Yep, take it with you. I failed to take it one time, and spend a "heck" of a sleepless night.. I was about 90 miles away, I met the wife next day halfway. I was not going to spend another night without it. I have been a member of the "Borg Collective" for about 6 years.
The mask makes a big difference in your life. Is it sort of a pain the he kiester some times? Sure, but, the benefits outweigh the problems. I use a full face, I have tried the nose only, that works fairly well, but I still tend to let my mouth fall open, and that is a problem. The "nose knives" I tried, but could never get used to the pain. I was told my nose would toughen up after a while, but I could not stand them more than a night or two.
To sleep on your side adjust your mask to the correct tension, not too tight, but not too loose. and put your head on the pillow, but let the mask hang over in the air. It is best to shave each evening and have a clean shaven face. It is important to change a full face masks face seal parts at least every six months. Air leaks are the enemy of good sleep.
I use heat and humidity, but keep it on low. I don't like the mask to get too hot or too wet..You just have to adjust it to suit you, but my nose dries out if I don't use some heat and humidity. Yes you must use distilled water, and carry a bottle of it with you when you travel.
So do I like having sleep apnea? Nope, but I can tell you that untreated sleep apnea will result in a much sooner death than treating it.
