Mix 94.5

Very informative articles

Posted by Gloria Gangi Tuesday 26 August, 2008 03:40 PM

I recently tried a product called Asonor and it worked to stop my snoring! - saevin me from surgery. My wife is also now much happier - highly recommended

Posted by Martin Jaminson Monday 25 August, 2008 09:13 AM

Hi Shane,
In addition to my last message, here is a link to a website with a video introduction about Buteyko. http://www.buteykohealth.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22&Itemid=36
It is just under 2 hours long.
Cheers Linda ....

Posted by Linda Tuesday 5 August, 2008 07:35 AM

Hi Shane,
Like you I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. I have been sleeping with a CPAP machine since February this year. The first month was interesting. Re-learning to sleep with my mouth closed. If my mouth opened during the night the air would go straight in my nose and out my mouth. None going down to the lungs. So when you are asleep and feel like you are chocking your first reaction is to open your mouth and breath in. Needless to say there were a few nights I ripped the machine off my face. Hmm..
Well I finally got use to sleeping with the CPAP machine and got restful sleep. Heaven!!!! I felt great, really great. I don't want to go back to bad sleepless nights again. I have had a few nights here and there without the machine and I have felt a difference the next day. So I should be happy. Wear this machine to bed every night for the rest of my life and I will get a good night sleep. However like yourself I am also single and thinking I may stay this way unless I meet some nerdy guy with a Darth Vader fetish, and well then, that in itself just opens up a whole other gamut of problems (not that there is any thing wrong with nerdy guys who like Darth Vader). I know people say if you meet the right person it won't matter. However falling asleep snuggling up together is one of the best feelings and knowing that is gone, is pretty sad.
So I am searching for something else. My doctor told me that a mouth splint nor throat operation would help me as I am not over weight and are still quite young (hey, the doctor said mid 30s was young, so I'm believing him). Apparently I just stop breathing. Researching tonight I came across the Buteyko breathing method. I noticed some of your listeners have suggested this to you. I was wondering if you have tired this. I am a bit of a chicken to outlay yet again more money. However if it worked it would be worth it. So Shane as the media guinea pig for all of us who want snuggles without snores, your mission if you choose to accept it, is to let us know if the Buteyko method works for you.
Sleep well
Kind Regards Linda..

Posted by Linda Monday 4 August, 2008 08:09 PM

Hi Shane,

10 years ago I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea, stopped breathing 320 times in 8 hours under observation. After trying several remedies including the dreaded mask I gave up and just lived with it. My partner was wearinfg ear plugs so she could sleep because my snoring was so bad. Recently, after re trialing the mask, I opted for surgery which was done 4 weeks ago today. I have a 3 month full recovery period before I under go another sleep study to see how successful the op was how ever early signs are encouraging. If you would like to know a bit more about it from the person under the knife and not the doctors let me know.

Regards,

Russell

Posted by Russell M Monday 4 August, 2008 11:05 AM

My dentist gave me a very simple fix a couple of years ago by simply buying some lightweight paper based tape from the pharmacy and taping my lips together on going to sleep, thereby forcing me to breathe through my nose. This pretty much stops the snoring and also has an additional benefit of giving a far better night's sleep. Try it, it works for me, and once you get used to the idea of not being able to breathe through your mouth, or gulp in mouthfuls of air, its a very easy solution to snoring.
Even when I sleep by myself I still "tape up" to get a better sleep.

Posted by Rob Ainsworth Saturday 2 August, 2008 07:58 AM

iI snored all night and kept my partner of 18 months awake all night. Was waking myself up through the snoring and the breathing when that stopped too . Three weeks ago we invested in a bio magnetic woolen underlay costing $300 for a Queen size and its the best money ever spent. It has reduced the snoring by 95%.

Posted by Nalene Monday 28 July, 2008 08:31 AM

hey Shane.

Your snoring wouldnt bother me...if you could put up with mine.

Posted by michelle Sunday 27 July, 2008 08:01 PM

hey helen i am still persisting with the the machine ,after 5 weeks i have yet to sleep a night however as the doctor has suggested not all adapt to wearing the mask immediately but because the condition does require a resolution i must continue trying that amongst other suggested remedies

Posted by shane mcfarlane Friday 25 July, 2008 01:52 PM

Hi All
Hey Shane, I had my sleep over last night, and get the results next week. Does the machine work for you????

Posted by Helen R Friday 25 July, 2008 11:19 AM

Hi Lynette;

I'm going to talk about this tomorrow (23/07). Stay tuned, literally :)

Shane

Posted by Shane McFarlane Wednesday 23 July, 2008 03:01 PM

Hi Shane,I wondered if you have found a solution to your snoring yet as I have not heard you comment for a while. I have the machine and do not use it anymore, I have been trying Reiki to help me clear my nose and also every night I sniff a Vicks inhaler and put Euclalyptus on my pillow.

Posted by Lynette Wednesday 23 July, 2008 01:58 PM

Hello, my mum has sleep apnea quite bad, and my dad has had to wear ear plugs every night because she is so loud. She went to the chemist one day and saw a product on the front counter called "AntiSnor", which is a ring that you wear on your left hand on your little finger at night that has 2 bumps on the bottom, which are supposed to work on pressure points in the body to make your breathing a bit more shallow and relaxed to help stop the snoring. She thought it was a bit far fetched, but she bought one because it was under $50. She has worn it for 14 nights in a row, and hasnt snored once! My dad doesnt have to wear ear plugs anymore, and she is sleeping better. All you have to do is put it on about 20 minutes before you go to bed, and then just go to sleep! I have since looked it up on the net, and there are heaps of web sites, just google AntiSnor and it comes up.

Posted by Amanda Friday 18 July, 2008 10:47 AM

My partner now drinks fenugreek tea before bed and it actually works! Tastes yuk-must warn you- put a touch of honey etc to your taste and you will see an improvement! I also give it to my young son and my dog!!! I now can sleep!

Posted by Trish Thursday 17 July, 2008 03:38 PM

My husband used to snore but hasn't since he started using a Homedic's Instant Comfort pillow Model Number: PRX-300. It was ~$120 but well worth it. Try it out at Myer on their trial bed for at least 5 minutes. When he put his head on the pillow, Steve said "no way" but i insisted he last the 5 minutes before giving up and within about 3 minutes he said we were getting it. No problems since and we even have to take it away with us. A bit of a marriage saver as i was starting to sleep in the guest room when i couldn't stand the noise anymore.

Posted by Amanda Ibbotson Thursday 17 July, 2008 07:48 AM

G'day Shane,
Same problem, had the sleep centre thing.
The specialist advised me to get my other half to sew a tennis ball into the back of a singlet and wear that to bed so that I am not on my back. It has worked for me so good luck.

Posted by Keith Wednesday 16 July, 2008 06:27 PM

mate as a snorer here are some tips

Mouthguard - i use ones called snorers friend

Keep hydrated- water/ cordial etc

Keep your weight in check

use the gym and keep fit-

This regime has helped me with not being so tired all day and also helps my partner get sleep!!!

Posted by des Tuesday 15 July, 2008 09:55 AM

My husband is a snorer/snorter/grunter.
Two words.
CATTLE PROD

Posted by Rhonda Bennett Tuesday 15 July, 2008 08:14 AM

Hi Shane.
I have a similar problem: single and wondering how I'm going to cope with a relationship, as well as the "Martian Mask", as I call it.

When I explained my concerns about this aspect, to the specialist, he said, and I quote,"You're supposed to wear it after sex-not before!"

Now, seriously, I'm now seeking treatment from Dr Igor Trabizian, who is a medical doctor, as well as being a Naturopath. His rooms are at the rear of the Pharmacy at "Health Quest Medical, on the corner of Canning Highway and Pt Walter Rd in Bicton." (Phone 94382299) He is treating the cause and not just the symptoms. He's quite well-known and has published a few books. Good luck with everything.

Cheers...Bobbie

Posted by Bobbie Kidd Monday 14 July, 2008 05:45 PM

Hi Mix listeners;

Thank you to all who have taken the time to post a blog on remedies for my sleep apnea. I am pursuing a few of your suggestions and fingers crossed, I hope we can find a solution!!!

Make sure to keep them coming, they're really spurring me on!!

Cheers

Shane

Posted by Shane McFarlane Saturday 12 July, 2008 05:47 PM

hi shane

i might not have had sleep apnea before but i might have a solution!

try putting a peg on your nose at night before you go to bed.

Posted by Calon Rowlands Saturday 12 July, 2008 11:36 AM

Hi Shane, am thinking you should consider giving up beer - ohmigod what a thought - and take up drinking red wine, it has a more settling effect on the system, is good for your bllod and heart, while still benefitting from an alcoloholic drink. Also some comforting nurturing would also do you good.

Posted by deborah Friday 11 July, 2008 05:41 PM

Hi Shane
Sleep Apnea is like so many problems, most people do not know they have it. I am secretary of the Sleep Disorders Assoc of WA. My husband Max has Sleep Apnea and wears CPAP.I do not notice his machine, I don't hear it, but I hear him if he snores. Remember an apnea is a cessation of breathing, for your long term health you need to find something you are happy to live with longterm. We have over 150 members in WA and run 4 public meetings per year. Our group are volunteers who share knowledge about sleep problems with new sufferers. Many people think apnea and snoring is a male problem but women and children also suffer. Perth has 4 clinics 3 for adults and one at PMH for children. Surgery is looked on as a last resort, Butekyo Method breathing is not a proven system for apnea, but CPAP works if it is used. Yes it is hard to get used to, looks weird but it works. Our next public meeting is at SCGH on Saturday 2/8/08 @1:30pm, we would love you to join us, and learn more about how others cope with their apnea.

Posted by Lorraine K Thursday 10 July, 2008 09:00 AM

Hi Shane.
Im a snorer as well a pretty bad one as well. My partner has to wear ear plugs ever night to bed and he can still hear me. I was once in hospital and I kept the whole ward awake due to my snoring they had to put me in a different section of the ward so that the patients could get some sleep. I did have the CPAP machine for sometime many years ago, but I soon found that I lost my voice with it, I did get a good night sleep but found it too noisy so I gave up on it. What I did find helpful I would take extra mints lollies before going to sleep that would clear my nose and I found that I didn’t snore. When I did my sleep test at the clinic they told me I stopped breathing for a few seconds this occurred about 12 times during the night, pretty scary when they say to you that you could die during the night. Even when living at home with my parents they could hear me snoring from outside or even when all the doors where closed they could still hear me. Anyway good luck.

Posted by Justine Wednesday 9 July, 2008 11:38 PM

I have been diagnosed with severe sleep apnea and have been on a CPAP for the last 2 years with great success. I use a Fishe Paykel system with a nose cushion and swivel hose. It has change my life...! I want to urge you to find something that you are comfortable sleeping with.

Posted by Neels Wednesday 9 July, 2008 09:45 PM

Hi Shane, I saw the segment on Today Tonight and I know exactly what you are going through. I too suffered from snoring and sleep apnea; NOT ANYMORE!!! I consulted a dental specialist who recommended SOMNAMED. This is a device (upper and lower splints/mouthguards) and since day 1, I have not snored or suffered from sleep apnea. Now I won't sleep without my SOMNAMED. It is definitely worth the investment.

Posted by Ralph Wednesday 9 July, 2008 03:25 PM

Hi Shane
As several people have suggested, your snoring and apnoea are both symptoms of your hyperventilation. Your choice is to attempt to suppress the symptoms with surgery, CPAP machines or dental appliances or to address the cause. I can teach you how to do this with a course of breath re-training by the Buteyko Method. If you are prepared to do some work, I can guarantee the results. Check the website www.breathconnection.net and call me of you are interested.

Regards

Steve Lumsdaine

Posted by Steve Lumsdaine Monday 7 July, 2008 07:08 PM

Hey Shane
I have put off my referral for over two years but now have an appt at the sleep clinic at the end of July. After seeing you on TV and now knowing what the mask looks like, I too would love to find an alternative so if you find something that works, please let us all know! At the moment I have a choice of sounding like a freight train or looking like Darth Vadar and neither are appealing! Good luck

Posted by Lisa J Monday 7 July, 2008 03:42 PM

Plse get the surgery.. Yea I know you say yr scared of needles but so am I .. Hey I gotta be the biggest sook when it comes to needles. Whenever i go to the dentist he has to give me Gas before he can come near me with a needle and as for surgery I have had a heap and as long as you dont look and have one of those YUMMY Pre Med tablets then it will all be cool as... Pre Meds make you feel sooo good.. Otherwise if i dont want a pre med which can sometimes affect me waking up quickly and not drowsy after surgery and makes me feel worse than I did I just dont look and tell the nurse to hold my arm or wrist so I dont flinch..

Get over your fear and have the surgery it is probably the only way you are going to have someone actually want to still be in your bed in the morning .. Snore like a Truck and they are going to go looking for peace and quiet..

Posted by Rhonda Monday 7 July, 2008 01:04 PM

My sister had to wear one of those contraptions for years. She lost weight (you don't look like you need to)and curbed her alcohol intake and she no longer needs to wear it.
I also worked with a guy that had a small piece of his soft palate cut away to help his snoring-just goes to show how much it affects the other person! Yikes!
Aren't there some throat muscle exercises that help tone the floppy-snoring-bit?

Posted by Rusty Monday 7 July, 2008 11:39 AM

Hi Shane....all I can say is, "I sympathise totally!!!!"
Oh yes, you can snore and apparently so can I! I have read some of the other suggestions for cures ( I have also had a sleep study done and a mask was suggested although my sleep apnea was not too bad). Like you I am single and I can just see Mr Whoever running a mile when I don that sexy mask but he would probably run anyway after a sleepless night (and not for the right reasons LOL!). It really does depress me so a cure would be good. I am even ready for surgery if the specialists would do it. I will have a look at all the suggestions here though.....thank you for being brave enough to go on telly with this!

Posted by Heather Sunday 6 July, 2008 10:51 AM

Well Shane I just know how you feel. I was first diagnosed in 1993. I have had machines in the past but I hate anything covering my face and tended to rip the mask off every night. Well I am back at the sleep clinic again and am going to give it another go. I have my sleep study in 2 weeks, so I will let you know how it goes after that. Because my throat closes over when I am relaxed nothing else works for me...I am a desperate woman just looking for a good night sleep. Say hi to Nat and Dean.. Thanx

Posted by Helen Riddell Saturday 5 July, 2008 01:48 PM

Hi Shane. I was going to suggest the love of a good woman would help, however after hearing you snore, I don't think I'll offer to help! :)

Posted by Samantha Friday 4 July, 2008 01:34 PM

hi shane . i saw your bit on the telly the other night and compared to me you snore like a girl. anyway igot the mouthguard called snorers freind and my wife has slept with me every night for the past 6 weeks. you should give it a go.the web site is www.stopthatsnoring.com.au.goodluck

Posted by rod Thursday 3 July, 2008 05:25 PM

Hi Shane

Saw your story about snoring - my hubby has severe sleep apnea and we have tried loads of things. I spent long nights awake nudging him to start breathing again!! He now uses a mouthguard from Snorban, a nasal strip and has a prescription nose spray and he does not snore - he can even sleep on his back!! The first night I coudn't sleep because it was so quiet!!!

Posted by Lou Thursday 3 July, 2008 03:41 PM

Hi Shane, i saw your story abt snoring. I have just got a Penny Miller Catalogue and in the is a product called SNORE TERMINATOR.What it does is opens up the nasal passages and reduces swelling and congestion by gently stimulating the septum so that you can enjoy easier breathing all night without harmful drugs or side effects. It slides inside your nose and the size of it is 2cm by 1.5 cm and costs $6.90. If your want more info orplace an order, you can go to orders@pennymiller.com.au. Hope you read this and try it out. What do you have to loose, except a bad nite sleep

Posted by kym Truman Thursday 3 July, 2008 02:42 PM

Hi Shane,
Saw your story so I'm sending this web site for you to look at. www.buteykohealth.com.au

My hubby has just done the course and it is great. He tried the CPAP which was no good for him. Anyway it is worth a look. Nights are now so quite.
Peta

Posted by Peta Gerick Thursday 3 July, 2008 01:48 PM

Gidday Shane,
My partner has been through all the tests too 3 years ago and was diagnosed with sleep apnoea. He uses "Cell Food" Give the guys at Power Labs a call, 18 Marine Terrace Fremantle 9430 4883. They will help you. I came across Cell Food while searching the internet for a solution to his snoring. Cell Food is dissolved with Oxygen, Trace Minerals, Plant Source Amino Acids and Enzymes. 8 drops in water 3 times a day. It takes a few weeks to work, he no longer stops breathing during sleep, and when he is extremely tired he snores for about an hour when he goes to bed, the rest of the night he sleeps peacefully. He does work very long hours. Good thing about Cell Food, its not a drug!! Give Cell Food a go, it may work for you too. Good Luck.

Posted by Bron Thursday 3 July, 2008 10:13 AM

Hi Shane,
Just read in our local paper an advertisement for your problem, thinking of doing it myself, details are as follows, hope it helps
Breath Connection 1800 638 444 or www.breathconnection.net

Posted by Nan of Mh Thursday 3 July, 2008 09:17 AM

They say that opera singers never snore - an experiment done in the UK took a number of snorers and gave them sining lessons (using opera type voice exercises) and they had a good percentage of success. Worth a go? Better than wearing a mask and might improve your 'getting a partner' voice?

Posted by Elaine Thursday 3 July, 2008 07:46 AM

Hi Shane

Both my wife and I are snorers and diagnosed with sleep apnoea. I'm also a light sleeper and had great problems coping with my wife's snoring.

Initially I used a CPAP machine (going cheap) but found the masks did not suit me (let the air out around the nose). I found some success with nasal pads that went partially into the nasal passage, but these made the nose sore.

Evenually we were both fitted with mouth guards from Chris Pantin at Absolute Dental a couple of years ago.

The guards have proved very beneficial to point of only occasional snoring and at very minimal and unobtrusive levels. Find this occurs usually after a heavy social evening.

If one of us does not use the guard, it is certainly apparent from the noise level and is soon corrected.

Like other appliances they do nothing for romance (but are easly & quickly removed).

There was a TV current affair show last year where a woman was fitted with a mouth guard with great success.

The guards are not cheap but are covered to some extent by HBF.

Regards
Alan

Posted by Alan Parkinson Thursday 3 July, 2008 06:03 AM

Shane I had been diagnosed with a sleep disorder and your sleep problems are the same as mine were. Its very basic. In fact it seems too basic to be true but believe me it works. Your sleep problems are the result or the symtoms of over breathing. Its caused by your bodies natural defense mechanism to normalise your breathing pattern. Basically you are over breathing. This can be normalised with a bit of effort and some guided breathing exercises. If you need more info give me a call or email me.

Posted by Greg Murray Wednesday 2 July, 2008 08:13 PM

Shane you have a sleep problem which can be 100%cured with a bit of self discipline. Your problem is a symptom of over breathing which causes a lack of oxygenation in your body and your airways constricting and your breathing stopping is your bodies natural defense mechanism to attempt to normalise your breathing process. This can be rectified by a regime of breathing exercises developed by a russian professor named constantine buteyko.

Posted by greg Wednesday 2 July, 2008 07:55 PM

Shane, everything you describe is exactly the condition I have. You have convinced me to seek alternative methods other than CPAP. Try this website, it in Australia and has some excellent info : www.sleeptherapyclinic.com
Think I am going to try one of the oral thingys. I wonder if anyone else had tried one?
Good luck

Posted by Mike Mascall Wednesday 2 July, 2008 06:50 PM

The love of my life has sleep apnoea. He is 45, fit and not carrying extra weight. He kindly brings me home ear plugs. I have a drawer full. I have never slept better. Never have to get up to the girls if they call out and that is a bonus. He tried the mask but felt very depressed using it. He is waiting to see a specialist. Good Luck.

Posted by Helen Wednesday 2 July, 2008 06:46 PM

Shane, there is a didgeridoo shop in Fremantle that I took my kids too in the last school holidays. They have heaps of didgeridoo's that you can play for free. The men are really great and will teach you how to play. It is across the road from the train station. It is heaps of fun as well.

Posted by Sharon Jordan Wednesday 2 July, 2008 05:04 PM

Try a google search for "Pillar Implant Proceedure". I dont think it is available in AUstralia yet but it sounds promising

Posted by Graham Wednesday 2 July, 2008 04:44 PM

Try a google search for "Pillar Implant Proceedure". I dont think it is available in AUstralia yet but it sounds promising

Posted by Graham Wednesday 2 July, 2008 04:42 PM

G'day guys its Ron again. Just a couple of other things that may or may not help Shane...When I was diagnosed I had 88 apnoeas per hour...effectively I'd stop breathing 3 times every 2 minutes....Dr Hillman suggested I had the condition since I was a teenager (Im now 49) It is definitely weight related as when I was diagnosed Dr HIllman suggested losing weight may help.....I I went on a diet and lost 13 kilos in 3 months and got re tested ( I went from 92 kgs to 79kgs) and got it down to 38 apnoeas (anything over 20 is severe) I worked out if I got down to about 35 kilos I might get a good night sleep without the machine...Needless to say Im on the CPAP for life.....BUT...The alternative was a heart attack. I have become pretty much dependant on the machine now but quality of life is better than it was without CPAP. I know its not gonna do your sex life much good but my wife still loves me....Luckily shes one of those people who is asleep before her head hits the pillow. From what I know (and I've looked a fair bit into it) there is NO alternative and the specialists at Charlie Gairdiner have been doing a great deal of research.

Sorry I couldnt give you any better news.

Posted by Ron Giblett Wednesday 2 July, 2008 04:18 PM

Shane, i too had sleep apnoea, i used to stop breathing about 81 times per hour and that was on my side not my back. i am now 35 years old and had an operation last year in october when i was 34. There is a great surgeon in Perth if you are interested. i have private health and was in surgery 3 weeks after being diagnosed. i am ao much more tolerant and not so damn tired and grumpy. if your apnoea is really bad and you've had it for years it took several months for my body to adjust to so much sleep. but so worth it now.

Posted by Trudy Murdoch Wednesday 2 July, 2008 04:14 PM

Shane, I was also diagnosed with severe sleep apnea 3 years ago. I use the nasal pillow mask which I find the most comfortable, less obtrusive and bearable. The new nasal pillow has additional hols to cut down the noise of the airflow. I purchase equipment from resimed direct over the internet, much cheaper than Perth re-sell agents. I have tried the chin strao, to reduce leakage, but found it too restrictive and uncomfortable. It makes a huge difference to your dialy life, and the diagnosis explains many things you have probably experienced over the years, wish I was diagnosed much sooner. I am 33, oh and it doesnt have to interrupt your love life, just remember to put it on afterwoods! The mask that is.

Posted by craig green Wednesday 2 July, 2008 03:47 PM

I too have a snoring problem and have found that if you find the right partner, you can lead a moderately normal life. You sleep in different bedrooms but in the morning you just climb into bed with your partner to get that closeness before your day starts and you both get a good nights sleep!!

Posted by Stormy Wednesday 2 July, 2008 03:18 PM