Can't breath at higher end of Auto CPAP

[DougVK]

My pressure is set from 5 to 17, which I adjusted to 8 to 17. I tested to see if I could breath at 16 I find my self unable to exhale for any extended period of time on such a high pressure. Even with A-Flex, I don't see how I could manage if the pressure reaches that point. Anyone else have this problem?

[boosmum]

Doug, my pressure is set to 18. I find if I put the mask on at 18 it's ridiculous. I wonder how my eyes don't pop out of my head with that pressure. At night though when I wake up and it's blowing at 18 I hardly can even FEEL the pressure. It's really bizzare. It's only when I open my mouth and the air gushes out I know it's working properly LOL!

[DougVK]

Doug, my pressure is set to 18. I find if I put the mask on at 18 it's ridiculous. I wonder how my eyes don't pop out of my head with that pressure. At night though when I wake up and it's blowing at 18 I hardly can even FEEL the pressure. It's really bizzare. It's only when I open my mouth and the air gushes out I know it's working properly LOL!

Mmmmm, maybe if it gradually reaches the pressure when I am asleep it isn't a problem. Maybe because I was testing it by setting the pressure to start at 16 that I was having issues then?

[rosacer]

If you are starting on CPAP for sure you won't be able to feel comfortable at so high pressure. You can try the ramp setting, this will give you time to fall asleep before the pressure is too high. My max is set at 11 but I am most of the time around 9 and even at 9 I find it hard to exhale (after almost 1.5 years). You start the ramp pushing the small button. You will need 16 only a part of the night or not at all, why are you trying to test it awaken? After several month I was able to exhale at 7 and now at 8 without problem but I never have 11 awaken.

I don't know if you have the software it will allow you to know your pressure and other information useful to set more accurately your min and max pressures, such a wide range is no good for a fast reaction of the machine. You will attain a better results with a smaller pressure range but you need the software to be able to tweak it. Normally you have a range of 3cmH2O between max and min pressures. Mine are 8 to 11 and I get AHI results of 1.1 and lower. And you need to find the mask which gives you the lower leaks possible,if it's zero that's the best.

Good success

[DougVK]

If you are starting on CPAP for sure you won't be able to feel comfortable at so high pressure. You can try the ramp setting, this will give you time to fall asleep before the pressure is too high. My max is set at 11 but I am most of the time around 9 and even at 9 I find it hard to exhale (after almost 1.5 years). You start the ramp pushing the small button. You will need 16 only a part of the night or not at all, why are you trying to test it awaken? After several month I was able to exhale at 7 and now at 8 without problem but I never have 11 awaken.

I don't know if you have the software it will allow you to know your pressure and other information useful to set more accurately your min and max pressures, such a wide range is no good for a fast reaction of the machine. You will attain a better results with a smaller pressure range but you need the software to be able to tweak it. Normally you have a range of 3cmH2O between max and min pressures. Mine are 8 to 11 and I get AHI results of 1.1 and lower. And you need to find the mask which gives you the lower leaks possible,if it's zero that's the best.

Good success

I need a wide range since my pressure requirements are significantly affected by my position and sleep state. With side sleep needing on average a pressure of 10 while a back sleep needing on average 15.

[archangle]

If you've got the machine set for 8 to 17, you may never see 17. It won't go up from 8 unless it thinks you're having apneas. Unless it's adjusting up and disturbing your sleep, don't worry about it.

What does your software say your pressures are getting up to during the night? What's your 90% pressure number?

If it is adjusting up to 17 during the night because you need it, your lung muscles will adjust to it within a few weeks and you won't feel the pressure as difficulty breathing. You may still have mask or mouth leak problems or ear popping problems.