I would like to preface this by saying that I've been a heavy snorer for 7 years. Over the years I've tried dozens of devices to stop snoring and I'm very used to having contraptions on my face or in my mouth. Having a CPAP full face mask on is not a big deal to me and I do not need to adjust to sleeping with something on my face.
I visited the doctor a few months ago in a second attempt to have my snoring surgically fixed. I had previously had surgery about 10 years ago and it was successful for a few years, but it slowly started returning and is now worse than ever. After the physical exam, my ENT suggested that I try a few different pills and treatments, all of which had zero effect. I went along with the recommendations because my insurance will not cover surgery unless all other options don't work. After the failed medicinal treatments, he suggested I have a second sleep study. The first one I'd had years ago showed no apnea whatsoever. I was annoyed and figured the next one would be the same. However, this was a take-home study and was much easier on me.
The Sleep study found that I stopped breathing about 34 times per hour for an average duration of 20 seconds. So basically, for every hour, I only breathe half the time. I was quite surprised since I didn't really feel that I didn't sleep well. Just snored so bad my wife kicked me out of the bed. (I've actually been sleeping in my 'man cave' for 5+ years in the basement).
My insurance wouldn't cover a titration test, so I was given an Auto CPAP machine to try (Dreamstation). I was also given a Dreamwear full face mask since I tend to switch between mouth and nose breathing. The first night I tried it, I fell right to sleep and did not wake up once throughout the night. I woke up feeling awesome without the usual headache and dry mouth/nose that I am used to. According to the machine though, my AHI was 27 though. Mask fit was at 100%.
The second night, I went to put on my mask and found one of the magnetic clips missing. I assume my cat got to it and it is now lost in one of her hiding spots. I jerry-rigged the mask but found it was still fairly loose. I went to sleep and had a decent night, but woke up when the mask came loose and the wind noise woke me up. In the morning, the results showed the mask fit was 82%, but my AHI was listed at 7. Again, I felt great! I also recorded myself for the last two nights with the SnoreLab app and found both nights to be listed as quiet (around 22dbs) when I am normally EPIC (around 80-100dbs).
I ordered the magnetic clip from Amazon and hopefully it will be here in two days. I can't believe how great I feel though. What started as a search for a snore-remedy has made me realize just how bad my sleeping has been for the last few years.
I hope everyone can find a good fit and get used to their CPAPs. I look forward to perusing the forum for advice on cleaning and care.
