Intellipap CO2 Retention

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
justaskin
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Intellipap CO2 Retention

Post by justaskin » Wed Jul 18, 2012 11:06 am

I wanted to see if anyone could offer a little insight regarding why I keep having so much CO2 retention at night and during the day.

Here is a little background: I have UARS, Severe Snoring, and Positional Sleep Apnea when lying on my Back. I never had a formal titration. My pressure is usually set between 11-16. Some have suggested that my pressure may be too high. However, I have extreme difficulty sleeping on any setting belong 11. According to my Devilbiss report, my AHI is typically between 2.5 and 4.5 every night regardless of the pressure. The 95th/90th Percentile pressure ranges from 13-14. My smart Flex setting is 1. My I-Rounding setting is 1 and the E-Rounding setting is 2. I wear a Respironics full face masks and have 0% leaks each night. However, for the past couple of weeks I have been experiencing the following symptoms:

1. Extreme CO2 Retention/Buildup that lasts throughout the day.
2. Headaches lasting all day (Probably from the CO2 Retention)
3. Acid Reflux (Maybe associated with CO2 Retention as well)

My main concern is the CO2 build up because it is causing shortness of breath, and shallow breathing when the APAP Pressure rises between 12-16. I was wondering do you have any suggestions on what I could do to eliminate the CO2 Buildup I am experiencing.

Could I be experiencing CO2 Retention/Buildup because:
1. My mask is too small or tight?
2. Could the Air exhaust on my mask be getting blocked at night?
3. My Smart Flex settings need to be adjusted?
4. My I/E Rounding settings need to be adjusted?
5. Should I consider getting another machine such as a ASV Machine?

I am really confused and discouraged. It seems as though CO2 retention/build up is the only thing preventing me from gaining the full benefits of my treatment. I’m pretty desperate for help. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

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Julie
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Re: Intellipap CO2 Retention

Post by Julie » Wed Jul 18, 2012 11:09 am

Well, wish I could help with the other ideas, but only you can answer #2, and most likely #3... your mask should never be so tight that it's uncomfortable in bed, or so loose that there are obvious leaks even while you're awake (though having the 'right' mask, fitted properly, is most important).

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LSAT
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Re: Intellipap CO2 Retention

Post by LSAT » Wed Jul 18, 2012 11:34 am

You don't say what mask you are using , but, IMO you are blocking the CO2 vent in some way...blanket, pillow,
or arm position....By the way...how do you know your problem is CO2 retention???????

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Lizistired
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Re: Intellipap CO2 Retention

Post by Lizistired » Wed Jul 18, 2012 1:50 pm

LSAT wrote:You don't say what mask you are using , but, IMO you are blocking the CO2 vent in some way...blanket, pillow,
or arm position....By the way...how do you know your problem is CO2 retention???????
That's what I was wondering.

And please add your equipment in the User Control Panel.

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MidnightOwl
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Re: Intellipap CO2 Retention

Post by MidnightOwl » Wed Jul 18, 2012 1:51 pm

I'm curious. How do you know you are retaining CO2?

justaskin
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Joined: Sun Jul 08, 2012 9:15 am

Re: Intellipap CO2 Retention

Post by justaskin » Wed Jul 18, 2012 1:55 pm

I know that I am retaining CO2 because I have had several ABG Test confirming high numbers. The symptoms associated with CO2 retention did not start until I began using CPAP. I also use a Respironics Full Face Mask.

akcpapguy
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Re: Intellipap CO2 Retention

Post by akcpapguy » Wed Jul 18, 2012 2:14 pm

How are you measuring your CO2 retention?
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archangle
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Re: Intellipap CO2 Retention

Post by archangle » Thu Jul 19, 2012 8:57 pm

I don't believe that CO2 retention lasts for more than a few minutes if you're breathing normally, so if you're having CO2 problems during the day, CPAP shouldn't be related unless it's somehow affecting your breathing during the day.

(I'm not 100% sure how quick CO2 drops, so double check on that.)

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anne nonnymouse

Re: Intellipap CO2 Retention

Post by anne nonnymouse » Sun Nov 23, 2014 3:18 pm

Do you smoke? COPD can cause CO2 retention.

Demerit

Re: Intellipap CO2 Retention

Post by Demerit » Sun Nov 23, 2014 3:45 pm

CO2 retention is caused by an issue with gas exchange......cpap won't do anything for co2 retention. You need a bipap where the change in pressure can aid in helping with blowing off the co2.

Paralel
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Re: Intellipap CO2 Retention

Post by Paralel » Mon Nov 24, 2014 3:33 pm

Unless one has an acid/base imbalance in their blood, CO2 will return to baseline within minutes of an excessive retention situation resolving. The body has an extremely limited ability to buffer CO2 as bicarbonate in the blood, but it doesn't take much before the blood starts to become too alkaline, and that forces the shift back towards the typical, neutral physiological pH.

A persistently high CO2 is a good indication of an endocrine disorder, acid/base problem in the blood, or a persistent hypoventilation condition, which could be pulmonary or neurological. It's also not uncommon with smokers, regardless of how or what is actually being smoked as long as its being combusted.

Park SJ

Re: Intellipap CO2 Retention

Post by Park SJ » Sun Dec 21, 2014 1:00 am

Hi

I'm totally in the same situation.
i have co2 retention(i checked co2 level in a hospital)
i understand your condition. (dizzy, headache, easy to be tired)
i recommend that you try pillow mask. Pillow type has less space for co2 to stay in the mask. it works on me.
However, i'm still trying to find perfect way to get rid of co2 retention.(i'm korean and apnea is very uncommon here, so it's much hard to find solutions, though)

If you've found solution, please let me know.

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palerider
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Re: Intellipap CO2 Retention

Post by palerider » Sun Dec 21, 2014 9:54 am

Park SJ wrote:Hi

I'm totally in the same situation.
i have co2 retention(i checked co2 level in a hospital)
i understand your condition. (dizzy, headache, easy to be tired)
i recommend that you try pillow mask. Pillow type has less space for co2 to stay in the mask. it works on me.
However, i'm still trying to find perfect way to get rid of co2 retention.(i'm korean and apnea is very uncommon here, so it's much hard to find solutions, though)

If you've found solution, please let me know.
bilevel with a fairly high pressure support will help greatly with that.

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eLi d eLimin8or

Re: Intellipap CO2 Retention

Post by eLi d eLimin8or » Thu Apr 16, 2015 7:53 am

My provider came to my home to fit me for a new mask. One of the first things she asked me when she saw my CPAP was "are you having headaches?" And I have been for about 5 months, now (that's when I switched from a 6-foot tube). She said that because she saw that I was using a 10-foot tube. She said the tube I'm using is too long, which can cause CO2 build up (depending on the setting). Just ordered an 8-foot and hopefully this will help me from retention.

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chunkyfrog
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Re: Intellipap CO2 Retention

Post by chunkyfrog » Thu Apr 16, 2015 11:23 am

Nonsense! If that were an issue, they would not be allowed to sell them.
Your exhaled CO2 exits through the mask vents--constant pressure keeps it out of the hose.
You may need to check the air pressure at the mask, as the distance may affect that.

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