Breathing

[phx1hab]

I just recently started using my new APAP machine and I noticed that right before falling asleep I find myself gasping for air but when I don't use the APAP at all I don't have this problem. So I'm afraid to start using it again. This happen twice within 18 minutes of usage. Any ideas? My range is between 10-12.

[BlackSpinner]

What is your ramp set to? many people have difficulty with the ramp pressure.
It could also be psychological. Wear the mask and set up the machine and watch your favourite tv show/ dvd. Let your body/mind get used to that it is safe to wear that thing on your face. If you feel like you can't breathe just lift the edge of the mask and feel the air flow and say to yourself "see, plenty of air"

[chearyshe]

When I first get settled in bed with my mask on, I do a lot of sighing and sometimes feel I'm not getting enough air. If I turn over to my side the situation gets better. I have this feeling that part of my problem is still psychological....I've got an alien mass of plastic strapped to my face and a machine gently letting in some air. My pressures are 6-12.5 cmh20 with an EPR set to 3, so I usually check to see if the machine is really ON! I've discovered that my AHI is lower when I refrain from sleeping on my back, but that's another story.

Doing relaxing exercises has helped as has listening to soft classical music.

[BRPTsleeptech]

When I first get settled in bed with my mask on, I do a lot of sighing and sometimes feel I'm not getting enough air. If I turn over to my side the situation gets better. I have this feeling that part of my problem is still psychological....I've got an alien mass of plastic strapped to my face and a machine gently letting in some air. My pressures are 6-12.5 cmh20 with an EPR set to 3, so I usually check to see if the machine is really ON! I've discovered that my AHI is lower when I refrain from sleeping on my back, but that's another story.

Doing relaxing exercises has helped as has listening to soft classical music.

LOL glad to see you noticed that your AHI is lower every place but your back, this is true for everyone. The optimal position in a sleep lab to see sleep apnea is actually on a patients back the reason is because all the soft tissue in the back of your throat all moves to close off your airway. Which explains why that pesky sleep tech is always coming in an telling your to please try and lay on your back. Reason is if we fix you were you are worst then the rest is all good too.