CPAP Machine Not Working? My Year of Struggle & Tips

My personal story about why the CPAP machine wasn’t working

It all started in the year 2022, since I noticed that suddenly I have been completely tired for the past two years. I started to think that something was off with me. In fact, it was really the first time in my life when I thought about researching sleep issues. Back then, I wasn’t aware of any of these possible sleep problems.

It was time to take the step and visit a doctor. When I shared my concerns such as dry mouth, tiredness, morning headache, chest pain, and waking up in the middle of the night , the doctor decided to hand me one of those sleep tester machines. It basically measures your sleep pauses and scores you on three different levels using the metric Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI). The categories are normal, mild, moderate, or severe.

For my unfortunate luck, I scored in sleep apnea between moderate and severe — 29 to 32 breath pauses in one hour, depending on the sleeping style. Fast forward to January 2023: I was diagnosed with sleep apnea. I felt relieved and thought everything would be fine, since I was getting the machine. I thought I had nothing to worry about. Well… maybe i wasn’t the only one who have thought that it would be that easy — until reality punches you in the face.

But hey, it’s quite understandable for us humans to feel this way. Whenever we face something tragic or difficult, we want to look into the future with a positive mindset.

AHI Scale:

• Normal (0–5)
  
• Mild (5–15)
  
• Moderate (15–30)
  
• Severe (30+)
  

After my diagnosis, my partner and family were very worried, but I tried to stay strong and positive for them and myself. It was difficult to accept that I had this condition, and even harder to explain it to them. But their support was important, even though they were concerned.

If you are interested about finding about possible Sleep Apnea symptoms click the icon down below

The Phase Nobody Talks About

Well, the part that went wrong… let’s dive into it.

Yiihaa! Now I have the machine, I’m prepared, and the doctor gave me brief instructions on how to use it. We discussed a little bit about the mask’s importance. Is it a full-face mask, a nasal, nostril, or just a nose mask?

I was a bit in shock as my AHI score was quite high, so I decided to go for a full-face mask, just to make sure I wouldn’t miss any airflow to my lungs. Wish it were that easy — but it wasn’t.

The first week was like a child’s dream, especially the first night with the machine. In the morning, I felt almost like I had been reborn. I was finally at peace, and I felt, for the first time in a long time, that I had truly slept.

After a week or two, I had high success with the machine. I thought I had overcome this phase in my life, and now I could continue with my typical life.

Let’s dive into the phase of failure…

This is something that not many sleep apnea patients want to hear — but the machine is only a small part of your sleep. There are several other factors to take into account.

That’s why it’s great that you’re reading this right now. You’ve landed in the right place.

So what was lacking? Why did I face multiple obstacles?

First, you should consider the climate of your country or state. Is it colder or warmer? How does the season or your house’s temperature affect you? Do you have a machine with a humidifier? Is the temperature set right for you? Or the mask type — are you sure you need a full-face mask when it’s burning hot outside and nose breathing might work just fine?

This is just to give you some ideas to consider, since I faced all of them.

I didn’t need the full-face mask. What I needed was information — desperately. Because the most common CPAP usage problems are around mask fitting, temperature, or removing the mask during the night.

2024: Turning Point

Fast forward to the beginning of 2024, nearly a year of active use, dozens of masks tried, and at least as many nights waking up with the mask thrown on the floor.

I was sad and hopeless, almost ready to give up. I’m glad I didn’t.

I delved deeper into the wholeness of sleep, taking multiple factors into account. In total, it took me one full year to find even one mask type, the correct humidifier temperature, the right pillow, bed, and other sleep accessories that finally helped me sleep well.

Now in 2025, I can finally say: I made it.

You can do this too

If there’s one lesson here, it’s this:

• You have to face failure.
  
• You have to be willing to learn.
  
• You have to be tough enough not to quit.
  

It took me a full year to get this right.. for you, it might take less or more. But it’s worth it.

Treat it like a job if you have to keep adjusting, testing, learning. Eventually, you’ll find what works.
And when you do, it changes everything.

If you want to speed up your process or would need tailored sleep coaching click down below

What’s been the hardest part of your CPAP journey?

• Mask fitting?
  
• Humidifier settings?
  
• Something else?
  

Leave a comment below your tip might help someone else.

And if you’re still searching for the right equipment, you can find the best CPAP masks and accessories down below.

Let me know below I read every comment and I’m here to support you on your journey too.

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