Difficult Adjustment

[hhemlepp]

I started using my cpap about 2 months ago. I had really bad apnea (over 30 episodes an hour). Also extremely loud snorer. When I got my cap I was so happy because everyone that I know that has one told me how great they feel after using theirs. I feel miserable! I have a runny nose and a cough that I struggle with all night and at times during the day. It is a horrible tickle in my throat. I am using a nasal pillow mask. I have tried a full face mask and feel like I'm suffocating . My machine has a humidifier on it and my level on that is set at 2. I have a cpap app on my phone. I don't really understand the values on it but last night my AHI was 7.8 and my 90% pressure was 13.0. I want to be successful with this because I can't go back to having my family suffer through my snoring...any help will be so appreciated!

[Pugsy]

Exactly which machine are you using? Sounds like maybe a Respironics machine.
And are you heating a heated hose? The reason I ask is because a setting of 2 is low on some machines and not others.

Your nasal symptoms could be related to the humidity setting...you may need more or less but I need to know what your 2 is giving you first.
So need to know machine brand, model and heated hose or not.

Google "cpap rhinitis"

Use a better software to see what AHI is made up of. It's likely too high still but we need more details.
https://sleep.tnet.com/equipment

[Julie]

And if you use Lisinopril, it's known to cause coughing and your doctor could suggest another med.

[Pusby]

I'm using the Respironic DreamStation

[Pugsy]

I'm using the Respironic DreamStation

Exactly which model? If unsure look on the blower for a 3 digit number beginning with DSX and tell us the 3 digits?
Is the hose a heated hose or not?
If it isn't a heated hose that setting of 2 is a really low humidity setting and your symptoms likely are from too little added moisture.
Google "cpap rhinitis" and read up.

Get the software...let's see what the pressure is doing when you feel like you are suffocating.

[Pusby]

I have the DSX500H11C. It has an attached humidifier

[Pugsy]

Look at the hose where it attaches to the humidifier...do you see any electrical looking stuff?

[Pusby]

Yes! There is.

[Pugsy]

http://www.apneaboard.com/adjust-cpap-p ... tup-manual

Okay, you have the heated hose.
That setting of 2 is relatively low. Go to the link above and request the provider manual for you machine and figure out how to increase the humidity delivered (I think you will need to go into the clinical setup menu area to change humidity %).

When the nasal mucosa aren't happy with the moisture content of the air they react like they would if you have a bad allergy attack with some ugly miserable symptoms.
That may be what is going on with you.
Some people need more moisture and some need less. Since you are already using a lower setting I suggest that you try more humidity and see how that works for you. It's something you will just have to play with to see what makes your nasal mucosa happy.
I need as much as the machine will crank out to keep my nose happy. Others need minimal humidity or even no added moisture.
Don't know which way you will end up being but since you are having symptoms at a low setting...try a higher setting.

It may take a couple of days to get the mucosa happy...in the meantime treat the symptoms like you normally would if it was an allergy attack or upper respiratory infection. Use something like Simply Saline frequently during the day and/or oral decongestants if need be.

[D.H.]

I have the DSX500H11C. It has an attached humidifier

This model number (no C on the end) is the Auto-CPAP.

[D.H.]

Yes, try turning the humidity and the heated hose up.

Note that if your AHI is reduced significantly, your risk for heart attack, stroke, diabetes, glaucoma, and high blood pressure are reduced. If you already have any of these, the risk of them worsening is less with a reduced AHI.