First night on BiPap

I can't say that the first night was a resounding success even though I had high hopes. My hopes aren't dashed. I just wanted som pointers from those who have more experience with this than I do.

I only used my machine for three hours. I used the ramp feature and was able to fall asleep okay but woke up with moisture around my nose where the mask was touching my face. I assumed it was sweat since I was a little warm and there was no water/condensation in my tubes. My nose was extremely itchy too on the outside. After that I couldn't get comfortable again with the face mask adjusted properly. I know you have to adjust to it and I intend to give it plenty of time. My machine is a a Respironics BiPap Plus with Remstar heated humidifier. Pressures are 18/14. The mask I used was the the Mirage Activa. It's very light weight but I have to get used to puttin it on and getting properly positions. I also got a Breeze with Nasal Pillows to try out but I didn't use that last night.

I didn't use the humidifier that came with the machine because I forgot to buy distilled water (DOH Hoping my short-term memory will return after a few good nights on PAP). I used a passover humidifier that my sleep tech gave me for free with bottled water. How bad is this for my treatment or the equipment? I just wanted to get started and I thought one night wouldn't hurt anything.

Any pointers that you could give a newbie that would help me on my way to success with BiPap would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

I haven't noticed that passover humidification really helps with anything at all. I can't see it hurting the machine either. The heated humidifier will definitely make the BiPAP more comfortable if you can get around the condensation.

jmiller wrote:I haven't noticed that passover humidification really helps with anything at all. I can't see it hurting the machine either. The heated humidifier will definitely make the BiPAP more comfortable if you can get around the condensation.

Hi,

I recently posted about the condensation issue, and Rested Gal posted a very comprehensive reply. Check it out at viewtopic.php?t=389.

Best,

Rob

Hey Karmich,
Welcome to our world One of the keys to positive Pap therpy is patience !! Sometimes certain personality types seem to adjust quicker than others. I am a restless/hyper person who has always had trouble getting to sleep..........so obviously when I started sucking on this modified leaf blower...it was quite a challenge. Judging from your comments, I would guess you will adjust quickly. Wearing the mask for 2-3 hours will quickly turn into 5-6 or more. You might have to "play with" your humidifier some before you find the correct setting. I would start with the lowest possible setting and adjust from there. (Throat dry and scratchy ??? then turn it up one notch.......too much moisture ??? then turn it down one notch)
Cpap/Bpap therpy is a series of adjustments. It seems like we're always "adjusting something". hang in there.....keep us informed
Rich (53now)

Karmich,

Seems I have the same equipment you have, except for the additional Breeze. Let us know how that works for you.

I have the BiPAP, with 17/14 setting, which I understand is high. I find the ramp helps so much, especially if I awake and need to get back to sleep. The pressure then is so high, I have trouble, but I always use the ramp to go back to sleep, seems to help alot. Heated humidifier helps too. This is my first week. I've seen some improvement, so I'm encouraged. They say keep at it, don't give up. Hope it works well for you.

Linda

Karmich,

Oops. My login didn't work when I posted above. Again, good luck to you.

Linda

Thanks everyone for the encouragement. Last night was a little better. I clocked 5 hours this time. I was a more determine to stick with it last night and I did hit the ramp button twice when I woke up from the force of 18cmH2O blowing up my nose. I even put my mask back on after having to get up and deal witha potty issue with my daughter. Can you tell I'm proud of myself.

I did better with the humidity last night but it is still not quite right. I woke up with a dry nose and throat. My mouth was moist so I guess its not mouth leaking. I'll up the heater on notch as suggested.

Thanks again

The first week or 2 that I had My Remstar Cpap I would wake up in the middle of the night gasping for air. I think it was due to trying to breathe thru My mouth during sleep. I have the Ultra Mirage mask. I've had it about 4 months and have around 900 hours on it now. Heck I don't think I can even fall asleep with out it now I'm so used and comfortable with it. It has definately changed my life. I was falling asleep on the way To work, thats when I knew that there was something wrong. I was having over 100 episodes an hour.