Disastrous first night

tiredofbeingsleepy · Post by **tiredofbeingsleepy** » Wed May 02, 2007 12:56 pm

I got my machine yesterday, a Remstar Plus M Series with CFlex and heated humidifier and the mask is a SnappX (nasal pillows).
I found it really hard to breath last night. I felt like I was inhaling and exhaling through a pinched straw. It was tolerable when I used the Ramp button, but when it got to full pressure I felt like it was really hard to breathe. I am such a wimp, I guess!
I almost felt a little panicky as it was hard to breath, especially on the exhale. CFlex was on but it didn't seem to help much. The more tired and frustrated I got the worse it seemed, so I ended up taking it off after 3 hours.

I normally mouth breath, as when I lay down it seems that I have trouble breathing easily through my nose most of the time. On my sleep study I used a Flexifit mask and it worked fine. My mouth stayed closed and I slept well - probably due to the Ambien I took (the only time I've taken a sleeping aid). I didn't choose the same or similar mask as I sleep on my side and the nasal pillows seemed like it would be more comfortable for that. Now I'm wishing I did.......

Tonight I will take a sinus decongestant (although I really didn't think I was congested last night) and maybe even try Afrin to see if that helps.

Does anybody have any suggestions to offer?
is it "normal" to feel like it's so hard and suffocating to breathe with CPAP initially?
Should I go buy another mask? My insurance won't pay for another one for 6 months, so that's another big expense if I do......HELP!!!

tangents · Post by **tangents** » Wed May 02, 2007 1:05 pm

Hi, and welcome to the forum!

I'm new myself, so I will wait for others to offer help. I've read tons of postings describing just the feelings you have, so don't feel like a wimp!

Some things that will help the good folks here offer suggestions are:

List your machine pressure
Give any information from your titration that you have
Did you get your mask from a DME, and can you exchange it if you want

Good luck, and I hope tonight is much better for you!

brackstone · Post by **brackstone** » Wed May 02, 2007 1:55 pm

Hi Tired,

I too had a CPAP with CFLEX and the expatory (when you exhale) pressure was never enough for me. I eventually had to go to a Bi-PAP. I tried the CFLEX for a really long time too.

Don't lose hope! Give it a bit longer and if you can't sleep with it contact your doctor cause he'll have to write you a script for a different machine.

BadThad · Post by **BadThad** » Wed May 02, 2007 2:14 pm

Feeling like you can't breath or exhale seems to be normal on the first outing. I'm new to this as well, but in my second sleep study (titration), I kept getting that feeling so I'd rip the mask off.

Right now, I've had my machine for 2 nights and I'm getting used to it. Last night was my best night, I slept for 7 hour straight without waking and I am really adjusting to breathing through the mask.

Try this....just sit up in bed and watch TV with it on for an hour. You don't have to wait for bedtime, just do it anytime and get used to breathing with it. Have faith in your equipment, trust it fully and that will help.

The closest analogy I can compare CPAP to is SCUBA diving. I've done a bit of SCUBA diving in the past and this is very similar. At first I felt like I might drown, then I started to have TRUST in the equipment and the fact that I could actually breath.....after that it was easy.

Wistful · Post by **Wistful** » Wed May 02, 2007 2:58 pm

It's very common to experience that feeling when you are first on the machine. It takes time and patience. Try the above suggestion and let yourself get used to it.

If it is not already, try turning your C-flex setting up to 3 and see if it is any better.

There is so much info on this site, click on the FAQ and yellow lightbulb and have a read - the more you know the better equipped you are to deal with any issues and that empowerment will only help.

It's a Journey!

Jaggles · Post by **Jaggles** » Wed May 02, 2007 2:58 pm

What is your cflex setting? There are 3 different settings, 1,2,3 and of course, off. If not set to 3, you might try cflex at 3.

dieselgal · Post by **dieselgal** » Wed May 02, 2007 3:46 pm

Since you are a mouth breather you probably should have tried to stick with a full face mask or if you want to keep trying the snapp-x for a while you could try taping your mouth a little to keep it shut.

I know when you first put a mask on you feel a little claustrophobic and your first instinct is to open your mouth to breathe. I think the best thing you can do if that happens is take one deep breath through the mouth and then slowly breathe out through your nose. Then try to breathe slowly and deeply through the nose only and think of something else to get your mind off the machine and the breathing. Once you relax the breathing is easier.

Also what size pillows did you end up with, did the DME fit you? Have you tried rearranging the pillows for better air flow?

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): DME

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): DME

tiredofbeingsleepy · Post by **tiredofbeingsleepy** » Wed May 02, 2007 4:27 pm

Big thanks to everyone for your replys and help!

The pressure on my machine is 8, so not very high at all.

Last night I changed the setting on CFlex several times as I couldn't remember which direction on the setting would change it to give better exhale relief (1-2-3)! I didn't notice a big change from either of the settings last night, but now I know to try it at 3 and keep it there.

This afternoon I put it on for about an hour, while watching TV, and just concentrated on relaxing and breathing easy and I felt so much better. I put an extra pillow under my head, which seemed to help, so I'll try that same thing when I go to bed tonight. I think I got a little anxious last night and it made it worse when it was continuing into the early morning hours! I think I'm in a better state of mind today!

My mask, a SnappX is a size medium. I think the pillows fit pretty well. There are no leaks that I can detect, just the exhaust. I tried the small on but it felt too tight on my nose. I was told that I can't exchange it, or get a new mast, for 6 months. My medical insurance owns the DME, which is actually a Home Health / Respiratory Therapy Center.
I will give Cflex more time, that's for sure, but if I continue to have problems I will ask for a BiPap machine.

BadThad - Getting used to the mask and trusting the equipment does seem like it is a lot like Scuba diving or snorkeling!

Thanks again for all of your suggestions! You guys are the greatest!!

dieselgal · Post by **dieselgal** » Wed May 02, 2007 4:54 pm

One more thing, since your pressure is so low to start with, it might be to your advantage not to use the ramp at all. At first it is an odd feeling but within a few breaths if you relax you will breathe fine on an 8 right off the bat.

tangents · Post by **tangents** » Wed May 02, 2007 5:03 pm

Also ToBS, a lot of people (myself included) feel claustrophobic at pressures of 4-5. My setting is at 10, and I never use the ramp feature because I feel like I'm not getting enough air. You'll read that lots of folks having the same feeling. Just something to keep in mind - sometimes it's too little pressure that makes you crazy!

Just my 2 cents.

Good luck tonight!
Cathy

Tkuentz · Post by **Tkuentz** » Wed May 02, 2007 7:32 pm

I have been "using" for a month now and want to tell you to hang in there. The first week was pretty terrible for me. I expected to get the machine and sleep perfectly. Not So! Getting used to the pressure was the hardest part for me. I had pain in my chest and lungs, couldn't breathe out on the exhale, mask issues, you name it! I learned a few things which helped me get used to the whole ordeal.

I used the ramp (my pressure was 14). I learned that under 8 I felt like I wasn't getting enough air. I would put the mask on and watch TV for a while. Then I got on of those neck pillows (shaped like a U) and it helped with mask leaks. It took about a week before I could even relax. Then I started buying masks! I am on my 5th mask and feel like I found one I can live with. I thought because I was a mouth breather, that I needed a full mask. Instead, I am in the process of training myself to keep my mouth shut! Leaks are low and I like not having so much on my face. (I use the breeze) I do not use the ramp anymore and when I first turn the machine on, it feels like a wind tunnel but in the middle of the night, I wonder if the machine is working!

All these words just to say . . . keep trying. It gets better. Keep reading the forum. It all helps!

new2 · Post by **new2** » Thu May 03, 2007 7:39 am

Who in the world gave you a "snapp x" ? Did you pick it thinking it was like a nasalaire II or the swift?

I found the snapp to be a problem mask for me and you may want to try another.
The nasalaire and hybrid manufacturers are coming out with a pillow device this month and customer service said the price will should very low. They call it the Bravo. You may have to wait a few weeks because my DME said he has over 50 people on a waiting list for that pillow mask already. He did say he would have them in this month sometime.
You need a great mask when your first starting out.

Now that I use my cpap every night as perscribed, this has been the best year of my life. Getting a good mask was the key for me. I use a hybrid ,but I am a major mouth leaker.

Rex · Post by **Rex** » Thu May 03, 2007 8:44 pm

Hi there. I'm a newb to this forum, but a veteran to the CPAP machine.
When I first was diagnosed with sleep apnea, it was considered experimental medicine. I have used my CPAP for about 15 years now, I remember the first days of ripping the mask off in a panic. CPAP has come such a long way since my first machine. My mask's would fall apart, and upgraded models would melt to my face. I now have the M series with humidifier, heat and C-flex.
Hang in there. CPAP has given me back quality of life. It's not perfect, but I do sleep at night. Sure beats dying while driving asleep. I also have the Swift Mirage nasal pillow system now, and it's great!
Take your time, dont be afraid and use your new system. Get the Swift nasal system, and good luck to you.

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): cpap machine, humidifier, mirage, nasal pillow, C-FLEX, swift, CPAP

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Thu May 03, 2007 9:19 pm

Most suppliers will switch out a mask within the first week (or month, I don't remember) of use if it's not working for you. Even though yours is the same as your insurance company, they still should switch it out and find one that works for you. It never hurts to ask them.

tiredofbeingsleepy · Post by **tiredofbeingsleepy** » Thu May 03, 2007 10:24 pm

Thanks for all of the suggestions.
My 2nd nt went so much better and I kept the mask on for 9 hrs! I woke up a few times but didn't seem to have the feeling of suffication like I did the first night and was able to get back to sleep.

I wore the mask for 45 minutes a couple of times in the afternoon to try to get used to it and it did seem to be a little easier to breath when I put it on to sleep for the night.
I didn't use the ramp button and that seemed to be better. I also used a sinus decongestant an hour before bed and I think that might have helped a little to.

New2 - The respiratory therapist is who suggested the SnappX. I tried several on and this one seemed to be fairly comfortable at the time.
I'll give it some more time then ask for a change if I can't get used to it.

Thanks again, and I'm hoping for a good "3rd nt" tonight!!

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