What % of patients ACTUALLY suceed with CPAP

[Sleeplessinkent]

After a sleep study, and subsequent overnight trial I have been using a CPAP (Sleepstyle 600) since October last year.

I have yet to have one full nights sleep. The machine tells me I currently average 3.6 hours a night.

I initially used a nasal cushion mask and after a few weeks bought a nasal pillow mask. After several weeks I found it impossible to keep the nasal pillow mask on my head and reverted back to the original nasal cushion mask.

On many nights, I seemingly, remove the mask in my sleep.

I have spoken to one other patient whose experience mirrors mine. In addition, my own GP and a nurse who once worked at the sleep disorder clinic in the Royal Brompton have endorsed my view that the CPAP machines are very difficult to use.

My "consultant" tells me, however, that 90% of his patients succeed with CPAP.

What is the real truth behind this. Just what is the "conversion rate" to those on CPAP?

[Tigers Fan]

Wouldn't and couldn't

Wouldn't and couldn't do without my APAP! I am alive again instead of being a tired and grumpy zombie.

Yes, they are difficult to use but as with any skill, it gets easier with time and practise - seemingly not for all, though.

Have you tried a full-face mask? Like a comfort or security blanket, they are - except on blowy nights, of course!

Tigers Fan

[GrumpyBiker]

I have just returned from my 3-month follow-up appointment. The sleep tech was pleased with my 7.5 hour 30 day average and 8 hour 7 day average, saying it was very good. I use a full-face mask (a Quattro) which suits me well. In the past, I spent a fair amount of time flying in military aircraft wearing oxygen masks, so this may have helped me to adapt quickly.

My life has been quite literally transformed by my APAP Machine.

Andy

[dezellis]

My "consultant" tells me, however, that 90% of his patients succeed with CPAP.

What is the real truth behind this. Just what is the "conversion rate" to those on CPAP?

I do not have access to the statistics to answer the actual question above, however, I can report that I experience over 8hrs APAP use per night. My equipment Respironics REMstar® Auto M Series with C-Flex™ or A-Flex™ with a Fisher & Paykel Opus 360 Nasal Pillows mask. I wake with a big joker grin type mark on my face from the mask; it is probably a bit tight but it works for me and it is a small price to pay for restful sleep.

Check out the thread below for tips. This thread is automatically linked as a similar thread near the bottom of the thread that you started. I believe there is mention of a long blog entry on the subject of tips for use also.

http://forums.cpap.co.uk/showthread.php?t=135

Regards
Dez Ellis

[leswaller]

Sleeplessinkent
It sounds to me as if the pressure isn't right if you are only getting 3.5hrs sleep at a time. It does take a while to get used to things but I would have thought that if you have been using the machine since October you should be settled into it by now.
What machine are you using, do you know how to change the pressure if it is a CPAP. If it is an APAP then something is wrong with it

[Mr Stefan]

Success

I have to say some nights I do find I have removed the mask in my sleep but I always refit, last night swapped the mask at 03;00 as I am suffering from a cold which has caused me some nasel restriction and I was unable to get comfortable with the nasel pillows, went back to sleep and woke up at 07:45 to my alarm, mask still in place as it is most mornings when I awake.
The user must realise if they have some of the symptoms reoccuring then the treatment is not working, they should discuss this with the sleep clinic.
Being a relative new user I read the posts from the long term users and I have not picked up any significant percentage of users claiming they still have problems, I think it is a case of us new users getting used to the equipment and being comfortable with your mask.
The long term users have always offered positive comments to all my posts and I have followed the advice offered, I would not say I am totally relaxed using the equipmenty and have still some anxiety to overcome, I remind myself when fitting the mask of the benifits to be had the following day.
My consultant has advised, he has a significant number (hundreds) of users who are getting benifit from the treatment, but it may take some time to accept and adjust to the equipment.
Stefan

[James @ Intus]

The exact success rate varies per clinical paper and for many reasons. It entirely depends on what you call a success. The NHS thinks 4 hours a night is a success, so with your 3.6 hours, you are close to being a statistical success.

More realistic "how many people claim to actually get on OK" numbers are probably best quoted as 85-90%. The other OSA treatment, with mandibular (jaw) repositioning devices is said to be even higher at around 95%. All in all both are generally very successful, especially over time. And well worth the initial trouble.

These are also a lot more successful than irreversible treatments such as surgery but no one can give you exact figures.

From reading forums like this, people tend to get the impression the balance is closer to 50/50 but remember, people come here for a reason, that is they don't get on with it yet. Those who do get on with it perfectly, don't have much need to come here. That's why forums don't reflect the real percentages. In fact, 99/100 posts here will be due to a problem with very few great success stories here (but they are here too). It's just the nature of the beast that people complain more than they give praise, and that's exactly why this forum came into existence, to help the reminaing 20 odd percent to try and get on with things.

Together we've helped a lot of people join the "I'm OK now" camp!

[pilewis]

Hi Sleeplessinkent.

I have been using my CPAP machine for almost 2 years now and have to admit would never do with out it! I went from a nasal mask to nasal pillows and am currently using the Swift LT pillows which are fantastic and as for someone who is a restless sleeper and moves a lot is great as don't get caught in the tube.

I have been told that will have to use the CPAP machine for the rest of my life unless there is a significant change and have to be honest being 26 it was a shock but don't even think about it. one thing I have found a god send is using a very small ammount of olbus oil in my humidifier.

From looking at what your saying it does indeed sound like either the pressure is not right for you in which case it needs adjusting or the mask is not right!

I was interested to read your statistics as from what my specialist told me in fact it was a chance of higher sucess using CPAP than having corrective surgeory!!

I hope things work out for you and will be following this thread with great interest!!

[mart9012]

i gotta say initially I did notice a big improvement but I'm not so sure quite how good it is now. I use my machine everynight and actually quite like the feeling of the positive pressure. I also use it if I get a bit of hayfever, the filtered air eases angry lungs!

i hardly drive so it's not such a major issue as it was, and when I was riding a motorcycle I never had a tired moment like i did in a car. In a car I was badly affected and wouldn't dream of driving without having used my machine!