CPAP... Please tell me it gets better

Getting use to CPAP or other sleep devices is difficult.  Almost everyone tries a few masks before finding the one that works.  It really is about the mask.  As far as pressure, use the RAMP button to reduce to a lower pressure as you are adjusting.  Find out if you are having "central or obstructive" apneas.  Very different problems.  Your sleep physician or respiratory therapist have access to your study.  Have them explain it to you.  I AM NOT A DOCTOR...but multiple years working in sleep clinics.  Good luck!!  I too, use a sleep device and hope it too will be eliminated with weight loss :-)

Thank you for that advice Zann.

thank you for this nice response.  i hope you adjust quickly:-)

It's really hard to get used to in the beginning.  Sometimes you need to try different masks and headgear.  I had some that just didn't work for me.  

Once I lost a lot of weight, I felt like the pressure was about to blow me out of the bed.  I took the machine back to my sleep center and they lowered the pressures.  I use a BiPap which has different settings for inhale/exhale.  And I also had to change to completely different headgear and masks because I was no longer a buffalo head.

My OSA was extremely severe at my highest weight.  I was exhausted all the time because I would stop breathing so many times during the night.  It really helped to make me feel better, but it is a big adjustment.  I have just the nose piece, not the full mouth and nose mask and it works well for me.  Good luck.

I just wanted to say, while you made me spit laugh at your description of your head ... you have never been a buffalo head my friend!

My head would beg to differ  

The straps on the headgear were so stretched out and saggy that I thought I was someone in a bikini.

You're going to make me pee my pants.  And it will freeze -- it's so cold here...

  I'll send some sunshine in a bottle your way.  

LOL

Be sure to post an 'after' picture, too.

It does get better & takes a decent adjustment period. I haven't had my surgery yet (scheduled for 3/2/2015), but had the apnea test back in December. I received my CPAP in January & had the same issues you are having. Did you go with the nose pillows or did you get a full mask? I have the nose pillows & the first week or so I really hated having to use the machine, but once I got used to it, my sleep & overall feeling during the day from not being tired was wonderful! Stick with it. However, if you're feeling a lot of discomfort where you don't think the mask fits or maybe the equipment needs adjusting, call the company that provided you with the equipment & they might be able to troubleshoot. GOOD LUCK & please update me!