I, too, have been using a c-pap for years. The head gear can be used a long time. They recommend and insurance pays to replace it every 3 months. I use mine much longer. The machine needs to be lower than the bed, but not on the floor. If it needs to be on the floor put a cutting board or something under it, cuz it is pulling air from the room and filtering it and blowing it out the hose, into your nose/mouth. Be sure to keep the filter clean. (At least that is how mine is made.) It takes a bit to get comfortable with them. The first night I had mine off in about an hour. The second night I was able to keep using it all night and I haven't been without it since. I have three of them. One for travel, one in the living room by my easy chair (in case I want to nap) and one at the bedside. I've found them at garage sales and then take them to my medical supply person who sets them to the Dr.s Rx. The medical supply people are very helpful in getting the right supplys for you to use. You can try many styles until you find the right one. Just keep exchanging them until you find the right fit. I know this because part of my job is cleaning the ones brought back so they can be reused. Once the right fit is found they give you brand new ones and charge the insurance.
Please don't give up and those of us who use them all the time can give you tips. I, in fact, didn't know about the sleeve for the hose!! Thank you!