I used to do home health and I set people up on CPAP machines in their homes. FIrst and foremost, you must be patient. Don't go to bed thinking you must wear it all night. Put it on and wear it until it's bugging you and then take it off. Don't just give up at the first bit of irritation, but also don't wear it until you're so disgusted with it that you can't even look at the machine. Just try to wear it a little longer every night. If you keep at it, you will get used to it eventually, I promise! About 1% of the people who are put on CPAP take to it like ducks to water. The other 99% of us take a little longer. I'd say the average time it took most of my patients to get used to CPAP was about a month. I go to get my CPAP titration study in a couple of weeks, so we'll see how long it takes me. As others have said, it is crucial that you find the right mask for your CPAP if you're going to have success with it. There are tons of different masks. Call the company that provided you with your machine and ask if they can show you some different masks, or go on the internet and do some research and see if any other masks look better to you. Do you hate the air, the mask, or just everything about it? If it's the air or pressure that bothers you, talk to your doctor. CPAP is one continuous pressure blowing at you, but there's something called BiPAP that is two different pressures, lower when you exhale, and many people who can't tollerate CPAP do pretty well with that. If you've proven that you can't tolerate CPAP, insurance is pretty good about covering it if you switch to the BiPAP. Also, if you don't have a humidifier with your machine, see about getting one. Someone else said they had problems with burning in their sinuses. Proper humidification of the air will help that. There are heated and non-heated humidifiers. Heated humidity adds more moisture, and you can adjust it until it's comfortable for you. I hope you're able to get used to your machine. Untreated sleep apnea is extremely bad for you. It can cause high blood pressure, pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, stroke, and all sorts of nasty stuff. Okay, I preached a little more than I meant to...sorry about that! Good luck with your surgery! Donna

Good question...mine is set at 5-15 its a bipap.

Yes you arent alone I had a problem with shifting and also with nose bleeds. I have sinus issues and the full face mask seems to be working better.

what is considered mild? My machine is a bipap and the pressure varies for 5-15. I am planning on using this as a comortality to try and get approved with healthnet.

Hi Lisa I haven't gotten my CPAP machine delivered yet, it is suppose to come next week...but just from having the 2nd sleep study I know how you feel. The sleep center only gave me a choice of 2 masks and they were both awlful. I don't know how I am actually going to sleep with it on but I must. My surgeon said that the CPAP must be used for at least 4wks straight or she won't do the surgery. She said theat when it is time for PAT's that I will have to bring in the CPAP to them and they will read the computer chip that is inside and she will know if I wasn't using it everyday or properly. I am going to just have to suffer through and besides I really don't want to stop breathing in my sleep or on the table. You should definitely check with your surgeon because he/she may have similiar requirements. Good luck