Am I being unreasonable and lazy by refusing to use a cpap machine to treat sleep apnea?

[Anonymous]

I, (30m), have moderate sleep apnea and autsim spectrum disorder. I looked into treatments and pretty much every doctor wants me to get a sleep apnea machine. I found out those are supposed to be hand washed daily. I don't hand wash anything if I can help it and insisted on a dishwasher when we moved into our current place, hence why I didn't bring a cpap into my home besides the loaner the doctor made me try before buying.

I also have other reasons such as...

-lack of space: We have a king sized platform bed with drawers and there is no room for a nightstand to place it on.

-The mask is too stimulating for my sensory issues.

-The air pressure from the machine wakes me up repeatedly throughout the night.

I am being called lazy and irresponsible with my health and selfish because my snoring keeps my wife up at night. Does anyone else think this?

[NamerOfStars]

Yes, you are- probably. You're not only risking your health and life, but your brain functionality, too- do you like the idea of waking up blind or deaf or paralyzed? When I began to suspect I had sleep apnea, I looked into it. CPAP (and bi- and auto-PAP, as well) machines do an excellent job of treating it; the problem is people not using them. I found dozens of stories that said things like "I was driving my kids to school, and I kept falling asleep at the wheel...", and I'd think "KEPT? It happened more than once, and you still didn't stop? You'd risk your life, and your children's lives, and the lives of everyone around you, rather than use this machine? Is it covered in spikes?".

As it turns out, I DO have sleep apnea (central, not obstructive, but still), and my machine works wonderfully. The only reason I put in that "probably" is that you've said multiple doctors have told you you'd need a CPAP- and diagnosing that requires a sleep study. Sleep studies are NOT a fun experience, and would DEFINITELY be a bigger test of sensory issues than just using a machine would. This makes me suspect you're being this as a suggestion, rather than a diagnosis- though your saying that the pressure DOES wake you up, rather than that it WOULD, suggests otherwise.

Let's take your points one by one.

-Washing: you do not have to clean the thing every day. Hell, I hardly do more than give the hose a run through with water and the mask a soaking once a month or so. Not only does that better suit my laziness, but it might've saved my life, since my first machine got caught up in the Philips recall, and heavy cleaning agents breaking down the foam were where the danger came from anyway. Keep it clean enough that you don't find it disgusting and its functioning isn't impacted, and you'll be fine.

-Lack of space: are you unable to put up a shelf on the wall a foot or so above your head? Unless you've got a machine made of solid steel, this shouldn't be a huge issue to work around.

-Mask sensory issues: How many different types have you tried? If a full face design is too much, a nasal mask or even a set of pillows (no, I don't know why they're called that; no one seems to know why they're called that) might be better. If any facial sensation is too much, going the other way and getting a whole face mask might do for you.

-Air sensory issues: modern machines usually have some ability to ramp up pressure over time, allowing you to fall asleep and not get the full pressure until you're under.

Adjusting to a CPAP takes time, it's true, and for some, it's more time than others. But if you suffer damage from not treating this, it won't just be you who suffers; those who care about you will, too. If nothing else, think of how your poor wife would feel, stuck in jail because she smothered you with a pillow when you wouldn't stop snoring.

[Anonymous]

The Health System and all of the Doctors are preaching the words of the enemy. All sickness comes under the curse of the law but according to Galatians 3:13, we have been redeemed from the curse of the law. But when you do not know this, you continue believing in and practicing the advice of the enemy.

But on another note, I know someone that only snores when their body is depleted of iodine. But supplementation with iodine is not a simple matter and can cause damage if misunderstood. Adequate selenium is also required. But when done correctly it is very beneficial and safe.

On another note, my thinning hair is growing back through my understanding concerning Galatians 3:13 and the power of confessing health out loud backed by scripture.

Jesus Christ took all of our infirmities, but when we do not acknowledge this and do not know it, then we will act as if we are still under the curse of the law / curse of sickness and then we go to a Doctor that also acts like we are still under the curse of the law. All Doctors have to ignore the healing power of the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ, in order to remain a viable business that makes any profit.

[NamerOfStars]

And here we have a perfect example of what oxygen-deprived brain damage can do.

[Anonymous]

You're a candidate for dying in your sleep. My dad uses a CPAP/BIPAP machine. The only thing you have to wash regularly is the mask and tubing, and there's a machine you can buy that takes care of that if you don't want to hand wash them. You're coming up with all kinds of excuses for resisting that which will improve your life, if not save it in the long term. My dad and others who use it report it's a life-altering experience. It may take some getting used to, but it's well worth it. Stop making excuses and start using the thing.

[Asker]

There are other treatments for sleep apnea besides the mask. I want to explore those first, but my doctor refuses to let me try those until I try and fully fail at this

[Opinion Owner]

Nothing as effective, and your doctor is right.

[Asker]

So I have to be some kinda freak that looks like a frankenstien monster while he sleeps? I'm too young to need to be connected a machine and tubes to be able to breathe. I don't understand why they can't just take my tonsils and trim my soft pallet first to see if that gets rid of it. Its depressing the thought of needing to be hooked up every night.

[Anonymous]

untreated sleep apnea can get dangerous... yes you are being unreasonable. sorry. some things you are just going to have to deal with if you want to not stop breathing in your sleep.

[exitseven]

Okay- I also have sleep apnea. I have been using a CPAP for more than 5 years. Yes, it sucks but I had a sleep test that showed that I really have sleep apnea. At first it was a big adjustment. I eventually got to the point where I can get 5 or 6 hours of sleep a night. i hate to admit it but I really do feel better. I am not as tired during the day. It will take a few months to really get used to it.

I only wash it out once a week on Sunday morning.

It sucks

[Curmudgeon]

I understand that. Feeling like you are on a ventilator, one that requires constant cleaning at that, is not pleasant. Some alternatives you could try first:
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-apnea/alternatives-to-cpap

Also, this is a motivator to lose weight and slim down. The thinner you are, the less likely this is to happen.

[Asker]

I explored some of these options. The one my doctor was the least averse to was something called "Inspire" but he still felt a cpap was better and wanted to push that. Thankfully I can get a 2nd opinion if I need to. Unfortunately I am bmi of 40 and need to be 32 or lower to get Inspire.

My doctor refered me to a beriatric weight loss center I should be getting into contact with this week.