CPAP Nightmare?!?!

[Glamgirl 63]

gr8ful1, thank you! yes I will keep wearing it but ohhhh the struggle lol.. Im going to keep the faith!

[JT2002TJ 170]

Sorry, I didn't read the entire thread.

I had problems when I initially got my machine because my sleep therapist was garbage. In fact, their entire company is garbage. My therapist came over basically threw the machine at me while driving by at 60 mph and left.

So, I got the sleephead beta software, and started learning about how these machines work, and monitored my sleep myself. Turns out, I needed to increase my starting pressure. I found I was out of breath just getting into bed, and had a hard time falling asleep. Once I was asleep, I slept fine through the night. Once I increased it, I have not had an issue for 3 years.

This is not to encourage people to go adjust their settings themselves, but sometimes the therapists aren't doing their job. In my case it was, and still is too difficult to switch suppliers (my therapist works for the supplier). My Pulmonologists office doesn't like them either, but there just aren't many options.

[Kimbero 167]

I've been wearing mine for 10 days now, there are still dats i wake up and the mask is on my night stand, but for the most part im getting used to it and its not that bad now. The company that records mine called to tell me my AHI number is really good and I try every night to get no less then 4 hours which is required for my pre surgery orders. Keep trying dont give up

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using BariatricPal mobile app

[Apple203 1,314]

Time will tell :-) You will need to bring it to the hospital, that much I do know. Like @gr8ful1 said, it does get easier over time. At first, I woke up constantly, but now its only once or twice a night.

I also have my fingers crossed that this will be temporary.

[Luzbella 51]

Hi, sorry to hear about your difficulties. I had my sleep study, as part of my requirements for the GB on April 2nd, this year. I can honestly share that my CPAP is my best friend.

Before my CPAP I was lazy-tired and sleepy all the time. My libido was gone on vacation and did not even send post cards. I procrastinated on almost everything and had constant Migraines. I was sleeping but not going into REM, so I was not rested.

Now I’m a different person! I’m never home! At 5:30 am I’m up watering my plants and sipping my coffee. My libido is right back where it belongs and working overtime ; ) My house is spotless and I’ve even lost 20 lbs.

I think that how you approach the whole “I have to sleep with a mask on” situation is the key. For me, it came as a surprise when I found out I had it. During my sleep test I had 65 events per hour! I was like WTF? When, how, why, me??? Then just like that I said fuck it. It is what it is. I was not going to let a mask get in between my GB and it was a requirement. I had posted some of my sleep test on my Snap and my cousin texted me to share her sleep apnea experience and gave me some great advice. She recently lost 102 lbs with no surgery, just wearing her CPAP. She said, “take your time when you go for your measurements and CPAP equipment. Wear your mask a minimum of 7 hours per night. Lock your door when you go to sleep and do NOT let anyone disturb your sleep! Not even yourself with cell phone or tv.”

When I went to get fitted for the mask and pick my equipment I finally picked AirSense 10 AutoSet by ResMed with a AirFit F20 full mask. I did try many out and believe me, I took my sweet time trying them with different pressures and closing my eyes and relaxing to picture myself in bed with the mask on. I believe the tech wanted to choke me at the end, but she was patient and kind.

That afternoon I held a family meeting and laid the new law down.
1) If my door is closed and locked, do NOT knock on my door unless there is a fire or medical emergency! No excuses.
2) Do NOT call my cell phone after 8:00 pm, do NOT text me, do NOT email me. My cell is on silent and I WILL NOT answer.
3) Do NOT make loud noises. If I have to open my door y’all have hell to pay.
4) To my husband, if you wanna play you better be in bed before I put my mask on or wait till I take it of. (Did say it in a sweet way while smiling. For the record he loves it that I don’t snore and has threatened me to steal my CPAP for himself since I sleep so peacefully now and have so much energy)
5) No more babysitting past 8:00 pm! If grandkids are not picked up by then, don’t pick them up. They will be sleeping. ( My grand daughter ages 10, 9 & 6 know its for my health and the cooperate and add brownie points with gram grams)


So far it been great. I feel so good and even if I were not getting a GB I would still use it and recommend it. Reacquaint yourselves with your CPAP. Fall in love with it. Make it your best bud. It truly does help and when you look at it as something benefiting your health, you will open your mind and heart to it. Try out different sleeping positions. Use lots of pillows if needed. I use 7! 3 full sized, 3 squared and on long neck pillow. I use them under my legs and arms and my neck pillow and if you walk in and see me you would laugh your asses out, but it works for me and that’s all that matters. Do what’s best for you. This is your time. Your health. Your life. Give your CPAP a second chance and allow it to change your sleep.

[Someday 42]

I have hereditary sleep apnea. Every member of my immediate family has had a machine for over 10 years, including myself. They do suck in the beginning, but the one thing i will swear by....is drugs. Seriously. Obviously not as a first option, but if it's really a problem that you can't get past, talk to your doctor about sleep medication. It will knock you out and keep you out until you get used to the feel of the machine. It's the only thing that worked for me, and now I can't even nap without my cpap.