HI all! I have recently been diagnosed with moderate (level 2) apnea. I haven't seen the results yet, but will have a copy tomorrow.  
WOW! I always thought my wife was crazy, it turns out she was right. Now that I know that I have this condition, and have done some reading on it, all my symptoms sure make alot of sense now. I've been waking up with a hangover type headache for close to 2 years now and they just discovered this because of my high blood pressure. So strange that I complained about the headaches and no one picked up on it til now.
So anyhow, I've been told that I'll have to wear the mask and am wondering about what the thing looks like and how uncomfortable it's going to be? I was also told that there is a surgery that might help, does anyone know about it and if it's helped or not?

thanks,
Dave

If you have the apnea and need a machine be warned that it takes time to get use to the mask and adjustment to that mask. It took me two months but after that it has been great.
Everything is your attitude towards getting improvement in your life!!!!
Hope all goes well with you !!!!!!


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One day at a time,Make the best of each Day.

Hi Dutch,

Not everyone has problems but it is easy to get the idea that everyone does since this is a help forum.  Most people are so relieved to get relief that the CPAP and mask are a very small inconveniece in exchange for rest and good health.

Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) has a very low success rate (less than 50% by most accounts), is very painful and frequently reverts to pre-surgery apnea problems.  Best to try a non-invasive method first that is nearly 100% effective when used properly.

There are a lot of interfaces to chose from There are nasal masks, full face masks (there are specific reasons for using these but don't worry about it now), nasal pillows, CPAP PRO, Comfort Curve.  Nasal masks if you don't want your vision occluded.  Nasal masks for people who toss and turn a lot, etc.  What you use is completely a matter of personal preference and what is important to you and what type interface you find the most comfortable.

It is good that you are getting treated.  Untreated OSA carries with it an increased risk of heart attack and stroke along with some things you are already aware of headache, fatigue, depression, weight gain, concentration and memory problems, car accidents, etc.

Keep postin how you are doing!

Vicki


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That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

Dear Somthinsup,

Vicki is right; there's an amazing choice of equipment available, and surgery doesn't seem to solve problems.  Dutch-ny is also right about the transition; while some have no problems adapting to CPAP, others do, and it takes a while for most to notice positive results.

Compliance (using CPAP every time you sleep) is the key to feeling better, and a good transition and a comfortable mask are the keys to compliance.  There are many posts on this forum about mask (nasal mask, full face mask, and nasal pillows) selection.  The choice of a mask is VERY personal, depending on your facial structure and sleeping position/movement.  It is extremely important to get a mask that works for you; think of everybody else's advice about a particular mask model only as a suggestion.  Your Durable Medical Equipment (DME) supplier can help make this transition good for you; many DMEs are worth their weight in gold.  Bring your pillow to your DME appointment and do not go home with a mask that isn't leak-free and comfortable when you're in your sleeping position.  Be as firm about that as you need to be.

Above all, keep a sense of humor!  

Good luck,
Ridge Runner