How do I tell my girlfriend?

[fcbartra]

How do I tell my girlfriend that I am using a CPAP?

[kempo]

"By the way Honey I'm a hosehead" Just explain to her what OSA is all about. Show her your cpap and how it works and answer all of the questions she ask to the best of your ability. No big deal.

[archangle]

Surprise her. At some time when she comes to visit, excuse yourself, go into the bedroom. Dress all in black, put on your mask, wear a chinstrap, tape a laser pointer to the side of your head. Stagger out like a zombie and tell her "Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated."



Seriously, just mention it. Don't make it a big deal like you're admitting to some deep, dark secret. Maybe figure out some way to casually mention it in passing.

And remember, people who do CPAP don't snore.

[Julie]

Hi - You explain that you stop breathing overnight, and that it's not something pills can fix or exercise, etc. Explain that cpap just helps to push air (not 'oxygen') in enough to keep your airway open so that you don't suffer from lack of oxygen (it is appropriate to use it there). It's a condition like any other - most of us do end up with something or other after all.... Tell her that it's not just about treating 'snoring', which is a symptom, and not just about losing weight (it helps but won't cure it in the vast majority of cases), and you could let her try it herself so she realizes it's just an air delivery system that needs anchoring when you're asleep.

You could also tell her that as science is moving forward so quickly these days, it's quite likely you won't need it forever, but for now it's the best thing there is.... and either she'll appreciate that a live (and alert) boyfriend is a good thing, or ... did you really need a girlfriend who doesn't care enough about you to bother to understand?

Think about all the young women to whom looks are everything who have had to explain things to their boyfriends (or even short term lovers) - if they managed, so can you. I bet you'll be surprised at how interested she becomes in the process - let her read more information by clicking the lightbulb at the top of the page here - and will be happy you thought enough of her to share.

[nanwilson]

So whats the big deal? There are even many famous people that use cpap...Mike Moran, Katy Perry, Regis Philben just to name a few. What would you think if you had to inject with insulin every day, its just another medical condition that is keeping you alive and well.

[fcbartra]

Thank you for your replies, wish me luck...

[Vader]

I would just tell her:

you


don't


know



the



POWER



of



the



Dark Side!!!


(that worked for me, but I'm in my 60's, and I have a wife )

[Alshain]

"Sweetheart, I have terminal cancer....



Just kidding, but I do have sleep apnea."

She will be so relieved you don't have cancer, that the apnea won't matter.

[jabman]

Just tell her the truth and explain what OSA is. If she leaves you or does not want anything to do with you then she isn't the right girl for you. But I think she will be understanding.

[Alshain]

Yeah seriously what Jabman said. Just tell her it's really not that big a deal. It won't interfere with your relationship at all, sexual or otherwise. Really, compared to non-fatal disorders and diseases you could have like diabetes this one interferes with your life a lot less... it just looks a lot more awkward.

[archangle]

By the way, once you've broached the issue and she doesn't seem creeped out by it, offer to show it to her. Put it on and let it blow. Unhook the mask and let the air flow out the hose.

I remember showing some college age relatives by turning it on and demonstrating. They were fascinated that I could open my mouth a little and blow air continuously. Offer to let her hold the mask to her face. Hopefully, the two of you are engaging in more unsanitary practices than putting your mask on her face anyway.

Don't "push" the issue, but make the offer.

"Hey baby, come into my bedroom and I'll show you my hose."

[xenablue]

Good luck - and come back and let us know!

You've received some great advice and ideas!

If you're comfortable with your CPAP and not too self-conscious - she will be more accepting. Btw - when I first got mine, I made hubby wear it - with the machine on - for a few minutes, just so he'd have a better understanding of what it does.

Cheers,
xena

[ameriken]

Tell her you just became an Air Force Fighter Pilot and your new equipment just arrived.

Then after she laughs at you or smirks at your dumb joke, you can do what Alshain said and tell her that now that you have her laughing, that you have cancer and this is part of your home treatment.

When she's finished crying, then you can tell her you were just joking around with all of that and you only have sleep apnea.

If she's still with you when you've done all that, marry her. She's gold.

[ameriken]

On a more serious note, there's no special way to tell her, just tell her. Let her know you stop breathing in your sleep and the machine will help you breathe. Pure honesty and straightforward works the best. Good luck!

[Pugsy]

From a woman's point of view... just be honest and straight forward about it You can't go wrong with that approach.
She may even have a family member or friend who also uses cpap. You never know today.
If I was dating it would be a non issue. Of course I am worth my weight in gold.. just ask my husband.

There could be some shallow people who would be freaked out by it. Those type of people aren't worth a second thought.