Feels like machine is not working

[apsews]

Last night was the first time(2 weeks on machine)that I felt like my machine was not on. I looked at it a couple of times to see if the buttons were lit to be sure it was on. My lowest pressure is 5. Has anyone else experienced this. Is it just an adjustment thing?

[LSAT]

If you pull the mask away from your face you will feel the pressure, but at a pressure of 5 you may not feel much. The machine is most likely producing a higher pressure than 5.

[apsews]

it is set at auto with pressure 5-10 and I can feel it when I pull it away from my face. Just wondering if this is normal.

[Pugsy]

Yes, it is entirely normal.
What feels like a hurricane when we first put on the mask will feel like a gentle breeze by morning.
The body gets used to the pressure...it becomes the norm...so we just don't notice it as much.
It is common...and often people think there is something wrong with their machine.
It happens to people using much higher pressures too. Totally normal reaction to the adaptation of using the machine and having the hurricane force winds die down.

[KEQ5]

At least once a week I'll wake up, think the machine isn't working or that I forgot to hook up the hose, and will have to wave my hand in front of the exhaust vents on the mask to feel for the air flow.

[Sir NoddinOff]

have to wave my hand in front of the exhaust vents on the mask to feel for the air flow.

Yup, that's my technique too. Easy, plus you don't have to fool with the mask seal.

[Sheriff Buford]

When I check to see if the machine is on, I aways put my hand up around the mask vent and see if I feel the air coming out. As you get used to wearing the mask and you get used to the pressure, it can feel like you don't have the machine on.

Sheriff

[archangle]

Opening your mouth and letting air gush in your nose out your mouth is sometimes helpful to convince yourself it's working.

I've had my machine set on 18 sometimes, and sometimes I can't feel the pressure.

[apsews]

Thanks guys!! Glad to know I am normal. Since changing mask on Wednesday I have been sleeping really well and very glad I am adjusting fairly easily. You all have been wonderful help!!

[zoocrewphoto]

KEQ5 wrote: have to wave my hand in front of the exhaust vents on the mask to feel for the air flow.

Yup, that's my technique too. Easy, plus you don't have to fool with the mask seal.

I do this too. At first, I would bump the seal to hear the noise. Then my mom suggested I wave my hand in front of the vent. Duh. So simple. And yes, I do this at least a few times a week. And my pressure is 11-17. It feels completely normal to me. The only time I really feel it is when I have a leak.

Now, I have had 3 times where the machine was actually off. Two were due to a humidifier error. No idea what caused it. All I had to do was open it, close it, turn the machine off and on again. It was fine again. The other time was due to a short power outage. All 3 times felt fine. It obviously woke me up, so I was aware that it was different. But I wasn't struggling to breathe. Strangely, I actually feel fine at 0 and fine at 11-17. But I feel like I am struggling at 5 (I had to turn the ramp off after a couple days). I have no idea why zero feels fine while 5 feels like not enough air.

Overall, though, I think our brains are really good at getting used to stuff and then ignoring it unless something changes.

[chearyshe]

Weird things happen! I usually check if the machine is working by passing my hand in front of the vent. But one time I did that and there was no air coming out. Hmm, I vaguely remember turning off the machine so I could take the mask off and drink some water. That was the last thing I remember until I was woken up by the dog's yipping. (She not a CPAP Service Dog!) Now when I want to get a drink I turn on the bedside lamp!
cheary!

[LSAT]

Weird things happen! I usually check if the machine is working by passing my hand in front of the vent. But one time I did that and there was no air coming out. Hmm, I vaguely remember turning off the machine so I could take the mask off and drink some water. That was the last thing I remember until I was woken up by the dog's yipping. (She not a CPAP Service Dog!) Now when I want to get a drink I turn on the bedside lamp!
cheary!

When I want to get a drink...I turn on the faucet! Things must be different in Israel.

L'shanah tovah

[chunkyfrog]

I can't imagine their plumbing is THAT different!