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Hi Amy,
Your experience could definitely be typical. I have both central and obstructive sleep apnea and when I had my sleep studies it was extremely difficult to sleep and deal with the mask and the different pressures of the air.
After you are diagnosed, a respiratory therapist will help you to choose the right mask and the right fit for you so that you can sleep more comfortably. Once you have your own CPAP, biPap, or VPAP machine, there is a ramp up setting that allows the air pressure to increase gradually so that it isn’t full blast until you are asleep. I find that very helpful.
It does take time, days/weeks, to get used to sleeping with the mask, but if you need it, it’s completely worth it. I had around 50 events per hour (event is times that breathing stops) and with the VPAP, it is reduced to 1-3 per hour. I feel much more rested than I used to when I get up in the morning.
I hope this helps your decision. Let me know if I can answer any other quetions!
Michelle