frusterated with cpap

I'm so sorry you all are having such a bad time of this therapy - we all know it can be extremely difficult for some people.

1. Go slowly if necessary. It's best to start out wearing the mask every night, but if you are having problems then take it off and sleep without it. That's better than not wearing it at all. You will find that you'll sleep longer and longers with it every night.

2. Definitely use a sleep aid. Even a prescription one if needed. It's not going to hurt you short term - and some people take a mild one for years with no side affects.

3. If a nasal mask or full face mask are intolerable - then go to a nasal pillow. Even if you have leaks and mouth breathing, it's better than nothing. Also, a nasal pillow can help you get adjusted to cpap therapy - then you can go to full face mask if needed.

You didn't get sleep apnea overnight. And you won't adjust to the therapy overnight either. Every little bit helps, so don't feel badly if you progress slowly. But trust me, someday you won't be able to sleep without it.

Just my opinion, Linda

Like the OP, I occasionally wake up adjusting hoses and the such, but... it's still alot less waking up than I used to do pre-cpap. I only wake to adjust hoses 1-3 times a night whereas before I was waking several times a night gasping for air, or worse yet, not even really sleeping.

Of course I want to get to where I'm not waking up at all, but so far the improvement has been remarkable.

What's funny is that I'm now getting less sleep... in terms of time spent... but feeling better rested throughout the day. Not perfect yet, but better.