h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

This is a useful introduction, though it doesn't mention dental devices such
as the Mandibular Advancement Device, or go into details of the various
different types of xPAP machine which might be used in treatment.

It's worth mentioning that the sufferer is usually quite unaware of the
often very frequent obstructive events occuring during sleep. With this
condition you just cannot get the deep restful sleep needed to keep you
going during the day, but might not realise what is going on. This is
possibly why so many people have this condition for many years before they
are diagnosed.

My guess is that this researcher is an American. I am a Brit who has
suffered from OSA or Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (British spelling - sorry) for
a number of years and who is now successfully using CPAP treatment. (This
treatment was actually invented by an Australian sleep specialist, but
reasearch on it was carried out in various countries, including Canada.) I
have discovered that the approach to diagnosis and treatment of this
condition varies considerably within the UK, and the system here seems to be
rather different to what obtains in the USA and elsewhere.

There is a lot of information available on the web, which is a useful
resource if you are having to deal with doctors who don't seem to know or
care very much about OSA. There is also a very useful and supportive Usenet
Newsgroup, where among other things you can get a lot of help on important
issues such as the different makes of machine, masks, humidifiers and other
important practical matters that the doctors don't know much about, but
which could be vital in ensuring and enhancing compliance with and efficacy
of the treatment. There are a lot of patients with a lot of experience, and
this 'community' is very supportive and helpful. There is also a British
organisation for sleep apnoea, which however seems to be more a pressure
group than a support group, though it does offer some telephone counselling.

Although, in the years before I was diagnosed, I had heard about OSA and had
even been told that I tended to stop breathing during sleep, it was a long
time before I came to realise the cause. The symptoms are so easily ascribed
to other causes, and I now suppose I was in some kind of denial, which did
not serve me well.

Over time I have compiled a number of useful URLs etc. which I am happy to
share with anyone interested. I have no medical qualifications but would be
interested in swapping experiences and discussing practical issues. To that
end I have set up an email address and look forward to any replies. Please
reply to: [email protected]