Jen... There are 3 basic types of CPAP experiences..the first...you get the machine and instantly you cant live with out it....the second...you hate it, tried it and tossed the mask against the wall...and the third, which is the majority of people...gradually ramp up their usage. For years you never slept with with anything strapped to your face...it will take time. If you are still having comfort issues, talk to your sleep lab/homecare provider and ask them to offer more option for you to increase your compliance. I hope this helped. E.C. Frost, RRT isnsleep.com

I had to start using a C-PAP machine back in '97 for severe sleep apnea. I first had the UPPP surgery (uvulo palato pharyngo plasty) to remove tissue from the back of my throat and turbinates from my nose. That only helped for a very short time and then my sleep apnea came back. I had WLS in 4/05 and after 1 year I was able to have my calibration come down on my machine from 20 (very high setting) down to 10 (still considered severe. I was hoping to lose more weight and bring the calibration down more (hasn't happened yet). I have a new partner who is very aware of my need for my mask and encourages me to use it even on nights I feel like sleeping with out (before I met this current partner, I never slept without my mask, but now with him I want to cuddle up and find the mask a big hinderance). I HATE THIS MASK! literally. I look forward when I no longer need it (let's hope it is soon). karen

I've had my cpap machine for a little over a month and I cannot believe the difference in my energy level. I used to sleep between 12-15 hours a day (including naps) and still be exhausted, now I sleep 7-8 and feel great! It took a bit of getting used to for the nasal pillows--my nose was really sore at first. After about a week or so it didn't bother me so much and now it isn't trouble at all. P.S. I think it was somewhere around 60 times for me

Thanks for the response Lisa. Although I am shocked with the results I am somewhat relieved because of some of the stories I have heard from people about how much better they felt after using the machine, much like what you have said. I was kind of scared to go to sleep last night knowing how many times I stopped breathing. Pretty scary stuff. What is so bad is that I am sure there are tons of people out there- many in my own family- who have no idea what sleep apnea is but suffer from it silently. I didn't have a clue a few months ago, until I started hanging here, on OH. I have become so much more educated about so many issues. Thanks again. Have a great day. Jenifer

I just got the call with the results from my sleep study. I quit breathing 358 times. I was shocked. My oxygen was low (I don't know what normal ranges are) 78%. I hope this will help me not be so tired during the day. I have to go back Friday night for the machine part/ to get fitted I guess. I am claustrophobic ?sp? so I think I am going to try the nose pillows. I am still stunned. What kind of numbers did you guys have? Oh, BTW I am so glad there is a sleep apnea forum on here. I just found it. Cool. Jenifer