@bebold, @walk4life, and all...I'm late coming to the conversation, but want to welcome you to the ever-growing group of c-pap-ers! I used one many years ago but stopped for some reason I don't recall. When I began visiting Mayo Florida in 2019, I was referred for a sleep study, found to have very serious obstructive sleep apnea, and began the sleep journey again. Very successfully!

I love my machine! I can't sleep without it now and would be concerned if I were required to go without it at night. I'm convinced it's saved my life, literally, on a couple of occasions. Recently, when I had COVID-19 in July 2023, and again this month a 2nd Covid infection. This machine kept me alive and out of the hospital both times!

I use the bi-pap now as my apnea is so severe and I have neuropathy and forget to breathe during the day This helps me breathe better during the day somehow...I also use a nasal pillow, without any entry into my nostrils. It's the only way I can use the machine, as I'm very claustrophobic and a mask is out.

I also use and recommend a long heated hose, 3-4' long??? which gives you more flexibility when turning over or whatever in bed. I sleep on my sides usually now, but sometimes on my back, and I still breathe well, with my mouth closed since using the heated hose, etc. I live in Florida but keep the A.C. on pretty cool year round so I can better breathe, so the heated hose is a must. Otherwise, and without the water tank, I'd have a dry mouth and nose and couldn't use the thing.

I also recommend the hose from the top of the head. It's more comfy and usually stays out of the way. In the hospital, they have the hose at the front, but since the bed situation is more limited it works ok. I sleep very well now in the hospital using a CPAP.

My oxygen levels kept going below 90 during the nights, as I kept an oximeter under the pillow and checked it when I got up or turned over. It was showing in the mid-80s often, but the sleep department didn't pay attention to my comments. Suppose it seemed unlikely. When I was in the hospital last year, the night staff couldn't keep my O2 levels up and I was put on O2 day and night. When they sent me home, I began using 2L O2 added to my bi-pap and I have never had such excellent sleep prior!!! I am thrilled with the results.

I also had bad nightmares when I first began using the machine, but they soon went away as my sleep patterns improved. Now, I take Prazosin at night for PTSD night terrors. It helps a lot. When I have these bad nights, my breathing is disturbed, and I often awake to choke for air, with severe body tremors and have difficulty for hours after. They are lessening now thankfully, and my sleep is excellent.

I had Covid last July 2023, and again this month, with Covid pneumonia. I firmly believe the bi-pap and O2 saved my life both times and when I've had bronchitis as well. I was sent to the ER last week from the Mayo Covid IV infusion department due to chest pains, shortness of breath, and dizziness, even after 2 Remvesidir IV treatments. My bloodwork indicated pulmonary embolism, but the CT Scan showed Covid pneumonia instead, thankfully. I was sent home with instructions to monitor my O2 levels during the night and day. If they went below 90, I was to get back to the ER ASAP for admittance. 90 is the O2 level cut-off for admittance to the hospital. I promised and even though it went down to 90 for a couple of days, fairly often, I was careful and used my bi-pap with the O2 for 3 days during the day. I think that kept me out of the hospital and possibly saved my life.

I'm now dealing with new autoimmune diseases from the Covid infections, but getting stronger and loving my bi-pap. I'm so thankful to Mayo Docs and to God for that little machine. If you have an apnea diagnosis, do use the machine religiously and you will find a new you. You'll have more energy, be more pleasant, have less brain fog, and much more clarity.

Blessings on this journey. It's crazy and challenging, but you will survive as you push through...Elizabeth