery?

A Google search sent me to Wikipedia:

[glow]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UPPP[/glow]

Title: Re: Sleep Apnea
Post by: wmccall on January 08, 2009, 06:54:25 am

Quote

What is UPPP surgery?
How long ago did you have this done?
It sounds like it has worked for you, right?
Any issues as a result of the surgery?

Please forgive all of the questions.  I have been reluctant to go down the surgical route because the statistics have shown a relatively low success rate...around 60% as of about 3 years ago.  So, I'm curious about future options.

Your right it is a low success rate.  They basically open up your airway by cutting out flesh around the back of your throat, and if you have tonsils they take htem out. I'd have conflicting info on whether or not it would help me.  I think the sleep doctors have an interest in keeping you coming back to them and selling you expensive CPAP equpment.

Title: Re: Sleep Apnea
Post by: Bonibelle on January 08, 2009, 09:24:30 am

The surgery was considered an option for my husband because he hated the CPAP so much. We consulted an ENT, who I believe to be one of the best. He said the success rate was relatively low and that my husband should exhaust everything else (like trying harder with the CPAP and lose weight). Thankfully, the weight loss did the trick. The difficult part is keeping the weight off... I think the threat of the cpap helps him control his eating. :-/

Title: Re: Sleep Apnea
Post by: Hillbilly Hot Tub on January 08, 2009, 04:04:35 pm

My UPPP surgery was done 13 years ago and it worked great for me. It was very painful though.

They took my tonsils, adnoids, the little thing that hangs down, forgot what it is called. They also trimmed the backside of my tounge (very, very painful!!!) They took the sides of the wall to the opening of my thraot and sewed them back. One side did come undone, so now it looks a bit like the letter D in the back of my throat, but I still have no issues.

This surgery did not work for my mother, but she is severly overweight (apx 450-500 lbs) and this was why. They had to put a trake tube in for her, which she got to have out after losing 150 pounds, but she has since gained the weight back and has issues again. I worry about her! She has to sleep sitting up at this point.

I had good luck with it and it was well worth the pain. Hopefully it will all stay fine as I turn old andd grey!

Title: Re: Sleep Apnea
Post by: chem geek on January 08, 2009, 05:35:38 pm

I had mild sleep apnea and frequent snoring and had surgery to resolve it that has been successful.  I was told that the following table defines the severity of sleep apnea based on number of disrupted breathing incidents per hour and the percentage of oxygen:

< 5 normal
5-19 & > 90% O2 mild
20-30 & 80-90% O2 moderate
> 30 & < 80% severe

I had 12 per hour and 93% O2 before the surgery.  I had a strongly deviated septum so I had surgery to fix that and also had a radio-frequency (RF) treatment to reduce the size of the turbinates and also 3 RF treatments (over time) on the soft palate.  The quoted rates for success were the following:

80-85% surgery success for sleep apnea & snoring
70-75% RF success for snoring only

For most of my life I never realized that it is normal to be able to breathe freely equally through both nostrils -- I was usually at least partially obstructed in one if not both.  I also liked to sleep in and would be drowsy with too little sleep usually needing 9+ hours per night.  Now I breathe well and can get up early with less sleep and feel refreshed.  My doctor was Dr. Riley (more info here (http://www.sleepsurgery.com/)).  By the way, I've always been skinny (underweight) so weight was not the issue.

Additional information may be found here (http://www.stanford.edu/~dement/apnea.html).

Richard

Title: Re: Sleep Apnea
Post by: fdegree on January 08, 2009, 09:46:39 pm

Quote

< 5 normal
5-19 & > 90% O2 mild
20-30 & 80-90% O2 moderate
> 30 & < 80% severe

My sleep study indicated that I averaged 12 episodes per hour.  But, what worries me is the O2 level.  It would drop to 69%.  Looking at the above information, it makes me wonder if my results are accurate...I'm way outside the ranges with the O2 level.

Title: Re: Sleep Apnea
Post by: Gary on January 09, 2009, 02:34:52 pm

I have minor SA but I snore light several freight trains, I have had several surgeries to help and they have helped some but what ended up working the best was a mouthpiece to hold my lower jaw forward when I sleep. I still snore but not that bad. I forget the name of it but you have to get it though a dentist (not one of those cheap ones you see on TV), they mold it to fit you perfect.

Title: Re: Sleep Apnea
Post by: wmccall on January 09, 2009, 02:42:46 pm

Quote

I have minor SA but I snore light several freight trains, I have had several surgeries to help and they have helped some but what ended up working the best was a mouthpiece to hold my lower jaw forward when I sleep. I still snore but not that bad. I forget the name of it but you have to get it though a dentist (not one of those cheap ones you see on TV), they mold it to fit you perfect.

Perfect sleep  is what it is called.  Did you jaw get sore and you eventually got used to it?

Title: Re: Sleep Apnea
Post by: Gary on January 09, 2009, 03:17:07 pm

Quote

Perfect sleep  is what it is called.  Did you jaw get sore and you eventually got used to it?

Yes, it only took a couple of nights. It has adjustments that you are supposed increase slightly over a couple period but I maxed mine out the first night.

I found the name: T.A.P. Thornton Adjustable Positioner

http://www.amisleep.com/

Title: Re: Sleep Apnea
Post by: Swell-Tub on January 10, 2009, 09:08:30 pm

I have had SA for a lot of years. Insurance paid for a CPAP rental and then after 18 months you own it. I got a RemStar Pro with a humidifier. Before that I had surgery on the vestibules inside my nose. That made it much easier to breath and was a pretty simple surgery. I really notice a difference when I sleep with the CPAP and the humidifier makes it so my throat is not so dried out in the morning. I let the hose hang down my side to keep air from escaping near the mouth. It takes a little practice with the straps and position of the air hose and you can make it through the night OK. Now my wife has started snoring but my CPAP drowns her out so I can sleep great. When I go on fishing trips everyone in the Condo knows where I'm sleeping.

Scott  8-)

Title: Re: Sleep Apnea
Post by: tanstaafl2 on January 13, 2009, 01:35:08 pm

Quote

Yes, it only took a couple of nights. It has adjustments that you are supposed increase slightly over a couple period but I maxed mine out the first night.

I found the name: T.A.P. Thornton Adjustable Positioner

http://www.amisleep.com/

There are several different sleep appliances that one can be fitted with for sleep apnea and snoring as a possible alternative to CPAP. I have used a SUAD device in the past although I haven't been using it much lately.

But it is a good idea to see a dentist with experience in the area to see what might work best for each individual case.