Weight Loss and Sleep Apnea

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Permalink Reply by Richard Borrow on December 20, 2009 at 4:22am

Hi Antonio

The only advice/techniques that I would be able to put forth would be starting with weight loss sessions. Specific techniques I will leave up to someone else on here.

If you let him know that the weight loss is not an over-nighter, it will be a slower process. Work with him on emphasizing the exercise issues as well. The exercising only has to be walking it doesn't have to be anything really strenuous. Start him off with 15 min a day 4x for the first week, then increase it to 30 min a day. By the first month, his 30 min ( or more ) should be at a brisk pace so that he can start burning calories.

The weight loss hypnosis sessions, along with good visualization of him walking his time and building a little speed in the third week will help him greatly to get him on track in the beginning. Once he starts losing the weight and getting the exercise, others around him will notice that his snoring will not be a great.

He will need a lot of encouragement along the way and maybe someone to walk with him in the beginning until the eating healthier, exercising becomes is new way of living. If he is struggling in the first few weeks, let him know that the overweight, not exercising and sleep apnea is a bad combination and could lead to heart attacks.

Those three things, along with smoking, lead to me having a heart attack (Widow Maker) June '08, now I am 71lbs lighter and don't use the CPAP machine.

I hope this helps, I know a few others will have their input as well and I hope that you can help your neighbour help himself.

Richard

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Permalink Reply by Hugh Cole on December 20, 2009 at 5:16am

Antonio
The most obvious thing is the "don't like the Cpap" statement There are other ways of keeping the airwaves open such as Dental appliances. but they are all physically uncomfortable. I have actually worn both at one point in my life and I prefer the appliance.
I have helped one Cpap wearer to overcome the discomfort of the mask and use it regularly. She is now making progress toward a significant weight release goal. When you are severely overweight.. sleep apnea is life threatening and I recommend that you get a medical referral before you work with your neighbor.


Hugh Cole.

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Permalink Reply by Antonio on December 20, 2009 at 1:50pm

Can anyone recommend any alternatives to CPAP machines and or dental devices? If not, what about some high quality cpap masks?

Antonio

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Permalink Reply by Walt Potter on December 20, 2009 at 6:52pm

Antonio,

To improve your friend's energy level he needs to control the apnea asap. To get a good fit he needs to see a specialist and get the cpap set up correctly and have the mask fit right. The masks are all pretty good quality. Getting someone to fit them correctly is the real problem. The sleep apnea hammers one's heart real bad. The apnea makes one feel rotten all of the time, that leads to eating to feel good.... Big bad circle.

I think you can control the sleeping problem with a good sleep plan that has him loving to use that mask. Several good nights of deep restful sleep will make a real difference in how he feels.

Belief change is important here.

It's all bound up with self care. Get a toe hold anywhere and start widening the gap.

Walt

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Permalink Reply by Henxy on December 21, 2009 at 12:05am

They're all medical devices, and as such are made to high standards (others higher than others, it does have to be said).
IMHO there's no alternative to CPAP. You either want those airways (or airwaves, if you're Hugh!) patent with that pressure. Admittedly, BiPAP is much comfier and nicer to breathe with, but it's more like assisted ventilation, and is less appropriate to use at home.

Antonio said:

Can anyone recommend any alternatives to CPAP machines and or dental devices? If not, what about some high quality cpap masks?

Antonio

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Permalink Reply by Henxy on December 21, 2009 at 12:07am

Masks become poorly-fitted as soon as a person moves. I think it's important to know how to fit it oneself, or to have a partner/carer be trained to do so. Obtaining an optimum seal is the key to gaining the benefit.

Walt Potter said:

Antonio,

To improve your friend's energy level he needs to control the apnea asap. To get a good fit he needs to see a specialist and get the cpap set up correctly and have the mask fit right. The masks are all pretty good quality. Getting someone to fit them correctly is the real problem. The sleep apnea hammers one's heart real bad. The apnea makes one feel rotten all of the time, that leads to eating to feel good.... Big bad circle.

I think you can control the sleeping problem with a good sleep plan that has him loving to use that mask. Several good nights of deep restful sleep will make a real difference in how he feels.

Belief change is important here.

It's all bound up with self care. Get a toe hold anywhere and start widening the gap.

Walt

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Permalink Reply by Walt Potter on December 21, 2009 at 4:00am

If the pressure level is high then a BiPAP is a good idea. I switched from CPAP to BiPAP a couple of years ago and it made a real difference.

I new sleep study may be called for also.

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Permalink Reply by Henxy on December 21, 2009 at 4:15am

Even if pressures aren't high- BiPAP's a hell of a lot comfier and more natural.

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Permalink Reply by Hugh Cole on December 21, 2009 at 4:20am

We're on the same wavelength Henxy

Hugh Cole
Murdering the Kings English one word at a time

Henxy said:

They're all medical devices, and as such are made to high standards (others higher than others, it does have to be said).
IMHO there's no alternative to CPAP. You either want those airways (or airwaves, if you're Hugh!) patent with that pressure. Admittedly, BiPAP is much comfier and nicer to breathe with, but it's more like assisted ventilation, and is less appropriate to use at home.

Antonio said:

Can anyone recommend any alternatives to CPAP machines and or dental devices? If not, what about some high quality cpap masks?

Antonio

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