What is it like living with sleep apnea?

For anyone new to a CPAP machine, just know that it takes time to become adjusted to it.  Sleeping with a mask on your face is "not natural".  Be sure you have the right mask.  I started with a "pillow".  While less intrusive than a "mask", it doesn't work for night-time mouth breathers.  So, had to get the full mask.  Just know that, if you stick with it, in a week or two, you won't want to sleep without it!

Prior to my sleep study I was always sleepy to the point I even gave up driving. My sleep study showed AIH of 72.5. 
Now with my CPAP it is <5 every day and I am back to living my life.

I still have other unrelated issues, but I'm driving my new convertible again and not sleepy all day.

It was a new identity when I was diagnosed because frankly I didn’t even know I had it, and the dr didn’t even think so until we got the results of the sleep study. I fall asleep easily and sleep soundly regardless of whether I am using the machine. I do wake up frequently during the night to use the bathroom but have no difficulty going back to sleep. The only symptom change I notice is that I don’t suddenly fall asleep during the day any more. My husband teased me at first that I looked like “The Creature From the Black Lagoon” but otherwise he’s used to it. He has very severe sleep issues and refuses to use a CPAP and may be a candidate for an implant. He loses a lot of sleep. 

I’ve had sleep apnea since 2015.  Had the depression and trying to wean off sleeping pills was a nitemare.  I used my machine for 4 months didn’t seem to help I started to realize this year my sleeping was getting worse so I got off caffeine no more sleeping pills and started using my machine 3 months ago WOW what a difference I wake up refreshed even though I get up during the nite 2 or 3 times to potty I still feel refreshed never get off it again ☺️💤

@Louisa I am new to this site and I see your post was almost a month ago, so this may not be of any value to you.  I hope you have overcome the problem of not being able to breathe with your mask on.  I think that could be a psychological problem.  OR . . . if you're like me, I am a night-time mouth breather.  When I have my mask on, and I try to keep my mouth closed to breathe through my nose, it's very difficult; I can't get enough air.  You might try breathing through your mouth and see if that helps.  Good luck!

I actually have a b pap.. which has been the best thing ever...before i was falling asleep every day while at work...several times...i thought i was just tired come to find out i was not breathing 116 times per hour at night so obviously that made me tired every day.  I love love love this machine ...I have tons of energy now and feel soooooo much better

I am new here and l have used the c pap now for 5 years now and still struggle with the mask and hose, l wake up several times a night all twisted up in the hose and it is over the bed post or it would be worse.  I just have the nose piece not full mask. I lay down on my pillow and think this feels great, but a couple nights ago l laid there too long and fell asleep, l was jolted out of my sleep, l swear l jumped so hard l came off the mattress. Scared me and took me a while to get settled. Any one else struggle?

@Niecy69 I always have the hose at the top of my bed, coming up from the floor.  You may have to move your top mattress an inch or so toward the bottom, to allow the hose to move freely along the top.  It will no longer be in a position where you can lie on it; and it will not tangle up there.

Ok l will try that. My machine is on the night stand and hose up over the bed post because hose is so long. Maybe lowering the machine will take up more of the hose. When l got it they told me to put it on night stand, so taking your suggestion, thank you!

@Niecy69 Let me know if it works for you!  Fingers crossed. . . .