First night - Can't breathe! PR System One A-Flex

My first night. I put mask on and was having a hard time breathing. Had to open my mouth to get air in but then I just had resistance. I managed to fall asleep maybe an hour, if that much. But now I'm wide awake. Tried to put mask back on. But just can't breath!

jshuler43 wrote:My first night. I put mask on and was having a hard time breathing. Had to open my mouth to get air in but then I just had resistance. I managed to fall asleep maybe an hour, if that much. But now I'm wide awake. Tried to put mask back on. But just can't breath!

Hi jshuler43,

Welcome to the forum.

Your problem is quite common for newcomers and hopefully, we can help you sort through them as several things could be going on. When you say you are having a hard time breathing, since you are using a nasal pillow mask, do you feel like your nasal passages are constricted when you try to get air through them? Might you do better with a full face mask that would allow you to breath through your mouth also?

Or do you feel the mask is fine but that the pressure is too uncomfortable? Does it feel like too much air or not enough air?

You also might want to use the link in my signature to download sleepyhead software and then post screen shots for more experienced members to look at. That way, we could help you determine if your pressure settings are correct as incorrect ones could also be causing your feelings of discomfort.

As you can see, there are unfortunately no easy answers and alot to sort through. But hang in there and we will help you figure things out.

49er

I don't remember having this problem at titration with my mask. It seemed to be the best. But that was 9 months ago. (Long story)

It's like someone has their hand over my nose. I put it on ramp, but that didn't help much. I don't feel like I can breathe normally. It's seems an effort.

I'll try to download software.

jshuler43 wrote:I don't remember having this problem at titration with my mask. It seemed to be the best. But that was 9 months ago. (Long story)

It's like someone has their hand over my nose. I put it on ramp, but that didn't help much. I don't feel like I can breathe normally. It's seems an effort.

I'll try to download software.

Do you have nasal obstruction/congestion issues that may be interferring?

Things can change with a mask over 9 months just as an FYI. But definitely download the software and post the screen shots so folks can evaluate your data.

49er

jshuler43 wrote:I don't remember having this problem at titration with my mask. It seemed to be the best. But that was 9 months ago. (Long story)

It's like someone has their hand over my nose. I put it on ramp, but that didn't help much. I don't feel like I can breathe normally. It's seems an effort.

I'll try to download software.

Hi js- I think I have the same machine you have. I'm very new to this also Try reading through all of the booklets that came with your machine. If your titration rate is fairly low, you may not need the ramp (mine is a 7.) See if you can find a setting for the cpap to start when you take a breath through your mask; that way, you will know it is on at least.

A good tip I read prior to starting cpap said to not panic if you feel you can't breathe with the mask on; try to relax and breathe slowly through the mask. It may also help to try wearing the mask while sitting up and doing something like watching TV. Give yourself time to get used to the feel of a mask on your face.

Hang in there - the more experienced users like 49'er can most likely help you with some great advice!

Is the problem that you can't exhale? Is the problem that you feel you can't inhale? Or a feeling that you're not getting fresh air?

The next time you feel you can't breathe, try consciously inhaling and exhaling and feeling the air flow in and out of your nose. Note whether the air flows in and out normally. If necessary, lift up the edge of the mask and breathe. Feel whether there's air gushing out of the mask.

We need to figure out what your pressure settings are. When you turn the machine on, look on the display and it should say something like 10 cmH2O. See what the reading is when you are in the "can't breathe" mode.

Go over to apneaboard.com and get the clinician's manual so you can see and change your own settings. SleepyHead will also let you see your settings.

Thanks for all the input I've been trying to wear my mask while I'm awake to try to get used to it. I'm doing better but exhaling is a bit difficult. Also laying flat. I did manage an hours nap with it on, so I have hope.

I managed to download Sleephead! yay!

But I don't think the info would be that helpful yet, as I've been awake gor most of it.

I'm hoping I can sleep with it tonight and then get more info.

Have you played with the Flex settings for exhale relief available on your machine?

I have, but my pressures are already low. 4cmH20

jshuler43 wrote:I have, but my pressures are already low. 4cmH20

Is that the starting pressure or fixed pressure. I see you have an APAP in your profile, so if it's set up in a range of pressures, it MAY be wide open and starting at 4 cm. is too low. If, on the other hand, it's set to a fixed pressure of 4 cm., and will not adjust, that's way too low to try to breathe.
Bottom line......you probably need to increase that pressure, whatever it is.


Den

.

Yes, it's A-Flex, so it isn't fixed. I looked at Setup screen and didn't see anything else that looked helpful. So you think I should turn up levels? I've got to find my titration papers, especially now with Sleepyhead.

From what I can remember, my apnea score was moderate, but I have high RERAS and Apopneas. A few Central.

If your starting pressure is 4 cm...that's the lowest it will go and AFlex won't work at 4 cm...I forget exactly what it needs but I think at least 6 cm.

If you are having trouble feeling like you are moving enough air and feeling suffocated....it's because the pressure of 4 cm simply isn't moving enough air for you to be comfortable. It's quite common. You won't suffocate at 4 cm but it can sure feel like you are.