I was diagnosed w/ SA appox a month ago, rec'd the cpap, used a couple of masks and was comfortable in one...the problem is I don't feel ANY BETTER at all...which doesn't make any sense....If I have SA and was waking up a lot, and now am using the treatment (CPAP) and theoritically (sp) getting more sleep, I should feel better... now.  I've read spome posts that say it takes time, but it shouldn't....as soon as a human gets a good nights sleep, he should feel better.....it has me wondering if SA is the favorite diagnosis of the week.....can anyone help w/ this??

if you have a nose mask its likely your mouth is open in your sleep which stops the CPAP from being able to work

Hi,

you have to keep in mind all the years you have not been getting sleep. it takes a few weeks after you find the right gear. indeed if you open your mouth at night the cpap is doing no work at all.

few tips to know if you open you mouth: sore throat, dry mouth, not feeling rested

if you do open you mouth contact the supplier for a chin strap. if not give it time, if i understand right in 1 month you tried several masks for how long have you been using the comfortable one, how long do you sleep with the cpap, do you wake up without the mask in the morning (or night).

it take 1 to 3 months to get most of the beneficial effects, there is also some individuals that dont feel the benefits because they increase their level of activity without realising it.

be patient

mdhosehead,

You didn't give us many details to go on.  In addition to the mask situation that was perviously mentioned, you may have also been set up on the wrong pressure and if you didn't get a humidifier, that can make a lot of difference, too.  All of these factors need to be taken into consideration in making this therapy work properly.  As soon as you get all of these "ingredients" perfected, you should begin to notice an improvement.....but it still takes some time.....in some cases several (or many) months.  It takes time to reverse the affects of OSA.

Best wishes,

DW

Hi! As you have read fro many others don't give up. I tried 3 or 4 different masks and 3 different machines....humidifier...no humidifier....various leak problems....severe nasal inflammation that reduced me to tears and more which there's no need for me to talk about. The good news is that after what must now be six weeks or more I am starting to enjoy the very real benefits. I too wondered if it was a convenient diagnoses and was beginning to feel like a cash cow for doctors/therapists etc but I was wrong and they were right. Find a provider that you feel you can speak frankly with about any fears and concerns and don't TOTALLY give up. If you have to GIVE UP....give up for a few hours or a night but keep on going. Keep us posted how you progress. Best wishes from Adelaide, Australia!