Suffocating Feeling

[chasingsunshine]

I got a cpap several months ago. It is a dreamstation. I have a nasal pillow mask and a heated hose. At first they had it set as an APAP with settings from 5-20. It never went above 6 and was having a really hard time. Could never wear it for more than 45 minutes and could never sleep with it. I went in for another test with the mask and they changed the settings to just CPAP and a level of 9.
I still am unable to wear it without feeling like I am suffocating.
I am at a loss and since I have severe sleep apnea - I really need to be using it, but cannot sleep with it and can hardly stand it when I am fully awake.

Any suggestions?

[Pugsy]

Welcome to the forum.

Which nasal pillow mask and what size nasal pillow?
Can you try a larger size nasal pillow?

Which machine brand and model...are you using the ramp feature?

[chasingsunshine]

I have a dreamstation - and I am using the large size nasal pillow so no option for a larger size (there are only two sizes)
I have tried with and without the ramp feature - but starting at 9 is horrible
I had it also with the exhale help thing on (I guess where it stops blowing so you can exhale) and now they changed that as well so that it is off and its just constant air

[Pugsy]

You can turn the Flex exhale relief back on if you wish.
You will need to go here and request the clinical/provider manual and in the manual it explains the secret button holding that will let you get into the clinical setup menu area and turn Flex back on and then play with the settings to see if you can find one that will help you exhale against the pressure easier.

https://www.apneaboard.com/adjust-cpap- ... tup-manual

The Brevida in the M/L is the largest size but I am not sure that the pillow size is the problem.
Now if you were using the nasal pillow mask that I use and in the XSmall or Small...sometimes going up a size will help. The Brevida should have enough volume available to move air that you shouldn't feel like you are suffocating.

Try this...take the pillow off the frame and or use the other one if you have it and just put the pillow up against your nostrils and breathe.
See if you can move enough air with nothing else attached and no air blowing up your nose. Just breathe normally through that hold where the pillow attaches to the frame. See if you can do that comfortably.

[D.H.]

Have you tried either a nasal mask or a full face mask? Maybe that would be better for you.

Also, try many different pressure settings (high, low, and everywhere in between) and see what works for you.

[chasingsunshine]

I will have to check that out to turn flex back on
I have not tried any other masks as this is what they gave me lol

[chasingsunshine]

So I tried again last night and the feeling persists - Last night it kind of felt like too much air and started to become painful .....
I read the success stories and hope one day I can be one of them - but so far it is not looking promising.
I am going to see the sleep therapist person where I got the machine on Thursday so maybe something else can be done

[D.H.]

If the pressure seems to be too high, nasal pillows are probably not right for you at this time. Also, did you clear your sinuses immediately before putting on the interface? If not, do so.

[palerider]

If the pressure seems to be too high, nasal pillows are probably not right for you at this time. Also, did you clear your sinuses immediately before putting on the interface? If not, do so.

Chasingsunshine, best to just ignore DH.