My Sleep Apnea Cured!

[Cancel 1]

I can feel you're pain. I also wear a CPAP. I have been using it diligently since December. This is my third try with it. Two times before I gave it back. Now I can't sleep without it. You have to get a mask that works for you. There are literally hundreds on the market each with small differences. They even have special pillows for people who are belly and side sleepers. I like you couldn't handle it at first but found that if I used Carmex lip balm on my lips before I went to sleep it kept me from gettinb too dried out at night. It actually worked, after about 3 days I noticed i woke up at 6:00am (my usual wake up time) and it was still on.

Oh, and don't keep it too tight a small leak is acceptable.

If you would like to PM me I can give you more info, I'm a Respiratory therapist and work for a sleep center so I may be able to give you more tips based on what you are experiencing.

Hope this helps and just keep trying.It'll get better and the benefits are worth it.

[ouroborous 519]

It really does get better, and it's SO important to get a mask that fits you, doesn't leak, and (perhaps most importantly) works with your preferred sleep position. I'm a back sleeper, so the last one doesn't affect me much, but folks who sleep on their stomachs or sides may have to shop around a little.

Don't give up -- once you get the CPAP working properly, it's a miracle, truly. You won't BELIEVE how differently you feel.

Of course, at this point, I'm hoping to kick the CPAP entirely, but even if that doesn't happen, I wouldn't trade it for anything. A good night's sleep is priceless.

[Catbert6 0]

I have been using a CPAP machine for 15 years - it has been a life saver and I do not know how I would have gotten by without it.

I can only reiterate the advice of others in this thread - the key is finding a mask that works for you - like an earlier poster I use a gel mask that just covers my nose. For a short time, due to damage to my palate, I had to use one covering my nose and mouth and found that more cumbersome. But your medical support should be able to get one that fits and works for you - there is so much variety these days and the masks are so much more comfortable and do much less damage to skin (in the early days I was warned about something charmingly called "toilet seat face" where the pressure from the mask would make a permanent red indentation around your nose - remarkably similar in appearance to a toilet seat!) that they have no excuse for not looking after you well.

That said, I wish I had not had sleep apnoea - many missed opportunities to go camping and sleep rough etc - and will be interested to see whether the VSG and (hopefully) subsequent weight loss will cure a long time CPAP user like me.

Best wishes

Bob, Canberra, Australia

[BandMomsRock 0]

Hey, Maddie. Hope you are doing better with your CPAP. I finally had 3 nights in a row without taking off the mask in the middle of the night. It's been about 3 1/2 weeks for me now and I think I'm finally getting used to it. I was haven't serious doubts at first that I would get used to the CPAP, but finally, I think it's gonna be OK.

[Maddie 9]

Terri, 3 nights in a row sounds TERRIFIC! I'm still working at it. Thanks again to everyone for suggestions and encouragement, it really helps.

[lorden88 1]

Hi Maddie, I started using a C-PAP just over one year ago. My doctor prescribed a mild sedative for me to use when I first started using it to make the transition a little easier. I was miserable the first week or so but finally was able to get use to it. Now I really notice a difference in my energy level if a skip a night. It has really helped me feel much more rested.

[Maddie 9]

Thanks lorden.