How do I stop this ear pain?

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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footballgirl13
Posts: 92
Joined: Tue Jan 27, 2015 1:50 pm
Location: Inland Empire (California)

How do I stop this ear pain?

Post by footballgirl13 » Wed Jan 28, 2015 3:05 pm

I don't have sleepyhead software, I don't think I can use it since I don't think my old machine is data capable. I have a tiny little "Card" that goes in the back, but I'm not sure if it is an SD card or what kind of "card" it is. In any case, I'm only saying this since I have horrible ear pain and I'm wondering if my pressure is way too high.. I used to have my machine set to 7 and then 8 and then 10 before I was titrated in Dec 2014. I always changed my machine back down to 8 or 9 since I was scared that "guessing" my pressure was very unsafe and I didn't want to hurt my lungs with a pressure of 10 it I really needed 8.

But once I KNEW I needed a pressure of 11 (really 15/11, but I was told since I I have only CPAP I need to set it to 11). Now I have been using this very old machine since summer 2013, even though I got it in summer 2011. I'm thinking may be it is not working correctly - may be it SAYS it is blowing out 11, but it is really blowing out more pressure? Not sure if this is possible.

I changed my machine settings to blow out at 11 around Christmas. Ever since Jan 15th BOTH of my ears have been hurts like CRAZY and I don't know if there is any special thing I can take for CPAP users to make this pain go away - I mean BESIDES taking ibuprofen which doesn't really work for the pain that I have. I'm not sure if I tightened up the bottom straps too much at night, but it was in Dec 2014 - when my straps got very loose and I had to tighten them up to prevent air leaks in my mask. For the last 3 nights I have been loosening my mask since the ear pain is so bad. But I'm not sure if loosening them up now will do anything. It feels like damage has been done. I have to wait to call the scheduling center to make an appointment with my doctor and I will not be able to see my PCP until 2 or 3 weeks from now.
More than likely if this pain does not stop, I will have no choice but to go to Urgent Care to see if I have a ear infection in both ears or if I blew out something in my ears. It hurts that bad I'm wondering if I did create an infection with my water chamber being so dirty.

_________________
Mask: Nuance & Nuance Pro Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Gel Nasal Pillows
Additional Comments: I don't use software yet, this should be an option in the dropdown box
3rd sleep study Dec 2014:
1st half of study:
Total AHI: 18.4
RDI: 29.7
RERAs: 11.3
oxygen saturation below 90% during 0.4% of the time
Lowest oxygen: 84%

Weight
spring 2015: 202
fall 2015: 182 MBI 34
spring 2016: 194
fall 2016:

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chunkyfrog
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Location: Nebraska--I am sworn to keep the secret of this paradise.

Re: How do I stop this ear pain?

Post by chunkyfrog » Wed Jan 28, 2015 3:24 pm

Call your doctor! Your ears should NOT hurt! Usually, it's an infection. (Not related to cpap)
I had an earache when I was 10, and lost some hearing in that ear, over time.
Seriously, you do not want that. Hearing aids are expensive, and Medicare does NOT cover them!

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Mask: AirFit™ P10 For Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Airsense 10 Autoset for Her

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footballgirl13
Posts: 92
Joined: Tue Jan 27, 2015 1:50 pm
Location: Inland Empire (California)

Re: How do I stop this ear pain?

Post by footballgirl13 » Wed Jan 28, 2015 5:08 pm

chunkyfrog wrote:Call your doctor! Your ears should NOT hurt! Usually, it's an infection. (Not related to cpap)
I had an earache when I was 10, and lost some hearing in that ear, over time.
Seriously, you do not want that. Hearing aids are expensive, and Medicare does NOT cover them!
yeah, I don't want that. I have had perfect hearing since age 6 and I'm almost 40 now. I and know - I know Medi-care (or at least Medi-Medi) doesn't cover them. But I don't have Medi-care. That is for people that is over 65 and I'm much younger than that.

But I don't think IEHP would cover them. I just thought that the straps being too tight might put pressure on my ears. I was going to put it off going may be on Sunday or at least until Monday, but the pain is bad. I hope they find something. I don't want ONLY pain medication.

_________________
Mask: Nuance & Nuance Pro Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Gel Nasal Pillows
Additional Comments: I don't use software yet, this should be an option in the dropdown box
3rd sleep study Dec 2014:
1st half of study:
Total AHI: 18.4
RDI: 29.7
RERAs: 11.3
oxygen saturation below 90% during 0.4% of the time
Lowest oxygen: 84%

Weight
spring 2015: 202
fall 2015: 182 MBI 34
spring 2016: 194
fall 2016:

mgaggie
Posts: 870
Joined: Sun Apr 21, 2013 4:30 am
Location: Victoria, Australia

Re: How do I stop this ear pain?

Post by mgaggie » Wed Jan 28, 2015 5:15 pm

footballgirl13 wrote: I just thought that the straps being too tight might put pressure on my ears. I was going to put it off going may be on Sunday or at least until Monday, but the pain is bad. I hope they find something. I don't want ONLY pain medication.
That is possibly one of the silliest statements I've heard in ages. How on earth can tight straps on the outside of your head cause pain in your ears?

If the pain is really bad, STOP procrastinating and go and see a doctor.

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footballgirl13
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Location: Inland Empire (California)

Re: How do I stop this ear pain?

Post by footballgirl13 » Wed Jan 28, 2015 8:15 pm

How can straps hurt me ears? Well, if you SAW how the straps go OVER my ears you'd understand. But you can't SEE how the straps go right over my ears instead of how the "perfect male model" on the WISP mask packaging - it shows on the model that the straps are to be placed about an inch or two below the ear lobes. But the model does to have ear lobes. I do. And the strap does not go below my ears as shown in the model.

So why not stop laughing at me and my comment saying that It was stupid. Look in the mirror instead.

_________________
Mask: Nuance & Nuance Pro Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Gel Nasal Pillows
Additional Comments: I don't use software yet, this should be an option in the dropdown box
3rd sleep study Dec 2014:
1st half of study:
Total AHI: 18.4
RDI: 29.7
RERAs: 11.3
oxygen saturation below 90% during 0.4% of the time
Lowest oxygen: 84%

Weight
spring 2015: 202
fall 2015: 182 MBI 34
spring 2016: 194
fall 2016:

User avatar
footballgirl13
Posts: 92
Joined: Tue Jan 27, 2015 1:50 pm
Location: Inland Empire (California)

Re: How do I stop this ear pain?

Post by footballgirl13 » Wed Jan 28, 2015 8:17 pm

to the person called mgaggie, I hope you don't spread that kind of hate to others offline calling them silly and assuming that they didn't go to the doctor. I went to the doctor 2 weeks ago for my ears and I was given medication due to sinus issues. I went back again today at 3:45 and I came home at 5:45pm with medication. I hope calling me silly makes you feel so much better.

_________________
Mask: Nuance & Nuance Pro Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Gel Nasal Pillows
Additional Comments: I don't use software yet, this should be an option in the dropdown box
Last edited by footballgirl13 on Wed Jan 28, 2015 8:26 pm, edited 1 time in total.
3rd sleep study Dec 2014:
1st half of study:
Total AHI: 18.4
RDI: 29.7
RERAs: 11.3
oxygen saturation below 90% during 0.4% of the time
Lowest oxygen: 84%

Weight
spring 2015: 202
fall 2015: 182 MBI 34
spring 2016: 194
fall 2016:

User avatar
footballgirl13
Posts: 92
Joined: Tue Jan 27, 2015 1:50 pm
Location: Inland Empire (California)

Re: How do I stop this ear pain?

Post by footballgirl13 » Wed Jan 28, 2015 8:19 pm

How can straps hurt me ears? Well, if you SAW how the straps go OVER my ears you'd understand. But you can't SEE how the straps go right over my ears instead of how the "perfect male model" on the WISP mask packaging - it shows on the model that the straps are to be placed about an inch or two below the ear lobes. But the model does to have ear lobes. I do. And the strap does not go below my ears as shown in the model.

So why not stop laughing at me and my comment saying that It was stupid. Look in the mirror instead.

_________________
Mask: Nuance & Nuance Pro Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Gel Nasal Pillows
Additional Comments: I don't use software yet, this should be an option in the dropdown box
3rd sleep study Dec 2014:
1st half of study:
Total AHI: 18.4
RDI: 29.7
RERAs: 11.3
oxygen saturation below 90% during 0.4% of the time
Lowest oxygen: 84%

Weight
spring 2015: 202
fall 2015: 182 MBI 34
spring 2016: 194
fall 2016:

User avatar
OkyDoky
Posts: 2870
Joined: Mon Aug 25, 2014 5:18 pm

Re: How do I stop this ear pain?

Post by OkyDoky » Wed Jan 28, 2015 8:23 pm

ResMed Aircurve 10 VAUTO EPAP 11 IPAP 15 / P10 pillows mask / Sleepyhead Software / Back up & travel machine Respironics 760

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palerider
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Location: Dallas(ish).

Re: How do I stop this ear pain?

Post by palerider » Wed Jan 28, 2015 9:03 pm

footballgirl13 wrote:How can straps hurt me ears? Well, if you SAW how the straps go OVER my ears you'd understand. But you can't SEE how the straps go right over my ears instead of how the "perfect male model" on the WISP mask packaging - it shows on the model that the straps are to be placed about an inch or two below the ear lobes. But the model does to have ear lobes. I do. And the strap does not go below my ears as shown in the model.
sounds to me like you've got the thing adjusted wrong.

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Neecerie
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Re: How do I stop this ear pain?

Post by Neecerie » Wed Jan 28, 2015 9:08 pm

I would still go to urgent care.....bring the mask, just so that dr can also see if its a pressure injury.


I wear a wisp(average headed female) and it doesn't rest on my ears, so i do think you either need a totally different mask, or at least a different frame size.

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chunkyfrog
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Re: How do I stop this ear pain?

Post by chunkyfrog » Wed Jan 28, 2015 9:17 pm

When I had a Wisp, the lower strap folded my earlobes up. {{{lousy design?}}}
This was not a problem unless I failed to remove my earrings (14k, kidney wire with a latch)
Even so, the pain was all external, so I was fully aware of the cause.

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grayghost4
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Re: How do I stop this ear pain?

Post by grayghost4 » Wed Jan 28, 2015 9:27 pm

just in front of and extending below the ear lobe is "Parotid Salivary gland":

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salivary_g ... tid_glands

If the straps press too hard on the gland it can become very painful, and the pain can seem to be coming from the ear. I know because I get a very painful right ear when I clench my jaw for a while.
If you're not part of the solution you're just scumming up the bottom of the beaker!

Get the Clinicians manual here : http://apneaboard.com/adjust-cpap-press ... tup-manual

mgaggie
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Re: How do I stop this ear pain?

Post by mgaggie » Thu Jan 29, 2015 5:36 am

footballgirl13 wrote:to the person called mgaggie, I hope you don't spread that kind of hate to others offline calling them silly and assuming that they didn't go to the doctor. I went to the doctor 2 weeks ago for my ears and I was given medication due to sinus issues. I went back again today at 3:45 and I came home at 5:45pm with medication. I hope calling me silly makes you feel so much better.
I never assumed that you didn't go to a doctor. I just told you that you should stop procrastinating and go and see one if your ears are painful. I was thinking along the lines of you possibly having an innerear infection, which should never be left untreated. Now I find out you are talking about your OUTER ear and the reason they hurt is because you have the straps too tight.

Btw, I wasn't laughing at you, but you are giving me good reason to start. Why keep using a mask that causes so much pain? You have insurance, so order a different one when you can.

If you think I'm spreading hate by my previous post., how? Saying a statement is silly, and you should go see a doctor is hateful? You need to harden up and get a thick skin.

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footballgirl13
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Location: Inland Empire (California)

Re: How do I stop this ear pain?

Post by footballgirl13 » Thu Jan 29, 2015 6:23 pm

totally forgot. I went to one urgent care early in Jan 2015 and I went in for ear pain or throat pain and was given an
antibiotic. I went to another urgent care place Jan 28th 2015 (this was had less waiting time) and I went in for my
ear pain. I was given the exact same antibiotic. It seems that I've had this ear pain since Jan 10th or so. It is not an ear
infection I'm told. Could be pressure in the Eustachian Tube (so I was told) that pressure could be building up and more
than likely it is a sinus infection. My face hurts in my cheeks . . .since a week ago.

_________________
Mask: Nuance & Nuance Pro Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Gel Nasal Pillows
Additional Comments: I don't use software yet, this should be an option in the dropdown box
3rd sleep study Dec 2014:
1st half of study:
Total AHI: 18.4
RDI: 29.7
RERAs: 11.3
oxygen saturation below 90% during 0.4% of the time
Lowest oxygen: 84%

Weight
spring 2015: 202
fall 2015: 182 MBI 34
spring 2016: 194
fall 2016:

User avatar
footballgirl13
Posts: 92
Joined: Tue Jan 27, 2015 1:50 pm
Location: Inland Empire (California)

Re: How do I stop this ear pain?

Post by footballgirl13 » Thu Jan 29, 2015 6:30 pm

chunkyfrog wrote:When I had a Wisp, the lower strap folded my earlobes up. {{{lousy design?}}}
This was not a problem unless I failed to remove my earrings (14k, kidney wire with a latch)
Even so, the pain was all external, so I was fully aware of the cause.
Yep, you got it. Poor design alright. It does the exact same thing to me - the
straps folds my earlobes up and it is very painful for me. I push the thing down, b
but when I do, the nose part does not fit right - and I need a petite size for my small
nose. I'm going to make a video on this and sent it to PR.

_________________
Mask: Nuance & Nuance Pro Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Gel Nasal Pillows
Additional Comments: I don't use software yet, this should be an option in the dropdown box
3rd sleep study Dec 2014:
1st half of study:
Total AHI: 18.4
RDI: 29.7
RERAs: 11.3
oxygen saturation below 90% during 0.4% of the time
Lowest oxygen: 84%

Weight
spring 2015: 202
fall 2015: 182 MBI 34
spring 2016: 194
fall 2016: