Does anyone here use a CPAP machine?

[water_sprite]

I did a sleep study a while back and was told I have moderate to severe sleep apnea.  My Drs. believe this could have lead to my heart failure.   I've had the machine but have not really used it enough to get use to it. 

Well, I've been SOOOO tired lately that I've gotten it out and will start using it tonight.

I could use a little encouragement.  How long did it take you to get use to it and how long before you noticed you were feeling better?

Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Brenda

[Brian]

A friend of mine uses his EVERY night, even when we go camping so we have to have an electric site.  I for one am glad he brings it that way I can get some sleep.  Before, if I didn't fall asleep before him, I was awake for hours listening to him snore!!  I think he got used to it pretty quickly.  He certainly slept much better and felt much more rested each morning.  This probably contributed to his getting used to it.  The trade-off was well worth the initial 'discomfort'.

Funny story:  His wife was telling her friend at church one Sunday morning that she didn't get very much sleep the night before because "Darryl's hose was all over me last night"!  LOL!!!

[Shawn]

I have one and like you do not use it. Wife says blah blah blah....   I can use this machine and amazingly, after using it 2-3 days, it scares the sleep apnea away... I can then go a few weeks without using it and for the most part, sleep well. I, however, feel like the machine is trying to smother me and have not gotten used to it.... I probably need to start wearing it again, but... I wish you much luck...

[LeeAnne151]

My father, two brothers in law, my stepbrother and a friend all use them and swear by them and so do their wives.

They've all lost weight and all feel much more rested during the day.

My sleep apnea isn't bad enough to use one but both my primary care physician and the pulmonary specialist I saw who ordered the sleep study said that sleep apnea is nothing to fool around with. It can lead to pulmonary hypertension and many other severe problems not to mention the tiredness and what the snoring puts your significant other through.

[water_sprite]

Thanks for all your replies.

Tonight will be my third night to use it.  The first night, I took it off half way thru the night.  Last night I kept it on all night.  I have to admit I HATE it, but if I start feeling better, it'll be worth it.

LeeAnne151, interesting that you should mention pulmonary hypertension.  The last time I had tests run, I was told that I had PH, not quite severe enough for medication.  Yet.

And I'd love to lose some weight!

Maybe I'll get use to it.   

[Johns]

My wife has one and uses it every night.  Stops the snoring and makes her feel better.  Her sister who has ephazema was on oxygen for years has switched to CPAP and is doing well.  Last April Karen and her sister went to Ireland and took their machines with them and used them the whole trip. (they just needed a plug adapter for the machine).  I had a friend who had sleep apnea and had to have a hole cut in his throat for a breathing tube.  Died at age 50, heart attack.

The key to a CPAP machine is to get the right mask for you, as there are many different types and you need the one that works best for you.  Also, pay careful attention to cleanliness and emptying the machine EVERY day.

[CT]

You can also get nasal pillows. They fit against your nose with the strap to hold it in place. It's much nicer than a mask. It's worth checking into.
Kay

[Johns]

The pillow type is what my wife settled on.  She still refers to it as a mask.

[cindy]

my hubby does.  First couple nights, he didn't like, filled up with air.  Now he even naps with it.

I probably need one.

[water_sprite]

Thanks everyone.  I'm still using it altho it hasn't helped w/the headaches yet.  Hoping it will soon!