Use it, but feel the same when I don't- which is when we travel. I'm thinking that it's a bit of a racket for me. I'm sure it helps some, I just think these folks tell everyone they have apnea after the test, no matter what- mine is "mild" but I still should use the equipment for $250 a month or whatever it is.
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I really like mine -- I have been using a CPAP for almost 12 years. I sleep better and feel better. The only times I have an issue are when the cushion on my mask starts to get worn out enough that it does not seal as well or when the straps on the mask need to be tightened... Fortunately, my insurance provides me with a new mask every three months.
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it looks like my apnea has almost disappeared after losing over 100lbs. Last week, the night after my surgery, I was in the hospital at the medium care. I had a sore throat and decided with the medical staff not to wear my cpap mask, they would monitor my sleep and if they decided that I should wear it anyway they would tell me. I only had 3 or 4 apneas that night, while a couple of years ago I would have have 3 every 2 minutes.

So in a few months, when I lost another 60 of 70lbs, I will file for a new sleep study to see what happens and if I can sleep without my cpap from then.
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Good for you Ferdie!! :-) I can't fall sleep without mine. It's become my security blanket.
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That's great news, Ferd.
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Good news, Ferdinand. :-)

I am scheduled for part 2 of my most recent sleep study in early December to get my prescription for CPAP. Hoping it makes the difference for me that so many others say it has made for them.
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Congrats Ferd!!

I've found I sleep much easier with a CPAP. I do tend to sleep with out it, but only when I get really uncomfortable with it on, or I'm willing to sleep that much longer. But that happens maybe once or twice every time I get a break from school.
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That is great news!
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fun part is, the health insurance decided it was time for me to get a new machine. So the service contracter just brought me a brand new respironics cpap, much smaller and better than the old one.
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Used my new (first) CPAP for the first time last night...and woke up with a problem called aerophagia. It seems I swallowed air all night and filled my intestines up with air. The pain was nasty, and my stomach etc is still all messed up. I am not going to use the machine again until I see the doc in person, sounds like I could do some damage to my colon if I continue with this. F**k.
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Hoping it gets better Tom! Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
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Thanks M.J....kinda sucks that the first night using something that I thought might improve my life made the following day so miserable.

I am not giving up, I need to speak to the doc. I understand that sleeping with CPAP itself will take some getting used to....but I am not going to even try to get used to the aerophagia.
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Damn Tom, that sucks. You using a full face mask? Is that something the doc said you needed? I've been using my CPAP for about 3 1/2 years now and I've never had that problem.
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First couple nights are rough Tom. I thought to myself "I will NEVER get used to this." A week later, it became part of my routine. I used a "nose only" mask the first night...opened my mouth and damn near suffocated. The next day I had a "full face" mask and haven't had an issue since (2 1/2 years later). Stick with it brother!! :-)
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I have the nose only mask....kept waking up snoring because my mouth would open. This was apparently when I was swallowing all the air, Pete.

I am going to inquire about the "full face" mask today, Mac.

Thanks for the support guys. :-)
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I hope you can get in to see your doc soon Tom!
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It really does make a difference.
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I have been using mine for about 2 years and notice a big difference.
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All I notice so far is a big difference in my bloated stomach. :-)
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I've been prodding my BIL to get his apnea checked out. He stops breating for over a minute at times. He's probably 5-10 & 260 lbs, so weight is obviously a factor.

Anyway, I'll keep you in my prayers Tom. My step-dad is also a big benefactor of the CPAP machines. I hope you find what configuration works best for you.
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