Question:
I have just had my sleep study done and they determined I had sleep apnea

However, the setting of the cpap machine is only on a five. Does this sound accurate? Even on a five I feel like my chest is expanding and its somewhat painful. I noticed most everyone else's is set on 8 or higher. have I been taken for a ride or do I really need the machine. It was $1700.    — jackie F. (posted on February 6, 2003)

February 6, 2003
Mine was set on 6. I absolutely needed my cpap. I rented mine and stopped using it after 6 months, as my sleep apnea was cured by my weight loss.
   — [Deactivated Member]

February 6, 2003
I have had a CPAP for 10 years or so... as for if you need it, I think if the sleep study showed serious episodes of apnea, you should use the machine. They take some getting used to... do you have a ramping model? Are you sleeping better with it? I am sensitive to this issue, because I had a friend who was diagnosed with apnea... he got the machine but was always complaining about how hard it was to get used to. I tried and tried to convince him it was necessary. The sad end to the story is that he quit using it, and suffocated while lying in his recliner in his living room. Now his 2 kids have no dad...
   — Tim W.

February 6, 2003
Did you insurance pay for the CPAP? I did not have to pay anything - my insurance covered all. I sleep 100% better. Hoping I will be cured after surgery.
   — dottykay

February 7, 2003
Jackie, Please DO use your CPAP as you were instucted to do. It is very important! My best friend, Ginger Brewster, had WLS with untreated sleep apnea and died. Her story is on the memorial page of this website.
   — Hackett