I have been on c- pap for 6 months this last time with no luck so far. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea in january of 2006, tried to use the machine for 15 months and could not. finally mt dr. said, you are not a canidate for c-pap and he recomended the surgery[uppp]. I had the surgery and was back on the c-pap 2 years later with severe sleep apnea! so i guess i've been on it 15 months the first time and 6 months the second time to now.
5 years going on 6, and just within the last 1 1/2 yrs have I finally found the right mask and settings, AND the right pillow to get good results. Also, a good, patient doctor who listens to me.
To me, life or death is definitely worth the continued trial and error, because the difference in the way I feel is amazing. Haven't lost any weight, but now can stay awake and am much more alert during the day at work, and while driving. So, quality of life is much better.
By the way, it's thanks to this discussion group that I finally found the right mask for me.
It's been about 2 years. I started out on a CPAP, but I was switched over to a BI-PAP/Bi-Flex. It helps a little but not enough. I am also taking some medications to keep me alert, they don't solve the problem. I am still very tired and have no energy or getup and. I also suffer from depression and Type 2 Diabetes
I originally did CPAP for a couple of years in the 90's but had trouble with the mask leaking and drying out my eyes (my diagnoses). Went to a mouth piece for about ten years until it stopped being effective and I have been back on CPAP for the last 6-7 years. Had problems with being allergic to the plastic in the mask (which made my skin break out) until I got the nasal pillow. Have really never had any problem with the CPAP machine (except masks) although I have never had it read to check effectiveness (by the way no health professional has ever told me I need it read). I know it is working by the way I feel during the day and from what my wife says (she moved back in the bedroom-lol). BTW this is the first time I've written anything on this site although I have been watching and reading quit a while. Also my 17 year old son is having jaw surgery next week (July 6) to move his jaws forward to help his bite and apnea. He hasn't been able to tolerate his CPAP machine.
I'm going on 2 years and i still struggle everday to be completly honest. I have found comfort in switching back in forth with the swift FX and the Mirage softgel. But i have to fix my nasal congestion if i'm going to be successfull. That being said when i wake up in the morning with it, i'm a much happier camper....On a side note we are having some pretty big sales for the whole month of July, check them out..http://1800cpap.com