CPAP Newbie

Traveler · Post by **Traveler** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 4:46 pm

I am new to the world of CPAP. Although I'm not new to the fun and excitement of OSA. My wife had told me for a few years about my nightly adventures, but I didn't see it as a problem, until it really became one. I should have listened sooner. Oh well. Anyway, I have been using the REMstar plus with C-Flex and a ResMed Mirage Activa mask for nearly 3 weeks. I knew nothing of this sort of thing and was so glad to find this forum. I started reading the posts and finding out that there was somebody I could talk to who could understand what I was going through. When I first started using the mask, it seemed to help a lot. I was sleeping and feeling better during the day. After a few days though, it seemed like it wasn't working anymore. In fact, I was awakened with a terrible urge to breathe, and gasping for breath. I thought it had shut down. Now it seems like most of my OSA symptoms have returned even with the mask on. Is this normal? I want that good feeling I had when I first started with the device.

Thanks for listening!

Traveler

LDuyer · Post by **LDuyer** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 5:19 pm

Hi Traveler,

Welcome!

(Guess this is one party you'd rather not be invited to, huh?)

I forget what type of mask that is. Is this a nose mask? Might you be having trouble breathing only through your nose? Some people are mouth breathers, or periodically so. That might account for some problems.

Did you have the whole sleep study thing? What's your prescribed pressure? Let us know about the details, and maybe we can help.

I've been on this since November. It seemed to be great at first and then get worse, as well. But mostly I'm struggling getting used to the very high pressure I need. But I do get enough relief to not feel as exhausted as I did before starting the treatment. So I don't know what might be causing this for you.

Don't get discouraged. It may be only your body getting adjusted to this, for it does take time for a lot of people. But tell us more, and maybe there are some clues and we might be able to suggest more.

Linda

Traveler · Post by **Traveler** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 5:36 pm

Hi Linda,

Well, I guess I should have told you more when I started. Yes, I did have the first sleep study to determine if I had it. Then I had the saturation test to determine if CPAP would help. The prescription was written for 9 cm. I am at a slight disadvantage since I had the sleep study done in Libertyville, IL while on a temporary job assignment. Now I am back home in Augusta, GA. I got the equipment here in Augusta. I have a family doctor here, in fact he is the one who wrote the prescription for me based on the report I brought back from IL. The Mirage Activa is a nasal mask. It is very comfortable and I don't think that is the problem. The pressure seems to be the problem. I am wondering if it needs to be increased.

Thanks again!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 6:32 pm

It sounds like you had a working system, but then your mask sprung a leak. Do you have the Encore Pro Software? It can help you track such things.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 8:36 pm

I'm not a doctor, but I'd be looking into at least a trial on a Respironics REMstar Auto with C-flex. (Actually that's the one I'd buy, and I'd get the software to monitor myself from now on.)

The data from the auto might reveal that the single 9cm titrated pressure from the sleep study is not always getting the job done for you, Traveler.