newbie...having hard time adjusting to this machine

Just a word of encouragement. I have been on my CPAP machine for just over three weeks now. I started on a straight REMStar Pro set at 10. The first two nights I slept extremely well, I must have been catching up on all the lost sleep. I began to have problems on the third night. I felt like I was fighting the stupid machine all night and wondered if I would ever get a good night sleep again. I never stopped trying. I was able to get my REMStar Pro switched to REMStar Pro w/CFLEX. This made a big difference. I have slept well ever since. My wife hasn't because I am opening my mouth, which makes a horrendous noise. She says she prefers my snoring to it, so it must be pretty bad! We have been playing around with ace wraps, which seems to work other than that they are very hot. I refuse to let my DME charge my insurance company $120 for a chin strap!

Here's the good news, last week we went on vacation and I actually had the energy to keep up with the kids. (Swimming, fishing, and playing games, going to bed late and getting up early.) My 17 year old told my wife how much she enjoyed playing games late at night and not having dad go off to bed. I actually played scrabble and was able to win! I am sure that many of you have had the joy of trying to concentrate with your mind in the fog. Wow, it sure felt good to be able to win for a change!

I had the energy to do 4 hours of mowing, weed wacking, and still be fresh enough to take my wife out for dinner. I have been able to start a walking program with my wife. I guess that I am just feeling alive again.

Keep at it. Nothing of value comes easy!