What do your family members think?

[dseturam]

Newbies/Experienced users - What do your family members think about the mask and the therapy in general. I have been sleeping in a separate bedroom (my choice - so as not to disturb my wife) since I started wearing the mask.

I keep wondering about how my wife will react once once I become comfortable with CPAP and decide to move back to my bed. Also, I am waiting to see the reaction of my other family members/friends when I go visiting?

Any interesting stories? Lessons learned?

[jdm2857]

The machine noise plus the mask noise is probably much less than the snoring that you were doing before.

[Muse-Inc]

My family and friends are so happy that I'm more like I used to be, I think they'd handle the equipment if I had to wear it all the time...Darth Vador sounds and all just kidding, my ResMed is extremely quiet and I used to be impossible to be around.

[jnk]

My wife says she likes the soothing sound of the machine because it reminds her that I'm there, and breathing. She is glad she doesn't have to hear me snore and gasp and snort anymore, like the old days.

The other night, a few weeks ago, I slept in a motel room in a bed a few feet away from the bed my dad slept in. I asked him in the morning if my machine disturbed him. He said he never heard the machine at all.

Many people go out to buy a noise machine to make the noise my PAP machine makes for free. So I consider the noise to be an added bonus!

jeff

[BeanMeScot]

I stayed in a hotel room with my SIL last month. Her noise machine was MUCH worse than my CPAP. Of course, the microwave that started beeping in the middle of the night pissed us both off! She thought it was my CPAP.

[Bearded_One]

My partner doesn't have a problem with my CPAP machine; it is a Good Thing.

[Paul56]

I find my machine doesn't make enough noise... so I need to turn on other noise making devices at night.

There is no issue with the equipment and family members... especially when the have an understanding of the reasons why it is required.

For some though it may be a little tricky explaining to the new love in their life why they need to sleep with a mask and machine.

[jnk]

. . . a little tricky explaining . . . why they need to sleep with a mask and machine. . . .

"You gotta see this--I have this great machine that keeps me from snoring! Not only that, it improves the quality of my sleep so much that I feel more alive the next day! I wish everyone could try one of these things!!!"

[jdm2857]

What?

You never heard of an air fetish?

[vipertec]

The little woman can't believe that i don't snore anymore!

[LSAT]

I have tinnitus (ringing in the ear). It is much easier for me to fall asleep with the hummmmm of the CPAP since it blocks out the ringing sounds.

[Pugsy]

My husband is thrilled to hear the machine and see all the Darth Vadar get up. He was the one who told me that he thought I had sleep apnea and now I get to hear "I told you so" every day. He is thankful that I am finally getting treatment. He says he never notices the machine noise but the few times I have removed the mask and started snoring he has woke up to tell me to put it back on.

[Birddog]

I thought my family would have lost their mind by now since i had my sleep study i treat the CPAP like a new religion and tell everyone about the benefits of it and how great life is with it and can't stop spreading the word about Sleep Apnea.But you all here understand that more than anyone else.It's life changing-For the better

[illinigal]

I imagine that you are more worried about your wifes reaction than she is. I believe that you are , without meaning to, shutting her out. My husband still holds me every night, spooning, mask and all, as we drift off to sleep. I ask my spouse straight out if the noise and hosehead look bothered him. He said he seldom thought of the mask and what little noise there is , he considers the sound of life. ( this coming from the man who doesn't get the love story in Bridges of madison County. ) Your wife is probably very concerned and would love to be a supportive part of your therapy. I travel some with my job..2-3 times a year..and everyone I have overnighted with once..has not been afraid to do it again..so evidently it has not bothered them! So don't be afraid or concerned...invite her to see your 6 foot hose !

(Sorry..I just had to say that... )

[Ganesha]

Sound - My wife prefers the machine to snoring. The CPAP doesn't make any noise. The only sound is if I have a mask leak.

Appearance - My wife is the one who came up with the Ganesha name since the CPAP mask makes me look like that elephant headed Hindu god. I was concerned about scaring my daughter and granddaughters (2 and 5) with my the looks wearing the mask. I explained about snoring, OSA, and what the machine does. The I showed them the mask and put it on. They were fine.

And the dog doesn't care as long as I get up to take her out on time.