Welcome to the world of the
hoseheads!
Like my second sleep doctor (a pulmonologist) told me, feeling more rested and having more energy are just pleasant side effects of being on CPAP.
Your case sounds pretty similar to mine in that I "woke up" 30 to 35 times an hour. In reality, the "waking up" is when you stop breathing. My O2 levels were going down into the low 60% range (if your level is below 88% all the time you need to go on supplemental oxygen).
Each time you "wake up" (also referred to as an "arousal, a medical term, don't get hinky) your brain goes into survival mode. It elevates your blood pressure, blood sugar level, heart rate, adrenaline levels. In other words, you go into "fight or flight" mode. Fight or flight is good and can save your life but, it's not
good for you when it's happening 30 times per hour, and can lead to permanently elevated levels of each.
I have a ResMed AutoSpirit APAP (with heated humidifier), with a Respironics Comfort Gel mask and it has worked well for me so far.
When you get a DME (Durable Medical Equipment) provider, don't just let them give you what they want. Make sure you get what you want. Do not compromise (especially with mask selection). Make sure you can exchange the mask for a different type or brand (within a reasonable amount of time). It is your interface with the machine and may be the determining factor in regards to your compliance rate. I'm 100% compliant with the equipment I have and never even take a nap (which I don't need nearly as often as before) without my
leaf blower, LOL.
Did I mention
do not compromise? It's your health at stake, and you are in charge.
Here are a couple links to some good CPAP (hosehead) forums. You'll find
alot of good information and support there. Good luck with it.
http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewforum.php?f=1http://www.sleepnet.com/apnea/apneainf.html