Having Trouble Adapting to CPAP

[fidelfs]

I am a newbie and I have more questions than answers, but I think I know what you are talking about.
I had the same feeling, but I learned my machine is Respironics Remstar Pro C-Flex +, this machine has a menu called something like this "System one resistance" (It is different than the Cflex, I have the C-flex at 3 but the exhaling part was too difficult), this system one resistance has setting for different type of masks. I can change it from X1,X2...,X5.

The technician told me to use X1 with Mirage Quattro full face mask and X4 with the Opus 360 nasal pillow, but the X4 for the Opus and my body don't agree. I felt to much resistance and I could not breath normally when I was exhaling. I changed to X2 or X3, huge different and even my AHI is going down.

Maybe your machine has something similar.

[DoriC]

https://www.cpap.com/cpap-machine/respi ... -flex.html

Are you referring to this machine? It's new and might not be listed here yet. It is different than the OP's machine.

Cashman, if you're describing problems with both inhaling and exhaling, then it's possible you might need to increase your pressure 1-2cms. If you were just talking about trouble with exhaling then the Cflex might help with that.

[cashman]

To fidelfs, I think we have different machines. Mine only has settings of 1, 2, and 3.

[cashman]

Dori C,
My machine looks different. I think it's just a Remstar Pro C-Flex. But.... I think you're right about the pressure. see my next post regarding pressure.

[DoriC]

Sorry Cashman, I meant to respond to fidelfs with the link to the new PR machine which sounds like what he may have?

[OCNorsk]

I just got back from the clinic and I am at a 6. Which is exactly where I should be. The tech told me to try taking the C-Flex down to a 1 from a 3.

[fidelfs]

Doric,

Yes, that is my machine. I guess this new feature (new machine) it will help people to be compliant with cpap therapy. My originally setup for the Opus 360 was X4, I couldn't handle it switch to X2 and it is now very comfortable.

[Houston Newbie]

I have been on my machine for 4 months now. I too had trouble getting used to it for the first 3 weeks. What helped me acclimate to it was a two week perscription of Lunesta. I was told by my doctor to ONLY use it when on the CPAP as doing so without could be very dangerous. Also had to change some pre bedtime habits. No late night caffine or sugar. Set and adhere to a time for bed. Start taking a bathroom break right before going to bed. I now get a full uninterrupted 8 hours of sleep. Hope you stick with it. The therapy really does work. I never knew that my quality of life could be so good. So many wasted years. So many good years ahead.

[SleepingUgly]

Is your nose stuffy?

I need some advice on adapting to CPAP. I'm a new CPAP user and am really having trouble getting used to it. I start out with the mask on but then after a few hours, I wake up feeling like I'm not getting enough air. So I end up taking off the mask and TRY to go back sleep - but am not always successful. I'm getting really frustrated and more tired.

I've talked with my doc and my CPAP tech but am not getting any useful advice. They've both told me to just keep trying and have prescribed Lunesta but it's not working. Any advice?

[MauraAnderson]

I need some advice on adapting to CPAP. I'm a new CPAP user and am really having trouble getting used to it. I start out with the mask on but then after a few hours, I wake up feeling like I'm not getting enough air. So I end up taking off the mask and TRY to go back sleep - but am not always successful. I'm getting really frustrated and more tired.

I've talked with my doc and my CPAP tech but am not getting any useful advice. They've both told me to just keep trying and have prescribed Lunesta but it's not working. Any advice?

I notice your setting is a 6. I can't take any setting below a 7 without feeling I'm suffocating. 7 is pretty iffy, too. I was originally titrated at a 7 and that was still allowing some snoring and a feeling of heaviness - I wasn't suffocating but I didn't feel like I was getting enough air. I did a lot better when I bumped the pressure up to 8 and have settled at an 8.5 now. If you have your sleep study records, you might want to take a look at the titration and see what pressures were used.

Personally, I'd either bump it to 8 or discuss doing so with your dr if you aren't comfortable with the experiment. See if that helps the feeling of suffocation and allows you to keep the mask on.

- Maura