CPAP

At the sleep clinic, the doctor put him on Nasal Continuous Airway Pressure, or   CPAP.  This consists of a  face mask  and a small air compressor that forces just enough air through the nasal passages to keep them open during the night. When my husband first used CPAP he acted like a new man.  He began enjoying his television shows again, could carry on a conversation, and even went fishing. 

 But, although CPAP did allow him to get a good night's sleep, it annoyed him to wear it as it caused severe  nasal congestion .  After a few months, his nose became painful from the continuous discharge and his throat was raw and sore.  As the irritation became worse, he began using CPAP less.  Depressed and discouraged, sure nothing could help him, he reused to even consider trying  other methods  of treatment.

After more than ten years of suffering, my husband passed away in March, 1998.  He went to sleep one night and never woke up.  He was sixty-seven.  His death certificate says he died of a   heart attack .  I spoke with his doctor a few days after Norman's death and he admitted that, although my husband had died of a massive heart attack, sleep apnea had definitely been a contributing factor.

 Snoring often suggests a breathing problem and it's no laughing matter, for either the one who snores or for his family. Neither is the problem of habitually falling asleep during the day.  Either or both these afflictions may be indicative of some type of  sleep disorder , including sleep apnea.  This can lead to accidents, depression, heart attacks and, sometimes, death.  If you notice either of these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, seek medical advice and treatment