Posted by doonadive on April 03, 2009 at 16:21:15:In Reply to: How do you handle living with CPAP? posted by Much Worse Than I Feared on March 25, 2009 at 01:29:20:
How do you live with it? Sure, life is better if you don't need it, but when you do need it, life sure is better with it than without it.
I use a Breeze mask, without the straps. I find it the least intrusive and easiest to clean. With this, the hose goes above your head and pretty much just rotates as you roll over so moving in your sleep is not a big problem. The hose is flexible so adjusts with you.
My biggest problem is the exhaust air blowing across my partner. I often put a small cushion between our pillows to stop this. She calls it "the wall of China" but it is easily knocked down when there is an urgent need to do so.
You don't absolutely have to wear it every night. Sure, it's best if you do and you don't want to make a habit of skipping it. But there are times you just can't, e.g. when congested with a head cold, when you fall asleep too quickly after whatever or the occasional "too good to refuse" offer. Just remember, you won't get as a good a sleep as normal and may feel that way the next day.
I've never been good at sleeping on planes. On those rare occasions, I just enjoy the movies and perhaps get a nap along the way. I don't bother using the machine but I certainly take it on holidays as hand luggage. Years ago, I was occasionally asked what is this thing they see in the Xray machine, but I think they're used to seeing them now and never ask.