night 2 with cpap - help : (

sleepzzzme · Post by **sleepzzzme** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 12:36 pm

I tried the cpap again last night. I put it on while reading to try to get used to it. Once I tried, I could not fall asleep for a long time. I think I finally slept for maybe an hour and then woke up and took it off. All the straps around my face/head are uncomfortable and odd. Will I get used to this?
Also, I feel pressure (?) in my chest while on the machine. Almost like my lungs are stretching? Is this normal?

I need some encouragement. I really want this to work because I am hoping I will feel better, but I'm struggling.

Thanks!

CompuTech007 · Post by **CompuTech007** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 12:46 pm

Hi there and welcome to CpapTalk.

You've come to the right place. And keep coming back. 100s of friendly people here who are able to offer help.

Yes, that's typical of the first few nights. Belive me it does get better. I am still new at this myself (only about 2 months) but from what I've experience so far things have improved.

I have only made it though the night 2-3 times without taking off my mask. Most of the time I am lucky to have my mask on for 3-4 hours a night. But I do feel more refreshed in the morning. Not so sluggish and a the afternoon nap isn't a must now.

Keep trying that mask...don't give up

What kind of equipment are you using, machine, mask etc?

RipVW · Post by **RipVW** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 12:51 pm

Yes, this is not atypical--it does take some getting used to. Regarding the strap pressure, consider purchasing Pad-A-Cheek strap covers (padacheek.com)--Karen, a member of this forum, makes these. They feel VERY soft & comfortable. Regarding the pressure you feel in your lungs, what is your machine pressure setting? Maybe that needs to be adjusted--do let your doctor know about that.
Hang in there! It just takes time and patience. We've all been there, but I assure you it's worth it in the end.

"You are getting sleepy . . ."

LavenderMist · Post by **LavenderMist** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 12:54 pm

Just keep trying to wear it when you are not sleeping to try and get used to it. You are very early on in this and yes, you will get used to it. Keep using it each night for as long as you possibly can. It can be rough going in the beginning trying to adjust to it, but the benefits far outweigh the aggravation of having to sleep with it on your face. I have been using xpap for two years now and I wouldn't want to be without it for even one night. As far as the feeling pressure in your chest, that is normal in the beginning. You are getting lungs full of air. Some people even experience a little soreness with it for a while. I had a habit of shallow breathing and it was definitely different to get a lung full of air. So, I did feel stretching, pressure, soreness at first. Also, the pressure could be from aerophagia (where you swallow some of the air). That can be uncomfortable as well. Hang in there, it will get better and is very much worth it. Keep coming for support because it will really help you get over those beginning hurdles. There are many supportive and knowledgeable people here who will be happy to help you. Just keep on keeping on and you'll get there.

sleepzzzme · Post by **sleepzzzme** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 12:56 pm

Thanks everyone for replying! It's discouraging, but I'm really hoping that if I can use this machine I will have much more energy, less headaches, etc.

I have:

M Series Auto CPAP with A-Flex w/ humidifier
Respironics Optilife Nasal pillow mask

LavenderMist · Post by **LavenderMist** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 12:58 pm

Also, I forgot to mention, check out the light bulb and question mark at the top of the page. There is oodles of great info there to help you. Also, it would help if you register and fill in your profile with your machine type, mask type etc. People won't have to keep repeatedly asking you for this info when you post.

CompuTech007 · Post by **CompuTech007** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 1:47 pm

sleepzzzme wrote:
I have:

M Series Auto CPAP with A-Flex w/ humidifier
Respironics Optilife Nasal pillow mask

Cool, that's the same equipment I have. What pressures are you prescribed?

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 3:19 pm

sleepzzzme wrote:Thanks everyone for replying! It's discouraging, but I'm really hoping that if I can use this machine I will have much more energy, less headaches, etc.

I have:

M Series Auto CPAP with A-Flex w/ humidifier
Respironics Optilife Nasal pillow mask

If you get the software and reader for your machine, you can better tell how your treatment is doing. With a nasal interface you have to be aware of mouthbreathing, leak rate is important. Jim

sleepzzzme · Post by **sleepzzzme** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 6:40 pm

My prescription is 4-7

Am I reading it right?

Sleepy Dog Lover · Post by **Sleepy Dog Lover** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 9:39 pm

4 is a really low pressure. I know that I feel like I am suffocating on a pressure of 4, others on the board have mentioned that 4 is too low for them also.

If your pressure is 4-7 on an autopap, that means that the bottom or starting pressure is 4, and it will go up to a maximum pressure of 7. I would try bumping up the lower pressure a cm or 2, and maybe raising the upper limit by a cm. That may help. With an auto, it won't go to the top limit unless you need the pressure.

Stick with it and post lots of questions, and do lots of reading on the board.

edited because I can't spell.

_________________

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

Panhandler · Post by **Panhandler** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 9:46 pm

Sleepzzzme:

Welcome to the forum. You'll get a lot of help here.

Your pressure, 4-7, is not very high, but it still takes some getting used to. Check to be sure that your C-flex or A-flex is on and set as high as possible, so you get the full relief as you exhale. Your owner's manual will cover that.

As to the mask, we're all looking for the perfect mask and the perfect fit. My experience was that during the first week, I made tiny adjustments from what the RT had done when she set me up, trying to follow her suggestions. Finally, in frustration, I pulled off all the straps and started from scratch. Finally, within a few nights of changes, it all came together.

After a few weeks, one morning I woke up and thought the machine had become unplugged, because I didn't feel any pressure at all. It was still functioning; I'd just become accustomed to it.

Keep at it. It takes some effort and personal involvement, but it's worth it.

RosemaryB · Post by **RosemaryB** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 10:11 pm

Goofproof wrote:
sleepzzzme wrote:Thanks everyone for replying! It's discouraging, but I'm really hoping that if I can use this machine I will have much more energy, less headaches, etc.

I have:

M Series Auto CPAP with A-Flex w/ humidifier
Respironics Optilife Nasal pillow mask
If you get the software and reader for your machine, you can better tell how your treatment is doing. With a nasal interface you have to be aware of mouthbreathing, leak rate is important. Jim

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 10:19 pm

4 CM to 7 CM, I couldn't live with that, I'd be dead by morning. It sounds like yout Dr/DME/Sleep Lab, doesn't have a clue about treatment, I would think you would starve for air. 7 cm is bearable, but I'd not be able to live with it. I can see why you'd have treatment trouble. Jim

night 2 with cpap - help : (

night 2 with cpap - help : (

my equipment

Re: my equipment

Re: my equipment

My rx..

Re: my equipment

Humidifier

Additional Comments: Pressure 11-15, Humidifer 3, CFLEX 3, Using Pur-Sleep Peace