New CPAP user needs advice.

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
LF71

New CPAP user needs advice.

Post by LF71 » Thu Aug 31, 2006 8:11 am

I have mild Sleep Apnea (2 OSA events per hour).

I just started CPAP a week ago. I'm using the Swift nasal pillow. So far I've been getting used to it, I wear it when I go to sleep. I usually end up taking it off sometime in the middle of the night.

This morning when I went to clean it, I picked it up and lot of water came out. The last two nights it's been making weird sounds like a popping in the hose. I believe I am filling to humidifier correctly. (Up to the water line). There is condensation in the hose. Anyone familiar with this?

Another problem is my nares hurt. I use Ayr gel and adjusted the straps which has been helping, but this is primary reason I haven't been able to sleep with it the entire night. I really like the nasal pillow because it allows me to sleep on my side or my stomach. Any recommendations for less pain or a nasal mask that is comfortable and would allow me to sleep on my side.

Also is anyone familiar with using dental appliances for Apnea?

Last question, usually how long does take before daytime sleepiness goes away. It has been getting better, but I am still a little tired.

Thanks!
LF


cflame1
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Post by cflame1 » Thu Aug 31, 2006 8:27 am

For the water in the hose... try wrapping the hose in something... or get a hose wrap. The water will be coming from your humidifier.


Doddie
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swift nasal mask

Post by Doddie » Thu Aug 31, 2006 8:30 am

I too had the same problem and someone said I had my humifiler up too high and the water in the hose is called rain out.

the problem with the swift was I too would wake up with it off as it would start hurting in the night I switch to the Breeze it is so much better I think you would like it better it just kinda sits on the top of your head and dosen't make your nares sore and you don't need the chin strap with it either which I liked cause I was getting way to hot with all that stuff on with the breeze you can sleep on your sides plus your back without any problems
anyway good luck!!!

Doddie

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): breeze, hose, swift

Doddie

JCraig
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Post by JCraig » Thu Aug 31, 2006 8:59 am

You...have...an...AHI...of...2.0...and...they...put...you...on...xPAP...? Uhhh, ok.

Anything under 5.0 is considered NORMAL. A lot of us can't even get to a 2.0 WITH xPAP! (I can, but I know some can't...)

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Using built-in humidifier + auto-climate-control hose
8-13 CM
Unreated AHI: 111

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Post by Guest » Thu Aug 31, 2006 9:09 am

Meh, 2.0 may well have been his titrated AHI, he also says 2 OA events per hour, so he may have had other hypopneas, or it may have been any one of the other reasons.

As far as the rain-out in your hose you can also try only putting a little water in the humidifier. I generally put about 1/4 to 1/2 an inch at most in. Basically just a hefty splash of water. Some have also had luck putting an icecube in the water. Some have also had success simply turning the heater off (If it's been on).

I have used the swift as well and the biggest thing I've heard from many sources is just that it can take a while to "toughen up" your nose to it. The nose is a pretty soft and sensitive piece of cartilege and it doesn't like being pressed on all the time and it often needs to toughen up a bit.

As to when the sleepiness goes away that varies wildly amongst different people. Everyone is different. Some notice a difference right away, others can take months.


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Post by bdp522 » Thu Aug 31, 2006 9:37 am

I used chapstick on the sore nares. It worked and seemed to make the pillows stick a little better.

Brenda

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LF71
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Yea!

Post by LF71 » Fri Sep 01, 2006 2:09 pm

Thanks to Brenda about the chapstick. It really helped. I didn't take it off the nasal pillow during the night. Although I am still waking up repeatedly.

Also I'm female I have two OSA per hour and I don't remember the number but I had quite a lot of Hypopnea.


Missy
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Post by Missy » Sat Sep 02, 2006 12:16 pm

LF 71-Hang in there with your therapy. I have only been on cpap since May and I am just now starting to sleep more than just 2 hours at a time. I am thinking it is just a matter of getting used to the mask more than anything else. I started out using the Comfortlite 2 every night. It took some time before my nose "toughened up" and felt pain free. I also used chap stick and Neosporin. As far as the rain-out, try putting your machine lower than the bed. Also a hose cover helps. Play with the humidifier setting to find your comfort zone. If you still have the rain-out, order a heated hose. Hope this helps! Good luck!


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Post by OSAGuy » Sat Sep 02, 2006 12:23 pm

I am also surprised your Dr. would have prescribed an XPAP with only two events per hour, as it is in fact true that less than five is normal. Might be worth a second opion, particularly if you had no other symptoms.

As for the gurgling sound you might want to search the posts regarding rainout.
There is a simple solution to that as has already been noted. Use some kind of hose cover and it should solve that part of the problem. You can either use something like a snuggle hose (sold on various sites such as CPAP.com), or there is someone that visits this forum that sells, I believe, something similar.


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Offerocker
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Post by Offerocker » Sat Sep 02, 2006 12:38 pm

OSAGuy wrote:As for the gurgling sound you might want to search the posts regarding rainout.
There is a simple solution to that as has already been noted. Use some kind of hose cover and it should solve that part of the problem. You can either use something like a snuggle hose (sold on various sites such as CPAP.com), or there is someone that visits this forum that sells, I believe, something similar.
That 'someone' would be me !
Thanks!
PM me for more information .

In addition, you may want to check the heat setting on your heated humidifier.


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