New to cpap, having issues

[needingZZZs]

Hi guys.

I just started my cpap about a month ago. I seem to only be able to wear it a short while. I'm set for a pressure of 13, and try to ramp it up, but when I get to 7 or 8 it feel like I'm breathing faster than I normally would and I can't relax to sleep. It's almost like it's forcing me to breath too much. If I take it off I go right to sleep.

To further complicate things, right after I was tested, I was laid off and lost all my insurance. I bought the cpap using my tax return, and cant affaord to keep running to the doctor to get it straightened out.

I was soooo looking forward to sleeping, but it actually has made my sleeping worse as I try to keep it on (to get used to it) but after 1 1/2 to 2 hours I can't take anymore.

Can anyone offer advice?

[Sleeprider]

It would be helpful if you completed a profile so the equipment you use was known. If you have data capability it helps a lot. IMO some therapy is better than none at all. Maybe do some self-titrating to keep pressure at a level you tolerate and see if you are getting an effective night of sleep. Data would confirm whether you are showing improvements. This advise from a complete lay-person who due to intolerance of the sleep study, never had a titration study but was instead given a APAP device. In my experience a pressure of 10 cm is sufficient to keep airways open for most people. It may not be the ideal pressure based on your study, but it might get you over the hump of tolerating CPAP therapy at higher pressures.

Probably best to discuss with your doctor or sleep center. They may have suggestions on dealing with your lack of tolerance for the higher pressure.

[needingZZZs]

Thank you for responding.

It would be helpful if you completed a profile so the equipment you use was known.

Respironics REMstar Auto M series machine and ResMed mask. Is there anything else I need to look up that would be helpful?

If you have data capability it helps a lot.

I gave the Dr. the card a week ago and told them my problem, I have not heard back.

Probably best to discuss with your doctor or sleep center. They may have suggestions on dealing with your lack of tolerance for the higher pressure.

I have wondered if the reason the Dr. hasn't responded is due to my lack of insurance and funds atm.

I have also thought about droping the pressure myself just to see what happens.

[dieselgal]

I am sorry I have answered twice and keep not seeing part of your original answer! Yikes!
What are the setting for your machine and is it set on auto? There should also be a setting for either C/flex or A/flex is that right?

[oofoozle]

I will offer my, admittedly limited, advice... Try turning off the ramp. Just put your mask on and go full strength. I too had issues with the ramp and after some experimenting found I actually preferred it off. Don't freak out right away, just give it a minute and see how you do. Just a simple no-cost suggestion to try. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[Sleeprider]

Wow, with that equipment, I would sure be tempted to put it to work by setting it to Auto function with a minimum pressure of 8 and maximum of 13 and use the A or C-flex. If you experience apneas or snores, the machine will transition to higher pressures, and may give you some relief by staying at lower pressure over-all. You need to get a card reader to be able to get some feedback on your therapy, and since you are out-of-pocket on costs, there are ways of getting EncorePro software [cough]torrent[/cough] without cost, excuse my momentary congestion. Its really your decision if you decide to "customize" therapy. I think that should be my next poll to ask how many members are playing by the script and how many actually take control and try to improve results.

I'm curious, are you using the C-flex feature? This reduces pressure on exhalation and might be all you need to avoid that feeling of over-breathing.

[alnhwrd]

ZZZ's,

Congrats for sticking with it thus far. It shows you have the right attitude, as does your seeking advice. Like Sleeprider said, filling out your profile will bring up your equipment for all to see and better offer advice with. You have a good machine, one that should be able to provide you with good treatment. If you are struggling, I would keep the ramp on, maybe even lengthen out the time to let you slowly get used to the pressure. If you feel like the pressure is getting too high and you are starting to struggle, hit the ramp button to start over again. You can do that as many times as you need to until you fall asleep.

Alot of this just takes some time to adjust to. When I started 6cm felt like a gale, and now I can hardly feel 12cm. I hope some of this helps.

[needingzzzs]

Thanks for the responses.

Yes I use the c-flex, it is currently set at 3.

My wife and I just looked at the instructions to see how to drop the setting from 13...we couldn't figure it out! I think we found everything BUT that.

[Georgio]

You need to get into the "clinical menu" if you want to brave making adjustments there.....we all do! Open the lid and push down both on the "arrow" buttons, keep holding them down while you unplug, and then plug in the cord on the back of the machine....continue to hold down until you see an "unlocked" padlock displayed. Then use the arrow keys to scroll thru the clinical menu.
Good luck, and stay with the program....you can get there just like I did, with help form people here.

Georgio

[Bassasasin]

I would think your sleep evaluation told the technicians what pressure your blockage clears at.. or
works best at for you.

To reduce that is not taking their advice and taking a risk. Go for another evaluation.

My auto machine .. seems like it's off when it starts.. don't know what it does while I'm asleep.
Could be going as high as 20..

[needingzzzs]

How do I set it to auto adjust? I may try that for a while.

[cflame1]

Are you sure that you have an Auto... your profile says a Plus. A Plus will not go auto... it won't even give you any more data than hours used.

[needingzzzs]

I just double checked and compared with the pics...that is the one I have.

[Bassasasin]

Dang.. they called me up and recalled my Auto Machine... apparently it logged and generated a report recommendation as to the level to set, hence the we will be getting with you for adjustments in a week (2) or so..

Oh well. .. I hate the new one.. It gurgles and whistles tries to help me breathe at the wrong time. Some 0-3 number setting.. I set it to 0 and liked it. .
Next Ill go for 0 Ramp time.. I guess..
Hey.. I did learn if I turn off the humidifier I don't have rain out.. the balance depends on the weather the technician said.. that aint good.
Now it's cotton throat or whatever that's called.

Now I have a permanent setting of 13 with a ramp of 20 min...

Anyone get an itchy nose every time you just about go to sleep?

Hey I have a new term... "TRUNDLE DIVING" I can totally bury my head down under the covers and still breathe.

I'm a noob .. no doubt now!


Bass