[Ben] "My CPAP was supposed to help me sleep better. But it didn't at first.
In fact, it was a big hassle."
"Being hooked to a machine every night ... wearing a mask ...
I felt like shoving that thing in the closet."
"The first 3 to 4 weeks were the hardest.
My nose was sore ... and I kept waking up ... felt like I was suffocating.
My mask was also leaking air ... so I tightened it so much that it made my face sore."
"Finally ... after some long nights ... I made a few changes ...
and it started feeling better.
Before long, I started sleeping well for the first time in years."
"One problem was that my mask was the wrong size.
My doctor said it shouldn't leak if it fits right ... and it shouldn't have to be so tight.
I got one that fits better ... it's more comfortable ... and now ... no leaks.
We adjusted the air pressure too ... which feels a lot better."
"Bottom line ... CPAP is worth the trouble.
And it gets easier.
I found little tricks ... like using a humidifier to help the dry nose ...
little pads to protect my skin. Now it's all part of my routine.
It's worth it because I wake up feeling like a new man."
"And my apnea ... it's not a safety issue at work anymore.
At one point, being drowsy almost cost me my job.
But now I don't nod off like I used to.
I'm alert ... have more energy ... can focus better. My boss has faith in me."
"My headaches are mostly gone too. And my wife noticed a big change.
I'm not as grumpy ... and we're going out more."
"Plus we're both sleeping through the night.
I'll tell you what ... it's great to want to sleep in the same bed again."
[Host] Like Ben, most people need some time to get used to CPAP.
If you're having trouble using your mask or keeping it on, write down what's getting in your way.
Then work with your care provider to make sure your CPAP is as comfortable as possible.
You may need to try some different things.
But you can get to where the benefits are worth the hassle ... like Ben did.
It might help to try to answer this question: How might wearing your CPAP make your life better?"
Your answer to that question may help you put on that mask every night.
Then ... when you start to really feel a difference ...
because your body's getting the air it needs ... you'll know it's worth it.
