Sleep Apnea Support Group

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. People with sleep apnea partially awaken as they struggle to breathe, but in the morning they may not be aware of sleep disturbances.

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Anyone else experience this?

Changeforbetter101
Changeforbetter101
Hello all. I have a question I am hoping you may have thoughts to. I have noticed when my husband falls asleep his breathing seems to be a little odd. I only notice it when he first falls asleep, only because I seem to be awake a little longer than him at night, therefore I don't know if it occurs throughout the whole night or not. But - when he breaths, he takes in a 'normal' inhale, but the exhale is this short, abrupt 'puff.' Hard to explain - but if lets say it takes him 3 seconds to inhale, it only takes half a second to exhale and it is like this quick burst of air. Anyone experience this? I'm thinking he has sleep apnea, but I don't know how he sleeps throughout the night because I sleep all night. He does snore.... Any thoughts would be appreciated!
rula314
rula314
You can see if his doctor will refer him for a sleep study. I just had one done and I'm waiting for the results. Sleep Apnea can have some serious complications if left untreated.
Tez62
Tez62
lmichels13, welcome, I would suggest he gets a referral from his GP to a Sleep Specialist, a sleep study is expense but may save his life. Aa sleep Specialst may suggest a home sleep study which is cheaper, good luck and keep us updated and ask any questions
keeska
keeska
Hi Imichels13. My DH does the same thing. He breathes in through his nose, then out through his mouth, which remains closed throughout except for the puff when he exhales. That's how I know he's asleep.

Count the time between his breaths. The longer between breaths, the more likely he is to have sleep apnea.

Does he snore?
Changeforbetter101
Changeforbetter101
Yes he snores. Count the times between breaths? You mean between inhales? Not sure what you mean.... And does your DH have sleep apnea then? I don't know if it is really an apnea because I don't notice him STOP breathing at all - I just notice the forceful 'puffs' of exhaling, which just seems odd to me...
Thanks for the replies!
harry3333
harry3333
apnea sufferers often don't stop breathing as the apnea can happen on every breath
make a tape recording of him asleep and see doctor about getting him a sleep study
goodasonce
goodasonce
I suggest that you consult a physician about a full fledged sleep study. The home version is cheap but a waste of time. When I first was suffering with chronic sleepiness (caused by apnea) I tried the home version which erroneously tested negative. I then spent many months and thousands on psychiatrists, etc. only to find in fact, I did have obstructive sleep apnea.
CaitlinTibroMedical
CaitlinTibroMedical
Home Sleep Studies can be very cost effective and is what most insurances are requiring patients to do before going for an in lab study. Its important to know what the HST company and device is. NovaSom has is a great company but your local sleep labs should also have a good product.