First night on CPAP, coming up in a few hours

[HuffDog]

I would try (ramp off) EPR of 2 - you may not really need it and 3 may interfere with other features without your realizing it. I would bump min. setting to 8, and max to at least 15 if not 20. And remember the machine should adapt to your breathing pattern, not the other way around (people unconsciously try to match breathing to machine and never get comfortable).

I may try adjusting the EPR and pressures to your recommendations then. But even at EPR 3, it feels slightly uncomfortable to exhale. I did try 2, 1 and off this morning just to see how it feels. Even more uncomfortable at the lower numbers and off.

I presume that most of my initial issues regarding the sensation of not being able to breathe comfortably are due to me being new to this. I realize there is an adjustment period here. Both mentally and getting the machine dialed in.

I'm not deterred, but I'm impatient and wish everything worked perfectly right now! Kidding

[Grace~~~]

I wore my mask A LOT in the very beginning when getting used to it. I got very desensitized to the feeling, and the dreamwear is so comfortable to me.

I added cotton balls by the air intake valve of different scented oils I enjoy. (Like spearmint) and that was a wonderful treat and turned in to long sessions of meditative breathing.

All the extra wear also helped me dial in the most comfortable position and tightness of the straps.

I love my mask now. Even the thought of putting it on makes me sleepy and feels like a luxury of great sleep.

Keep at it. It takes some work and some tweaking but it is SOOOOOO worth it.

[HuffDog]

I added cotton balls by the air intake valve of different scented oils I enjoy. (Like spearmint) and that was a wonderful treat and turned in to long sessions of meditative breathing.

Ooh good idea. I have a few essential oils that I use in a vaporizer. Will try this too. Thanks!

[HuffDog]

Also, any thoughts on why the pressure goes higher and higher even when I'm not asleep? It went as high as 11 last night. Is it possible I'm just fighting the machine instead of just relaxing and letting it do its job?

[babydinosnoreless]

Have you worn it during the day when you are not trying to
sleep ? Sit and watch tv, read a book, get used to the machine while you are awake before trying to sleep with it.

Kinda. I just got the machine yesterday afternoon. I wore it for about 30 minutes after I got the machine set up, the mask adjusted, etc. I think doing more of this will be helpful though. Thanks!

You're welcome. I see someone recommended the scented cottonballs. I wash my mask in Dr Bronners peppermint soap. This gives it a nice minty scent.

[Pugsy]

any thoughts on why the pressure goes higher and higher even when I'm not asleep?

The machine doesn't know if you are asleep or not. It only measures air flow.
Awake breathing is very irregular when compared to asleep breathing but that awake breathing being irregular can cause the machine to respond like it would if your breathing was irregular while asleep because of apnea events.
You were probably tossing and turning and getting frustrated and maybe sighing a lot...lots of irregular breathing and the machine thought you were asleep having apnea events.
Probably holding your breath some and not realizing it...frustrated most likely.
You got the machine confused.

[HuffDog]

any thoughts on why the pressure goes higher and higher even when I'm not asleep?

The machine doesn't know if you are asleep or not. It only measures air flow.
Awake breathing is very irregular when compared to asleep breathing but that awake breathing being irregular can cause the machine to respond like it would if your breathing was irregular while asleep because of apnea events.
You were probably tossing and turning and getting frustrated and maybe sighing a lot...lots of irregular breathing and the machine thought you were asleep having apnea events.
Probably holding your breath some and not realizing it...frustrated most likely.
You got the machine confused.

I was definitely tossing, turning and sighing with frustration!

I think "relax and be patient" are two things I'll have to learn.

[zonker]

I presume that most of my initial issues regarding the sensation of not being able to breathe comfortably are due to me being new to this. I realize there is an adjustment period here. Both mentally and getting the machine dialed in.

I'm not deterred, but I'm impatient and wish everything worked perfectly right now! Kidding

this is SPOT ON! we have pretty much all of us been in this position on night one. and for many following nights too, i'm afraid. i wish i could say to you "'dog, on your 32nd night at 2am, everything will click together". man think of the money i could make with predictions like that, huh?

but alas this trip is slightly different for each of us. you WILL get used to it, but at your own pace.

but you have an excellent attitude and i'm confident you'll get the hang of it.

continued good luck!

[Dog Slobber]

i wish i could say to you "'dog, on your 32nd night at 2am, everything will click together". man think of the money i could make with predictions like that, huh?

Holy Crap Zonk, that was bang on. Well, except the time was two hours off, but I suspect that's the time difference between Arizona and Ontario.

Zonk_the_Greek.png

[zonker]

i wish i could say to you "'dog, on your 32nd night at 2am, everything will click together". man think of the money i could make with predictions like that, huh?

Holy Crap Zonk, that was bang on. Well, except the time was two hours off, but I suspect that's the time difference between Arizona and Ontario.


Zonk_the_Greek.png

i may not know computers, but i know your soul.

mwahahahahaha!!!!!

[HuffDog]

So i had a few rough nights on my Resmed machine that I purchased out of pocket. I could never get comfortable with exhale on that machine.

Insurance finally got around to sending me a machine, but it's a Dreamstation. Exhale seems more comfortable for me. Current equipment now in my signature.

I actually got a few hours of sleep. Still feel fatigued, maybe a bit more than usual, but not necessarily sleepy. The sleep "seemed" better, but I just didn't get enough hours of it, I believe.

Can anybody take a look at this and let me know your thoughts? Not real good at looking at these yet (I'm learning through the tutorial though), so any advice from the more knowledgeable would be greatly appreciated.

The breaks at 22:45 to 23:20 are me readjusting the mask a few times. I woke up at about 3:20 and was awake until 4:40 or so. Took the mask off and slept for another 2 hours.