Getting a CPAP was an absolute life changing event.

I've had a CPAP for decades. I took mine with me when I was in Iraq (06-08) and I had had it probably 10 years prior to that.

When I originally got tested, I had to go to a sleep center in a strip mall. First night they wired you up and just recorded your sleep. Once they determined you had sleep apnea you came back and they tested you again with a CPAP to determine what the settings should be, etc.

Walking out to my car the next morning (it was early, and I'm not a morning person) I remember thinking so this is what all that stuff about "waking up refreshed" is all about. I had never felt that good from waking up, and I had gotten maybe 6 hours of sleep.

Since then the technology has gotten so much better, you can order replacement parts on line, and there are a ton of accessories available to make using it easier (heated hoses, multiple masks, humidifiers, etc.).

I have never understood the complaints about the masks, etc. I have never had an issue, and while I can technically sleep without it, it is lousy sleep and I wake up with a sore throat from snoring.

Personally I cannot recommend a CPAP highly enough in terms of the quality of sleep and quality of life.

Update:
Had my semi annual checkup yesterday and 6 months in with using the CPAP machine my BP is down 10 points, weight is down 10 pounds and A1C is now in the 6's… not to mention feeling 100% better!…no change to my diet or exercise routine only the CPAP so put me in the believer category…

So I've been using my nose mask CPAP for about 2 weeks. I'm up to about 7.5 of use per night. I still have some difficulty getting used to it. The only complaint is that it tickles my nose, but I'll get used to it.

Unfortunately, I can't lose weight to improve my sleep apnea. I'm already a healthy weight. I was just born with a mouth made for sleep apnea.

If anyone is snoring, I highly recommend getting a sleep test. I'm scared to say that it's changed my life at the risk things go back to my prior "normal." Previously, I was waking up in the mornings with FEAR, anxiety and dread. I really thought that I was in a years long depression.

All I looked forward to was a nap every day at lunch (but couldn't because the anxiety was out of control). I experienced constant anxiety all day. My business was stagnant and I had zero motivation or drive. All I wanted was to just get through the day. I had no motivation to exercise or engage in hobbies.

I tried everything except for medicine: Wim Hof breathing, yoga, meditation, Stoicism, Buddhism (ok, well that kind of stuck), nootropics, therapy (oh your constant rumination is OCD), CBD, consumerism, and on and on and on.

I was at a loss, so I researched the issue a few months ago. I learned that gasping for air all night and not sleeping makes a person wake up with insane cortisol levels. This lead to my fear, anxiety and dread. Also, I guess not sleeping right for years takes a toll on the body.

I seriously hope this isn't some sort of sleep apnea pink cloud, because I feel like my old self again: motivated, fearless and able to enjoy life. I woke up at 5 this morning because I didn't want to sleep anymore.