Another newbie- one week into CPAP treatment and feeling bad

Hi everyone. I am a newbie and have been having a horrible time with my CPAP machine. I'm not sure what to do. I've been on CPAP for a week now and each night is getting progressively worse.

My sleep study showed that my respiratory disturbance index was 40.1, which I was told, is pretty severe. The study indicated that I had no apnea events but many hypopnia events. However, the titration study indicated that I only need a pressure of 9. I had all sorts of problems getting used to the mask that they gave me in the sleep study. It was a standard triangle sort of shape that covered my nose (sorry, I am not up on the different styles of masks). I was very uncomfortable at the titration study because the mask really hurt the bones in my face that surround my nose. When I went to get my CPAP machine, I told the provider about this experience and I ended up with a Resmed Elite II with a Swift LT nasal mask.

I am not a mouth breather and the first two nights on the CPAP were really good. However, problems began on the third night. I began to wake up every few minutes with my lips fluttering. I set the EPR to one but it had no effect on this. As the muscles in my face relaxed, my lips would part and the air from the machine would exit though my mouth. It happened again the next night and after browsing this forum, I came across a suggestion to use Pollygrip denture strips on my lips to keep them sealed at night. This seemed to work really well when I first tried it. I no longer wake up with lip flutter.

Now, however, I've developed a problem that I believe is associated with me swallowing too much air. The last three nights, my lips have been sealed but I have been waking up with stomach pain and the need to belch (or release the air in other ways). It sounds ridiculous but I believe it may be keeping me from getting any rest and I feel horrible. Almost worse than before I started the machine. I am not really sure if this is what is waking me up or whether it is something else that I do not notice. I was thinking of going back and getting a full face mask but I don't know if that will make the problem worse due to my bad experience with the full nose mask at the titration study. The EPR has been at 1 throughout all of this but tonight, I was thinking of setting the EPR to 3 in order to decrease the amount of air that I am swallowing. Given that my pressure is only 9, would that negate the benefit of CPAP?

Here are my numbers from the CPAP machine for the last week:

Leak: 0.08 L/S
AHI: 7.2
AI: 0.5
HI: 6.7

I don't know if I should change the mask because the leak numbers are low. However I am still having a lot of arousals. My doctor's appointments are two months out. I will see him as soon as I can but I need to do something before then.

I would really appreciate some suggestions.

Thanks so much.

Jeff

I have a full face mask. If it hurts it is either the wrong size or on too tight. Most people think they have to pull it really tight to seal it but it actuallly works the other way. If it is the right size the presure will inflate the seal and it becomes un noticable on your face.

Hey Jeff,
Welcome to Cpapland! I am fairly new 3 months in! I am also experiencing the gasiness (aerophagia). Actually mine doesn't hit me until I go thru the day. Try typing into search up there ^ Aerophagia, also go to Our Wisdom and New Users, lots of info on those two.
I have been told by people in chat that this does go away over time. If you are really having problems though I HIGHLY recommend you call to see Dr ASAP. Don't suffer when you can get help.
Sorry not sure if I have been any help, but keep us posted and good luck!
I know someone with more advice will show up!

Hi Jeff!

I am also new here (3 weeks) and found this site to be of great help! You will want to fill out your profile with your equipment so everyone has a good understanding of what equipment you have and what may be done.

I found that my first two weeks were just like yours...hard to get used to the machine and the mask. It does get better though, your body needs to adjust and your mind needs to quit thinking about it. The past few nights for me have been great and I'm sure that if you give your body a chance to adjust you will get better also.

Chuck

I am a newbie, too. (A couple of months). I am finally sleeping. Your numbers look like you are improving greatly. You might try a chinstrap. That might be enough for you. I tried the polident strips, but like you, I swallowed air. I use paper tape now, and it does not seem to have the same propensity to make me swallow air as did the strips. The paper tape allows a little outflow but does not let my lips flutter.

Good luck - keep trying....

Cecile

Thanks everyone for all your comments. Cecile, I am glad you are doing well now. I don't know if a chin strap will help me beacause I am not a mouth breather. What is happening is that my facial muscles are relaxing and a corner of my lips is opening. I will try the tape but I don't know if that is a permanant solution.

I am also aware of the fact that I am a restless sleeper. I turn from side to side a lot and each time I turn over, the nasal pillows seem to move away from my nostrils very easily. Each time this happens, air leaks and I wake up. I sleep well with this mask as long as I don't move.

Does anyone know whether a full face mask would stay put a little more than the nasal pillows?

About the aerophagia, would adjusting the EPR to 2 or 3 help?

Thanks again to whoever may respond.

I have the same problem with 'fluttering' lips. I use the solution mentioned in the thread below. Latex free first aid wrap. I use the 2 inch size and wrap it about 3 times around my head and on top of my mouth. A little experimentation is necessary for you to get the fit just right (not too loose or too tight). This in conjunction with a good chinstrap usually does the trick for me.

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