Hello, new here with test results.

Hi Michelle - I am also a Michele! I've only been on this board a really short time and have only been using a CPAP since August 7th. The people on this board are wonderful and they are very patient. I feel like a numbnut asking the questions I do, but they always take the time to answer thoroughly. You asked what it felt like to have the air going up your nose. Well, with me I don't really feel it "going up my nose". It's more like my throat airway just feels nice and open and clear and easy. The only weird thing is that if you open your mouth air comes rushing out, but the whole idea is not to open your mouth and to breathe through your nose. Sometimes I just open my mouth for a second to make sure I am getting the air through my nose since I can't feel it. That's how comfortable it is.

Hope this helps.

Michele

I started out with a "straight" CPAP (fixed pressure with no exhale relief). It also wasn't "fully data capable". I didn't have much luck with that machine. It spent most of it's time in the closet. I finally managed a week on it. By that time I had discovered this wealth of knowledge. Two weeks ago I got an "auto" cpap along with computer software. The "auto" with "A-flex" actually senses your breathing and automatically adjusts the pressure when you are exhaling and inhaling. The "auto" feels very much like normal breathing to me when I go to bed. When I wake up I can see a report to see how my night went, if I had any mask leaks, and have a good idea how well the treatment is working. I feel a real improvement after 3 weeks.

Honestly, it takes a little adjusting, but especially with the right equipment it isin't bad once you get used to it. It was harder for my mind to accept than my body. Most important of all, I think everyone reports feeling better they would describe as major quality of life improvement. It's important to get the most comfortable equipment for yourself. After that, a comfortable mask or interface that fits. But that's a story for another day!

Incidentally, my mother is going thru the exact same process as me. She got an identical machine and now an identical mask and we share knowledge and help each other along almost every day. She feel improvement too. Get your husband on board and you can do it together!

Glad you're making progress.

Georgio

Try to go into it with an open mind. You might be pleasantly surprised. I know some people have a really hard time getting used to it, but some of us took to it almost immediately. I didn't have any problem adjusting to it...not at the titration sleep study and not at home. I did have some problems with finding a comfortable mask, and I'm still not sure I've got the one I want longterm, but I can sleep with it, and for now, it will do until I can afford to try another one. My point is, if you expect to have problems, you probably will. If you go in convinced that this is something you need to do for yourself, and committed to make it work, you may still have ups and downs, but you will be successful.

Best of luck!!

Hi Michelle, i am also new with cpap. have been using it for 4-5 mths now. there is no way I would go without it. I may look silly at night but it helps get through the day. I also have fibromyalgia and have found an improvement with that.
When you first put a mask on you feel a sudden rush of air go up your nose. It doesnt take long to get used to that. It feels quiet normal after about a minute. If you start with a low pressure and let the pressure build as you need it you will be much more comfortable. It can take a while to get used to masks. I adapted rather quickly ( two weeks) My brotherinlaw took a little longer. Just stick with it. I find that every hour I have the mask on is like 3 hrs of fantastic sleep. I have my mask on between 6-8 hrs every night. I think it is very important that you and your husband both get treatment. You will not beleive the differnece it makes to everyday life as well as your future health.

Bj