new to all this

[sleepykev]

Hi All,

My first post so please be gentle.

I have just been diagnosed with severe sleep apnea, after 4 tests the final one giving a reading of 237 instances in 4 hours sleep. Apparently I have a tiny mouth, 4 on the mouth scale thingy. Just waiting to go back to the specialist for fitting of the CPAP.

Just a couple of questions in general wondering if anyone can help.

I'm a bit concerned about wearing the mask whilst asleep, from what I have read they are uncomfortable and leave a sore throat?

Do the machines need servicing regularly?

Will it really give me a good nights rest and will it be noticeable?

any help appreciated
Kev

[angied]

ive had mine for a couple of weeks think itll take a while to get used to the mask (full face) but do have the deep sleep i havnet had for 20 years not all the time but alot better than i had before cpap.

[martin]

Hi kev, welcome to hosehead world.
I've been cpapin' for 2 1/2 years with 90% success.
The facehugger and octopus tube mask combination does take a while to get used to and sometimes it takes a few goes to find what works for you, i alternate between a gel one and a sleepweaver. Sore throat sometimes needs a humidifier. My machine hasn't been touched since getting it and chuffs along happily but everyday mask hygiene/cleaning is a good idea, everyone seems to have diff routines for that.
And it makes a heck of a difference to your life once you get used to it, as opposed to being a grumpy snory lump of tiredness I am a normal overweight balding middleaged chap who no longer annoys everyone within a twenty yard range.
Its not an immediate cure but its well worth sticking with and I def notice a whacking big difference in my life.
This is a great place to get help, exchange jokes and rant when you need to.

[symmit]

Hi and welcome. It can take some time to get used to cpap but for me it was a quick acclimatisation and a huge benefit. Comfort is going to be a trial and error thing, there are hundreds of masks and it may be a while before you find one or two that work well with your needs.

[Sparticus]

Hi and Welcome kev, for me there was never any wow factor. I didnt get my machine and all was well, it took alot of hard work and adjustments but I stuck at it and it came good in the end. The feeling of tireness was still mixed in with my nightshift work so it was hard to tell if it was my routine or my sleep apnea that was making me sleep nap during the day. Your body does get use to it and in no time you wont even notice your mask.