Just 2 weeks in and doing great!

[SusieG]

I cannot believe how fortunate I am to have been able to take to CPAP as easily as I have. Sure, the mask is sort of bulky but I am now sleeping at least 8 hours and might wake up once when I turn over (or the cat is taking up all the room in the bed ). I had trouble with leaks for the first few nights but then got my mask liners and got everything "tuned-in" and I have very little leakage.
I really think that the best advice for anyone new is to be positive and RELAX. The whole process is for your benefit and your better health.
I feel sooooo much better - more energy, better concentration and just feel happier than I have in a long time. For anyone out there who is having problems adjusting to CPAP, HANG IN THERE... you will see results! Now I just need to get my husband to get tested and get with the program too!
Consider yourselves hugged by me!!!

[Sheriff Buford]

This is great news!! Congrats! If any issues pop up, work them all here. We will help you thru them.

Sheriff

[sleepnasta]

Congrats!! I think it's important for people like us who take to CPAP easily to share our stories because it
Might motivate others and give them hope.

[chinmullet]

I was also fortunate, in that I had no major issues adapting to the mask. I can't say I prefer to sleep with it on, but it's not so bad.

First few night were bad - uncomfortable, mad at myself for letting my health/weight deteriorate to the point that I had to sleep with this @#$% thing strapped to my face, depressed that it could be for the rest of my life. I ripped it off my face in frustration a few times. Threw it on the floor once.

It DOES get better. I could only tolerate the mask for 2-3 hours per night at first. Now up to 5-6 hours per night. Record is 8 hours. Once.

The only real issues I have are some minor leaks around the eyes, and wetness in my mask. I read here about hose covers, or wrapping the hose in a towel. I have it wrapped in a towel now, but I don't think it's helping much. Going to try a hose wrap.

Glad to see not all stores are so bad.

[wildflowertx]

I'm jealous! I'm about 6-1/2 weeks in and although I've adapted fairly well, I don't have the increased energy, concentration and general better overall well-being that you do and that I'd hoped for by now. But neither am I giving up hope nor am I discouraged.

Yay for you!

[SusieG]

I am on this forum every day checking out what others are saying... you are all great with your input and ideas!
I had a problem with leaks on the mask at my left eye... don't know if there is a bigger divot there from wearing glasses for 50 years or what but I found that the mask liner really helped.
I got a zippered hose wrap and it works great... no annoying noise when the hose is moved around at night. As to the water in the mask, I have a heated hose and humidifier and have not had that problem as of yet.
Blessings!

[jweeks]

I am on this forum every day checking out what others are saying... you are all great with your input and ideas!

Susie,

That is great advice right there. In my case, I had an amazing first night, but then hit just about every problem in the book over the next few months. As it turned out, there was someone else in the forum that started about a week before I did, and he hit every problem that I had just a few days before I did. By the time I hit an issue, this other person had just solved it, so all I had to do was read the postings. The collective mind here made all the difference in the world for me.

Congrats on your great start...and I hope that it only gets better from here. I know that each year for me since starting CPAP has been better than the previous year. 2012 was the best yet, and I have even higher hopes for 2013.

-john-

[SusieG]

[*]The collective mind here made all the difference in the world for me.[*]

Ain't it the truth!

Although collective brought me to Borg which brought me to "You will be assimilated!"

Resistance IS futile!

[jazu4ea]

I am about three weeks in and doing great as well! I had some nose irritation with my nasal mask and switched to pillows. It seems to be getting better and better. I always enjoy reading posts here! Lots of experts.

[Slartybartfast]

This thread deserves a bump. More people need to see that it works. Nobody's guaranteed a perfectly smooth ride. We all face problems from time to time with leaks, mis-fits, etc. But keep after the little problems and the big ones are avoided.

Congrats on your positive attitude.

[zoocrewphoto]

This thread deserves a bump. More people need to see that it works. Nobody's guaranteed a perfectly smooth ride. We all face problems from time to time with leaks, mis-fits, etc. But keep after the little problems and the big ones are avoided.

Congrats on your positive attitude.

Agreed. I have some some bad nights still, and I have some really awesome nights. Most are just pretty good nights. But clearly, I feel better, and I can see improvements in my health. It is definitely worth it, even with a few bad nights here and there.

[cosmo]

Its nice to hear success stories instead of the whinny ones

Some people seem to swear their machine has kryptonite in it and is harming them

[chunkyfrog]

Resistance is not only futile; it is foolish.
--and illogical.

[hanes]

I am also just started on my CPAP journey, having begun just before Christmas. Like you, I am amazed and relieved at how smooth my transition has been. The only issue at all that I have had in several weeks is some nose tenderness, which has been largely overcome with Lanolin cream and patience, and some leaking several nights, which has been mostly eliminated with adjustments. I have used my machine for at least 8 hours every night, and getting good results: my AHI is down from about 70 to under 2, with some nights under 1!

Most surprisingly, I find myself actually looking forward to sleeping with this "contraption" (as I called it when I first saw what the sleep doc was recommending). It's almost as if my body knows it doesn't want to be suffocated any longer! Or maybe I'm just weird. I just know I am happy to have found this help!

[CPAPhope]

This was a great post for me to read. (See Allow me to gripe for a minute...) I really appreciate all of the positive comments and reminders that it is a meandering stream we are on. Some times smooth and easy, sometimes rocky and splashing.