help

[IL_lady]

I am so tired. I have tried repeatively to wear my mask. It is a full face amsk and pressure of cpap is 13 sith start at 4. I am having alot of medical probs due to the sleep apnea. my arterial blood gasses are low oxygen. and pulmonary functiontest shows low oxygen exchange ,so new test is 2d echocardiogram to check for pulmonary hypertension. im not that old ...what do i do.. does a bi pap machine seem to be more comffy can anyone wear a bi pap or only certain people. who makes that decision???THanks for any input...

[jules]

A bilevel machine is a special kind of cpap machine that provides pressure drops for exhale so you aren't supposed to have to breathe out against the same pressure you used to breathe in by.

A bipap machines needs a "special" bilevel prescription. The doctor has to sign a new Rx and probably will need to write a letter of medical necessity if you are using insuruance for obtaining this machine. It is more expensive that a cpap to either buy or rent. The billing code is not the same as for CPAP.

[ozij]

When people can't tolerate cpaps they are given bi-paps, or self adjusting machines.

Start copmlaining intensively to you doctor about you problems with exhaling. Make the doctor well aware of how difficult this therapy is for you. Ask about about a bi-pap, and most importants, don't give up.

Some insurances have to see proof you failed the cpap trial before they move you to bi-pap.

Edited to add: Your doctor makes the decision.
O.

_________________

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

[Guest]

Why not try another FF mask such as the Ultra Mirage II, which is so popular (works for me), or the Quattro?

[SleeplessInIL]

For me, the starting ramp pressure of 4 was too low. I felt I was gasping for breath - not a good way to try and get to sleep. 5.5 or 6 was much more comfortable. It might be for you also.

[kteague]

Hi and welcome.

When you say you have tried repeatedly to wear the mask, how long do you leave it on and what about it makes you not be able to do it? If you make it well into the night then take off the mask, the info below would not apply to you. If your problems are soon after masking up, it's at least worth considering.

When I first started on cpap my ramp was set at 4, which for me (and some others on here) was so low it felt like I was suffocating. I would snatch the mask off every few minutes, and trying to make it work, would hit the ramp button and start over - for hours I would repeat this. I didn't understand that I was spending nearly all my time in ramp, rarely reaching my prescribed pressure.

Another thing about the ramp, due to my exhaustion, I fell asleep as soon as I closed my eyes, but woke up in a panic a few short minutes later. Ramp is good for falling asleep at a lower pressure if one needs that, however, if the ramp time is set for significantly longer than it takes one to fall asleep, the rest of the ramp time there may not be adequate pressure to address any apneas.

My ability to function plummeted from being sleepy in the daytime to being totally nonfuntional. I quit using cpap as I felt it was killing me. My (former) sleep doctor was sympathetic, but not once mentioned raising the ramp starting pressure or decreasing the ramp time. I found this site when trying to figure out how to help myself, and found some knowledgeable people to help me work thru my numerous obstacles.

I have now been using my cpap for nearly two years, and wouldn't think of going to bed without it. In the beginning I would never have believed I would get to this point. It wasn't easy, but well worth it.

Kathy

P.S. You may want to check and see the minimum vent rate for your mask and your pressure.

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP, Ramp