How long?

[Sam31]

This is my first night using my CPAP machine and I am not sure how long I will have to use this machine. Typically how long to people use their machines before their sleep apnea is alleviated?

[jules]

until they die

this is a life long commitment

once you have this, you probably always will have it

a few people can lose weight and lose the machine, but most people even with weight loss will have to use the machine

and most surgery (not all) doesn't solve this either - sometimes surgery makes it worse - so if you are thinking surgery or some magic pill fix, get the facts, do the research first

[greenvelvetdragon]

Jules is spot on

i wouldnt now give up my machine for quids, its saved my life, in a weird way its like one of my best friends, it makes me feel safe and comfortable...wow never thought i would ever get to that point.

gvd

[awh]

Usually CPAP cures sleep apnea in the same amount of time as eyeglasses cure myopia.

[fortomorrow]

You're going to have to use it forever, so make friends with it now.

[Debjax]

The good news is that:

a. You will start feeling much better, and even if you don't notice the difference, your cardiovascular system will.
b. After a few nights/weeks, or so, you will really not notice the mask is there anymore. I put it on, within a few minutes (if that long), it doesn't even feel like there is anything on my face. (Ok, Leno does look a little funny through the part that goes up to my forehead, but heck, he looks funny anyway.)

You may want to get a hanger or improvise one (lots of advice on this forum for DIY inexpensive hose hanger systems) to hang your hose up, out of your way at night. Made it so much better for me...can move around at will with nothing "dragging" or tangling me up. Cover your hose with a hose cover, Resmed makes one, see Pad-a-Cheek for softer and prettier ones, and maybe use both....I found double insulating my hose took care of my rainout problem (if you don't know yet, you will).

Make your peace with your CPAP now, it is your new best friend, and lifelong companion.