So I had my pulmonary clearance appointment yesterday and my lung function was normal, no problems. However, they did say that I had to get a sleep study just based on my BMI even though I have no real sleep problems. I am really dreading it because I hate sleeping away from home and I'm sure having a bunch of monitors attached to me and a video camera pointed at me won't help. Anyone had one? What can I expect?

Also, for anyone who has sleep apnea, do you use a CPAP? Is it hard to get used to? Does it help you have more energy or lose weight?

Is it a CPAP or an APAP? If the latter you can set it to a lower "constant pressure" knowing it will ramp up automatically when needed. I find this much easier than trying to sleep with a higher constant pressure set close to my max need (which is pretty high).

Other things I find that help:

1. Humidifier - nothing worse than drying out

2. Heated tube from humidifier to face mask - some (like Resmed S6) have a "climate controlled" tube with a heating element that runs directly off the power if the unit itself. I keep mine on 26 degrees C all year round and my tech says that is pretty common for users to do. Others don't have that capability but making a "cover" for the tube from a warm fabric can really help.

3. I go through periods of having problems with sinus headaches and Eustachian tube problems, usually (I think) due to higher pressures. The APAP really helped for this

4. Keeping your mouth shut while asleep is really important - you might need a chin strap. It improves the airflow dramatically and you immediately feel better after sleep.

6. Be sure to check your mask and tube are fitting together well - even a small leak can reduce your access to air and make it hard to sleep well. Check your mask is the correct fit for you. My partner is often more aware of leaks than I am.

I hope this helps. I was lucky and didn't struggle too much to get used to my APAP machine - it transformed my life! My brother also. Our father died young of undiagnosed sleep apnoea, so we are both v conscious of sticking with our machines and trouble shooting problems. I wish you all the best with it.

I did finally make it all night for one night. I had to switch to a full mask because I couldn't sleep with my mouth closed. BUT, then last night, couldn't even go a full hour, mainly because of a constant cough I'm experiencing at the moment. Will just keep trying.

Is it a CPAP or an APAP? If the latter you can set it to a lower "constant pressure" knowing it will ramp up automatically when needed. I find this much easier than trying to sleep with a higher constant pressure set close to my max need (which is pretty high).

Other things I find that help:

1. Humidifier - nothing worse than drying out

2. Heated tube from humidifier to face mask - some (like Resmed S6) have a "climate controlled" tube with a heating element that runs directly off the power if the unit itself. I keep mine on 26 degrees C all year round and my tech says that is pretty common for users to do. Others don't have that capability but making a "cover" for the tube from a warm fabric can really help.

3. I go through periods of having problems with sinus headaches and Eustachian tube problems, usually (I think) due to higher pressures. The APAP really helped for this

4. Keeping your mouth shut while asleep is really important - you might need a chin strap. It improves the airflow dramatically and you immediately feel better after sleep.

6. Be sure to check your mask and tube are fitting together well - even a small leak can reduce your access to air and make it hard to sleep well. Check your mask is the correct fit for you. My partner is often more aware of leaks than I am.

I hope this helps. I was lucky and didn't struggle too much to get used to my APAP machine - it transformed my life! My brother also. Our father died young of undiagnosed sleep apnoea, so we are both v conscious of sticking with our machines and trouble shooting problems. I wish you all the best with it.

I did finally make it all night for one night. I had to switch to a full mask because I couldn't sleep with my mouth closed. BUT, then last night, couldn't even go a full hour, mainly because of a constant cough I'm experiencing at the moment. Will just keep trying.

I did finally make it all night for one night. I had to switch to a full mask because I couldn't sleep with my mouth closed. BUT, then last night, couldn't even go a full hour, mainly because of a constant cough I'm experiencing at the moment. Will just keep trying.

Coughing is really tough and sometimes you just have to give up on those nights. Hopefully they are few and far between.

I've never tried a full faced mask, but if that works for you...

My brother just told me tonight that he's finally got around to buying a RESMED S6 after years of something that has so many non-working parts we were all starting to think he should just abandon the whole thing. But he said he hates the swanky new mask and has had to work out a way to make his old mask work with the new tubing... he's quite an inventive chap so he has. Now he's happy.

Most people seem to take a few weeks to feel comfortable with their cpap machine. Now I'm there I find it quite soothing at bedtime... esp as I know it means I'll be waking up in the morning!

I did finally make it all night for one night. I had to switch to a full mask because I couldn't sleep with my mouth closed. BUT, then last night, couldn't even go a full hour, mainly because of a constant cough I'm experiencing at the moment. Will just keep trying.

Coughing is really tough and sometimes you just have to give up on those nights. Hopefully they are few and far between.

I've never tried a full faced mask, but if that works for you...

My brother just told me tonight that he's finally got around to buying a RESMED S6 after years of something that has so many non-working parts we were all starting to think he should just abandon the whole thing. But he said he hates the swanky new mask and has had to work out a way to make his old mask work with the new tubing... he's quite an inventive chap so he has. Now he's happy.

Most people seem to take a few weeks to feel comfortable with their cpap machine. Now I'm there I find it quite soothing at bedtime... esp as I know it means I'll be waking up in the morning!

I'm not sure what machine I have, but I would recommend it. It has the setting where it starts off at a low pressure and then increases after 20 minutes to the pressure I need for the night. It also has a built in humidifier that I can set as well. The humidifier is what i had to tinker with the most. At first I had it too low and woke up with a sore throat and a horrible migraine. I increased the humidity and have had a good nights sleep ever since.

I was wondering (I have bad allergies right now) do y'all think this will interfere with my sleep study on Thursday?