Sleep Apnea

If he has a bad enough case and he doesn't use the machine, the tiredness is just the beginning. Most people with untreated sleep apnea are at a much, much higher risk of chronic heart diseases.

Was he just diagnosed? Most people who have their sleep apnea being treated stop being tired during the day and certainly stop falling asleep.

Most cases of sleep apnea anymore, by the way, are caused by obesity. If he is a large kid, going down to a normal weight can make it so he doesn't need the machine (though, if that is the case, I'm sure the doctor told him that already).

Most of the people I saw prefer the gel masks and, depending on his insurance, he might need to take really, really good care of his equipment. United Healthcare, for instance, will only pay for a new mask/hosing/etc. once every three years, while most other carriers allow for three months.

How ya doing, buddy?