Based on my experience, home studies are very unreliable. Mine showed that I was asleep, something like 8 hours, which was at least 3x more than actual. Anyway, it showed that I had enough apnea events that a real sleep study was needed. The real sleep study showed that I had "severe" sleep apnea (any AHI number greater than 30, mine was 47).

It sounds like your husband's attempt to make you feel more comfortable may have distorted your results (made them better than actual). Since you have been tired for years, and may have chest pain issues, I highly recommend that you get a real test.

Many, if not most, people have no idea how dangerous sleep apnea is. It affects nearly every bodily function, but especially the cardio system. Another clue that is not related to snoring is: Do you have to get up and go to the bathroom more than once or twice a night? I had no idea before studying sleep apnea that nearly everyone that starts sleep apnea therapy have their bathroom runs drop to near zero (mine did). Get the real test, you have everything to lose if you have untreated sleep apnea.

Thank you sprout! The dr did called me to tell me I will get a cpap machine, the did another study but this time to calibrate the cpap machine, I actually slept with it or at least part of the night with that contraption on my face. It is so uncomfortable but at the same time I had the best sleep in years. The home sleep study said I wake up 15 times guess that was my AHI, which is supposed to be moderate apnea, but I think it most be more than that. Anyways I was approved for the cpap, I will give it a try, but I feel a little depressed about it. Having to sleep with a mask on my face is not sexy. I know I'm been shallow...but still.

Do not get depressed everyone has similar feeling about being connected to a CPAP machine every night, probably for the rest of their lives. However, it is much better than the alternative, which can be fatal.

First a comment about AHI. That number is a ratio between the total number of apnea events (stopped breathing for at least 10 seconds equals 1) divided by the total hours of sleep. Zero is perfect and up to about 4 would probably be a pass as far as treatment. Anything higher usually will require treatment. As I mentioned before, mine was 47, which means that during the time I was asleep, during the test, I stopped breathing, on average, 47 times per hour. That high of number would very likely lead to a premature death from either a heart attack or stroke, not to mention a bunch of other problems.

Make sure that you get a copy of your sleep study report, and the doctor's prescription for the CPAP. The doctor, or the sleep study center, will refer you to their preferred equipment supplier, which will typically charge many times the price that you can get the same equipment for online (cpap.com is a good place for example). If you go outside and purchase your equipment, the vendor will need a copy of your prescription since a CPAP machine is a medical device. (However, they are widely available for sale from non-medical places without an Rx.) Insurance is another issue that may help you with this; mine did not not pay a penny for any equipment, but did pay for the studies.

As for masks, there are many types and most people have to use several to find one that is comfortable. I was lucky and the second mask worked fine. A big factor in determining mask types is if you are a "mouth breather" (you breath through your mouth not your nose). If so, then a full face mask is required. Not really a total cover your face mask, but it covers both your mouth and nose. These are the most difficult to get used to and to keep properly sealed. (BTW - Mouth breathing in general is bad for your health and should be avoided even during heavy exercise.)

I am not a mouth breather so I can use what are called "pillow masks". I have no idea how anyone could call this a "pillow" mask, but that is what they are called. They are very comfortable (and small) and very easy to use and keep clean. Regardless of the mask you decide on, cpap.com is a great site to review all the options and pricing if you buy from them or not.

Do not give up on this! Sleep apnea is very dangerous and if needed must be treated. The best of luck! If you have any other questions, let me know, I am happy to help.