Rohan Kapoor*, 42 from Delhi has been dealing with Obstructive Sleep Apnea disorder for last fifteen years, and uses a CPAP machine to get undisturbed sleep.
Please tell us a bit about your condition
I have been living with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) since 2004, when it was diagnosed through a Sleep test. I use a CPAP machine to help me sleep and manage my condition fairly successfully because of the device.
हिंदी में पढ़ें: मैंने अपनी स्लीप एपनिया समस्या को कैसे ठीक किया
What were the early symptoms?
The early symptoms (which we did not recognize as that of OSA) were – Very loud snoring and Cheyne-Strokes Breathing. My sleeping had become so shallow that I could listen and understand a conversation in an adjacent room even when I was sleeping and snoring. I would feel very tired and sleepy all day and once had a minor accident when I fell asleep while driving.
Related Reading: When should you take snoring seriously?
Is there a history of sleep apnea in your family?
No. Even though several members of my family snore loudly, tests have shown that they do not have sleep apnea.
Please describe your experience of managing the condition?
I use a CPAP machine while sleeping and from the very first day of using the machine I have had no problems. However, if I am unable to use the machine, i.e. if there is a power-cut, or when travelling, I am unable to sleep properly.
How did you gather information about sleep apnea? Have you ever been a part of a support group?
After I was diagnosed with OSA, I remembered the description of apnea from my college text-books. I also have read about it on the internet.
I am not a part of any support group, as I am not aware of any.
What medications are you on (if any)?
I do not require any medicine for OSA. The CPAP machine works well for me.
Please tell us about the machine you use.
I use a CPAP machine. The first machine I used was from a Swedish company called Breas. After around 8 years, it started giving problems. So I replaced it with another CPAP machine from an American company called DeVilbis. That has worked without any problem for around 8 years.
How does a CPAP machine work?
A CPAP machine, or a Constant Pressure Air Pump, provides a small continuous pressure to the air going into the lung. This pressure keeps the wind-pipe from collapsing during deep sleep, and hence helps the patient to continue breathing. The machine pumps filtered air through a pipe to a nasal mask. For people who cannot use nasal masks, full face masks or nasal pads are also available.
Is it expensive and out of most people’s reach?
CPAP machines are moderately expensive. Currently, good machines, like from DeVilbis, Phillips Respironics, ResMed or Breas cost around Rs 50,000/- if you buy from an authorized dealer, but may be available for less through online purchases. However, the machines have to be used for life, so it is good to spend the amount for something that will last at least a decade.
Masks have to be bought every 6 months to 1 year and good gel masks, that do not cut into your nose, cost around Rs 3000/- when bought online.
What are the kind of challenges you have faced with the machine?
The machines work on A/C power, but can also work on special batteries. However, these batteries are not available in India, so it is difficult if one has to travel overnight by plane or train, or stay where power is intermittently available or unavailable.
In fact, I have fitted the machine to an UPS (which is used for computers), so that I don’t have to wake up every time the power goes off and we have to wait for the generator to start.
Also, CPAP machines are mechanical devices and will occasionally need to be serviced. During that time, it is essential that the service agent provide a spare CPAP machine, without which it will not be possible to sleep.
Do you face any fluctuation in the voltage frequency of the machine which might hamper your sleep?
I use UPS for my CPAP machine, so do not face issues of voltage fluctuation. However, on one occasion, voltage fluctuation on a train caused the CPAP machine to malfunction and it gave me problems since then.
How portable is your machine?
My machine is portable, and I take it with me when travelling. I have been able to use it when flying business class or on trains.
What kind of specialists do you consult and how often?
I used to visit the general physician who diagnosed the problem. However, I have not consulted a doctor for more than a decade as the problem is under control.
Are there myths regarding sleep apnea that need to be busted?
The biggest problem is that most people are still not aware of apnea.
One myth is that snoring means apnea. That is not correct, as snoring can be caused my many problems. In fact, many devices or medicines claiming to stop snoring (like BreatheRite) do not work for snoring due to OSA.
Another myth is that one needs to be hospitalized to get it diagnosed. These days, several clinics carry out the test at home.
Have you had to make some changes to your lifestyle because of your condition?
I have not had to make changes to my lifestyle, even though it took a while to get used to using a CPAP machine. But the improvement in quality of sleep was so dramatic that it was well worth it.
Have you tried complementary medicine or therapies, like homeopathy, ayurveda or yoga?
No. My problem is too severe for Yoga, which works very well for initial stages of OSA. I have not found any evidence that alternate therapies work. There is one treatment that is USFDA approved, but I do not know anyone who offers that treatment. CPAP is still considered the gold-standard of treating OSA.
How has your family supported you, specially your spouse?
My family has been very supportive, recognizing the problem as a disease and recognizing that it needed to be treated. My wife probably had a hard time living with someone who looks like a diver when sleeping. But not having to tolerate persistent and loud snoring probably made up for it.
* Name changed on request
