For those with sleep apnea, how hard is it getting accustomed to sleeping with the mask?

How many have been deployed to high altitudes (over 7,000'), were Reservists/NGs that were told they had "Sleep Apnea/Obstructive Sleep Disorder by the VA and were told by the VA that you didn't get it while you were deployed?

I'm newly diagnosed and have been trying to adjust to the mask myself. For me, there are 2 main isuses: 1) I am naturally a belly sleeper so not being able to roll to my stomach makes sleeping with it difficult 2) I get leaks as the night progresses which wake me up. Plus the mask is just downright uncomfortable.

It took me about a month to get use to it and in the beginning, took it off about 2-3 hours after retiring. Now, I can't sleep without it...

A machine that gives you an 'AHI' score in the AM is super cool! Then you have an excuse to hit it or sluff off! I say again: Hose diameter of .70 inches is good and flexible, the other one of ? .87 inches diameter is harder for me to handle. The CPAP forum had an offer for free, 1 week trials of different masks. There are many masks, a low cost method of selection and information is invaluable. A friend recommended a ? mask, No way, not for me. There are "templates" you can print and trim by hand, available on-line to determine the proper mask size. I used a small, recommended was a large? Go figure. The machine furnished by my insurance had a humidity chamber. There was too much moisture for me, I tried baby powder and cornstarch, but now just whip it on. The chinstrap has helped immensely. 'We' we're out of town, did a RON @ Ft Tuthill, AZ, awakened with dry crevices in my mouth. Luckily, Flagstaff, AZ had a health supply store that would sell me a replacement for the chinstrap I left at home. Some of those health supply stores want a prescription to sell you an air filter for the CPAP machine; therefore, I travel w/ a spare mask. One hose broke when I dragged the machine off the nightstand, I was able to field expedient a repair w/ duct tape. The new chin strap I bought in Flagstaff is not as comfortable as the one I had left at home. Caveat Emptor, proper, well fitted equipment will provide a better nights sleep. Test and inquire as much as you are able to. Please contact me if needed. I save the 'wrappers' the equipment comes in for a valid reference - good or bad! Chuck

I never did get comfortable with the mask so I just gave up I was loosing even more sleep that I already was.

I was a Maintainer on C-17s, and used to sleep on trips a lot, so when the plane flew above a certain level, O2 masks were advised, so I just slept with it on. So fast forward several years, CPAP on sleep on, it was conditioned.

My Doc said Military pilots, scuba divers and firemen do well because they are conditioned to use a pressure fed mask. my $0.02

I want to thank everyone for their reply. Weighing it out and will keep you posted. First I want to see if the VA is going to help foot the bill for one.

I started out with the nose pillows and got over it within 3 days. I do have a full mask for when the nose is plugged up. My wife, the respiratory therapist who should know better, fought her's for almost a year before doing OK. So if you tried it for a week or two and gave up, not a good idea because you just agreed to shaving 8-18 years off your life. Interesting enough 2-3% of kids have it so that probably creates the 18 number. The 8 is if you develop it shy of 50. I've been on mine for 8 years. I can dream again....

It took me about 4 weeks before I got a really good night's sleep w/o tossing and turning, As others have said the type of mask does make a difference. I started with the full face mask and I just forced myself to get used to it. Now I have a less restrictive mask and it works just as well.

To those having a tough time, Try to stick with it as untreated sleep apnea can lead to worse things. I had a seizure which is how I found out I had sleep apnea. Talk to the medical supply company that provides your CPAP/BIPAP see what other masks they offer. Sometimes your doctor will recommend the mask they know w/o checking other options. Also if your Dr has not recommended it, seek out a sleep specialist and see them annually the air flow/pressure may need to be adjusted if the apnea lessens or gets worse.

SGM in my experience it requires two things, time and trying out the different models of masks that are offered. It will deffinitley improve your sleep.