I hope this isn's a double post. I can't see my first answer so am trying again
There are lots of different choices for CPAP headgear. I'm sorry your clinic didn't give you more options.
A CPAP is usually the first treatment for OSA, but it doesn't t have to be a mask. There are products that do not cover your face and are very easy to take off, such as the Swift FX Bella. You can buy headgear directly from a vendor and do not have to go through your clinic, although you will have to pay for it. There are also oral appliances that most dentists can make.
Oh my goodness. Unless your OSA is mild, a CPAP is a common first treatment. It is not uncommon for people to feel 'trapped' in a mask. There are lots of alternatives. You could try one of the setups with no mask, that is easy to get on and off. I don't know if the NHS gives you different options. If not, you can buy your own headpeices that will work with the machine you have. Something as minimal as this might work for you. There is also an oral appliance that many dentists can make.
There are lots of options, and I hope you find one that works for you
This is awesome. I love what the patient says about a gift to yourself. The info about women is new to me. I tend to get info that makes me feel like an anomaly. This is better. So glad I found out about the video!
My sleep doctor did not do followup or take my problem with the CPAP seriously. I don't use it as often as I should because it hurts my nose, which he says is not possible. Your approach is so much more welcoming.
My first response to the title was a laughter. I would be happy if I felt my sleep care provider thought I was a team member instead of a water boy. My initial experience, which occurred over ten years ago, was like that. I had not considered that I might have OSA. My doctor was not associated with a clinic, and insurance was different back then. I was talking about tiredness; I thought it might be anemia. My doctor asked some questions, and suspected OSA. My test and diagnosis were done within the month. My doctor explained, answered questions, and even helped me feel better about wearing the equipment. I lost my insurance, my machine broke, and I stopped using CPAP for a few years. Upon getting insurance, I started going to a top-ten medical center that happened to be nearby. To get my treatment, I had to make an appointment with a new pcp (3 month wait), get a referral to the sleep specialist (6 month wait for appointment), then get a home sleep study. I am a full-time caregiver and could not leave my client overnight. Took me 2 years to get a test. During that time my specialist was abrupt and dismissive; he seemed to think that if I was not committed enough to get an overnight test he didn't want to be bothered with me. I had to interface between my insurer, who agreed to cover a home test, and my provider, PCP and specialist, who did not believe me or follow up. I have depression and an immune disorder, both of which are associated with sleep. My physicians helped me feel I was on the opposing team!
