I understand. That's why I'm looking forward to the sleep study. I got a call today and someone canceled so my consultation has been moved from November 17 to this Monday (Oct. 6).
I just finished filling out the questionaire for the consultation, and my answer to most of the questions was 'never'. I sleep well at night, and the only time I wake up is when I have to go pee, which is usually 2-3 times a night. I wake up feeling refreshed, and I don't fall asleep while driving or during the day.
However, I'm going into this open minded and ready to see the results of the study. If a CPAP will help me to stop snoring, and allow my wife to sleep better, it will be worth it to me.
What does your sleep partner (if'n you have one) say?
I was just like you, except that my wife said that it sounded like I sometimes stopped breathing, and very occasionally as I was drifting off, I'd wake myself up exhaling after a breath hold.
Apparently I stop breathing and actually hold my breath in my sleep around 50 times an hour, and although each episode lasts less than 20-30 seconds and my oxygen saturation only drops to the upper 80's or lower 90's, but because of the frequency and fact that the episodes are so prevalent, my apnea is rated as moderate to severe.
When I first started using my c-pap, I have to say that I had actually felt better before using, but now after several months using it and having switched to the nasal pillow mask I really think that I am seeing some benefits now.
Most importantly, I have significantly reduced my risk of a bunch of negative effects including high BP, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and at least according to a recent study, I may be becoming more attractive.
CPAP Treatment For Sleep Apnea Could Make You Look Younger, More Attractive
CPAP therapy provides beauty sleep for people with sleep apnea - American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM)
If your c-pap doesn't have a humidifier, a tubing heater (to reduce condensation in the tubing), and an ability to provide a lower level of positive pressure to allow easier exhalation, you should look into replacing it if possible, because these are the features that do the most to make using c-pap comfortable, which makes you more likely to use it.
CLC, I hope that you are right and don't have apnea, but I was pretty certain that I didn't either, and all my answers were just like yours...
Best of luck,
Thomas