Still trying to get used to this, need some thoughts

[Mirrasi]

So I got the hybrid mask and it's comfortable. I'm still having a hard time doing this mentally I think. I might have to go back to using it when watching tv. When I have it on, I'm VERY aware and I think it's making me hyperventilate. It starts at 6 and I feel like I can't get enough oxygen. I feel like the air is there, it's the lack of oxygen. So I start taking bigger breaths and get dizzy.

If I read a book and get my mind off of it, it stops. Which tells me it's all mental I think. But what's odd is that I find when I'm not thinking about it, while AWAKE, I stop breathing. Period. And then suddenly I'm aware I'm not taking any breaths and then start. Do you ever just forget to breath with your mask on? Lol

[mjmoll]

I am very new here and probably not the best one one to answer, but I did have this problem too. After I got used to the higher pressure (14) and would turn on the ramp feature it made me feel like I was suffocating at the lower pressure (7). I think I read a post on here that said to just turn off the ramp feature. That worked for me. I just start it at the full pressure. Much better!

Hope it works for you.

Jo Anna

[chunkyfrog]

Reading, TV, or listening to the radio helps.
Someone said to read something boring--but I need to be riveted in order to forget everything else.

[WearyOne]

Marrisa, i read here that turning the ramp OFF helps some people, or at least setting the beginning ramp pressure higher. If you have a really high pressure, I would suggest setting the beginning ramp pressure higher as it may help you not have that suffocation feeling. I could never breath comfortably at anything lower than 7, and since my pressure is only 9, I stopped using ramp after the second night.

Another suggestion I read on here was when you start to panic with the mask on, feeling like you can't breathe, stick your hand or arm in front of the exhalation holes/vent on the mask where you feel all the air pouring out. Don't know why that helps, but it really helped me (and still does when I very occasionally get that feeling now). I would do this laying down with my arm just in front of the holes. (I have the Innomed Hybrid mask.)

[Julie]

All the 'air' coming from the vent is CO2, and it has to come out or make you sick. Don't ever cover that and don't allow bedding to do it... yes, it can help in a real panic attack (like breathing into a paper bag), for a moment when you're very much awake and aware, but otherwise do not go there.

[Mirrasi]

You guys have been such a help to me through all this. I've noticed the very second I fall asleep the pressure jumps to 10-12 (12 is max). Any idea why this is? I mean the absolute moment I'm out, pressure immediately jumps way up. This is why I'm not sleeping.

I think I'll have to follow advice and turn off auto for now to adapt. I'm just wondering why it does this. Would I be having an episode every single time like that on the second I fall asleep?

[justpam]

What worked for me was turning the ramp off. I have a pressure setting of 14.4 and the original ramp setting was
20 mins. with a starting pressure of 8. I, too, felt a bit smothered. I adjusted it a bit the second night then turned ramp
off completely on the third night. Haven't given much thought to it since.

Anyway, this is just what worked for me. Those first deep inhalations are very calming for me..
I wish you luck in finding what works best for you.

Pam

[quietmorning]

You guys have been such a help to me through all this. I've noticed the very second I fall asleep the pressure jumps to 10-12 (12 is max). Any idea why this is? I mean the absolute moment I'm out, pressure immediately jumps way up. This is why I'm not sleeping.

I think I'll have to follow advice and turn off auto for now to adapt. I'm just wondering why it does this. Would I be having an episode every single time like that on the second I fall asleep?

I noticed on my reports, and this has actually woken me up - so I know the report isn't false, I will have a Clear Airway apnea right as I'm falling asleep (which I think is normal). I wonder if you are doing the same thing and your auto is catching it and adjusting to it?

[WearyOne]

Julie, maybe I didn't say it correctly, but I wasn't suggesting anyone cover the vents, but rather put your hand in front of them. The air comes out pretty strong so you could be pretty far away with your arm/hand and be in no danger whatsoever in blocking them. And I'm sure in our sleep, especially if someone tosses and turns a lot, that the vent gets close to covers and pillows quite often without being covered up. Just a simple and not dangerous way that some people use to calm themselves in a breathing panic.

EDIT: It's the feeling of the all that air on your skin that kinda lets you know that yes, you're getting enough air.

[chunkyfrog]

And people try to remedy a panic attack by breathing into a paper bag.
Is that just a myth?

[BlackSpinner]

And people try to remedy a panic attack by breathing into a paper bag.
Is that just a myth?

No it works. I have seen it work. My ex caught a really bad stomach bug once and the cramps and pain caused her to hyperventilate which caused her to pass out on the bathroom floor. I called 911 and by the time the EMT's arrived she was conscious again but started to hyperventilate - all they did was hand her a paper bag and told her to breathe into it and she stopped. Now it was an official looking bag with the Montreal city emblem but is was basically a paper bag. Something about the CO2 they said.

[Xney]

And people try to remedy a panic attack by breathing into a paper bag.
Is that just a myth?

It works because it increases carbon dioxide levels. But these days I think the preferred approach is to take measured breaths.

[Mirrasi]

I can tell it's all mental. And I see someone else posted the same topic so at least it's not just me. it's such an odd feeling. I put it on and immediately feel like I'm suffocating. I want to yawn but of course I can't because it's wierd! This morning I woke up at 6 wi my typical headache. I went ahead and put the mask on and read a book. When I stopped thinking about it, I was fine. The problem is, I keep thinking about it! Lol. I think with time, a LOT of time, I kit adjust,

The worst is what happens when I fall asleep. But I've only tried 4 times. None of which was enough to get any readings (I.e. I woke up immediately and took off the mask). I'll try a few more times before tinkering with settings.

I will say this, when I lay there reading this morning, the pressure climbed to 8 on its own. I was perfectly comfortable and relaxed. So I have hope.


One nostril was sor after, I think I need to adjust it maybe. But I LOVE this hybrid mask!

[archangle]

Try consciously breathing slowly and deeply and feel the air coming in and out of your nose for a few breaths. Lift up the edge of you mask and feel the air gush out under pressure.

I agree to stop using ramp, and you may need your minimum (starting) pressure increased.

[Guest]

There are many aspects of the hosehead life that are "all in your head". I used to have that feeling of suffocation at the starting ramp pressure. I also used to get the feeling during nasal congestion.

"Used to."

I decided that before I could really decide on any pressure changes or anything, that I should get some hard data on my situation. I bought a pulse-ox unit and wore it... and learned that while I was lying there "suffocating" my SPO2 was nice & steady and stayed above 96%.

I finally turned the ramp setting off, but it was because the changes in pressure were keeping me awake. I had no more feeling of suffocation, because I KNEW better. Even with the nasal congestion, feeling that I wasn't able to pull enough air through my nose, or maybe only getting air on one side... meh, I'm getting enough O2. I know - so I relax, and I sleep.

Another discovery - for me, anyway, and I hope it will work for others... a few minutes of humidified air pushing its way into my nose clears up my congestion. When the congestion is pretty bad, I'll start with a squirt or two of saline spray, and after a few minutes of pressure I'm breathing freely. No more Afrin, not even Flonase - just plain saline.

The pulse-ox data CHANGED what was "in my head", removing a lot of my worry-wart attitude, and giving me what we all hope for - a better night's sleep.