I've had mine for probably three years now. Best thing I've ever done. When they tested me, they said if your body wakes you up 15 times an hour, you have sleep apnea. Four hours into my test, they said I was averaging 51 times an hour!
The newer machines are pretty quiet, but it's the sound of the gushing air that can be hard to get used to for whomever is next to you.
If you do have sleep apnea, and you couldn't handle it because of the air, you may try a different mask. I know that sounds silly, but I bet I tried on a good dozen masks before I found one that didn't suffocate me. Be patient. And bug the person who is in charge of supplies. Try on every mask they have until you have one that fits. But please please please, don't give up.