Can anyone share with me their sleep apnea experiences?

How they knew, what it felt like before and after?

I'm going to be tested in the near future and want to know what to expect.

Thank you!

I have had sleep apnea for years, and I remember how hard it was to adjust to wearing a mask at first. I too would wear it for several hours and then rip it off in the middle of the night in order to be able to get some sleep. Part of my problem was the simple issue of adjusting, and part was that I wasn't wearing the right mask for me at first. Please be sure and speak up, and try different types of masks in order to find the one that works best for you. I persevered and kept using the machine because I was so afraid of the health issues related to untreated sleep apnea. Eventually it became a habit, and now I would say that I am habituated to the thing!

I have lost over 100 pounds, and it took that big loss for me to finally lose the sleep apnea as well. I recently had a home study (apparently insurance companies don't want to pay for studies in the sleep lab anymore) that showed I no longer have it. The scary thing is, I'm still using my CPAP, because I'm so used to wearing it to sleep! When I don't use it, the room feels so quiet, and I can't relax. I have to get over that.

So for those who are hesitating to get a sleep study done because it is a night from hell, look into getting a home study done instead - its a much nicer experience!

Haven't tried a cannula. I'll call and see if it will be something I can try. Thanks

ask your home care company about nasal pillows.

I still have sleep apnea according to the at home test even though I lost over 109 pounds!????

It may be anatomical. There are several reasons for OSA.