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

I've set up over a thousand patients on Positive Airway Pressure treatment for all forms of sleep apnea. I found that pressure comfort is more important than mask comfort. The PAP titration study has margin for error, lots of it. My most compliant patients were setup with an AUTO PAP @ 4-20 cwp. The pressure stays low until it detects your AHI increasing. The machine increases the pressure to maintain an AHI of <5. The higher pressures are only needed in during certain phases of the sleep cycle. The remaining time, the pressure drops back down to the minimum set. I only had a few patients not able to tolerate the AUTO option, and it was more unwilling to vs unable to. You can message me if you have question or need further assistance changing settings, getting a machine capable of those settings, or help choosing a mask.

I tried the mask. Can't get use to the constant wind in my face. I now use the nose pillows and don't even know the air in going into my nose unless I open my mouth.

SGM,
It took me a good 6 months to get used to the Bi PAP mask that I wear every evening. I have been wearing my mask for a year and a half now. It will take you some time. It is just a mind over matter situation. Just remember, the results are great, and it is a small price to pay getting used to this civilian gas mask...!
Good Luck SGM !

I simply couldn't get used to it; which doesn't lead to restful sleep, so what's the point?

I know some guys who managed, and their sleep improved, but not me, and I've tried a couple different masks. I just can't deal with this thing sitting on my face and the hose it drags behind it when I move around (I'm a side sleeper). I'm banking on medical advances to provide me better options...I guess we'll see.

It took awhile, but I got used to it in about two weeks.

I got diagnosed with severe sleep apnea. I have been trying for about 2 months. I feel claustrophobic and am having a hard time keeping it on. The best I have done so far is 1.5 hours. I can't sleep with it on.

In Dec of 2022 I was told that I had sleep apnea. I was not offered a cure, instead I was offered a seemingly lifelong treatment plan. I rejected that and went a totally different route. I am now getting sleep scores far better than I did in 2022. So much better, I started sharing it with other veterans. No mask for me. Who thinks that is a better way to go than a life of a mask? #YGLIR

Never got use to the face or nose cup. Sleep in a recliner.

It took me a little over a year to really get comfortable with it. One of the issues I had was that everytime I went to bed if my nose was not completely clear I felt as if I was having a hard time breathing. So I bought a NAVAGE to flush out my nose and sinus. So now before I go to bed I use the NAVAGE and have no more issues. I actually do sleep better with the CPAP now that I feel I can breath through the mask. I also agree with Jim Gilmore as far as placement.

It took me the better part of a year. At first, I could only wear it for an hour or so. Now I can go all night. I recommend that if you have room, place the unit near the head of your bed as possible even on the top of the headboard if you have one. Take the hose and secure it with thin zip ties to the head strap so it is routed over the top of your head. This will make for more comfotable and ease of movement during the night.