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And that’s after I initially gave it up 10 years ago. From being an extremely healthy and fit individual, my health steadily declined, frequent visits to the toilet nightly, repeated flu and sore throat afflictions, and then late-onset asthma. High and low blood pressure issues followed. It was realised the undergoing problem was sleep apnoea. No surprise. Just read up on the symptoms. But even the doctors conceded their patients had difficulties with the machine, as I previously had, and ended up with the equipment discarded in a closet.

I was then put in touch with a CPAP agent (Allison Clarke, Customer Support Manager for Ventmed Africa), a professional who really knows her job. Unlike my previous ineffective experience, she thoroughly explained to me how the apparatus functioned, and the all-important aspect of a full-face mask (nose and mouth) for which I was measured so that it would fit well. She motivated me in a realistic way, with no exaggerated promises or fake claims, emphasising that it could take 6-12 weeks to become thoroughly accustomed to it. I experienced that Eureka moment with that very first night of eight hours uninterrupted sleep for the first time in a decade. No dry throat that very first morning and since – three months later – I am feeling so much better.

Despite that first outstanding night I have experienced some lesser nights but average out at six to seven hours decent sleep with a single toilet interruption most nights. My health has decidedly improved. My doctor remarks that my colour has a healthy glow. Computer readings from the small card inside the CPAP machine (not pointed out to me ten years back) attest to the fact that I have used it for an average of 6-7 hours nightly, and among other factors that my sleep apnoea episodes which were in the 70s per night have significantly reduced often to below 5, which is regarded as excellent.  Allison Clarke credits me with the improvement saying that the key factor is that I have persevered with the mask and persevered with its use.

I respectfully disagree. The secret has been in the professional manner in which she has managed and motivated me for which she has my greatest appreciation. The correct mask is the key, and getting used to it – in which she has brilliantly managed, supported and guided me. Six to twelve weeks might sound long but, like any new instrument, knowledge of what it is all about, coupled with determination and getting used to it makes all the difference. Initially donning the mask feels strange and somewhat uncomfortable at first. There is a tendency to fiddle with it. However, as you become accustomed to it, and settle into the new bed-time routine things settle down and by three months of progress it all becomes second nature. This is a life changer. My mask is my guardian angel. Thank you, Allison. You have given me a new lease of life.

Ronnie Kasrils, Johannesburg (aged 81), 26 March 2020