Just got CPAP machine

It's imperative that your masks fits and seals onto your face or you're losing the benefit of using it in the first place. I hooked a shower curtain ring around my bedpost to keep the hose off my shoulder and have the hose go up over the top of my pillow. By doing this, you won't have as much drag on your machine and risk having it fall. IF your CPAP mask or nasal pillows fits CORRECTLY you should see a difference in the quality of your sleep almost immediately. I find that I have to use a small half moon pillow to be able to sleep on my back as I've been a side sleeper for over 50 years.

Diana

I've had much the same experience with waking up and its off.  But over time I am getting more and more used to it.

I have a new problem though I hope someone here can help me with.  I have a little bit of a cold.  I use  the small nasal mask, and with my stuffed nose I can't get enough air because my sinuses are inflamed.  I tried saline spray because they say absolutely don't use Afrin or anything like that (addicitve), but saline doesn't do anything for me.  It actually seems like it might make it worse.  Any tips for dealing with a stuffy nose on CPAP/APAP?

Well since I am new to the cpap all I can suggest would be to maybe switch to the full face mask (just til you get over your cold). That way you can breath out of your mouth and still benefit from the cpap. I have a face mask because I sometimes breath out of my mouth. I would say to call your doc or the place where you got your cpap from and ask them. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.Also, maybe you should repost this on the main message board as they get a lot more responses because more people frequent that board. Good luck.
-Tammy

Go with the saline nasal washes, not the spray. Really clean out the nose.

I also use the breathe right strips when I have a stuffed up nose - Oh and crank up the humidity helps as well.

I get sinus infections about twice a year so this is what I do.(and these are really bad ones, I don't count the cold ones)

 I recently bought a Remstar Pro C-Flex+ from http://www.cpapandsupplies.com but am having a great deal of problems with the SD card. Is it possible to read it from the computer and work out exactly what's going on? (I'm a computer geek but useless with CPAP! :P)

 I had the same problem when I first started using my CPAP machine, but I had the cushioned inserts installed into the mask. It felt so much more comfortable and if it wasn't for the air being forced into by lungs , I wouldn't know it was on!!!

Get something like these:   http://www.cpapandsupplies.com/opus-360-nasel-pillow-mask-ma sk-only-101

 I just got a cpap machine today because I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea.  I am so ticked off because my dr. said I would not be able to have my weight loss surgery without being treated. I did not ever feel tired and as far as I am concerned did not have any sleep issues. My husband does not believe I have any issues either.  I was told I stop breathing on average 46 times an hour. I was told if I want the surgery I have no choice but to get a cpap machine.  Call me a skeptic but I can't help but feel the insurance companies are in cahoots with the manufacturers of these machines. I feel there is a real "Sleep Apnea Band Wagon" happening right now.  Someone told me pretty much everybody referred for Weight Loss Surgery has to go for a sleep study.  My feeling is I guess everybody has to make money off me.

Thanks Diana. I will have to try the shower curtain hook. I also moved my nightstand closer tot the bed so it won't be able to fall off onto the floor anymore. I don't know if I can sleep on my back as I have also slept either on my side or stomach. I might order one of those c-pap pillows I have seen advertised in catalogs such as Dr. Leonords or Harriet Carter. I will do whatever I have to do to be able to feel better and eventually have the bariatric surgery. Thanks to you for all of your suggestions.
Tammy