I have a CPAP machine myself since the beginning of December.
The real issue I have with using it is that I drool *a lot* in any position other on my back and I don't find it comfortable to sleep on my back. Even if I manage to fall asleep on my back, I always end up on my sides and I end up drooling in my face mask which eventually wakes me up cutting my sleep. Then, I have to clean it up...
All that to be admitted to bariatric surgery.
I'm at the point where I think I might have sleep apnea. I just get so tired and sleepy throughout the day, even though I sleep for 7-8 hours each night. I usually wake up once to go to the bathroom, but I'm certainly not waking up multiple times each night....at least not that I've noticed. I don't get sleepy like this every day, but it's occurring more often than not.
It's weird because I don't have any risk factors for sleep apnea. I'm in my late 20s, thin, don't smoke, exercise regularly, and have no other conditions. And this hasn't really been a problem for me until the last year or so, so I'm not sure what suddenly brought on this daytime sleepiness. I've watched videos on CPAP machines and even though they seem to be effective, they seem rather obstructive and invasive.
I'm kind of worried about a potential diagnosis and having to deal with something like that for the rest of my life. But I guess if it actually helps me get good sleep at night then it would be worth it.
Does anyone else have sleep apnea and use a CPAP machine? What has been your experience?
It is hereditary. So, if anybody in your family snores a lot, like your dad, you might just be snoring yourself too despite doing the good things for your health you describe. If you can afford it, go and take an appointment with a pulmonologist. You'll get a small machine with a cord and small pincer to put on a finger that you wear a night. From that, they can tell if you have sleep apnea.
There are two types of "masks". The full one which covers the mouth and nose. You use this one if you have a tendency to breathe through your mouth the most. The other one is the type to put in your nose if you have a tendency to breathe through your nose.
Personally, 3 months in, I'm still sleepy regardless of the machine or not. Heck, I tend to sleep better without it. However, my pulmonogist and respiratory therapist say that the events dropped from 16+ (severe apnea) to 2-3 (normal). So, it is effective but it may or may not help you on the short term. Might be a long term thing.