My sleep apnea has been cured. How you ask...I wear a CPAP. How does it work? It keeps you awake so you can't sleep.

No sleep =No sleep apnea. :scared0: LOL

Seriously though, after 3 nights with that thing, I am so freakin tired. I can actually handle the air. But having that thing strapped to my head is horrible. For the air not to leak, it has to be on rather tight and it's so uncomfortable.

They said after about 3 weeks, that you start really feeling the results and waking up refreshed. I can't imagine 3 weeks like this. UGH

I even took a sleep aid last night but all that did was make me feel more tired this morning because I didn't "sleep it off".

Does anyone know how to make this more bareable?

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Thanks lorden.