I am having a heck of a time breathing with the mask.....

Hello I am fairly new to the board and I just discovered this section. I have been diagnosed with moderate (quit breathing 26 times per hour) sleep apnea. The doctor suggested I rent a Cpap machine because chances are after gastric bypass surgery I will not need it. How long does it normally take to get use to the darn thing? Everynite I put it on, with only good intentions, and about 3 hours later I take it off gasping for air. I have allergies and asthma, and I normally breath through my mouth. Has anyone have any suggestions....I really am having trouble with this.

I would try to wear it when you are resting. Wear it while watching tv etc so you begin to adjust to breating through your nose. I have had one now for about 8 years. I learned to use it to the point I couldn't fall asleep without it. My biggest relearning point was not becoming twisted up in the hose as I slept. I now sleep in only a few positins and only turn so I won't tangle myself.

if you are a mouth breather like me ask for a full face mask its the best cause you dont have to worry about keeping you mouth closed.

Lor, I do sleep better but I hate the stupid machine. My husband is also having a problem & has been through 4 masks. Your Dr. can give you a small sleeping pill which helps. You can try different masks. I've gone through two. Even though you are a mouth breather, you can get a smaller nasal mask/pillows w/.chin strap. Just keep trying a few hours every night or even during the day. I've had mine for 2 months & still have trouble falling asleep with it. It also can wake me up when it gets to full pressure or I move. I set the ramp timer to the longest time I could -45 min. But even if you're using it for a short time, that helps. Little-by-little, I guess. You can also get your!Dr. to change your basic machine, depending on what your major complaint is. I'm with you. It's a real pain! Islander

Thank you everyone for the advice. I am still trying, but have noticed something weird. I am iron deficient and I started taking iron pills which is fine, but I used to have a coronic cough that I thought was asthma. It would get really bad after eating or temperture change. Since I have started on the iron the cough has really subsided (strange) and my breathing is better. Perhaps that will make it easier with the machine. I normally have very little trouble falling asleep and when I do, I sleep like the dead...hopefully this is going to make wearing the thing easier and not feel like I am be "snuff out"lol.