Contributing some helpful thoughts

[spotcat]

First, I want to say how grateful I have been for these forums. I've been a lurker for a long time, and I just recently joined officially. On those nights when I just couldn't get to sleep because I was still trying to get used to my cpap, I would come read the forums. It helped me to feel not so alone.

I've been using my cpap successfully for about 14 months now, and along the way I have come across some good advice and lots of bad advice. The good advice basically boils down to three things...

1) Be patient. Don't get down on yourself because you're having trouble using this equipment. It will get better, if even very very slowly. But it will get better.

2) Be upbeat. You're doing something important to improve your health, and ultimately your life. It might not feel that way at first, but in time your body will reward your persistence.

3) Be happy. Humor is important to keep us from getting too serious about things. I found the funny articles here to be a welcome relief, and it really made me feel better to read humorous stories written by other cpap users.

There don't seem to be a lot of places online that combine humor and cpap (sort of an odd combination anyway), but I did come across this one... http://www.cpapsock.com

They sell hose covers, and even if you're not interested in what they have to offer, you gotta love their spirit.

So that's my two cents. I really hope that those folks who are struggling will keep going and not give up. Thanks to everyone and have a great day!