CPAP tolerance issues

Hi everybody! I've had my CPAP machine since December of 2017 (so slightly over 2 years) and I'm having issues tolerating it. The overall feeling has gone from feeling like someone is enthusiastically trying to choke me to feeling like they are doing it half-heartedly. The longest I can tolerate it after two years is about 20 minutes and that takes considerable effort. At this point if you can name a mask, I've probably tried it (in every size available too!) I've done roughly 5 sleep studies at this point and the highest number of events I've gotten so far (that I can remember) is about 32/hour. Also, I've never actually been able to sleep through one of these tests- at the end of the last one I got so bored staring at the ceiling I left about 5 hours in (stayed awake for 3 days continuously to prepare for that one in the hopes I could actually fall asleep for the test.) Any ideas as to what I could do? My doctor says "I'm not trying hard enough". I've tried wearing while awake but that doesn't seem to help. Any ideas would be great.

What kind of machine do you have and what are the pressure settings on it? What mask works the best for you? That would help in trying to make some suggestions...

i had some issues with the philips dreamstation at the start. the first year of use was very iffy. i had to make a decision to use it or jeopardize my licence. the original settings made wearing the mask difficult. i still use a full face mask but have fiddled with the pressures that now let me sleep 6 to 8 hrs a night. ahi results still less than 3. no mask leaks. the pressures i use are min 8 max 11. original sleep test results were 120 75 78. i did find min pressure less than 8 very uncomfortable. try to find a setting you are comfortable with and work from there.

My first thought when I read your post is it could be allergies or sensitivities. I just got my CPAP 2 days ago, and have experienced similar tightness and inflammation in lungs and bronchi. By I tried using without the humidifier and felt much better. For nasal dryness, I use AYR nose gel. Worked great last night with no dryness and minimal congestion, which is normal for me.

After reading your post again. it sounds like you have a lot of anxiety around this whole situation. It may be helpful, and couldn't hurt, to talk this through with a friend or mental health therapist. I've known for 6 weeks that I'd be getting a CPAP, so I've done plenty of worrying and planning!

OrangeDragon, Having my CPAP on an Automatic Setting was a game changer for me; that would something to look into. There are so many issues that come from untreated sleep apnea. I knew one person in her early 30ies who was not complying with treatment and had a stroke. So it is important that you keep on keepin on. Have you tried alternative treatments like Positional Therapy (Phillips Respironics), Provent (Nasal Patch), or a Dental Device? I also found that learning and practicing the Buteko breathing method has made a difference to me.