Question: I am a 58-year-old NOT overweight female who was diagnosed a year ago with Severe OSA. The diagnosis explained my chronic fatigue, palpitations and various aches and pains. I snore very mildly. Bought a silicone mouth device which slightly pulls the tongue out and completely gets rid of the snoring. You would think the sleep apnea would also be helped by this.
NO: Just got the results back from a new sleep study (with the mouth device): still “waking” 35 times per hour, with an average oxygen saturation of 82% … I HATE the CPAP machine (although it worked). I HATE the idea of being connected to this machine each and every night; I hate waking up in the morning with the impression of the mask straps on my face FOR HOURS. The rubber of the mask irritates my skin as well.Yes, I am fatigued but HIGHLY functional. I DO NOT fall asleep during conversations, driving my car or watching a movie. I have NORMAL blood pressure, EKG. Did an echocardiogram: NORMAL. Stress test: NORMAL. I exercise in moderation (walking and water aerobics) I am a singer … the point being that I utilize my airways a great deal!I DO experience many instances of very rapid heartbeats, also when waking up in the morning…and am concerned that although it is not measurable NOW, I am doing long-term damage to my heart. CAN SOMEBODY give me accurate information on HOW exactly UNTREATED sleep apneacan cause “sudden death,” “heart failure. Perhaps if I understood better, I would be more willing to put up with the CPAP.Thanks!