Do you use a C-pap machine? Is it making a difference for u?

I was recently diagnosed and will be getting my C-pap machine soon. I'm glad to hear so many good responses here. I hope it helps.

Yes I use a CPAP also. As do my brother, cousin and aunt. I have a nephew who was also diagnosed with sleep apnea but at one year old he I guess he is too little to use the machine yet. Huge, huge difference when I use the machine and when I slack off. When using it, I sleep and wake up feeling refreshed. I am sharp, on target at work. Can handle multiple tasks simultaneously. When I don't use it I wake up feeling sluggish, usually with a headache. The day drags and I tend to doze off. Often find myself just staring at the computer screen and on a couple of occasions, caught myself dozing off while interviewing clients. You should definitely get in the habit of using your machine regularly, it makes a world of difference. A few things I've learned that I can share, just in case you didn't know. There are different kinds of masks, one goes just over your nose, another covers both your mouth and nose (I prefer this type because I tend to sleep with my mouth open so the air would go in my nose and right back out my mouth when I use the nose only mask.) And there is on that is like a cannula (sp) just an air line with two little pieces go in your nostrils. If you have a good respiratory therapist (RT), they should let you try on different sizes and models till you find one that is the most comfortable and the best fit for you. Check with your insurance about how often you can get a new mask. I was so very careful with my first one and used it for 5 years before I rolled over in my sleep and broke off the plastic piece that holds the strap. When I went to get my new mask, the RT told me my insurance will pay for a new mask every 6 mos! Studies have found that sleep apnea runs in families. I'm pretty sure six of my brothers and one of my sisters also have it, in addition to the people I listed above. And finally, dreams. When my brother or I don't use our CPAP, we have dreams of drowning or other situations where we can't breathe.

My boyfriend has sleep apnea and also has a C-pap machine. But he has a hard time using it. His nose get dried out and suffy and he bothers him. He can get a humidifier for it but he hasn't done it yet. I guess I will have to start nagging him.

I have sleep apnea and RLS also. I have been using a cpap machine for about 20yrs now. I can't even considering going to sleep without it because it is such a habit now. When I first got mine in the hospital I slept so soundly I didn't move. The nurse marked the sheet and I didn't move a muscle for 7hrs. Heck I probably would have slept alot longer but a group of doctors were in my room talkiing about how I hadn't moved and woke me up...lol My friend has trouble with hers though, she takes it off during the night alot. I was so sleep deprived by the time I was diagnosed that I thought the whole world looked brighter, like colors. I also started noticing things I hadn't noticed before while driving. I had been living in a fog. My RLS seems to come and go, I take Trazadone 50mg when it acts up. Just be more consistant and in no time it will be second nature. Here is a great place to get information and tips. www.apneasupport.org Good Luck

That machine changed my life! I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea and had been walking through life with almost no REM sleep. So the machine definately helps. I didn't like the full face mask, so I use a mask thats a tube that goes under my nose. Much more comfortable. they call the mask nasal pillow. Some nights I can't sleep with it so I take it off. And most mornings I find I took the mask off sometime in the night, usually after using it for two hours. Long enough for rem sleep anyway. Try the nasal pillow mask, and you'll find it much more comfortable.

I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea also.I have been using c-pap for 5 years now and it has made a big difference in my life.I cannot sleep without it now and am so use to wearing it.It is dangerous to stop using it because it is now linked with stroke.I almost killed myself driving before i found out what was wrong with me.I blacked out while driving just after getting off a major highway with my daughter in the car her yelling my name is the only thing that woke me up we were almost in the ocean.It takes awhile to get use to it but dont give up u have probobly noticed alot of other symptoms that will go away when u use your machine like chronic heartburn,chronic cough,leg cramps,hallucinations,felt like my ribs were folding in half,i thought i was haunted i was seeing people standing around in my room every night that was fun.So keep your mask on u will get use to it also.Iam also checking into possible cures and will let u know what i find out.Take care "Your Fellow Sleep Deprived"

That is great news, and I am so happy it is working for you. I don't have one, as warm milk does the trick for me.

I don't have sleep apnea, but I do have RLS. I should look into this machine possibly taking care of that problem. Some night I just can't sleep at all. I get up and walk around all night long.

I was diagnosised with Sleep apnea about a year ago and have a c-pap machine. I don't know now how I lived (slept) without it. But it was difficult to get used to and took determination, I am glad I did. My husband says he is happy too because the snoring was horrible now I don't snore at all. I have woke up and found that I took it off in the night too but not as much anymore. The change in energy and felling of getting a full nights rest are priceless. I know that a lot of people give up because it is hard to get used to but you just have to be determined and stick with it.

It's good to hear about C-pap machine. But what my husband's physician say that the best solution to sleep apnea is to reduce weight.