What is it like living with sleep apnea?

Ive been using my cpap machine for 5 years; before that i'd almost fall asleep at the wheel while driving( this led me to get checked along with my sons recommendation. I would use the bathroom 5 plus times a night see the  clock every hour i guess i was waking up. diagnosed with severe sleep apnea; as of now i wake up maybe once to use the bathroom, on my sleep app i average 0.5 (AHI)events per hour (very good) . the only thing is i get stuffy nose some time during the day not sure if thats relative. average 6-7 hrs sleep. I have the heated tube so it controls the humidity so the tube doesn't get watery ; I use the nose pillar with a headstrap because my mouth would open; i can sleep on my sides or back; no problem

I'm a side sleeper myself so having the air pillows is much more comfortable. I am having an issue with the looseness of the new headgear as it doesn't give me the opportunity to make adjustments to tighten it up. I will be discussing that with my Respiratory Therapist. 

I also have a prescription for a nasal spray that I use 1 hour before bedtime to clear my nasal passages so that I can breathe properly with the air pillows. I too sometimes have some nasal congestion during the day but not enough to warrant taking anymore meds. 

I was diagnosed in 2010. I have been ignoring it and fighting the machine due to extreme claustrophobia ever since. It has gotten so bad. I'm finally in a place of acceptance so i dug out my machine and used it last night. It says i slept 5.9 hours. That's a lot for me and it's huge that I kept the mask on! 

@Wolgamut Getting used to the mask is the biggest hurdle I think. Have you tried any of the other types of masks like the nasal pillow? I've heard their more comfortable. Keep it up with the CPAP, it's life changing!

I just got a memory foam mask im going to try tonight. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks for the support and encouragement. 

@sleepy 

See if your CPAP Provider can replace the mask with a nasal canula or air pillows. They don't not cover your entire face but rather direct air into your nose. Much more comfortable.

Anyone have 2 to 3 times more ahi at home than sleep lab?  Have 100% mask fit but still ahi is 11-18 per night.   Sometimes with a nap, ahi is 1 but than for sleep it goes to 11+

Has anyone been successful using nasalpillows while mouth breathing?  Which nasal pads/pillows do you prefer?

@Gnorts58 

I have been using ResMed Swift FX Nasal Pillows for the past several years. They are not as confining as a mask so they allow me as a side sleeper to sleep without having to adjust the mask. 

for me I've been using the cpap resmed machine for over 5 years; in the beginning it was hard to put the face mask(full) on. too many straps mouth and nose covered; I freaked out; called my doctor; he said to put the mask on randomly during the day to trick the brain; i did and after a week it worked , i got used to putting it on; i did not like the full mask i use the dream wear nose pillar; i can toss and turn ; the tube is above my head and moves around ; i made 2 loops to run the tube thru to hang over the bed and keep it stable, with the full mask i felt restricted to stay on my back; some nights i get tired of it but know its best for me; when i have a cold its hard to breath with it; however i was told to increase the humidity level it worked; it your nose is dry or mouth get the humidity tube so you can add moisture.