CPAP... Please tell me it gets better

Try on as many masks as you can and pick one that is comfortable. It took several tries to get the right mask. The wrong mask was a real struggle, but once I found the right one, I loved my machine. I have had my machine since 2006 and it gave me back my life.

Though I am hoping to stop using it after weight loss.

Thank you all for taking the time to respond. I have the full face mask. I didn't like just the nasal mask because I couldn't open my mouth. Last night was better than the first night.  I made it almost 4 hours before taking it off. Hoping it just gets better every night. 

Thanks again for all the responses. 

Nichole

Doesn't your machine have a "ramp" setting?  If it does, it starts off @ very low pressure and gradually increases it as time/the night goes on, until it reaches the designated setting.  That feature makes it much easier to "cope" with while trying to fall asleep.  

 The first time my doctor gave me a CPAP almost 10 years ago, I tried to use it a few nights and gave up on it (btw, he had diagnosed me as having one of the worst cases he had seen during my sleep study).  When I continued to have major "day sleepiness" problems I sought out other options from ENTs.  Finally it looked like my only other option was to have surgery for a tracheotomy to be installed in the lower part of the front of my neck  --  it would be plugged during the day and opened only at night while I slept.  I said NO WAY.    I then went back, bound and determined to use my CPAP this time.  After a few more nights I finally accepted it and after that there was no way I would sleep w/o it  --  like a skin diver and their air tank!   

Thank you for replying. Almost a week in and it's definitely better. My machine is self-adjusting, it starts out at a lower pressure and builds up according to the need. They told me if I wake up and it feels like too much pressure, reach over and turn it off and turn it back on. After that first terrible night, each night gets a little better with the exception of last night. I have a lot more hope that it well continue to get better.

It does get better. When I had to use the Cpap I started out a few hours only and on a lower pressure. Once I got used to it I had it turned up and went a little longer. The best part is when you lose weight you may not need the machine anymore. I don't need it any longer. Do you have the mask or the on that goes in your nose?

I'm really hoping I won't need it after losing weight. That would be the most ideal. I use the full mask. I didn't like not being able to open my mouth with just the nasal mask.

I personally liked the full mask. I did get a humidifier built in and it was moist so I liked that better than a dry air. Did you try that yet? Have your respitory therapist show you how to ramp it up and down. That way you can get used to it slowly.

Funny thing ..  although I didn't really need it after my WLS, I was so used to it by then that I actually found it hard to sleep psychologically WITHOUT it, the mask on my face, the quiet hum of the machine, etc.  ..  I still use it, too .. Maybe I need to join "CPAPers Anonymous"    

Hi, there may be good news in your future if you are like many of us on here. I, too was diagnosed with sleep apnea before surgery and wore the CPAP  to sleep

six months  after surgery, I no longer needed it. 

Good luck on your journey.