I stop breathing with cpap. Or at least it feels like it

niveks · Post by **niveks** » Sat Apr 21, 2007 1:18 pm

I am new to this forum. And new to cpap. I live in Canada. I have been using Cpap for only 3 days now.

The problem I seem to be having is even with the mask on I still wake up with the feeling that I have stopped breathing. It seems to only happen as I am trying to get to sleep. Once I am a sleep I don't wake up like this.

I have a basic machine that is set to 7cm. I have the humidifier set to 3 out of 5 which seems to be ok.

I am just wondering if this is normal for new Cpap user to feel this?

I should also say that I work night shifts so I sleep mostly in the day. I also nap for a couple of hours in the afternoon and this is when I notice it the most. I am not as tired but I force myself to sleep cause I work 12 hour shifts.

I hope this question makes sense. And thanks in advance for any help.

Also I use a face mask one that covers my entire nose.

Lyza · Post by **Lyza** » Sat Apr 21, 2007 1:23 pm

fill out your profile for better help

Welcome to the forums

Are u using the ramp feature? try not using it if you are, also when you take your naps, always use your cpap.

tangents · Post by **tangents** » Sat Apr 21, 2007 1:41 pm

Welcome to the forum, Niveks!

I don't think I can offer much in the way of advice for you, but I've seen the subject of "sleep onset central apneas" discussed here. Maybe you could search and find some topic threads that talk about it. I'm not even really sure that it's applicable to your situation.

Take care, and good luck with your therapy!

zzzzzz!! · Post by **zzzzzz!!** » Sat Apr 21, 2007 2:34 pm

Hello, and welcome.

I don't know what the explanation is, if any, but I had the same sensation of not breathing just before falling asleep when I first started using CPAP. After a while it disappeared. The only thing I could think of is that I was more conscious of my breathing, and also I felt I was breathing a little differently as I was getting used to the machine.

I think I've read posts on this board from other people who have experienced the same phenomenon.

If you're really concerned and you have a sleep doctor or pulmonologist, you could contact them with your concerns. Otherwise, you too may find that it disappears as you get used to using your machine.

I hope you'll post back and let us know what happens. Good luck!

Janine · Post by **Janine** » Sat Apr 21, 2007 2:39 pm

Hello! I am in BC and am 2 weeks in to cpap. I found the same experience at first, and have found that it has decreased as I have relaxed. I have also changed from a straight cpap to an auto with cflex, but I think it is mostly not overthinking the breathing on my part. It is a definite adjustment to make.

Welcome!

roster · Post by **roster** » Sat Apr 21, 2007 3:14 pm

Welcome Niveks,

Congratulations! If that is the only problem, then you are off to a great start with cpap. After all, before cpap most of us were stopping breathing all night long (or in your case, all day long).

The sensation of stopping breathing, as you describe it, sounds like a little adjustment to this new way of sleeping. As Janine said, relax and give it a few more days. I bet it will go away.

Keep us informed,

rooster

niveks · Post by **niveks** » Sat Apr 21, 2007 3:20 pm

Thanks everybody. First off I will do my profile once I am back at home, I am at work now and don't have the info.

Second thanks so much for the replies. I am also hoping that it is just the learning curve with the machine. I will give it a few weeks and report back with how I am making out.

Also I try not to use the ramping when I first start out. The first night I woke up twice and used it the one time but I don't remember how that went cause I was so tired that before I knew it, it was morning.

I am glad I find this site and will be a using it more often. Again thanks everybody.

christinequilts · Post by **christinequilts** » Sat Apr 21, 2007 4:28 pm

niveks wrote: The problem I seem to be having is even with the mask on I still wake up with the feeling that I have stopped breathing. It seems to only happen as I am trying to get to sleep. Once I am a sleep I don't wake up like this.

Sounds like sleep onset centrals, which are normal in most cases. It may have been happening before CPAP, but you might not have noticed at much then. What happens is as we fall asleep, our O2 needs change (decrease), but our 'cruise control' gets stuck at the last speed for a bit too long and has to catch up. As long as its not preventing you for being able to get to sleep, then it usually isn't a problem. Of course if it keeps bothering, mention it to your doctor, but at 3 days in, you sounds like you're doing great.

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Sun Apr 22, 2007 11:57 am

I used to get those all the time before cpap, trying to fall asleep on my right side. They never seemed to happen in other positions unless I fell asleep on the couch for a nap. It is what made me suspect I had a sleeping problem. they are most likely onset centrals, they usually go away once you get used to cpap.

Are you using ramp?

Born Tired · Post by **Born Tired** » Sun Apr 22, 2007 12:37 pm

Welcome niveks,
Pre-pap I had them really bad and would jerk, twitch, kick, etc. as I'd try to fall asleep. Nap time was always worse. Even after I started cpap the sleep onset centrals were still there. Gradually they have mostly gone away--hardly ever notice any now.
Esther
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niveks · Post by **niveks** » Sun Apr 22, 2007 5:42 pm

Onset Centrals it is what I have. It is has you all describe.

Now for getting use to the system. Last night was my best sleep with Cpap so far. It took no time for me to get to sleep at all. I had the mask fitting just right for once and I remember having dreams which I guess is a good thing. I woke up once for a washroom break and right back Today I had some energy for once. I don't normally have any on Sundays cause I work till 4am. But today my wife was happy cause I actually worked outside and got some stuff done. It was a nice feeling.

I am sure it will only get better from here on out.

Also snoredog, I do not use the ramp. I tried it the first night and didn't like it too much. I feel better with the full airflow.

Thanks so much everybody. I look forward to being a member here and helping out where I can in the future.

Born Tired · Post by **Born Tired** » Sun Apr 22, 2007 6:31 pm

Glad to hear that you did so well and are already feeling better. You are WAY ahead of how I started out--but then I didn't find this forum till I had been stuggling along by myself for months. This is a great place for info and support.
Esther
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I stop breathing with cpap. Or at least it feels like it

I stop breathing with cpap. Or at least it feels like it

Re: I stop breathing with cpap. Or at least it feels like it