2 weeks of CPAP use

[LeeInNevada]

Problems with CPAP machine, after about 2 weeks of actual use:

BIG FARTS
It seems like there is osmosis or leakage of air pressure into my colon. After about 4 hours of use, I get frequent very large, almost fog-horn loud, farts. I takes about 1 hour to stop the farts after turning off the machine and removing the mask. My Pulmonary Technician (a MSN CS FNP) and the equipment supplier said this is a common problem.

FREQUENT AWAKENING DUE TO MACHINE AND/OR MASK NOISE
The CPAP machine (Respironics REMstar Auto, M Series with A-Flex set to constant pressure of 10 [originally 12, which caused air to blow past my lips]) makes too much noise, especially when I inhale which causes the machine to increase speed, so there is a rhythmic increase and decrease in sound and speed when I inhale and exhale. On the Auto pressure setting, there is a loud air rushing sound from the Fisher & Paykel FlexiFit HC 407 Nasal Mask when I inhale. Both of these loud noises awoke me frequently. Due to this frequent awakening, I feel more tired during the day after using the machine than from supposed awakening during apnea.

ALL MASKS UNCOMFORTABLE
After trying 3 different types of masks, the last, a Fisher & Paykel FlexiFit HC 407 Nasal Mask, is the least uncomfortable of the masks below. But it is still intrusive and not something I look forward to. It did not cause irritation on the bridge of my nose like the Respironics Comfort Gel Nasal Mask (size medium) and is easier to adjust than the Comfort Gel. . On the Auto pressure setting, there is a loud air rushing sound from the mask when I inhale, which is loud enough to awaken me or prevent me from going to sleep.

The second mask I tried was the Respironics Pillow Cushion medium nasal mask. It was so noisy that my wife had to sleep in another room! It dried out my nasal passages so much that I got an allergy type reaction that caused my nose to run for a day.

The first mask I tried was the Respironics Comfort Gel Nasal Mask (size medium). After a couple days of use, it caused significant irritation on the bridge of my nose. It is also complicated to adjust because to the tilting nose bridge adjustment. It was probably the quietest mask of the three that I tried.

DRY THROAT/HOARSE VOICE
Even with the machine humidifier set on 3 (the most humidity I could tolerate), my throat and mouth got very dry and my voice hoarse.

CAN’T SLEEP ON MY STOMACH
I prefer to sleep on my stomach, but if I try that, the mask is pushed aside and leaks air.

DOG WON’T SLEEP WITH US
Finally, our miniature poodle won’t sleep in our bed (or anywhere in our bedroom!) either because of the noisy machine or how threatening I look with mask on.

[andrewsmom]

Perhaps you should try a full face mask. I use the Mirage Quattro and LOVE IT! I am a stomach sleeper and it allows for it without worrying if it's going to fall off. It is very quiet too. My husband sometimes checks my bedside table to see if my machine is still on because of how quiet my mask is. Also, the good thing about the full face mask is that even if you have a cold or sinus infection you can still use your mask since you are getting the air through your mouth as well. Just stick with it. The CPAP has made a huge difference in my life. I'm 34 and had an apnea number of 147 and now after 6 months of use I'm down to 2.7. Good Luck and God Bless!!

PS- The farts and burps continue on and on and on. Your body is taking in air at a greater rate than it is used to - so out it goes!

Marsha

[MMCGOWAN]

You bring back fond memories LOL

Your swallowing air somehow trust me the machine is not blowing all the way through your arse it just seems that way.

Nasa pillows will allow you to sleep on ypur side / stomach when set up properly and this help alot

14 years of this and 4 machines later trust me it gets better and it's better than a heart attack hang in there tis a temporary thing

[Snoredog]

mmm.....well, I guess another option might be:

- register and sell your equipment on http://www.cpapauction.com/ take the money earned from that to order one of these:

http://tinyurl.com/29dby2

but at least we wouldn't have to hear you bitch any more

but if you want to stop the air from coming out the arse? maybe you need some arse grass:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a40gce_Q814&feature=dir

and if you liked that one, you'll find this guy is quite a traveler:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNF_P28 ... ature=user

[ColoradoDreamer]

I don't have experience with the bad CPAP related gas problem but may have some helpful suggestions for your other comments

Noise: I turn on a fan at night in the summer and a white noise machine in the winter to cover any CPAP related noise. It is very effective for my spouse and I. I point the fan away from my face for I have found that it cools the humidified air in the mask resulting in rain out.

Dry mouth & hoarse throat: This is an indication that your mouth is open while sleeping and, as a result, not getting the proper treatment. There are numerous postings on taping one's mouth to tackle this problem. The other option is to invest in a full face mask.

Mask Problems: It took me two weeks to figure out my first nasal mask. Read the directions, lay down during the day and adjust it for a good fit. I found that I was adjusting it too tight. Conduct searches on this site for posts on how others manage to properly fit the masks you own.

Dog problems: Our dog didn't know what to make of it the first night I used it. Using white noise will mask the noise and perhaps your dog will get use to you having your mask on with time. It doesn't bother mine anymore. You could always put your mask on with the lights out.

[ozij]

The up and down noise on the machine can be caused by using one of the Flex i.e. C-Flex or A-Flex options. Try cancelling them or at least lowering them if either of them is on more than 1.

Some noise on inhale happens with most masks - it's more mask noise than a machine noise. I was very annoyed by the noise when I started, and couldn't relax at all. It helped to remind myself of vacation nights near the sea when I heard the surf rushing in, and of a lovely walk on the banks of a rushing stream. Some of the noise you experience is here to stay.

However, a properly functioning machine is not that noisy.
Leaks in connections make any machine noisy, so make sure all connections are snug and leakless: machine to humidifier, hose to machine, mask to hose - when you put the back of you hand to them, you should feel no leak at all.

If you've done all those things and they don't help, consider having the machine checked. If it's a loaner, ask for another one.

Do you know why you're using a automatic machine in non-automatic mode?

The majority of people learn to control mask leaks eventually. Some however never learn to control whatever it is that makes them nasty. Ignore them.

O.

[Michael Hunt]

I tell everyone proudly that with my new CPAP, my wife lets me sleep with my "Hose" every night.

[Kiralynx]

ALL MASKS UNCOMFORTABLE

The quest for the Perfect Mask can be time consuming and drive you crazy. Check with Padacheek for comfort items which may help with the ones you have.

DRY THROAT/HOARSE VOICE

The fact that you have a dry throat even with humidification indicates you are probably mouth-breathing. THere are multiple solutions for that, from going to a full face mask to mouth-taping to a chin strap.

CAN’T SLEEP ON MY STOMACH

I ended up with two side sleeper pillows, one king-size and one standard. THe standard goes in the middle of the king, and gives me a "shelf" to hang my mask off. I'm told, although I haven't tried it, that the Aeiomed Headrest can actually be used for stomach sleeping. The Headrest is great for side sleeping.

DOG WON’T SLEEP WITH US

I was worried about this with my pair of standard, long-haired dachshunds. I had visions of them attacking the mask and hose and machine. My machine sits in the bottom drawer of my night stand on a soft, water-proof pad which makes sure that when I'm a clutz and spill water while refilling the humidifier, I don't ruin the furniture.

Getting your machine off the floor but below the level of the bed helps with the noise level that currently bothers you, as well. I didn't have any trouble with mine. The ceiling fan and air purifier make more noise than my machine, so I was used to it.

Getting some type of hose management system -- I use the Hozer, and love it -- gets the hose out of your way, and the dog's. In fact, I got my longer hose and Hozer before I got my machine, and set up Hozer and hose so it dangled over the bed for several nights before I ever got my machine. The dachshunds got used to it, so the addition of the machine and mask wasn't that bad.

My Duo got upset when I would be swearing and cursing about getting the mask in place, or, having just gotten the mask in place, I realized I'd forgotten something and had to take the bleeping thing off. (See also, blue air in the bedroom.)

I had a bit of trouble with them trying to lie on the hose. Or wash my nose for me when the mask was on.

They got over it. And once I quit swearing, they were completely unconcerned. "Ok, this is just something weird that Missy is wearing to bed, now."

Hope this helps.