I HATE CPAP MACHINE!!

I will Walter. Thanks for th reminders of the dangers of sleep apnea. I am going to try a different mask though. I certainly don't want to die before I got to live!!!! Best to you

I didn't think I would ever get used to the thing.  But then one morning I woke up and actually felt refreshed.  Who would have thunk it?  Since having my surgery three years ago my pressure has been decreased several times and I have had a complete sleep study done every year.  But in spite of losing 140lbs I still have to use the thing.  The problem now is that since losing the weight I am having trouble getting a mask that fits.  But I still use it.  I do not even take a nap without my machine.

My best advice is to keep trying.  If this mask does not work for you try another.  Or try the nasal pillows.  But just keep at it.  There is so much more involved than just a good nights sleep.  The long term damage done by sleep apnea is insidious and deadly.

Red

Thanks for taking the time to respond Red. I am going to find a mask I like.

For me it was love at first Night.    I remember feeling so different the first day.  (That was like a Tuesday or a Wednesday).   I realized by the end of the week, I was actually awake the whole day and had no need to crawl off and find a place to nap.   Amazing.  It gave me back a degree of normalcy I had not had in years.   I had no idea how badly sleep deprived I was until I used it.   For me the challenge was finding comfort with respect to the mask.  I started with nose pillows and those created sores, they had to go & I got a nasal mask.  It was OK, but I would often be popping decongestant and sprays to keep my nose clear.   The really major deal was getting a full face mask.   All the asshole providers tried to talk me out of it.  I think it was due to the fact they cost more and perhaps the reimbursement was not the same.   At any rate, I insisted and voila', the best option of all.   I have not slept a single night without it in years and am hesitant to give it up.  At present I am getting indications that it may be set too high, but I don't think sleeping without it is an option just yet.  If it never goes away, I will not care.   'Love me, love my mask' is my mantra.  

I still use a chin strap even though I have a full face mask.  I find it helps me nose breath, but the mouth option is there if I need it.   I also have heated humidification.  Don't let them talk you out of it.   It really is ridiculous how they sometimes try and nickle and dime you.    Try not to dwell on the negatives and keep an open-mind.  You may be surprised how good you feel.

Peace,

William  

William, I do remember the day I got mine. The guy told me I wouild NOT like the full face mask. Strange as most who have responded to my post seem to prefer it!Hmmm.
  My insurance pays for it so, why would he care which one I prefer?
            I did call to see about a different mask. I will insist on the full face mask and see how I do with that. I do have the water well in mine but I cannot tell the difference.I tried it last nite. I will keep everyone posted on my progress to find the perfect mask. Thanks

Mine came with a "water well" as you put it, but getting heated humidification was another matter.  I made a fuss and got the heating element.   It really is important.   Make sure yours is heated.   Even if you don't use it much, it is good to have.  If you have congestion or are getting very dry, you can turn it on and it will help.

Peace,

William

when I started on cpap it was tough, so I had a ent do a little surgery to make more tolerable, it worked,  that may be required also.   I had a laup,,,, lazer assisted ulna plasty,   simple like burning off the adnoids

I've been using my c-pap for about three years (have not been switched yet) and I, too, have a love/hate relationship with it.  I have tried at least eight different masks and do not love any of them--some are just more tolerable than others.  My problem is leaking of air around my face but I just keep trying different types.  I have close "relationships" with my my sleep specialist's respiratory therapist and Apria!  I'm always asking about what is new.  I've tried many and rejected most.  However, once in a while I discover something promising and give it a try.  I know pretty quickly if it will be worth trying before I leave the office--if it makes a lot of noise aound my face it's a no-go for sure.  It does often takes a few weeks to get minor issues with one I can tolerate worked out and adjusted on my face right.  Even so, some nights I fight with the mask to get a comfortable position that does not leak.  (I am a side sleeper.) 

Try a couple different pillows.  I find a soft one (down or down-like) on top of a somewhat flattish (is that a word?) memory foam pillow gives me the support I need but is mold-able around my mask (which covers my nose only).

As far as intimacy, that takes place before putting on the mask.  Besides, a little humor in the bedroom can be good for a marriage--and boy, do I look funny in that thing!  But we both sleep better for it.  I will, however be glad to give it up someday and find something else to laugh about.

Good luck!
Lisa

Thanks Lisa, Good advice. I get the air blowing out too. Then, I am wide awake!!
          I loo k funny too. I suppose that is why he laughed at me but I was just so sensitive at that moment. Stupid really.
          Flattish works for me.lol  I am going to look for a memory foam pillow. Any suggestions on where to find one? Thanks

I think you can get memory foam pillows at Sam's.