still choking

jnmv1969 · Post by **jnmv1969** » Fri May 18, 2007 9:19 am

I'm using a Swift mask, pressure is 14. I'm still choking in my sleep. I used a chin strap. I drift off to sleep, but wake up over and over again because my throat has closed and the air is building up inside my my throat. I wake up with a sensation of the air pushing my throat back open. Am I supposed to be able to sleep through this sensation? I thought the idea was that the air stents the airway, keeping it open?

My doctor claims I slept just fine at this pressure during my sleep studies. I felt like I slept hardly at all.

Any and all thoughts will be appreciated. Should I be asking for a higher or lower pressure??

Nitro Dan · Post by **Nitro Dan** » Fri May 18, 2007 9:22 am

Sounds like the pressure isn't high enough, or you are getting large leaks.

WearyOne · Post by **WearyOne** » Fri May 18, 2007 9:25 am

Yeah, does sould like the pressure isn't enough, that it's trying to possibly open an already closed airway or something. Or you could be leaking or mouth breathing.

And I do believe that you're right, it's supposed to stint the airway open.

Could you let us know what machine you're using?

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Fri May 18, 2007 9:26 am

Are you sure you're not leaking air out your mouth? Seems to be the typical problem with patients who us nasal masks.
Taping, Polident adhesive strips or full face mask are the alternatives.

P.S. Chinstraps typically don't work very well.

Den

jnmv1969 · Post by **jnmv1969** » Fri May 18, 2007 10:21 am

Do other users find that chin straps don't work well? I just received a few in the mail, and before I break open the seal and can't return them, I figured I would ask.

In terms of what kind of machine I am using, I have to double check when I get home. I believe it is a RedMed Cflex. The flex part is set to 3.

Janet

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Fri May 18, 2007 10:29 am

Resmed doesn't have cflex, probably you have a respironices remstar with c flex if you think you have cflex.

If you have a plus model you can't get any data to help you figure out what is wrong. If you have a pro (m series) or pro 2 (classic type) or an auto you can get data with a card reader and software.

But, before you get into that back to the chinstrap.

I agree, they don't do much. TAPE is good. Gentle paper tape, fold under the ends so you can get it off easily and quickly.

I also like chin support, but like to use a 3 inch wide ace bandage much the same way as a chin strap. Cheaper and I think it is better.

I need both tape and the ace bandage to keep my chin from dropping and air coming from coming out.

Lots of threads on this.

By the way I am a 13 pressure so we are similar in titrations.

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): resmed, cflex, auto

jnmv1969 · Post by **jnmv1969** » Fri May 18, 2007 10:44 am

Thanks for all your relpies. I think I'm going to try experimenting with taping and see how it goes. I'll also look for discussion threads on chin straps. I'll see how it goes and come back with another post if I get stuck.

Thanks,
Janet

ldaiga · Post by **ldaiga** » Fri May 18, 2007 5:59 pm

I've been having the similar 'choking' feeling in my throat before falling off to sleep off and on, and that would rouse me into a panic. I'm also using a swift mask (but sometimes I go to the breeze for a change). My machine is a Remstar auto with cflex set at 3. My settings are 8-17. A month ago I got the lower number raised to 12 to see if a higher setting would help, and that was the worst thing that could have happened to me. It blew me away and left me very uncomfortable. So right now my balance is a chin strap (which works fairly well for me), one half of an Ambien 10 mg pill (in essence 5 mg), and back to original settings at 8-17. The sleeping pill is just enough to make me fall asleep before I get that choking feeling and the rest is taken care of by the apap. Good luck in finding your proper combo.
Liga

lmmo · Post by **lmmo** » Sat May 19, 2007 12:12 am

I use the wide respironics chinstrap (very snug). This made my jaw hurt for a few days. I swallow and suction my tongue to the roof of my mouth with the tip of my tongue touching the back of my top teeth. I rarely have leaks with this process. I can not sleep without the chinstrap. Hope it helps