Comfort questions after first two nights

[Xeno]

I've spent two nights with a Respironics Series M Auto A-Flex machine (operating in CPAP mode with C-Flex at 12 cm H2O) and a nasal mask.

I awoke after two hours with painful bloating. I had to remove the system and sit upright for several minutes before belching to relieve the pressure. Before heading back to bed, I did a bit of reading on this forum and read that excessive humidifier moisture could lead to frequent swallowing, which could result in aerophagia. So, I turned off the humidifier (which had been set to 2) and tried again.

After another two hours, I awoke with painful dry areas in my nose and throat. I removed the mask and went back to sleep without CPAP.

On the second night, I decided to split the different and set the humidifier to 1. After a few hours, I awoke with moisture in my mask *and* painful dry areas in my nose and throat.

According to the machine, I had a leak rate of 49.9 L/min. The mask seemed to have a good seal when falling asleep.

Is it reasonable to assume that I was mouth-breathing after falling asleep? That's the only explanation I can think of to explain too much moisture in the mask and a dry throat.

Is a leak rate of 49.9 L/min consistent with mouth breathing? What leak rate should I aim for given my setup (listed below my sig)?

My second issue is one of noise. Although not excessively loud, the sound from the CPAP machine has a Darth Vader quality to it that varies with inhales and exhales and makes me far more conscious of my breathing. This caused a bit of a psychological feedback loop that lead me to over-moderate my own breathing. Does anyone have any tips on minimizing the noise from the machine itself? I tried putting it on the floor a few feet away, but it was still very noticeable.

Lastly, once the mask gathered some moisture, I heard a whistling sound coming from the vent on the mask. When I tapped away some of the built-up moisture, the sound went away -- only to come back again in a few minutes. Is moisture-related sound a common problem? Occasionally, I'd also feel a bit of micro-spray as moisture was blown from the vent and fell back onto my face. How much moisture is considered normal and acceptable?

[Yoda]

Sounds like your leak is too high. Do you wear a chinstrap? You may have to do that. Some people tape their mouth shut. You might try that if the chinstrap does not work.

Regarding the noise. I had the same problem. There is a "whisper cap" attachment for the M Series. You can buy it here:
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/respir ... r-cap.html

It helps with the noise, but not quite enough for me. So, I use a white noise generator between the CPAP and the bed. I use the "Sleepmate" brand white noise machine. It covers the sound.

The moisture is called "rainout" on this board. Try covering your hose. You don't need a fancy cover. I use three of my son's old baseball socks. They work fine.

I don't know about the vent noise. Someone else may be able to help you with that.

Cecile

[LinkC]

It may be the machine noise is being transmitted thru the table/nightstand structure. A mousepad (or folded towel) under it will help, if that's the case. Be careful not to obstruct the air intake, tho.

Also setting it down lower than the top of the mattress sometimes helps attenuate the noise.

Maybe you'd sleep better if you thought of it as "surf" instead of Darth Vader...

[timbalionguy]

The water-in-the-vents problem will be less of an issue after you insulate you hose. I also think you will adjust to the humidity fairly soon, and be able to find an optimal setting.

As far as the machine nose goes, just try and think thoughts about galactic domination. That might help you breathe deeper, too (Seriously, locating the machine below the plane of the bed, on solidly built stand will make a difference. I use a stack of books at the moment, but am working on a stand with a marble top that should be sturdy enough to dampen most machine-induced vibration and resonances.)

[raylo]

It may be the machine noise is being transmitted thru the table/nightstand structure. A mousepad (or folded towel) under it will help, if that's the case. Be careful not to obstruct the air intake, tho.

Also setting it down lower than the top of the mattress sometimes helps attenuate the noise.

Maybe you'd sleep better if you thought of it as "surf" instead of Darth Vader...

LinkC is right to suggest thinking of the noise differently. I hadn't thought of surf,I use the change in the in and out sound like a mantra - it puts me in a "meditative" mood.

[Xeno]

It actually does sound more like surf than Darth Vader, but I'd still prefer silence. I recall that my second sleep study (when I was connected to a CPAP) was a much quieter experience. Last night, I tried placing the machine on the floor (on carpet) and it was quieter, although still noisier than I'd like.

I still wasn't able to make it more than three hours last night. I tried wrapping my head with an ace bandage to prevent mouth breathing, but I awoke several times due to mouth leaks between my lips (even though my mouth was closed). I didn't experience any dryness or bloating this time, but I had a headache (due to the ace bandage and a tighter mask) and I had to take everything off to get comfortable and fall back asleep.

I'll try mouth taping next, although that sounds equally unpleasant.

If anyone has other ideas for mouth leaks, please let me know!

[jdm2857]

Some people use PolyGrip or PolyDent denture adhesive STRIPS to seal their lips. They're probably not enough without a chinstrap, but in combination they should help.

I've tried them alone with limited success, and am going to add a chinstrap. (Taping and goatees are incompatible.)