Too Much Pressure?

Lexi'sMom · Post by **Lexi'sMom** » Mon Dec 25, 2006 2:24 pm

Merry Christmas to all. I just discovered you on Saturday - the day after my titration machine was delivered. The collective wisdom article on condensation was very helpful, but now I have a problem that I don't know how to address, and I was hoping a more direct approach would work.

I've had two nights in a row where I've woken up because the pressure from the machine is so strong that it puffs out my cheeks and upper lip (I also have sinus issues, so I have a full face mask and a hudimifier)... The pressure is also making it hard to keep a seal - if I keep the mask from leaking, it's tight enough that it is pretty painful.

I'm sure that this is something that everyone goes through, but it seems like this is worse before it gets better and I don't know what to do to make it better. I'm hoping that by tomorrow, I can ask my provider to perscribe a gel mask for me, but I still have to get through this week.

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Mon Dec 25, 2006 3:00 pm

You need to fill in your profile and the equiptment you use and the pressure the machine is set for, more info will help people to help you. Jim

Sleepy-eyes · Post by **Sleepy-eyes** » Mon Dec 25, 2006 6:18 pm

Lexi'sMom,

The "blowfish" effect is common. Someone is liable to jump in and say "just train yourself to keep your tongue up in the back of your mouth to close off that pathway for the air". THAT'S easier said than done!!!!! I've had the same problem. I finally had to use a chin strap to keep my jaw from dropping and then had to make a strap with a wide piece to cover my mouth so it wouldn't fall open. So now, even when my tongue relaxes and falls away from it's "duty" of blocking the airflow, the air is contained in my mouth and my treatment isn't effected. As time has gone by, I actually think I'm keeping my tongue up more than in the beginning. The main thing is to keep trying to find ways to keep doing your therapy. Sooner or later it'll take and things will be good. I've been on the machine since September and am just now beginning to work out all the bugs in the process..........or least in my process!

Lexi'sMom · Post by **Lexi'sMom** » Mon Dec 25, 2006 11:02 pm

Goofproof wrote:You need to fill in your profile and the equiptment you use and the pressure the machine is set for, more info will help people to help you. Jim

I thought I had specified that I'm still on my titration machine, so I don't have a pressure or profile yet. I'm not even sure what should be in my profile.

Lexi'sMom · Post by **Lexi'sMom** » Mon Dec 25, 2006 11:05 pm

Sleepy-eyes wrote:Lexi'sMom,

The "blowfish" effect is common. Someone is liable to jump in and say "just train yourself to keep your tongue up in the back of your mouth to close off that pathway for the air". THAT'S easier said than done!!!!! I've had the same problem. I finally had to use a chin strap to keep my jaw from dropping and then had to make a strap with a wide piece to cover my mouth so it wouldn't fall open. So now, even when my tongue relaxes and falls away from it's "duty" of blocking the airflow, the air is contained in my mouth and my treatment isn't effected. As time has gone by, I actually think I'm keeping my tongue up more than in the beginning. The main thing is to keep trying to find ways to keep doing your therapy. Sooner or later it'll take and things will be good. I've been on the machine since September and am just now beginning to work out all the bugs in the process..........or least in my process!

Soooo... What if my sinuses are blocked up and I can't easily breathe through them? That's why I need to breathe through my mouth, and why I have a full face mask. If I block my mouth off from air, I'm guessing I'll have problems with asphixia (kidding).

Sleepy-eyes · Post by **Sleepy-eyes** » Tue Dec 26, 2006 9:10 am

Sorry, guess I wasn't paying attention. I missed your blocked sinus problem. I've not experienced that since on the machine. I'd think a nasal spray would clear that if it's a temporary problem...............but I'm sure you've thought of that. Other than that, I don't have a solution.

WillSucceed · Post by **WillSucceed** » Tue Dec 26, 2006 9:39 am

For what it is worth, I seem to have blocked sinuses all the time, especially when I lay down. I have found that if I use a regular nasal mask (I've tried MANY) the problem is not solved and I open my mouth to breath.

I have found that a nasal pillows mask (Breeze, Swift, Opus, SNAPP, Infinity, etc.) seems to solve the problem. There is something (I suspect) about the air being injected straight into my nose that seems to significantly help reduce the blocked-beak problem. Some nights I need a squirt of decongestant spray but this uncommon for me.

This, of course, is dependent upon finding a nasal pillow interface that is comforable and seals well.

Another factor could be allergy stuff. Are you vacuuming out your pillow and mattress really well so that you are reducing, as much as possible, the dust mite allergins? And, before anyone reading this gets offended, EVERYBODY'S mattress and pillow has dust mites. It is a fact of life in our warm homes and regular vacuuming with a hepa-filtered vac. does make a huge difference. Also, make sure that the CPAP machine you end up with has a hepa filter at the air intake. Breathing hepa-filtered air can make a big difference in reducing allergy response.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Dec 26, 2006 9:47 am

Lexi'sMom,

I also need a full face mask and have tried four of them.
Most important is to get a mask that you don't have to over tighten and does not leak.
As Jim said filling out you profile even though you are still on your titration machine would help us help you you might be able to get some mask tips if we knew what mask you were using and knowing your machine type could also be helpful to us. You could always just update your profile later when you get your permanent setup.
I was titrated at 19 and when I first started out I experienced major chipmunk cheeks.After the first week or so they didn't bother me as much so I figured that i would just get used to them and that they were part of my therapy.Slowly but surely they have went away, could be my body has just figured out on its own how to deal with the all the air.
Give it some time and if you are working with a DME that is letting you try different masks keep trying masks until you find one that you can wear comfortably.

tooly125 · Post by **tooly125** » Tue Dec 26, 2006 9:50 am

Another helpful hint;

Dont for get to log in before you post

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Tue Dec 26, 2006 1:18 pm

True. But now the site tells us who the idiot "guest" was. ....

Too Much Pressure?

Too Much Pressure?

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