British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association

Hi, I'm new to the forum and new (2 weeks) to CPAP. After 2 weeks of determined effort to adapt, incl buying cpap pillow, hose hanger, hose fleece, different sized mask, I still feel worse than I did pre-treatment.
I wake lots with leaks (full face mask) and/or remove it in my sleep.

I was told to voluntarily stop driving on diagnosis, until successfully treated. It takes 3 hours to get to work on public transport as I commute 50 miles. I am like the walking dead.

I'm desperate to get driving again.
This seems such an unpromising start ... when I thought once I got CPAP I'd be laughing! I didn't anticipate feeling worse.
Any thoughts appreciated.

Hi sleepyj and welcome to the forum!



This is not unusual! The body needs to get comfy with new experiences!!

It does take a bit of time to adjust to the difference in the depths of your sleep cycle ... not waking up with loads of apnoeas every hour is a very pleasant surprise for your body!

Keep going, you've made a very good start, and it will soon start to feel more 'normal' as you continue to use your CPAP.

I know it can feel very frustrating not to get an 'instant' feeling of well-being after having gone through all the diagnosis, fitting for your machine etc, but I am sure that better sleep and therefore a fuller and happier daytime is not far off. Keep posting, we've all been there!

Thanks Alsacienne.
Off to try again.

Hi Sleepyj

Welcome.

Is the biggest problem you are having the leaks?

The mask needs to be tight, but not over tight.
Lie down then tighten it until it is just tight enough to stop any leaks, start machine on full power and adjust straps to stop any leaks. You can then start with the ramp up if you need to.
The mask being to tight can stop the seal from working.
You may find that the straps might need a slight adjustment during the night.
Taking off the mask is a thing some people do and it can only be stopped by self discipline.

It may take you a while to get used to CPAP, but stick with it and please ask anything as you just did. If you don't ask we can't try to help.

Good luck and keep trying.

I've not been on here for ages - probably almost 2 years - mainly because I settled into CPAP very easily and have incorporated it into my daily routine.

To the OP it does get better, whatever problems you are having now will be worth the difference it will make once you settle into using the CPAP. I'm now a statistic for work as I qualify as "disabled" but I'm more effective than I have been for many years, I have a lease of life which has helped me lose over 3 stone and begin exercising properly.

All the good things I have gained in the last few years I attribute to having my OSA controlled, like anyone else i would like it to go away but unless I can lose another 3? 4? 5? stone I'm going to have it for the foreseeable and I'll live with it and make the best i can.

Rambling a bit now but basically CPAP is a means to an end - mainly to allow you to have a normal life and if you persevere it will hopefully work

Good luck