Rapidly losing weight. Difficulty swallowing.

DarylCam

Started using A-PAP machine 1month ago. It helps me get quality sleep, but it's hard on my throat. I constantly feel like I have a lump in my throat and I have difficulty swallowing. Now the side of my neck is swelling. I've lost over 20 lbs and I'm worried about developing fatigue during rads. Just finished rad 8. Considering not using A-PAP during treatment. Any suggestions?

Lula73

definitely get the swelling checked out and inquire about the throat irritation/difficulty swallowing. You can experience weight loss using A-PAP. When we don’t sleep well our body retains weight and makes it hard to lose it. So now you’re getting good sleep and your body may be letting those extra pounds go. I’d still bring the loss up with the doc when you call just in case.

ChiSandy

Can you get a mouth guard to use for sleep for the rest of your rads days? I use one instead of a PAP machine. I have a custom-made one, which would take several weeks; but there are over-the-counter ones like Zyppah ($99) that some say work for them. The custom guards pull the jaw forward, opening up the airway; the Zyppah has a restraint to keep the tongue down so it doesn't move to the back of the mouth and crowd the airway.

MTwoman

but a PAP machine (either C or A) actually has positive pressure that forces air into the system, whereas a mouth guard (which opens up the airway) does not. If she's had a sleep study that demonstrated she needs positive pressure, a mouth guard isn't sufficient.