I have a long saga of sleep issues, too many ups and downs to recite. I now use a bipap respironics machine which, of the four machines I've had in 15 years, is the best one yet.
I didn't know I had apnea until I went on an Emmaus Walk (you can look it up; I highly recommend it - it changed my life). There were about 40 of us in one camp building sleeping in cots way out in the boondocks.
The first morning there, I found myself in the corner surrounded by old mattresses that had been stored close by on the deck of a supply building. The other participants had been awakened and kept awake by my snoring and gasping, which they say had rattled the curtains.
So I had to do this for the next 2 nights. I was the scourge of the event and was the villain of the group and was eschewed and chastised. (remember this was a Christian event, but of course, I forgave them and still made some good friends)
A few weeks later, I decided to have a sleep study done, and sure enough I had sleep apnea. Since then, I have managed to correct the malady, and I hope, to prolong my life by taking charge of it and being my own therapist. I set my own numbers, monitor my progress, and talk to others on a forum.
So, lesson learned. My advice to any of you is, if you think you may be stricken with this ailment, please contact a sleep clinic, and get it tested. You will live longer.