To Mac Geek Gab
In the last two shows, you have spoken of your acquisition of the Withings Sleep Mat.
I got one of these three years ago, and it has led to a remarkable journey.
The purpose of writing to you, and others who may get the same device, is to say, if it identifies a problem, then do something about it (and don’t get caught).
I got one because I am a geek. I didn’t know “I had a problem”. I also have a Withings Blood Pressure Monitor and Smart Scales Body+ . All three have become integral to my health and lifestyle management. I find the Withings gear to be high quality, durable. easy to use and stylish. The Withings app is also very good.
The Withings Sleep Mat showed that I had severe sleep apnea. I printed out the results, showed them to my regular doctor, and he referred me to a specialist and sleep clinic.
They looked at the results and booked me in overnight for a test where I got wired up and looked like Frankenstein. The results confirmed what the mat showed. I then went back in for another night to test drive sleep apnea or CPAP gear.
I now wear a mask to bed each night to address sleep apnea. It has returned to normal, and I rarely snore (after ’snoring for my country at the Olympics’). I now wake up feeling fresher and with more energy. With that under control, I am now working on getting more ’deep sleep’.
I now have a new form of tech in my life – CPAP machines. I went with Redmed for three reasons:
- They’re the “Apple” of CPAP machines – well built, ease of use, great communication and service. They’re also the most expensive.
- They offer by-the-month plans – like a phone company – with interest-free and or subscriptions.
- They have great apps for iOS and iPadOS that integrate with Apple Health
I have two machines:
- A “Mac Studio” – AirSense 11 for home and app
- A “MacBook Air” – AirSense Mini for travel and app
- And my mask is full face – AirFit F20 – (three other types of masks have a smaller footprint)
Please keep an eye on your results over the next few months. They will change with the seasons, level of activity, alcohol consumption, lifestyle, amount of sleep you get, and stress levels. And if you remain “in the red” as I was, talk to your doctor.
Sleep mat


CPAP machines and masks


16 November 2025