Hi Poppiesroses,
What type machine do you have. I have Resmed S9 and there is a check to see if the mask is properly fitted before you go to sleep. Not all machines do though, the secrete for me has always been make sure I got a good seal before I dose off. If there is a good seal you won't or shouldn't move around much while you sleep...Good Luck, and stau with it, soon you will refuse to go to sleep without it.

poppiesroses, good to see you have worked out the problem with the pillows now give CPAP a good try.

Thanks ezja and tez. I have an appt at the sleep clinic tomorrow. I told her I was having some problems so hopefully we can sort them out. Thanks for your encouraging words. I really need it!! My mom died from sleep apnea so I need to persevere. I don't I would have known it would get better. Mom had do many problems with her cpap machine that she gave up knowing she could die. She died at 76. Feeling it today for some reason.

Persistence is the key. My nasal pillows leak when the headgear moves off kilter. I keep having to tweak my chin strap so it keeps the headgear in place. It sure doesn't help any that in my sleep I burrow my head into the pillow. I've almost got it sorted out. Fingers crossed.

Good job poppiesroses.

Poppiesroses, I'm glad you understand that you need to know why you need to preserve, I'm sure you want to be around for as long as possible with your family and have a good quality of life. You can talk to us anytime if your feeling down about it, no one else understands what it is like having to sleep with a mask on all night except us, but the benefits far out weigh the disadvantages. I love my CPAP, she is a part or extension of me, I name my machine and she has saved my life. She works with me and works for me and never complains lol, this has been a life changing thing for me and that's why I try to help and support others with our illness, you'll be fine.

"AMEN" Tez62, I agree with you 100%...There is no way I can sleep without my CPAP machine. I too had lots of problems adjusting, and at that time sites like this were not invented, so I had no "like me" people to converse with, matter of fact I thought CPAP users were rare and I was just lucky enough to have to use one...But family was there for me all the way, still there too...I struggled and struggled till I finally got the "SLEEP OF MY LIFE" and continue to till this day...Poppiesroses..Keep the faith, it will get easire, and better for you as the nights go by..Remember it could always be worse...Just don't stop wearing your mask...nightly..

PoppieRoses,

You have first hand knowledge of the health issues sleep apnea causes. May I please pass along my condolences for your Mother. Unfortunately, she died at a young age.

Personally, I had some anxiety and was pretty surprised to get this diagnosis as I am thin but have now found out that thin people can get this disease also.

When I was diagnosed, I hit the Internet and found as much information as I could. You will find that these type message boards are full of great people ready to give you a hand if you have a question.

I agree with Keeska in that persistence is the key. Keep at it. Change masks is you need to, Use a chin strap if it helps, use the silicon pads if you need them, etc...

Did your visit with the sleep center go well?

Take care,

TheWino

I don't know what I would do without all of your help. I would be having such a hard time persevering. I read here that someone liked the true blue mask and switched to that. I hyperventilated the first night. The second night I didn't hyperventilate as long. It gets easier each day and the mask does not leak AT ALL.

So many many thanks to all of you. My husband really noticed a difference.

Poppie,

I know this sounds unusual but it works. If you are having troubles wearing a mask at night, try wearing it in the daytime (unconnected to the machine) while you are watching TV, reading a book, or just relaxing.

You body is not used to having an alien attached to your face. So, you can kind of trick your body into thinking that wearing it is normal.

Best wishes!

TheWino

Thanks. I'll try that.