CPAP Newbie-Day time breathing discomfort

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
Marrick
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Joined: Fri Apr 24, 2015 7:12 pm
Location: Alberta, Canada

CPAP Newbie-Day time breathing discomfort

Post by Marrick » Fri Apr 24, 2015 7:30 pm

Hi all I'm new to the world of CPAP therapy and have only been diagnosed a week ago with moderate OSA. I'm currently on a trial machine/30 day study and am on night 8 with the machine. I'm having a hard time adjusting. The past few days I've noticed discomfort in my throat during the day. Not your usual sore throat, it's hard to describe, more like muscle weakness that gets a bit worse as the day progresses. This makes breathing feel a bit odd (especially exhaling.) Is this something others have experienced in the process of adjustment to the therapy?

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Julie
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Re: CPAP Newbie-Day time breathing discomfort

Post by Julie » Fri Apr 24, 2015 8:30 pm

Hi - Please go to the small writing "User Control Panel' under the main logo, click, then click on Profile. Fill in your equipment in as much detail as possible (full name and model etc. of machine, and type of mask - using text, not icons plse - as well as your scripted pressures and anything else you think might be relevant. It will then appear under all your notes so we can know what you're using, and it will help us to help you. And stick with this thread so we can keep track of things for now... Come back with all that and we'll see what's what and see if anything needs tweaking. Are you using a humidifier? Have you tried changing the setting for that? It's not 'therapy', just a comfort thing and some people love it and some never use it... depends on you and your climate, etc. Do you know you can download SleepyHead software free from here so can track each night (not mandatory of course) and again help us to help you.

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BlackSpinner
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Re: CPAP Newbie-Day time breathing discomfort

Post by BlackSpinner » Fri Apr 24, 2015 8:37 pm

Also your chest and diaphragm muscles have to work harder to exhale during the night and like any muscle that is being used more they complain. Sometimes that feels like weakness or difficulty breathing.

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Marrick
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Joined: Fri Apr 24, 2015 7:12 pm
Location: Alberta, Canada

Re: CPAP Newbie-Day time breathing discomfort

Post by Marrick » Fri Apr 24, 2015 11:22 pm

Hi Julie, for some reason it is giving me problems when trying to add my signature, but I'll try again later! For now...I'm currently using Philips Respironics System One Auto CPAP and Humidifier and Respironics WISP Nasal Mask. Pressure is at a 7 currently and I've been keeping the humidifier turned about half way up. Being new to this and unfamiliar with the machine, I wish I could tell you more! I did do a bit of playing around with it but since it is a loaner machine until I find and purchase one at the end of my trial, I'm unable to really change much for settings as they are locked. I'm waiting to get in to the clinic to try a different mask as the one I have is a little too tight and a few people I know have suggested trying a full face mask because I do breath through my mouth at night some times. I've also found I have some problems breathing out against the pressure and tend to clench my jaw so I'm not blowing it out my mouth all the time, which leads to a sore jaw lol.

BlackSpinner, that does make sense. I was a little concerned as it wasn't something I was told could be a possible side effect and a google search didn't help me much lol! It did however bring me to this site which is great

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Mask: Wisp Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear - Fit Pack
Additional Comments: CPAP Newbie! Rental trial machine, on 30 day study, current pressure 7

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Julie
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Re: CPAP Newbie-Day time breathing discomfort

Post by Julie » Sat Apr 25, 2015 4:14 am

Hi - There are 1-2 PR S1 machine links that don't work for some reason in Profile, so just put the number in a post. And there is relief from exhalation pressure - it's called EPR and you can set it to a high or low number for comfort - your manual should show how to do that, but if not ask here. The settings are NOT locked - that's just what DMEs tell people (don't ask!) and we'll help with that as well, but ... depending on what your insurance calls for in terms of fulfilling 'compliance' issues for the first month or so, and whether or not you're renting vs buying outright (on your own or thru insce) you may have to leave settings (except possibly for the EPR) as is for now... again, so let us know and we'll see what's what.

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Pugsy
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Re: CPAP Newbie-Day time breathing discomfort

Post by Pugsy » Sat Apr 25, 2015 7:19 am


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Marrick
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Re: CPAP Newbie-Day time breathing discomfort

Post by Marrick » Sat Apr 25, 2015 7:31 pm

Thanks for the tips and patience, slowly finding my way around! Currently this machine is a 30 day rental so I will be looking to purchase my own in a few weeks. Unsure if I will stay with this system and set up or do some research before making a choice as it is a big investment (especially since I'll be buying it outright!)

As for the breathing discomfort, I have been making efforts to put the mask on and sit with it while watching tv so that I can get used to it a little more and spent some time with the machine on as well. Today isn't as bad as the past three days so I'm hoping the "work out" my lungs and chest/throat muscles are getting from the pressure is becoming a touch easier. I did discover the A-Flex option but can only access it in a 30 second demo version I'm thinking if I just stick with the therapy as prescribed, it'll get easier

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Mask: Wisp Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear - Fit Pack
Additional Comments: CPAP Newbie! Rental trial machine, on 30 day study, current pressure 7

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Ford Guy
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Re: CPAP Newbie-Day time breathing discomfort

Post by Ford Guy » Sat Apr 25, 2015 7:36 pm

Marrick wrote:Thanks for the tips and patience, slowly finding my way around! Currently this machine is a 30 day rental so I will be looking to purchase my own in a few weeks. Unsure if I will stay with this system and set up or do some research before making a choice as it is a big investment (especially since I'll be buying it outright!)

As for the breathing discomfort, I have been making efforts to put the mask on and sit with it while watching tv so that I can get used to it a little more and spent some time with the machine on as well. Today isn't as bad as the past three days so I'm hoping the "work out" my lungs and chest/throat muscles are getting from the pressure is becoming a touch easier. I did discover the A-Flex option but can only access it in a 30 second demo version I'm thinking if I just stick with the therapy as prescribed, it'll get easier
If you are buying outright, I think I saw a ResMed S9 Aiutoset for sale on this board. It's an excellent machine and you can buy it at a good price.
S8 Autoset II is back up

Marrick
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Joined: Fri Apr 24, 2015 7:12 pm
Location: Alberta, Canada

Re: CPAP Newbie-Day time breathing discomfort

Post by Marrick » Sat Apr 25, 2015 7:48 pm

Thanks Ford Guy I think I'll wait a bit until I get more used to the CPAP therapy and do some research before I make a final decision.

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Mask: Wisp Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear - Fit Pack
Additional Comments: CPAP Newbie! Rental trial machine, on 30 day study, current pressure 7

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MagsterMile
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Re: CPAP Newbie-Day time breathing discomfort

Post by MagsterMile » Sun Apr 26, 2015 7:28 am

Best wishes for a successful 30 day trial. I'm sure others have mentioned that when the time comes to choose your machine, a full data machine is what you will want. It's the best way to keep track of your progress and to make changes. This forum will help to guide you through your cpap journey. Take care that the DME doesn't try to deflect you from asking questions and getting answers to any concerns that you might have. That's what happened to me when I first started out but this forum helped me to get the answers that I needed.

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