Who is that masked woman?

I have recently been tested for sleep apnea, and the tests confirmed that I have OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea.)
After a sleep study, during which I was hooked to multiple electrodes, oxygen sensors, etc., it was determined that I would stop breathing, choke, struggle for breath, etc. during the night. I awoke frequently, probably because of the apnea, and often felt really tired in the mornings. I also SNORE!

We were living with the snoring, but that wasn't the issue. Some people snore who don't have sleep apnea. Snoring aside, my dr. explained that one's heart could be damaged by the lack of oxygen during one of the apnea episodes. Heart damage! Now, that is something serious. Two younger brothers have already had heart attacks, and by-pass surgery. One, I know, has apnea. Could these heart problems have been caused by apnea episodes damaging the heart muscles? I don't think we will know, for sure, but I KNOW FOR SURE that I don't want heart damage.

I had to wrestle with my thinking on this subject after the second sleep study during which I was fitted with a C-PAP mask (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.) I hated that mask! Of course, I was also still fitted with all the electrodes, was in a strange place, in a strange bed, etc.
No, not for me, thank you very much!
But, I had to go back to the idea -- there was just too much at stake!

My sweet nephew told me that he was wearing a mask to sleep. When I told him I didn't want one, he scolded me. "It is for your heart", he said. "You must take care of your health."
Well, yes, that is true. Do I want to leave this life early? Not particularly. Or worse, do I want to have a heart attack and end up with life-limiting results? NO!

So, I gave in and went and got fitted for the mask.

There are a number of choices -- different kinds of masks. The one I chose is light weight, but, I still feel like a space alien when I'm wearing it! I didn't know I was so vain!!

Two weeks have gone by. I am sleeping better and longer than I have slept in years! I no longer have to get up 3 and 4 times a night! I sleep 5 and 6 hours in a stretch and awake feeling much more rested! My afternoon nap has been abandoned. I no longer need that rest break.
Do I like the mask? No. But, it truly isn't as bad as I thought it would be. My machine is quiet and Sweetie hardly knows it is on. He no longer has to sleep with ear plugs. I'm glad for that!
He is resting better, also.

So, I guess you can just call me the "Masked Lady!"
+