Possible sleep apnea symptoms?

I think I may have sleep apnea. Let me explain. I have been waking up multiple times a night sometimes 8 times a night, holding my breath and waking up to me making an almost “door creaking” noise as I exhale. But it’s a real slow exhale. I’ve found this happening for about a week. I have been getting nightmares more frequently than I do. Anyone else with the same symptoms DIAGNOSED with sleep apnea? Any help is very much appreciated. I’d like to get an idea before I spend so much money on just speaking with a doctor as I don’t have health insurance.