Exhaling problems without mask

[Kazizza]

I think my APAP is causing exhaling issues when I am NOT wearing my mask.

I recently started using an APAP to treat my OSA. I have been using a ResMed Mirage Liberty mask with the nasal pillows, and as expected, had to get use to wearing it without it leaking for several nights.

When I would wear the mask at night, I felt the resistence of air on exhale, but was rather comfortable with it. However, after the fourth day of wearing the mask, I noticed I was experiencing the same sensation during the day without the mask! After the fifth night, it was even worse. It was most notable when I would speak, and I could hardly complete a full sentence (sounded much like Chrisopher Reeve!).

Wife and I became very worried and went to ER. Blood work, CAT scan of chest, and a multitude of other tests said I was just fine. Benn off the mask for three nights and the breathing is getting better, but now I am not getting and sleep!

I tried changing the CFLEX level but it had been disabled the whole time(errantly by the med company I got it from).

Can anyone provide insight?

[Rachael]

When I first started with CPAP I also had a number of odd breathing problems during the day, not quite the same as yours, but my pressure was pretty low. The strange air hunger I felt during the day faded after about a month of adjustment.

Perhaps if you could stick with cpap, even if it's only a few hours a night, you could get used to the sensation. In the meantime perhaps an at home oxymeter would help you feel more confident that all is well? For during the day, so when you feel your breathing is odd you can check and make sure you are getting enough O2.

[JZ]

I was short of breath for several weeks after starting CPAP, and I have seen others here say the same. I can't tell from your description is that is what you are experiencing. The shortness of breath seems to happen to many of us who are shallow breathers. The CPAP pressure pushes air into parts of the lungs all night that are not used to consistently getting air. That can make the lungs a little sore, but the feeling goes away within a few days to weeks after beginning CPAP. Since shortness of breath and other breathing problems can be a sign of many things, some serious, it is a good idea to discuss it with your doctor.

Janna

[Kazizza]

Thank you both SOOOOOO much for the replies! I have been having anxiety attacks as I deal with my apnea and this was adding to it. Thanks for a bit of comfort!