6 weeks in, no improvement whatsoever, losing all hope.

+1000, Ednerd!
Desperation often gives us the motivation needed to stick to therapy.
My apnea was considered fairly "mild", but arousals several times an hour
left me feeling like I had endured a all-night beating. Desperate, oh, my yes!
But there was no option--use cpap, or NOT SLEEP. Easy choice.
Weird to be grateful for misery, but it was exactly what I needed.

I feel your pain,, I am waiting on new machine been months, Thinking about buying one but I dont know what the settings should be,, with that said,, I am using one that's about 12 yrs old (which I didn't use it, but trying to now) so no settings or anything to see how I'm doing,
But even with mask on I wake up in sweats, so something is wrong, I cant manage to wear it for a full night,

I also find it to be more of a pain then its worth, However I couldn't tell you the last time I slept a full night, I have to go to the restroom or I wipe it off my face, only way I can cool down is to sit up and wait till I can cool my body down,, This is nightly, so I am so tired and with fibro I hurt more, I have no more pin free days and I know I need to use this thing,

My point is I feel your pain, I am at the point I havent left my house except dr app every 6 months, I feel my life of the living is gone, but we must keep trying to find the answer that works for us, right?

What brand and model is it. I'm sure the forum could get your pressure into the ballpark, even if it only gave basic information. An old tshirt cut up, may help with the mask

Your description of how the machine doesn't respond to your exhale immediately sounds maddening, and would probably mess with my sleep, too. Since this is life or death, and you have a supportive family, any chance you could ask here about a better machine and just go ahead and buy it if insurance is an issue?

Trazodone is the med that helps me sleep. I take a small amount, but it's great.