I use a CPAP. I love it. It is a bit of a bother, but well worth the easy breathing and the sound sleep. It takes a little (very little) getting used to. There is a pillow that makes sleeping easier. I use a soft pillow under my cheek when I sleep on my side. Write if you want to.

JulieR, you are just TOO Funny!

I, too, have a special pillow -- it's a water pillow. You fill the pillow with water and it's like a mini waterbed. Never is cold even when the house is in the 40s (when we go camping). It allows your head to sink in and you don't feel the mask on the side of your head like you do on a regular pillow!

I've been on a Cpap for years and years. I literally cannot breathe lying down without it now. Before I was diagnosed with sleep apnea, I used to fall asleep while on the computer and my head would fall and hit the keyboard - I used to go to asleep on the john and wake up as I was falling off - was tired all the time. The Cpap has been a life saver literally. When I went for the sleep test, the nurses told me that they had never seen anyone stop breathing as often as I did while asleep (many many times per minute.) This can be very dangerous to your heart and can also cause strokes.
It is a little strange getting used to the mask, but believe me the alternative of not wearing it is not a good choice. I consider it a life saver and would never think of not using it now - putting it on is just as natural as breathing now.

I have one and it has made me feel so much better. Not as tired. Disadvantage would be if SO were to wake up, see mask and scream!! LOL

My health has improved greatly since using one. I have 15lbs pressure and the cost and style differ according to your needs. As I am a mouth breather, I have to wear a full mask and use a humidifier as well. I can't go to sleep without it. Before I purchased it, I was rarely getting more than 2 hours of sleep every night and was very sick with related illnesses. Now the other illnesses are under control and the lag time for me to get to sleep is only about 10 minutes.I have more energy and lost 15 kilos in weight without doing anything else except use the CPAP machine. So you see, I am an ambassador for the machine, whilst I was a skeptic beforehand.

My husband & I both use them. I know there are several kinds out there. We both use the one that has a mask that goes over nose only and with straps that go around back of head. Here is the link to what we use. Although we go through a medical supple store where we live. It looks like this. If you want more opinions pm. me and I will be glad to tell you more.

http://www.cpap-supply.com/CPAP-Masks-s/13.htm

I've had mine 8+ years and immediately felt better after using it. I thought it was my husband with the sleep problem since he always got out of bed to sleep on the couch! Even told the Dr. that but he still wanted me to get a sleep study. Turns out my upper palette relaxes when I sleep and blocks air flow. I know so many people now that use CPAP machines and am positive many more need them. It helps to have a sence of humor about it too. At first I didn't but now I know so many people have them I don't care any more. At first I sounded like Darth Vador with it on and I'd say to my husband in the dark, "Hey baby, feeling frisky?" which just cracked us up. Now after so many years the Darth Vador sound is gone, sigh. I bought alot of fabric once when I went to a big quilt show and my quilting friend threatened to kink my tubing and steal all my fabric once... I have alot of fun with it like at quilt retreats and with friends and I feel rested in the mornings.

Sounds like you have been given the wrong diagnosis from your sleep study.

ROTFLMAO! Therese, you are proof positive that having a good sense of humor is a gift from God when it comes to dealing with difficult life experiences! Kudos to you! :thumbup:

Why, thank you, Lara!!

Please use it! My husband uses one and honestly we both sleep much better. It does take time to get used to it but it is such a blessing to have it.

My husband had a mini stroke on New Year's Eve.

we didn't realize it as it only effected his one hand and all feelings returned in about 40 minutes.. but we went to the doctor's on Monday morning... we were told if it happened again to immediately call 911.

Anyway, after many tests, x/rays, etc......., the doctor told him that he had sleep apnea. He was tested years ago but that doctor did not go into testing like this current one.

All tests done, the doctor prescribed the apnea machine and the hardest thing was finding the proper mask. He tried one and then another....and the gentleman at the medical supply company was unbelievably kind and so understanding.

He has been on the machine since the middle of January and believe me he sleeps most nights like a baby. He has found that he can sleep on his back or either side....and he won't even take his daily nap without his mask.

His little satchel goes with us wherever we go..land, sea or air.

Do you watch "MIKE & MOLLY" on TV? He was using one on one of the shows and it was hilarious.......

Tell your hubby to definitely go for it......it has been a God send for my husband......

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea 2 years ago. I use a CPAP and sleep all night long, first time in years. It does take some time adjusting, but give it a chance - it works miracles. Try the pillow mask and give it a good try, it is better than the full face masks, make sure you rinse it out everyday and keep it clean. I put my machine on the floor and I don't have to worry about pulling it off of a nightstand. Good Luck!

depends how severe, I have mild and don;t use anything but if it is severe I would use it, it apparently helps. If you are heavy, they say losing weight also helps.

Three women at quilt retreat, all sharing a room, all with CPAP machines.......First of all, the hilarity of finding electrical outlets for all of us....We were under beds, snaking cords everywhere......Then, the next morning, we three were in the hall, in our rigs, singing Skin-A-Ma-Rinky-Dink in our jammies, while twirling our hoses......cracked up the rest of the retreaters........and we found out that several more of the ladies had their machines with them.
I've been a "hose-head" <G> for 2 years now and don't regret a minute of it. My blood pressure dropped 15 points after I started on CPAP....I was headed for a stroke........

We were informed by our supplier that when going on a cruise, to be sure to take an extension cord.......for the above reason...

what great advice...the plugs are on one side of the room..away from the beds !!!!!!

We go prepared wherever.......

My husband and I both use CPAP. It has improved our sleep tremendously. I even use it on the rare days I get to take a nap. It only took a few nights to get used to, and has made such a difference in my daily life.

The only downside for me is having to pack it up and take it along when we go on a trip, but I will always take it with me, even if I have to leave some items of clothing out of my suitcase.

Hubby has sleep apnea and uses the CPAP. He has to make sure that he is clean-shaven or the mask will leak but I don't think you will have that problem, lol.

When he forgets to put it on he snores and then I poke him to put it on. He sleeps better with it and is more rested (better oxygen distribution). To me it sounds like white noise and it actually helps me fall asleep easier.

The last doctor who treated my husband also has sleep apnea..

He told us that when he travels, he tells them ....

"take my clothes, do not touch my machine"

I have sleep apnea myself and my husband actually suffers from Narcolepsy so we both us a CPAP machine. Use of the machine has made both of our lives much easier. It is a small inconvenience for the greater good that it provides.

We joke that should a burgler come into our bedroom they would be frightened off because he would see 2 "aliens"!!!!!

I have been using a CPAP for 16 years and have had much success. The key is to find a mask that fits properly and doesn't leak. Unfortunately, I am a restless sleeper and move lots, so finding the right mask has proved difficult. There are many new and innovative masks and machines available now, so try them until you find one that's right for you. Most suppliers have rental masks that they will let you try for a week (no charge) until you find the one that suits you.

There is also a specialty dental appliance available that is supposed to stop sleep apnea by moving the bottom jaw forward. I spent $2500.00 to have one designed/made thinking it would be more comfortable and provide more freedom - it did absolutely nothing and was painful. In my opinion, you should stay with the CPAP, as recommended.

I have had sleep apnea and used a machine for over 10 years. I don't use a cpap though I use a bypap as I have a hard time exhaling with the cpap. I also use just the nasal pillow as I couldn't get used to the mask covering my nose and mouth. I take mine on vacation with me and even camping. We bought a Dc cord to interchange with the AC cord and it doesn't use very much power to run from the battery.

Hubby has CPAP for apnea. He sleeps better and I sleep better because I'm not laying half awake to catch him not breathing. :thumbup:

I also have sleep apena (sp) Have used a cpap for about two years now. I sleep so much better now. I hang my hose over the wall lamp and it helps keep the extra hose off the bed.

I would look for a message board similar to this one.

I have used one for 15 yrs. I kid my husband and tell him that if I had to choose.......he'd be in BIG trouble! I was so severe that I never had an issue. I use the mask that covers my nose. Good luck...it's worth the effort.

I was asigned the bi-pap. I just could tolerate the mask. I am a mouth breather and had to use the full mask. I finaly was swithced to oxygen concentrator and just the hose. They insist it is saving my life--but I cannot tell it.

My husband has one and it's such a vast improvement for him. He has a large one and a smaller one. He now justs use the smaller one (newer model and easier to travel with).

You are giving me ideas for my next retreat!!!
I appreciate this thread because some people might be embarrassed about having to wear a machine at night and this helps bring it to light that it's really not a big deal.

My bff and her husband both use one at night. Also, one of my sons-in-law uses one. He was amazed at how much better he felt after only a couple of nights of good sleep.

DH has this - severe - but insurance would not cover evaluation. I recently read that there is a conncetion between breathing issues and early dementia and Alzeheimers(sic). The device may just give you a better quality of life.

my husband uses one -he also has oxygen with his. He even uses it when he naps. It has made a big difference. You can develop heart problems down the road from having untreated sleep apnea. One tip-if the first mask doesn't work keep trying them until he finds one that works and please don't give up.

My mother, sister, and aunt all use CPAP and have gotten their lives back. amazing how well they feel now that they can sleep all night.

I have had my machine for over 10 years. My husband got his just 2 years ago. I was surprised at the fewer sore throats I had because I wasn't sleeping with my mouth open. I also have more energy.
I have the mask just for the nose, hubby's is the full face. My sister just got her machine last month and is wanting the pillows that sit under the nose (like hospital oxygen).
As someone else said, they are not sexy by any means but you get a good nights sleep!
We have even modified our small trailer so that we can use our machines when camping! I won't leave home without mine.

2 OF MY AUNTS HAS TO USE THEM IT SAVED THEIR LIVES ALSO ONE WHO SMOKED AND ONE WHO DID NOT EVER SMOKED BUT WAS VERY HEAVY.SHE FEELS SO MUCH BETTER AND CAN REMEMBER ALOT BETTER NOW ALSO.PLEASE TRY IT AND DON'T GIVE UP IT DOES TAKE SOME GETTING USE TO.

I have used a CPAP for a few years now because of sleep apnaea. I did not find it hard to get used to, except for hearing my breathing through the machine. Before the CPAP I could not stay awake longer than 10 minutes watching TV in the evenings. The first day (after using the test machine the night before) I watched three hours without getting drowsy!! I find that I miss smelling the fresh air at night (when the windows are open) so sometimes I give myself a treat and don't use it. A night here and there is not so bad for you. Sleep apnaea can result in accidents, inability to concentrate at work and even serious heart problems so use the machine!!

For years (back in the 1970s) my husband snored, then stopped breathing, and was skeptical when I told him about it. Back then, most doctors didn't even know about sleep apnea. I kept on fussing and he finally had to beg a local doctor to send him to the Standford sleep clinic. After his first night of testing the doctor told him, "we have good news and bad news.... bad news is, you are going to die, but the good news is we can change the time from two or three months to several years". He had it so severely he had to have surgery to remove his tonsils, adenoids and widen his throat passage. The next day he was like a new man. Had energy, lost weight and had his life back. A couple of years later, he started having problems again and was prescribed his CPAP, and became healthy again. That was back in 1983, and he has used it ever since. He has one for home and one for travel, and even takes his nap using one. It saved his life and I am so grateful. Looks like the medical profession has wised up since our first struggle for diagnosis, but you can see, many people use one successfully. Your brain needs oxygen, so for goodness sake, and your health, give it a try. May God bless you with good health and happiness. Roberta

I have used a Cpap for years--had no trouble getting used to it at all. My DH is very supportive as he claims he sleeps better knowing I won't stop breathing! I jokingly call it my Darth Vader mask and have even taken it on cruises as well as for overnight hospital stays. Haven't missed a day wearing it since I got it.

I also have sleep apnea and snored terribly. I was always tired. I got my CPAP about 6 years ago - love it. I have the nose pillow - just sits between my lip and nose and has 2 rubber tips that just barely go into your nose. Very comfortable. I sleep so well. Please use it - it could save your life. Just keep trying masks or nose pillows until you find one that's comfortable. My supplier is very good to work with me on that. Hopefully, yours will be too.