CPAP ineffective

I sincerely hope that what I'm about to say isn't considered abusive, but I am sure that others have had similar experiences with CPAP. Now, I am well aware that the main 'purpose' of a CPAP machine is to prevent death from sleep apnea, but everyone is well aware that the MAIN 'reason' for using one is to eliminate the noise of sleeping for the benefit of a spouse. For that purpose, both the mask and the nasal pillow that I used are total failures. The early machines made too much noise just by themselves, and the newer ones (at least the ones like I had) do nothing to prevent "blubbering" sounds by the user, which annoyed my wife every bit as much as the snoring itself. To prevent the blubbering with the mask, I had to tighten it more than normal, which resulted in a bad sore on the bridge of my nose. I started using the nasal pillow with a 'chin strap', but the chin strap does NOTHING for the lips which still made noise, so I put adhesive tape across my lips every night, and that worked well for a long time but eventually even that didn't stop the noise, so I moved to another bedroom and just stopped using the machine. So, what I have to say about all this is that there HAS to be a better way.

"but everyone is well aware that the MAIN 'reason' for using one is to eliminate the noise of sleeping for the benefit of a spouse."

What? Are you joking? No wonder things aren't working for you - your agenda is so messed up!

Have you ever tried a FFM, properly fitted while lying down?

concierge123 wrote: so I put adhesive tape across my lips every night, and that worked well for a long time but eventually even that didn't stop the noise

Seriously? This sounds like something out of a Cheech-n-Chong flick.

I disagree with your MAIN premise. I don't have a spouse so my main reason is my health. I can't live without it. I gained over 3 inches on my neck before I got one. However I realize YMMV and each to his own.

My main reason was remaining employed. I fell asleep at my desk because I was still exhausted after 8+ hours of sleep. I went to the doctor so at the very least I could tell HR that I had a disability and to request accommodations. I use a full face mask, and I took to the CPAP like a duck to water. I have AHI < 3 now. Now I don't drink Mountain Dew all day just to stay awake. I only have a bottle at lunch as a beverage. Not snoring is just a by-product, a good night's sleep is the goal.

concierge123 wrote:I sincerely hope that what I'm about to say isn't considered abusive, but I am sure that others have had similar experiences with CPAP. Now, I am well aware that the main 'purpose' of a CPAP machine is to prevent death from sleep apnea, but everyone is well aware that the MAIN 'reason' for using one is to eliminate the noise of sleeping for the benefit of a spouse. For that purpose, both the mask and the nasal pillow that I used are total failures. The early machines made too much noise just by themselves, and the newer ones (at least the ones like I had) do nothing to prevent "blubbering" sounds by the user, which annoyed my wife every bit as much as the snoring itself. To prevent the blubbering with the mask, I had to tighten it more than normal, which resulted in a bad sore on the bridge of my nose. I started using the nasal pillow with a 'chin strap', but the chin strap does NOTHING for the lips which still made noise, so I put adhesive tape across my lips every night, and that worked well for a long time but eventually even that didn't stop the noise, so I moved to another bedroom and just stopped using the machine. So, what I have to say about all this is that there HAS to be a better way.

Sounds like you have HAD a CPAP for quite a while...possibly not using it on a regular basis. If you have gone this long without getting help, you are not very serious about using it. The "better way" would be to start with listing your equipment in the control panel and give specifics on your pressure. The next step would be to download Sleepyhead software and post some pictures.

Well there is some obvious frustration going on and with sleep apnea that is to be expected. Perhaps some things to consider would be helpful:
1. The CPAP machines have made great improvement, but they are not self directed intelligence
2. Once the machine is on the apnea's are usually gone quickly, you then hit all the things that typically cause the patient to not want to use the CPAP machine
3. There are dozens of masks to choose from and for a reason, fitting something to a human face has no standard mask
4. Some might think that a Dr should have time to review the data and make the changes required by the patient, but alas they don't and won't, it's all on us to do it ourselves
5. at least half, and I think way more, patients will not tolerate the default settings on the machines.

If you really want to protect your health, actually start getting some good sleep, AND keep your spouse happy then you are in the right place. There are some very experienced users here that will help you get your machine customized to your personal needs.

concierge123 wrote:nothing to prevent "blubbering" sounds by the user

You don't know how to properly use a CPAP system. This is common when starting out.

Now that you have landed here, follow LSAT's recommendations and get involved here. There are good ways, so there is no need to carry on in the way you have been.

Read a lot of the "Announcements" at the top of the index page. Then start describing your problems and asking for help.

Most people can't learn to play tennis well without lessons from people who have gone before them. The same could be said of using CPAP well.

Another single person chiming in; the Main Reason is to keep you healthy and prevent as many apneic events as possible. As for the snoring, I can tell by Sleepyhead that I still snore, so to keep from waking your partner isn't a reason at all unless it actually does stop the snoring.... seems to me that a partner who cares about your health and having you around for a long time would just get earplugs. Another option, which it seems yours has done, is to sleep in another room. You can still have your snuggle-up together time in bed before going to sleep, after which you put on your mask and one of you goes to another room. I suggest working on finding solutions for your difficulties; as one poster said, you can come back here and get help from the wonderful people on this forum... I did back when I was starting a year and a half ago.

library lady wrote:I can tell by Sleepyhead that I still snore

Independent of sleep apnea, snoring is unhealthy. If you are going to the trouble to use CPAP, why not get it set up so you don't snore?

You can start another thread and post some SH details, and members will be happy to help you tweak your machine settings and/or you mask.

concierge123 wrote:I sincerely hope that what I'm about to say isn't considered abusive, but I am sure that others have had similar experiences with CPAP. Now, I am well aware that the main 'purpose' of a CPAP machine is to prevent death from sleep apnea, but everyone is well aware that the MAIN 'reason' for using one is to eliminate the noise of sleeping for the benefit of a spouse. For that purpose, both the mask and the nasal pillow that I used are total failures. The early machines made too much noise just by themselves, and the newer ones (at least the ones like I had) do nothing to prevent "blubbering" sounds by the user, which annoyed my wife every bit as much as the snoring itself. To prevent the blubbering with the mask, I had to tighten it more than normal, which resulted in a bad sore on the bridge of my nose. I started using the nasal pillow with a 'chin strap', but the chin strap does NOTHING for the lips which still made noise, so I put adhesive tape across my lips every night, and that worked well for a long time but eventually even that didn't stop the noise, so I moved to another bedroom and just stopped using the machine. So, what I have to say about all this is that there HAS to be a better way.

Short of highlighting everything in your post to rebut it, in summary I'll just say that it sounds like you have not used a data-capable machine, don't monitor your therapy with software, and consequently have had very ineffective therapy.

The "better way" is to get "educated", get a fully-data-capable machine, monitor your therapy with software, TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR OWN THERAPY and learn how to tweak it so you won't be writing nonsensical posts like this.
You've found the best place to learn, tweak and optimize your therapy.
Now, the ball's back in your court. Quit whining and do something about it.


Den

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Everybody has given you good advice and probably not what you want to hear. Sounds like you are asking us to give you our blessing for bailing out on CPAP. You can't really have a reasonable expectation of that, can you Maybe ask us some questions on how to make your experience more effective.

concierge123 wrote: ...there HAS to be a better way.

There is. Sad for you that you didn't persist in finding it. Or maybe that's why you are here. You know, there are hybrid style masks that use nasal pillows AND cover the mouth to allow for mouth breathing. Nothing across the bridge of the nose. Maybe that's an option for you. Machines these days are generally pretty quiet. (Some very sound sensitive people might not agree.) Sleeping in separate rooms is a preference for some. It's the wake time that matters most. If it's important to you, I hope it all works out for you - therapeutic treatment in your own bed.

Funny story. A friend and her husband went through an ugly separation. The friend was bemoaning the fact that she couldn't sleep. I asked her why, fearing she would say it was because she missed him. When she stopped laughing she said no, it was because she missed the sound of his CPAP. In most cases people adjust.

Hang Fire wrote:

library lady wrote:I can tell by Sleepyhead that I still snore

Independent of sleep apnea, snoring is unhealthy. If you are going to the trouble to use CPAP, why not get it set up so you don't snore?

You can start another thread and post some SH details, and members will be happy to help you tweak your machine settings and/or you mask.

I talked to my sleep doc about that very thing, and he wasn't concerned about it, said snoring doesn't matter if my numbers are otherwise good, which they are. My snoring has decreased, my health has improved, so I guess I'm not going to be concerned about it either, as I have other fish to fry.

library lady wrote:I talked to my sleep doc about that very thing, and he wasn't concerned about it, said snoring doesn't matter if my numbers are otherwise good, which they are.

Snoring is unhealthy regardless of what any doctor says.

I agree with Hang Fire. If you are going to use CPAP, you might as well get the full benefit. I don't tolerate snoring while using my CPAP. For you, it might be as simple as turning the pressure up a half CM.