Difficulties with snoring and my sleep. Need help bad!!!?

Ok I went to sleep studies and got put on a CPAP machine although I think I isn't really warranted because my apnea was not that bad, number-wise. So I am on this machine for a while now and my mask id the one that goes into my nostrils because I have a beard and the one that covers the nose leaks air and wakes me up. Well Lately the mask I am wearing makes my nostrils feel like they are on fire when I breathe in and the only relief is to take it off. But in doing this my wife of course is woken up and has a bad nights sleep after that. Is there a solid solution to snoring that does not include a CPAP machine? I don't feel any more refreshed in the morning with or without the machine. I am not really over weight but when I was thinner I didn't snore as much. I just need solutions so I don't drive my wife crazy again with the snoring!

My ex had the surgery and then never missed a snore! So now he's on a CPAP, and so am I. I've found that the mask I've just gotten is SO much better than any of the ones I've tried previously. It's a heck of a lot more expensive, but worth it to me. I can't remember what it's called. Something about being "curved.: It still has a headgear, but it' has pads that fit on my cheeks and I'm able to wear my glasses and read in bed at night. I have also had a problem getting used to the CPAP and masks. But those pads probably would not present a problem for you since you have a beard and the pads would not be resting on your cheeks. It cost me about $114.

BTW, the surgery my ex had? It was horrible and he was out of work for weeks. It was very painful and the smell from where the healing was taking place in his mouth was atrocious. I don't know how he stood the taste of it. The smell was bad enough to knock a buzzard off a s _ _ t wagon!

Good luck.

There is a surgical solution, which may be suitable for you. Have a chat with your doctor about it.

Personally, I find that some sinus decongestant tablets such as Sinutab work really well to help me stop snoring.

Have you tried the strips you stick on your nose yet? Maybe something as simple as a different sleeping position would work. I think you hit the nail on the head when you said that you snored less when you weighed less! It could be that that little bit of extra weight is the problem. If you're not real overweight try to loose a few pounds and see if that helps. Sleep is a very important issue. I'd have a serious talk with my doctor if I were you. This needs to be taken care of soon. For you and your wife's sanity! Good luck to you my friend.

Weight loss is usually but not always helpful. The others are right about the surgery not being very successful in many cases and being extremely painful. Cpap is the gold standard treatment and honestly, you couldn't have gotten a machine if your numbers didn't indicate that you needed it (if you were using insurance) A person with an AHI of 5 can be significant if they are symptomatic. You may also have upper airway resistance syndrome which can cause you to arouse frequently during the night due to improper air passage and low oxygen levels. You don't have to have a "complete" apnea to have sleep disordered breathing.
You might try other types of masks. There are many to choose from and many that will work for someone with a beard.
Good luck...