Can't Breathe Out

[saltyk9]

When I lay down to sleep and try to relax completely, my airway feels like it almost seals shut but when I inhale I don't have too much of a problem, it's when I exhale that it is so narrow and I feel like I can't breathe out. I always thought that sleep apnea was having trouble taking IN air, rather than exhaling it out...what is most common? I am probably considered underweight and have a very small neck.

My girlfriend also tells me that I have extremely abnormal breathing, not so much that I stop breathing, but very inconsistent. She says that I will breathe normal for a little while, then out of nowhere take a huge breath, and then after that take a bunch of quick/short, shallow breaths and the cycle repeats.

[ameriken]

I'd like to hear more on this too, as I've also had problems exhaling. I can sometimes feel my tongue causing the blockage and keeping me from breathing out, or the exhale is very choppy, like a reverse snore.

[ThirdOutOfFive]

The only wat to know for sure is to do a sleep study. Anything else is just guess work.

[saltyk9]

The only wat to know for sure is to do a sleep study. Anything else is just guess work.

I have had a sleep study. And the abnormal breathing I mentioned is while using CPAP. (auto bipap to be more precise)

[Cpapman11]

This may most likely be the result of you having a high pressure setting on your CPAP, my pressure is set at 13, and I too have trouble breathing out under that high pressure, here are 2 things you can try, I do 1 of the two because my CPAP is not equipped to do the other tip.

1) Press the RAMP button on your CPAP when you are about to settle into bed and go to sleep, this will DECREASE your pressure to its lowest setting and make it possible for you to fall asleep more comfortably.

2) If your CPAP machine has C-FLEX on it or an EPR setting, USE IT, your CPAP will turn down the air pressure each time you exhale....making it more comfortable to breathe.

Hope this helps you!, Happy CPAPing!

Jose

[saltyk9]

I don't think that the EPAP pressure is the problem. This happens both when using the cpap and not using it.
Plus, I do have the BiPap on so the EPAP is as low as 4 a lot so I barely even feel it when I exhale.

[chunkyfrog]

See your doctor.

[Lizistired]

I'd like to hear more on this too, as I've also had problems exhaling. I can sometimes feel my tongue causing the blockage and keeping me from breathing out, or the exhale is very choppy, like a reverse snore.

My dad has COPD and has to concentrate on exhaling. He has been told to breathe in through his nose and out through his mouth, and can't figure out how I breathe without opening my mouth. It worries me that he is worrying about how to breathe, instead of just breathing. Anxiety sucks.

[jamiswolf]

ChunkyFrog wrote: See your doctor.

A pulmonary function test would tell you alot.

COPD represents a variety of diseases. Emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthma are the usual culprits. All these conditions are characterized by difficulty EXHALING. Obesity, smoking, industrial exposure are a few causes. There are also a few genetic conditions that can cause COPD.

You ought to be screened for these...
Jamis