question about apnea/CPAP

I absolutely love my CPAP, but it wasn't always that way. It took me a month to get used to it. I used it a few hours a night, gradually increasing the time until - before I knew it - I was sleeping the whole night and even my naps with it. I felt very, very claustrophobic during my two sleep studies, so I use a nasal cannula rather than a mask. Now I am awaiting the delivery of my new nasal pillows, which is supposedly the most comfortable way to use CPAP - I can't wait! I am now 99 pounds away from my goal weight, and at some point I will probably not need my CPAP. But until that time comes, I will not give it up, because my life before CPAP was like living in a sleepy fog. Kristen

I used a BIPAP for over 1 year before my surgery. The BIPAP has the air go in and come out at 2 different pressures. I had the style that just fit over my nose. I didn't know what a good nights sleep was until I started using it. Other than the fact that my wife said that I sounded like Darth vader it was fantastic. Better yet is since my surgery I get a great nights sleep and I don't have to use the machine. I also had a dehumidifier which made a big difference. Aetna rented the BIPAP but bought me the dehumidifier.

BCBS of FL purchased my C-Pap after a while. I have had no problems using it. When I go away for the night, I'd rather forget my clothes or money than my C-Pap!!!!! I use it when I sleep, and also since I have emphysema and asthma, when I would get out of breath, I would lie in my recliner and put my C-Pap on to relax me. I've used different masks. Some I have really liked. Others I thought were interesting and so I tried them, but I ended up going back to an old one. As far as them operating on someone who has sleep apnea-- They put my on a ventilator. I woke up with my C-Pap on. IF YOU NEED IT, DON'T BE AFRAID. JUST GO FOR IT. My advice would be to use a traditional mask at first, though. Those have worked best for me. Dixie

Thanks for the info! everyone he is so nice! y'all help calm my nerves!!! happy holidays kim

Hello! My dad has one the has a acutal humidifier built in. I have bad allergies so I don't know which one will be better. The thought the bipap may be good for me to since my problem is more of a hypopnea until i stop breathing. I hardly snore, I just breathe super slow until i stop. I have the consult to get it tomorrow. My mom calls my dad darth vader too. my fiance said he is gonna call me goose like from top gun. thanks for the info! you are the best!

Thanks for the info. I have been so miserable from not sleeping well.I am tired ALL THE TIME. I sleep so muich and never feel rested. I have also been getting migraines from my apnea. I was severly freaked during the study too. I woke up and ripped it off my face and threw it on the floor a few times. I also felt so "high" from the air. It felt like my lungs were getting 100 x's the oxygen they usually do. I was a pack a day smoker for 8 years. I quit 5 months ago so the machine was like the first time i had that much fresh air in like forever! . Thanks for the info and support! Happy Holidays. Kim