My CPAP machine was just delivered and demonstrated for me

all i can say is..... makes me second guess having this surgery, i hate this choking air pushing into my nose.  its terrible. unfortunately the sleep study and needed CPAP are requirements of my surgeon;    

but yeah yeah, if i lose the weight i'll lose the need for this horrible machine.  omg, I just cant imagine getting used to this.   :(

Does your machine have a feature where you can start it out on a reduced flow for a timed period, like 20 minutes?  I found that to be very helpful when I started out with my CPAP. 

If you have obstructive sleep apnea, the CPAP machine might save your life.  Hopefully when you lose your excess weight you will be able to ditch the machine.

I know it's really tough in the beginning, but once you get used to it, your sleep will be so much better. I second the poster who suggested you look into getting the ramp up function working. It made it easier for me in the beginning. Three years in, I love my CPAP and can't get a good night's sleep without it. I hope my surgery resolves my apnea, but if it doesn't, I don't mind using my machine.

it does have the ramp feature which starts it at 50% power for 20 minutes, but the guy who came put it right at full power (10 cm) because he wanted me to "feel the full affect of the mask."   maybe it wont be so bad with the ramp.  i havent even played with it since he left. 

It's really difficult at first, but try not to fight it.  Taking deep breaths can sometimes help as well. 

Like zra said, I can't get any chance of a good night's sleep without my CPAP.  My husband tells me I am snoring less, having lost so much weight already, but I can definitely feel the difference when I don't sleep with the CPAP on.

I've been on my CPAP for over 3 years.  Once you get used to it you will find you sleep sooooooo much better.  I know it's tough in the beginning but hang in there.  I'm nearly 60 years old and it's almost like a teddy bear to me.  I can't sleep without it!

The CPAP was a Godsend before the surgery.  I was told to bring it to the hospital, but they ignored it. I have not used it since.  Consider it a high class problem. It adds 5 points to your BMI for insurance purposes...

 

I've used CPAP for almost 5 years and I actually like it. Or rather, I like the fact of knowing that I'm going to get a good night's sleep. My husband also uses CPAP - we're like Mr. & Mrs. Vader. And those masks are soooo sexy! LOL! I can't tell you how many nights we've just laughed at each other. But we sleep like babies now.

Seriously though, hang in there. If the mask they gave you isn't working out, try another type and keep trying until you find one that works. Most HMOs (I have Kaiser) keep several different kinds on hand, because everybody (and everybody's face) is different. If your insurance doesn't provide several kinds, try ebay or Craigslist. There is a hot market for "tried-once" masks.

Tips: Try using the machine a few times while you're awake and relaxed, maybe watching TV, to get used to the sensation. Then try a meditation app or some soothing background music when you first lie down to sleep. The ramp-up really does help. Try not to concentrate on the pressure, just concentrate on relaxing. Your lungs know how to do this, you don't have to make them work. Remember that the machine is saving your life every night. Let it flow. 

The biggest reason to get used to the CPAP is that sleep apnea increases your risk of stroke by 50-60%. It also dramatically increases your risk of heart attack. Nobody wants to go there! You can do this!

I have been on CPAP for five years. You should have 30 days to change your mask out, without a charge, if you dont like the one you have. I went thru 4 masks when I first started and ended up with the first one I had but I needed to try others. Yes it does take time to get used to. I use the Swift LT nasal pillows and find them the most comfortable. Good luck!!

Like others have said, getting a good nights sleep has made the mask and machine essential for me.  The snoring is gone at this point post surgery, but I still need and use the cpap in order to be really alert and energetic during the day.  Until I used it consistently I didn't realize how my poor sleep was affecting my life.  I adapted pretty quickly, although I don't enjoy wearing it, but it's worth it for our health. Keep trying! Good luck :)

Ellyn