Just out of curiosity -- do people eventually learn to love CPAP?

[desaturator]

Hi folks

This is just a general question -- I not looking for advice about all my specific moans. I'm just wondering whether people generally come to terms with long-term usage of CPAP, or whether it remains a struggle for life?

I've only been using CPAP for a couple of weeks, but I can't say I find it agreeable. I can tolerate it for the whole night (just), but the idea of using it for the rest of my life fills me with dread. 

Does it get easier? Do people eventually find combinations of equipment and settings that they don't mind too much? Or is it always a thing that you put up with because the alternative would be much worse? 

As I said, I'm just asking out of general interest.

Best wishes, DS

[staceyburke]

I used clpap for about 35 years - never a night or nap without it. I have absolutely no problem continuing it use. It had made my life much better.

[pholynyk]

I would say it does get easier... I've settled on a mask and settings for quite a while now.

I wouldn't say the wearing is enjoyable, but felling alert throughout the day makes it worth while.

[Millstone50]

I'm committed to it. I wouldn't say I'll ever 'love' it, as it means a bunch of work every evening just to sleep, but I know the reward is worth it.

[DaveL]

Love/Hate.

About 35 years for me too staceyburke.

I've been going through a rough period for about 2 months. I thought I'd try and find a full face mask to simplify my life. Tried some.

[Deborah K.]

I have been using an apap for two years now.  Finding and using the Bleep no mask system helped me be really comfortable with using it.  Then just a couple of months ago I got my new Resmed AirSense 10 Autoset For Her machine and I am happier than ever!  It is SOOO much more comfortable to use than my Dreamstation ever was.  I thought I would like it better but I had no idea I would like it so very much more.

Now, if I didn't know full well that the machine is protecting my health I would of course give it up.  Who wouldn't?  But since I know it is very good for me to use, and especially since I am quite comfortable with it now, I'm happy.  

[sheepless]

I can't imagine anyone loving it per se. no one would choose to use cpap if they didn't have to.

otoh, I can say with absolute certainty that I hate sleeping without it. we resign ourselves to it because we feel awful without it and better with it. regaining some measure of vitality and slowing the damage apnea does to our body and mind is a powerful incentive to learn to tolerate it.

[Big Guy]

Used mine for over three years and no improvement. I've pretty much stopped using it and my sleep is fine. I still wake up feeling just as tired w/o it as I did with it. 

Luckily I'm retired (going on 12 yrs.), so I can take a nap as needed. Not sure what I'm going to do with all the extra supplies and equipment that I have for it. 

And, I have another resupply due to be shipped not too far off in the distance.

[StevesSp]

I hate it but I've been using it for so long now that I can't sleep without it. I am one of those users who feel no better for using it, but I persevere because I understand that sleep apnea is dangerous to my health.

[SarcasticDave94]

I liked my ASV therapy after I got used to it. First 2 months was kinda rough. Then at the end of 2 years, did to respiratory disease, the wheels fell off and I lost my like for it.