Thanks Mark. I've been reading your posts (and others) for about 2 years now. I've been withholding from signing up because it seemed like admitting failure in a way to need this forum... but many months later I'm not any better... So its time to fess up.

I've been witholding from signing up for benefits at least since I was 22 and got hit in the head with that pipe. Always felt like giving up... With a family dependent on me and no income through the door for close to 3 years I'm getting closer to giving up. I've used up every deferment I can on rent... we're wearing pretty tattered clothes bought 2+ years ago at second hand stores. We (wife, son, and I) live on my kids food stamps and his small SSI check.

Spooning with the Mrs has been an ad hoc solution... I would agree not the best long term solution. I get good/decent sleep while we're spooned and I can feel her breath... but as soon as I roll over I stop breathing... I always seem to need to roll over as my arm or her arm goes asleep. So its probably not the best solution but sometimes I just want an hour of good sleep though.

I'm definitely concerned about cumulative brain damage from CSA. I'm also really scared about just not ever waking up again; dying. Its good, in a sense, to hear that your father made it 30 years like this even though he deteriorated; sorry about that btw.

I get the sense my neuro is going to push for OSA treatment protocols. I'm less than enthusiastic. I'm going to give it a go with whatever I get... It can't get much worse shy of not breathing at all. Do you have any experience with the BiPAP machines? I kind of like the idea of some sense of "stimulation" beyond just positive air pressure.

"There are recording Pulse Oximeters with alarm systems." Any recommendations on where to get / which brands?

I'm really anti surgery. Being dependent on some kind of implant seems really sketchy.

I recently got a good neck pillow... I find I'm able to get some zz's on my back sometimes... but even then I end up getting that "pass out" feeling. I toss and turn stomach, back, side, other side... all night. Sometimes with pillow, sometimes neck pillow, sometimes no pillow... pretty much all the positions lead to "pass out" feeling.

I hear you on not going to bed until drop dead ready. Sometimes I stay up until 3 AM. In the end I always tend to spend about 12 hours a day laying down... be it resting or "sleeping". I don't own a recliner... might look into one though.

Thanks! Best of luck with your situation btw. You're not alone man.