Hi There! I've had OBstructive Sleep Apnea and used a CPAP machine with a ho****er humidifier for the past five years! I have had my ups and downs with the machine. My setting was only a 7 and two years ago it was upped to an 11, due to swelling in legs at night. I recently underwent gastric Bypass surgery and have lost weight! Since the night of surgery I have not been able to keep the mask on! Surgeon said it was a reaction to the anestitia. After coming home from hospital and trying again I called my sleep doc. He had therapist come out and lower the setting to a 9. Still no luck.... Called him back he said you must be opening mouth... try chip strap! Did that.... NO LUCk... I put it on... and it dries me out something fiece and I pull it off. I am battling DEHYDRATION since the surgery! My sleep is getting worse as we go on. I haven't used the machine in over a month and my sleep time has slowly reduced in time. My sleep doc said just stick with it as I've got alot of stress from complications of surgery. Now, I don't think I even need it.... Anyone ever get off the CPAP successfully! How did you know you didn't need it? My weight went from 239 to 184 and I hope to keep loosing! Pat

Shelly, It's not set as high as I originally thought. It is set at 11. From what I was told by the doc, I would feel so much better - just isn't happening. Perhaps I don't get enough sleep. I average about 6 1/2 hours a night. How ya doing? Ed

Oh my gosh thats not good yours is set high to right...oh my I bet you will have to be retested,,,good luck..

Hi everyone, First of all, I'm so glad this forum exists - not many people in my everyday life that I can go to with questions about this! I have been cleaning my water thingy, the hose and mask religiously every day, but it takes a lot of time - CPAP and having a 2 year old don't go well together. Any tips or hints on cleaning quicker, or if I'm overdoing it on the frequency? I understand the need for these things to be scrupulously clean - they are pushing air into your lungs, after all - but this seems crazy. Also, is it normal for there to be air leakage where the hose and mask attach? I know I have to get the technician who brought me the machine to come back out, but just thought I'd see if I could get an answer here first. How do you go about trying out the different types of masks/nasal pillows to find one that's comfortable for you? I was told insurance will only pay for one new mask per 6 month period, so do I self-pay till I find the right one? How expensive are they? Hope all these questions aren't too annoying, but I don't have anywhere else to turn. It could take a couple of weeks to get the tech to come back out here. Thanks!! Beth

4 weeks now. Wear it religiously every night. Still don't notice a difference. I'm still tired. I'm calling my doctor tomorrow.