I was told that I have moderate sleep apnea (17 episodes per hour), even though my oxygen levels are 89%. Nonetheless, I was told I need to go on the CPAP. I thought, I can do this. Shouldn't be too bad. NOT! What TORTURE! The nasal mask was so tight I thought my sinuses were going to crack. The rubber around the mask also irritated my skin and made me sweat profusely around my face. The tech kept adjusting the mask to make it more comfortable for me, but I ended up crying silently for an hour, tears streaming down my face, because it was so painful. She finally switched me to the nasal pillows, and I was able to sleep a little bit, but it was still uncomfortable and really dried out my nasal passages. (I also had the creepiest dreams, which now I find are side effects with the cpap.) How does anyone possibly get used to this thing? I am so stressed out about it. I don't understand why I need one. I have no daytime tiredness. From my perspective, I sleep fine other than light snoring because of huge tonsils. I guess I feel like I am being tortured for no reason. What if I end up not using the machine? Will the pulmonologist tell me I can't have surgery? I am about ready to give up on having surgery at this point. Any tips out there?

My appologies to you too Carol. I won't repeat myself from what I posted. My pressure is the same as yours. My next question would be - is the pressure stretching my pouch to be larger? Just wondering. Blessings Susan

I just got a call from the medical supply company. I'm going to see them tomorrow. I'll ask about the Swift. I've heard good things about them from others. Thanks for the encouragement.

I don't really have a question...just needed to vent. During my pre-wls workup, I found out I have sleep apnea. I wasn't suprised--I sleep very badly, am often tired in afternoon, etc. In fact, before I really made up my mind, one of my thoughts was--at least i can get the sleep study...This past week I went back for the titration study, pretty much thinking,"no big deal--I can do this." It was awful. I'm trying not to think in negative terms, but I'm really thrown by how uncomfortable the mask is. Plus, they made me sleep on my back (not that I could turn over anyway, it felt like I was pinned to the bed). I haven't actually gotten the machine yet, and maybe doing this at home will be easier. I think I'm more angry at the fact that there is one more "co-morbidity". Just another thing taking a number, trying to kill me. Thanks for listening Karen

or you can go to Resmed.com to see all the whole Mirage line... if mouthbreathing a chinstrap may also help.....