Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with updated

Has anyone had success treating sleep apnea without a CPAP (or surgery)?

tastybrains — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 21:00:04 -0800

Has anyone successfully used non-surgical alternatives to CPAP therapy (oral appliances, special pillows, etc) for treatment of mild-to-moderate sleep apnea, or been able to stop CPAP therapy after losing weight? (Note: Surgery is not an option, I do not have severe apnea, and my doctor even told me it wasn't worth considering.)

I was recently diagnosed with mild-to-moderate sleep apnea after a sleep study. It had actually surprised me, as in the 6 months between when the study was ordered and when it actually happened, I had lost ~25 lbs and according to my husband hadn't been snoring at all anymore (I used to snore like a "chainsaw" apparently). Anyway...

I was given a CPAP machine along with a nasal pillows-style mask. I've tried to use it several times over the past 3 weeks, and I loathe it. I feel like I'm suffocating no matter whether the machine is on, off, or doing it's "ramping up" thing. I've forced myself to keep it on for hours, and I've fallen asleep with it a couple times, but I always wake up within an hour, and always with a tremendous headache. I'm at the point where just thinking about trying to sleep with it again makes me feel like crying.

I am planning to ask about getting a nose & mouth mask to see if it's the fact that I can't breathe through my mouth that makes me feel like I'm suffocating...but in the meantime, I'm just feeling VERY discouraged and miserable about the whole thing. I don't even have severe apnea ... I know there are some alternatives!

But I am having trouble finding first-hand accounts of people successfully using them. Also, I am having trouble finding accounts of people ever stopping CPAP therapy after starting it. Even people who have lost a lot of weight. And I find this really discouraging...

Has anyone here used (or known someone who used) alternatives to CPAP for sleep apnea with success? Has anyone ever been able to stop using CPAP therapy after losing weight (or anything else)?

Finding a place to sleep near the fishes...

QIbHom — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 19:35:03 -0800

Should I hire someone to find me a rental in Baltimore? I'm going to have less than two weeks to move to Baltimore. I want to live in the city, with my dog and two cats, near public transportation, for under US$1,000 a month, preferably near Charles Village, Wyman Park or Hampden (although I'm open to other areas). I'm coming from Detroit. I start work on 7 May, last day of work here is the 23rd. I will be in Baltimore from the 25th to the 28th for the physical and house hunting.

How hard is it going to be for me to find and put a deposit on a suitable place in the time I have? Should I just hire someone? I know that business folks do something like that. I don't have a ton of money, but I don't have a ton of time, either. If hiring someone is an option, how do I find these people and what should I pay them?

No, it never has been on the level...

QIbHom — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 20:57:37 -0800

How to level a burner on a gas stove? I have an old gas stove, and the 4 burners are all uneven in different ways. I'd like to even them out, but am having difficulties finding anything on how to do this.

Can I just use anything flat and heat tolerant to shim the grates? Are there kits for this, or should I just go looking for scrap tile or something? Any gotchas? Should I try to come up with a way to fasten the shims in place? Or, should I just mark each grate, then shave metal off the bottom until I get evenness (or the world's thinnest grates).

This is frustrating.

thirteenkiller — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 11:23:56 -0800

This is a question about digital photography, magazine publishing, and confusing requests. I am not a professional photographer! Last spring I took photographs of a politically significant event and posted them to my flickr account. Last week a regional magazine contacted me on flickr to ask if they could use these photos in their upcoming issue. I emailed them the originals, which are 1536x2048 and 180 "dpi".

They wrote back today saying they need 300 dpi and 8.5"x11". Does this mean 2550x3300? Digital photographs are not measured in inches! Dots for printing this magazine are not the same as pixels! And I cannot make my original photograph any higher resolution than it is now. It's the original.

So, what should I do? Should I just say this is the best I got? Should I change the photo to 300 "dpi" in an editor, even though it will change the dimensions... or.. something?

I know Ottawa is around here somewhere...

QIbHom — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 19:07:21 -0800

Access in Ottawa - which sights should I see, where can I get free wifi? We'll be staying at the jail (hostel) after the conference ends, and have 4 days to visit museums, eat, walk and pet cats. During the conference, I'll need things to do in the evening and places to eat. The entire time, I'll need a place I can log on, preferably free.

We enjoy museums (especially small and quirky, although we're thrilled to see Petra is at the Museum of Civilizations), history, gardens (probably not in October in Ottawa), ethnic food and libraries (can't wait to visit the Parliment Library again). We don't like bars (unless good folk is being played), spending lots of money or crowds.

For example, the Diefenbunker sounds like a blast to me (although not to my partner). Is there a way to get there without a car? The Bywater museum looks like fun.

And, any other Mefites going to Access?

hug a ways and chalk a mark

thirteenkiller — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 11:32:44 -0800

I sent a letter domestically in the mail (USPS) one cent short on postage. Will it get there?

Newly self-employed - how can I prove to my bank I'm a good risk?

altolinguistic — Tue, 15 Aug 2006 08:09:54 -0800

UK Mortgage for the Self-Employed: how to convince the bank I'm a good risk? Also, broker or direct dealing with the banks? Note: I am in the UK and need UK-specific advice.

I've been self-employed (as a translator) for just under 2 years now, and business is good. However, my tax returns don't yet reflect this, and I will soon want to apply for a mortgage (jointly with my SO, who is employed and who would be 'applicant 1'). I have filled in 2 tax returns, one showing a loss (year end Apr 05) and one showing a modest profit (year end Apr 06). I can fairly confidently predict that the profit on my next tax return will be around 4 times the size - and I can show that so far this financial year (from Apr 06) I have invoiced almost 200% of the amount I made last year, and that my expenses are lower. To get a mortgage on the property we have in mind, I'd need to prove income that is more than twice as high as last year's.

Will my building society (Nationwide, where I have been a customer in good standing for 10 years) think I'm a good risk? I keep good records and can produce them if required, to give a picture of my current situation. I don't have an accountant and have been filing my tax returns myself, using the HMRC online system.

Also, would we be better off approaching Nationwide directly (they seem to have competitive mortgage rates at present) or going via a broker? I'm rather ignorant on this point.

I'd be grateful for any UK-specific advice. Many thanks.

I hate mowing. I love moss.

agropyron — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 13:37:46 -0800

Lawn alternatives! Has anyone here tried replacing their high-maintenance grass lawn with an alternative lawn? I've read about some of the no-mow lawn grass types, and I understand other people simply let the moss and clover grow. Have you seen a lawn like this? How did you like it? My (back yard) lawn is usually either brown and dead from lack of watering, or enormously tall from lack of mowing. I've noticed that moss is creeping in, and I've read that some people allow the moss to take over. I wonder what the disadvantages of a moss lawn would be. Would it get torn up from vigorous activity like kids playing on it?

I also like the clover idea. I know it attracts a lot of bees when it flowers, but I have the impression that you can just mow it once or twice when it's flowering to prevent this.

I'm not too interested in the gravel lawns some people use, but failing other alternatives I might resort to strewing nice-looking wood chips all over instead of grass.

What alternative lawns have you seen? What did you think?

commercial use of photo

easternblot — Tue, 04 Jul 2006 11:08:40 -0800

Someone wants to use one of my Flickr photos for commercial use, and pay me for it. I'm flattered, but clueless about what I'm getting into. AskMe, please hope me! If I say it's okay, they'll contact me about price negotiations. I have never sold any photos to anyone, so I am likely to say "Sure!!! Super!!!" at everything they suggest. Please make me seem smart and experienced!

This is how clueless I am:
-The picture in question is now on my Flickr account, under an "attribution - no derivs" licencse, but I'm willing to give them permission to use it for their ad campaign. However, I still want to have it on Flickr. The photo was also published on spacing.ca's photoblog. Can they still use it if I sell it? Should I ask this in my negotiations?
-I know there are differences between "selling" and "licensing", but I don't exactly know what the important implications of either are, or what is best for me.
-I also know about how it is illegal to ask about prices because of price fixing, but I have absolutely no idea at all. Should I just have them make an offer?

Anyone have any experience they're willing to share to get me on the right track?

Help me fix my dead wireless before I kill again.

CunningLinguist — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 09:32:50 -0800

Does anyone have any idea why my laptop suddenly stopped connecting to any of the various wireless networks in my building, but connected immediately to CompUSA signal when I took it into the store this morning? Caveat: this question involves stealing wireless net access from my neighbors. Please don't lecture me about it.

I've been using the same three unsecured networks in my NYC apt building for a year and a half. There are others, but these three are the strongest. Last night, the laptop suddenly stopped connecting to any of them. It "sees" the networks, and the signals are strong, but nothing happens. I tried everything I could think of, disabling and reenabling, rebooting, even reinstalling the driver. Nada. After hours of this, I figured there must be something wrong with the machine and went to CompUSA to have an expert take a look. While waiting on the long line for service, I turned the laptop on and sure enough, it connected instantly to the store's unsecured connection and I surfed the net with no problem. But when I went home, I had the same problem.
So why would all the different unsecured networks in my building suddenly stop allowing me to hop on? And can you think of anything I can do to fix this? Because the lack of net access is making me twitchy and psychotic.

Surviving Cat

QIbHom — Mon, 26 Jun 2006 20:34:20 -0800

How do you help a cat survive another cat's death? My partner buried her 21 year old cat, Pixel, today. We are very concerned about Kali Ko, her 16 year old "kitten". Kali has always been a nervous cat, and Pixel has been in her life since she came to live with my partner when she was a few months old. Pixel was very much the alpha cat.

Is there any way we can help Kali? I don't think getting another cat is an option, at her age. The last time we tried to introduce her to another cat, it did not go well at all (and Quark was a very laid back cat).

We hurt, and she hurts. We'll be fine, but we aren't sure Kali will be.

Extending the life and beauty of my car

bove — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 12:37:00 -0800

I want to extend the life of my car and so I need some advice on touching-up paint scratches on my 2001 Civic as well as on the issue of window tinting. I read through this thread and it has some useful info on how to touch up scratches, but it is a little general. I am looking for more specific and practical information on this topic. I am just a little leery of sanding my car and applying paint and not having it look terrible. For instance, is there a certain type of touch up paint that is best? Is there a great online retailer?

We also just moved to Tucson, Arizona and it is tremendously hot here. I was wondering what people know about tinting windows. Is it recommended? How much should it cost? What difference will it make? How do I find a reputable place?

The South is more than a mint julep, right?

FunkyHelix — Mon, 19 Jun 2006 08:21:41 -0800

I need some help creating graphics with a southern(US)-theme. What feels or looks distinctly southern to you? My friend asked me for some southern-themed graphics, and I said yes before realizing that I really didn't know much about the southern US culture outside of magnolia trees, sweet tea, and big hats. Help a girl out?

Help me make my dream bag.

Alison — Fri, 26 May 2006 10:34:56 -0800

What are the best, most useful, most ingenious backpack/messenger bag features you've ever seen? I'm planning on making my own backpack/messenger bag with convertible straps. I'll use it sometimes for commuting, but mainly as an under seat carry-on for long distance travel. It will carry a laptop (which will have its own sleeve) and a few other small items.

Since it will be a custom job, I plan on adding all the useful features I can. I thought I would ask my fellow AskMefites if they have any bag features that they can't live without. Do you have a bag with super comfy straps? Does it have some kind of pocket that you can't live without? Are there special flaps to keep out the rain? Do those little metal feet at the bottom of some bags really matter? What kinds of materials are resilient enough to put up with lots of abuse? Any ideas about compartments for carrying snacks that won't get squished? I need descriptions, links and (especially) pictures.

I have lots of leather, canvas and vinyl and I have the parts to add a lighting system. I'm also experimenting with ways to stiffen the back so I can use it like a desk and adding a pillow to the front flap for naps. Other than that, I'm stumped. Any input or ideas would be welcome.

Looking for unique New York shopping experiences

Alison — Wed, 03 May 2006 10:57:50 -0800

Where are your favorite places to shop in New York City, specifically interesting, unique shops and fabric stores? I will be in NYC for a conference in early June and I plan on blowing off a day for a shopping trip. I've been to New York before so I'm not looking to hit FAO Schwartz. Instead, I want to visit the coolest boutiques unique to New York. They can sell books, bags, fossils, robots, shoes, it doesn't matter. However, I am looking for personal recommendations. I've found plenty of guides, but they are either too overwhelming or lacking in detail. Sample sale suggestions are also welcome.

Also, I will be making a special trip to the Garment District for fabric shopping. Does anyone know about anything I shouldn't miss? Does anyone have a favorite fabric store? I'm always looking for good graphic prints, vinyl and sweater knit fabric.

Thanks in advance!

Jazzfest advice sought

CunningLinguist — Sun, 26 Mar 2006 07:24:47 -0800

Jazzfest in New Orleans: tips for a first time visitor? It's been asked before (pre-Katrina) and I've bookmarked all the New Orleans threads, but I'm asking again just in case. I've only been to New Orleans once: right after Katrina, when everything was horrific. Now I'm going back to party. I'm going with a Jazzfest veteran, but I bet you guys know stuff he doesn't. What are your favorite non-touristy joints? Coolest little stores? Off the beaten track sights? How do you choose what acts to see, when everything sounds amazing? We'll have a car, but I don't really want to use it much.
Also, we'll be staying in a place with a kitchen, and while it seems nutty to cook for yourself on a visit there, I'd love pointers on good food markets/stores in case I get the urge. Thanks in advance.

Chinese shredded chicken dishes at home?

CunningLinguist — Sun, 26 Feb 2006 08:38:42 -0800

Calling all chefs: How can I "shred" raw chicken to re-create the spicy shredded chicken from my local Sichuan joints? Is it just a matter of slicing the breast into thin matchsticks? That sounds arduous and also sounds like it would produce stiff strips of chicken instead of the tender floppy shreds I'm trying to copy.

Getting stains out of a white formica kitchen counter

CunningLinguist — Thu, 12 May 2005 05:30:51 -0800

Have I hopelessly stained my white formica kitchen counter? After some recent debauchery, there were some stains on my counter the morning after. Not sure what: could be red wine, could be coffee, could be raspberry juice. I wasn't worried in the least because a little Soft Scrub with bleach always took care of such problems instantly in the past. But not this time. When it didn't, I thought, "hmm, well, maybe more bleach" so I poured a flood of straight bleach on the stains, covered them with a damp paper towel and went away. When I got back, to my horror, the stains have now become much more prominent and have turned a hideous, bright Halloween-y orange. No amount of scrubbing even begins to minimize them. What the hell did I do? And is there any way to fix this?

Looking for Light Laptop <$1.5k for Web and Word Processing, And/Or Website to Compare Laptops

CunningLinguist — Sat, 17 Jan 2004 10:25:09 -0800

Suggest an ultralight laptop? (more inside) Yes I know I could go to epinions and cnet but I trust you guys more.

I’m looking for something really light that does wireless - a new and mystifying realm for me. I’d like to spend less than $1,500, if possible. Dell’s website makes comparing laptops very easy, but I get lost when they start offering all these choices. And the other manufacturers are even more confusing.

All I really need to do is browse the web wirelessly and do word processing. A DVD player or burner would be nice, but not crucial. Are external DVD drives a good idea?

Are all new laptops pretty standard about wireless capability? There seem to be different types and I don’t understand the differences.

Also, is there some sort of website that allows you to plug in the features you want and spits out suggestions? (If not, there should be. Then I wouldn’t have to expose my ignorance here.)