New problems

[grandmajoy]

I've been on APAP since July or August. I was going along great, until I had to exchange my demo mask for my own. Same brand and type of mask; just now I own it. I've been having problems adjusting it. I'm getting frustrated. Also, I've been sleeping much more soundly after getting used to the treatment as a whole.

Now, I don't have the software, etc; I just cannot afford it right now. I know you're going to tell me I need it - and I agree. I've been reading the printouts on the screen, which I understand may not be as reliable. But maybe you can give me a few ideas. My AHI's are up, but still not over 5, and my leaks are high, around 37 or so.

Last night my husband observed me since he couldn't sleep much, so he heard what was going on. He heard (about 5 times) a very loud "blowing noise." He says he poked me and it stopped. He also is sure that I didn't adjust my mask when it stopped. However, I do remember becoming aware enough through the night to adjust my mask a little at other times.

Do apneas make noise when they happen when you're hooked up to a machine? That is, could my machine have been just working harder? My 90% pressure increased from an average of around 10 to about 13 last night. Or, as I'm afraid of, could this be mouth breathing? My mouth was a little dry when I woke up. I don't remember my nose being stuffed up. I do wish I had the software, so I could research this on my own; but I defer to your collected wisdom for now.

Thanks,
Joy

[Babette]

Could be mouth breathing. Are you using a chinstrap? Have you tried taping your mouth shut? I've been using 3M Gentle Release blue painters tape. I have good nights and bad nights. Last night I thought I was taped up good, but discovered that I was really NOT and was leaking air. Still working on my technique there. Thinking about adding either a strap of pantyhose, or an athletic headband around my mouth.

I can read your card for you, if you'd like. I just sent you a PM about it.

Cheers,
Babs

[ractar28]

List the mask type. Some folks here can tell you what the "leak rate" should be. And while they're looking that up, what's it supposed to be on a Large Ultra Mirage II nasal mask ?

When you're having an apnea, the machine will push out more air to open up the airway. So yes, it should make more noise to a degree, but I suspect your husband was hearing "leak" around the mask. I know mine sound loud (to me).

[grandmajoy]

I have decided to watch my stats every night and keep a record. I will also note if I have made any changes. I see my doctor on next Tuesday, so I'll discuss it with him, and hope he understands. My husband says I have to decide what I need to make this work, and he'll make sure we can afford it. He's such a great guy! if only I could get him back in CPAP. He's considering it, though, so I've made some progress. He has the attitude that everyone else is more important than he is, and he wants me taken care of first. If he only knew!

As for me, I think I'm mouth breathing. I've noticed some sinus congestion, only on my right side. I will also make a doctor's appointment with my Primary Care guy and see what I can do about that. I think I've had this for some time - was just ignoring it. I've also gained weight while on therapy. I'm sure my doctor will have a fit.

About that taping: it seems like it would suffocate me! I pretty much panic when my face is covered. That's why I'm so amazed I can use the mask (I DO have one listed) at all. But I'll try it, but the chin strap seems easier. Perhaps I need them both. I'm so sypathetic to those of you who have to breathe through their mouths. During my first pregnancy my nose was stuffed up all the time. Could barely deal with it!

I'll report back. Thanks to you all.

Joy

[echo]

Hi Joy
I had mouth leaking big time, and my partner said it sounded really loud when it happened. I would wake up congested and with a really dry mouth. The machine would increase the pressure because the pressure is escaping out your mouth, and you start getting an apnea. The sound that would come out of the machine when it increases pressure won't be as loud as the sound you make when you mouth leak/breath. Yours sounds like mouth breathing to me.

There are 2 (maybe 3) solutions to that problem (assuming the chinstrap doesn't work): taping, full-face mask, or training yourself not to mouth breath. Don't expect your doc to be overjoyed if you start taping.

A chin strap doesn't help me, I can still blow a hole through slightly parted lips even if my teeth are clamped together. So in my case it's mouth leaking, as opposed to full-out mouth breathing.

Just for laughs: My doc's solution to mouth breathing: lower my pressure to 4 ! (It was the assistant. His supervisor, the head doc, later apologized. I told her I was not an idiot and I obviously didn't lower my pressure to 4! I also told them I started taping when their suggestions were less than helpful - the nurse overhead and in a very conspiratorial whisper, said to me, 'we've heard of people using tape now and then' )

I've gained weight while on therapy too, you're not alone! But I sit at a computer all day and haven't been active, though I do have more energy these days!

If you're claustrophobic, tape might be annoying. I find it annoying sometimes and I'm not claustrophobic. I hate not being able to yawn.
Less intrusive full face masks include the Liberty and the Hybrid, 2 masks which many people are happy with.

good luck with the hubby! wish I could convince mine that his increased snoring and increased exhaustion may be signs of OSA!

[Filament]

Hi, Joy!

I'm new to this myself, and I've been suffering with mouth leakage myself. Like Echo, I get mouth leaking even with a chin strap.

I haven't tried tape yet, but I have had some luck with an ace bandage. I go around my head a few times to cover both chin and lips. (The other side goes more around the crown than the back of my head, so that my jaw stays closed.) It is a wee bit claustrophobic, but like the CPAP gear itself, I seem to be getting used to it.

Good luck!

[lindyjoy]

Hi Joy; I can't help you with all of this, but I do know from experience that that loud blowing sound happens when you breathe through your mouth. It may happen other times as well, that part I don't know. You can try it out while you are awake; see what happens. So much of this is so frustrating. Good luck and thanks for responding to my 1st mini-post. I do appreciate it.
Lindyjoy