I have had sleep apnea for over fifteen years. I got to a terrible physical shape before I took actions to improve it; couldn't drive without falling asleep, wetting the bed, couldn't concentrate, impotence, high blood pressure, overweight. I believe I was getting close to death. I have had a cpap for ten years. I can say I believe it saved my life. Of course I would like to be able to sleep without it but it has become a way of life. There is no way I would go back to trying to sleep without it.