When will I ever get a full night's sleep?

DalmatianLover · Post by **DalmatianLover** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 1:57 pm

I have been trying to use my CPAP since March. I have it low for the first 45 minutes then increasing to a pressure of 20. I am not sure what the name or type of my interface is, but it looks like a snorkel only with a nose pice. Can anyone give me advice about how long I should expect it to take to get used to this thing?

betty303 · Post by **betty303** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 2:12 pm

Welcome to the board.

It would be helpful if you could list as much information as you can - the make of your CPAP machine, your nasal mask, etc. Go to your profile, then select the correct ones from the drop down menus - or just write down as much info in your message as possible.

Exactly what is causing you problems? the mask? Leaks? if yes, where? noise, the pressure? etc.

Then the help can be more tailored to what you need.

DalmatianLover · Post by **DalmatianLover** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 2:36 pm

Betty,
Thanks for answering. I have updated my profile with my machine and interface.

My biggest problem seems to be falling asleep with the mask on and then waking up and feeling irritable from the air pressure.

I often find myself taking the interface off in the middle of the night.

Is this a normal reaction?

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 2:41 pm

If it were me, I would complain, complain, complain to my doctor.

A pressure of 20 is extremely high -- no wonder you are having problems. You need to talk to your doctor -- tell him that you are not able to endure the cpap at that pressure.

You probably should be on a Bi-Level. An Auto Bi-Level would be even better because it would run at a lower pressure until you have an apnea. Also, a Bi-level helps you exhale against the high pressure.

Sergey45 · Post by **Sergey45** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 5:46 pm

Welcome to the club. I am dealing for more than a year already with CPAP, and still looking for my machine/mask.
http://www.sleepapneasymptom.medgrip.com/cpap_mask.html
At this point I am not sure if I’ll ever be able to get absolutely good productive and refreshing sleep. But I feel significantly better with CPAP, that’s for sure. Much better than without it.
Good luck.
Sergey.

kteague · Post by **kteague** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 9:26 pm

Just a couple things... You didn't mention having any exhalation relief - a pressure that high without it (or a more appropriate machine) is a recipe for failure. Also, you didn't mention if when you take off your mask is during the 45 minutes ramp time or later when the pressure is high. How low is that ramp pressure? You may have more than one thing giving you problems.

I get the idea you've just been struggling thru thinking it was your fault you hadn't adjusted. Whoever set you up needs to know they are by no means close to done with you.

Best wishes. Now that you're sorting things out, hopefully improvement will soon follow.

Kathy

acso911 · Post by **acso911** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 9:40 pm

When I started CPAP I had the same mask as you have... IT SUCKED..... So I went to my pulmonologist and he called the DME supplier and had me sent in to try on several masks and decide which one I was most comfortable with. I settled on the RESMED Mirage Swift. Its very versatile and very light. I have told co-workers and even my PCP about it and they have all switched to it and love it!!! Also, you may need to have that pressure lowered a little... from the sounds of things you should be able to clear out your yard of leaves and debris with a 20 CFM. Have your doctor get you an auto adjust to see where you need to be. He started me out at a 6 and that was way to low. Through a few nights on an auto adjust at home, we settled at 10.5. He was then able to set my home unit for 10.5 and I have been sleeping like a baby for the past 18 mos.

When will I ever get a full night's sleep?

When will I ever get a full night's sleep?

Re: When will I ever get a full night's sleep?

Still not used to cpap