Hi all. I did a sleep study a few weeks ago and was told I have mild aleep apnea. The sleep tech even told me it wasn't bad at all. Im suppose to be getting my CPAP machine this week. So today I had an appointment for medical clearance for surgery and when I told the Dr. I had sleep apnea he made a point to stress to me that I must use the CPAP for at least 3-4 weeks before surgery. The problem is I HATED that machine! My sleep study with the CPAP was one of the single worst experience ever. I felt like I couldn't breath, it made me claustrophobic, and I almost had a panic attack with it on because it felt like I couldn't get the air out of my chest. It was awful.

I'm just wondering for anyone else who has/had a CPAP- were you required to use it before surgery? What will happen if I don't? I'll give it another chance at home to see if maybe it was the environment I'm worried if I can't use it enough will it effect my breathing during surgery?

Thanks everyone for all the replies! So I went and got the CPAP today- they showed me how to use it and everything' date=' and the tech was super nice and helpful- way better then the guy I did the sleep study with. She asked me how the mask was and I told her it was awful and I felt clostrophobic so she recomended the nasal pillows and I tried it on and it was SO much better then the full face mask!! Like A MILLION times better! Oh and for those of you who mentioned the computer chip- yup mine has it too! She told me that at my follow up I had to bring it with me to show I had used it for insurance to keep paying for it- it had to be used at least 4 hours which isn't much. I went to make a follow up appointment and they told me I don't need to follow up with them- but my surgeon instead, so not sure if they are going to want to see the memory card. I need to call this week and let them know I got the CPAP.

So I am going to give it another try now that I have the new nasal mask. The biggest issue for me is I was having a hard time when I breathe out- I just feel like it's a bit of a struggle to do so I don't know why. I used it for a few minutes today and it still felt like that. It also always gives me a wicked bad head ache. Oh and my ait pressure is only 8 which I was told is very mild sleep apnea. Well I'm gonna give it another go and see![/quote']

It will take a few nights to get use to it. I felt like I was drowning at first. Just be calm and relax. It will get easier.

My hubby uses one and he HATEd it at first. He pulled it off in his sleep and felt the same way. It takes months to get used to it but now he wouldn't go without it!! He has such restful sleep and is more alert and less cranky during the day. There are also many different types of masks you can try to see which one makes u feel most comfortable. Untreated sleep apnea can cause serious heart problems so just keep trying and you will get used to it. But most likely you will not even need it after surgery. Most everyone that loses weight - cures their sleep apnea. Good luck!!

I have had sleep apnea for over 10 years now. I was diagnosed when I was at or near my near my current goal weight. Three weeks after my surgery I found that the pressure on my CPAP (11-setting) was becoming too high and was blowing my mouth open during the middle of the night. It was almost worse than not using it and wake up with apnic events throughout the night. My PCP Dr. prescribed and auto CPAP for me which is supposed to automatically adjust your pressure based on CO2 levels and vibrations which occurr when yu begin to snore. I have slept GREAt ths week however wake up with a head ache each day. I am unable to figure out why??? Has anyone else with sleep apnea had issues with headaches upon waking that last through the day??