IF you have sleep apnea and can't keep a mask on

The year prior to my getting diagnosed and treated with the CPAP...well, it almost killed me, literally. I fell asleep driving my car twice...ran off the road...once, I bumped into someone bc I fell alseep, luckily no one was hurt. I slept about 18 out of 24 hrs every day. I couldnt function. I dropped out of school, quit driving, almost had to quit work...I was baby sitting, so my falling asleep didnt hurt that alot...the little girl was old enough to wake me up, etc.. I had a constant headache, I became incontinent (I peed on myself when asleep).  I was near stroke level.. so.. when I had my sleep study..the doctor was amazed that I was still alive. My oxygen levels were at dangerous levels.. when I got my CPAP....i never slept another day/nite without it. When the power goes out, I have to stay awake... the only time I sleep without it is when Im riding in a car for a long period of time...like on vacations...I try to keep myself awake, but sometimes its really hard...but im always miserable when I awake.. so, keep trying to find a good fitting mask and dont give up. I know its hard...believe me...I wasnt happy at first...being tethered to a machine. Having to get used to wearing something on my face at nite... but I got used to it...I know u will to...and your body will feel much better if you use it.. hugs

I totally agree with Lisa. It is awful when I do not have mine.

I used to check my C-Pap with my baggage when I flew back East to visit because I didn't want to have to heft it through the airport. Can you say stoopid?

I sure learned what a BAD idea that was! Of course my luggage was mis-routed. Until my C-PAP arrived, I had to try sleeping in a recliner and woke each morning with a headache and a sore throat from the snoring. Unfortunately, the doc who had prescribed my c-pap would not OK my order to a local company for a temp rental, because I had not seen him w/in a year. So he'd rather have me die than phone in an Rx? Idiot.

Needless to say (1) I always take the c-pap as a carry on when I fly and (2) I have a new sleep doc who gives my an Rx for my wallet for just such a situation.

Maybe instead of a mask you could try the nasal pillows. They are more like the prongs of oxygen like they have in the hospital. It doesn't cover the face as much.  I have to wear them and I had the mask 11 yrs ago. I too was diagnosed with it again with pre-op testing. I hate it but its necessary. Good luck.  Jeanine