Question:
Has anyone with sleep apnea not used the cpap like they should have?

I have severe sleep apnea and my surgeon is requiring me to use the CPAP 4 to 6 weeks before he will even submit to insurance for approval. Using nose pillows, VERY uncomfortable.Ihave been trying for two weeks and end up taking mask off after about 3 hours. I would like to know if there's anyone out there who didn't use CPAP like they should have and had no complications. I realize this is serious but I just can't use CPAP like I should and this seems to be the only thing holding up my surgery.    — [Anonymous] (posted on January 11, 2002)

January 11, 2002
Hello, I too am pre-op and was diagnosed with sleep apnea about 7 yrs ago due to me having seizures in my sleep. They never told me the sleep apnea was causing the seizures but did a sleep study anyways. I was diagnosed with moderate severe sleep apnea and was given a CPAP machine. I used mine for awhile and yes it is very uncomfortable. I would always drop my mouth open and would have air going thru nose and mouth. Then I would wake up like I was suffocating to death. I stopped using it years ago and haven't really had any major problems that I know of. I'm not saying to use yours but hopefully after you have your surgery, you won't have to use it very long because my surgeon told me that with the weight loss will more than likely get rid of the sleep apnea. Good luck.
   — Jennifer G.

January 11, 2002
I never did tolerate the $#@ thing! My pressure was 17 and the bipap gave me headaches, made acid refux and nasal drip terrible. I gave up after a week and told my surgeon I couldnt do it. I had surgery without a problem, my surgeon kept me monitored and on oxygen on a higher flow than normal. This was a nice surprise. Good luck to you.
   — bob-haller

January 11, 2002
You really need to use the machine--it could be a matter of life or death! When you stop breathing, it's like an adrenaline rush in your body to start breathing again; you could very easily suffer a stroke or heart attack in your 'sleep.' You will really notice the benefits of the machine after using it for about two-three weeks. I struggles with mine for a few nights but after that I've been just fine. It's important that you buy a mask that fits properly, maybe try a gel mask! You will look and feel much better when your body has proper rest! Good luck and USE YOUR CPAP.
   — [Anonymous]

January 11, 2002
i was diagnosed with sleep apnea 4 years ago. i have not spent one night or naptime without it since. but i do have to say it took me quite a while to get used to it & stop pulling the mask off in my sleep. now i worry that if the time comes that i can stop using it, how will i sleep without it? lololol.
   — sheryl titone

January 11, 2002
I've been using mine for about 6 years and I don't know if I'll be able to sleep without it. The key to using it, as far as I am concerned, is making sure the mask fits right. If it isn't snug (not tight) and air can leak around the mask, it is very uncomfortable. Also, if you wake up with your mouth very dry, you are probably sleeping with your mouth open. Get a chin strap to keep your mouth closed. I know it has helped me big time. Before I started using it, I was so tired all the time. The first time I used it all night I couldn't believe how much better I felt in the morning. If you absolutely can't use it, don't hide that from your doctor. He needs to know that, for your own good.
   — [Anonymous]

January 11, 2002
I, too, really struggled in becoming able to tolerate it, but after a couple weeks, I did adjust. My opinion would be for you to continue to try to get used to it. Especially if not using it will slow down your WLS. I do agree very much with the person who said whatever you chose, be honest with your surgeon. I did feel SO much better once I began sleeping, really sleeping with the C-pap. I was OFF my C-pap in short time after my surgery & it was easier going OFF it than it was learning to go ON it! good luck.
   — Kathy W.