Issues...Please Help!

SingleMom · Post by **SingleMom** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 5:43 am

I've been using CPAP for 15 out 16 days now, and there is no difference, except now my nose hurts! According to my machine, my #s are low (I think).

leak: .52
AHI: 2.2
AI: .1
HI: .2

What do I do? I'm so tired. My legs are sore in the morning, like I worked out the previous day. But I've been so tired that I haven't even considered working out lately. I just feel all over weak and tired.

Pad A Cheek · Post by **Pad A Cheek** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 5:59 am

You are probably doing everything perfecly fine.

When starting CPAP therapy that first month is often a difficult one. You may be getting great sleep but your body is paying back a "sleep debt" that you have built up by not sleeping well.
Getting the sleep with CPAP is going to help you pay back that "debt" and then you will gradually start to feel better.

It really does take time to feel the full benefit of the CPAP therapy.
There are many people here that will help you get through the rough times. Stick with it, you will begin to have more energy when you are getting good quality sleep.

Take care and feel free to ask for help. That is what we are here for.

Karen

mindy · Post by **mindy** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 6:08 am

Hi SingleMom,

It would help if you would fill out your profile with machine and mask info. From your numbers, I would guess that you have a Resmed machine. If I remember correctly, your leak number looks to be on the high side (hopefully someone who knows more about that machine will reply to this also). If you are having much higher than "normal" leak rates, you may be losing much of your therapy and therefore won't feel much better. Are you a mouth breather?

Also, if you have a sore nose, there are options that can help with that. If you are using nasal pillows, you might try a little Ayr Gel or KY Gel - put a little around your nares a few minutes before you put your mask on. I find I don't need that stuff any more but it sure helped in the beginning.

Hang in there and be sure to search the forum and ask questions!

Mindy

SingleMom · Post by **SingleMom** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 6:16 am

My machine says PRESS: 6.2. Is that the pressure it's set at? If so I was told my pressure is 7.

mindy · Post by **mindy** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 6:18 am

If you have the "ramp" feature, the "Press 6.2" might be the average pressure for the night .... just guessing here!!!

Mindy

SingleMom · Post by **SingleMom** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 6:28 am

Yes it does have ramp. I think I'm questioning it because my #s are the same every night.

mindy · Post by **mindy** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 6:33 am

If you use the same ramp time and values and have a fixed pressure for the rest of the night, if your length of sleep if similar, you could get the same number every night.

m

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 6:41 am

You have a poorly fitted mask ... or rather, you face does not fit the mask the dumb DME gave you which is why your leak rate is way too high.

Until you get the right mask for YOUR face and fitted correctly, the other numbers don't mean much.

Go back to your DME/RT and tell them you want a properly fitted mask and not a mask that makes them the most profit.

NeedinZs · Post by **NeedinZs** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 7:52 am

Hi SingleMom,

I'm sorry to hear you're feeling so bad. I, too, think it sounds like you may have an ill-fitting mask. Your pressure is pretty low, compared to most on here, so if you're losing some of that pressure through leaks due to your mask, you may simply not be getting ANY therapy/ enough air.

How do you FEEL that your mask fits? Were you actually fitted, or how did you come to attain the mask you're using. It looks like its a full face mask, is that right? And how do your nights go in general?

If you have a DME/Dr. to work with, I wouldn't suffer any longer, I'd be complaining TODAY! And don't let them put you off with lame excuses, that's what they're getting paid for!!

Keep us posted, and keep coming back.

Do not let someone's mistake with fitting you for a mask (IF that was the case) make you give up on YOUR therapy. It does take quite a while to iron out all the problems that can arise with CPAP. Everyone goes through finding the right mask, perfect pressure, etc. It will be worth it, please don't give up.

Especially since you're SingleMom!!!!

KansasRT · Post by **KansasRT** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 8:11 am

Your profile shows a F&P 431 mask which should have come with two other sized seals. What size are you using and do you have the other two seals? If so try them for a better fit. You probably need a different full face mask. The F&P full face masks work great for some people, but I find them really hard to keep a good seal all night. Most of the time around the cheek's they leak all night. Not enough to wake you up, but enough so that you don't get full treatment.

SingleMom · Post by **SingleMom** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 8:40 am

The mask I'm using is the one I was given during my titration study, one seal, bag says short term use only. My DME didn't give me a mask with my set up. I complained and finally got a script for the highly rated Quattro. My DME sent me a medium. It doesn't fit and even if it did, it's really uncomfortable. DME says there is nothing they can do since I used the mask. How do you know if it fits if you don't USE it!!?? So DME says I have to use Quattro or F&P from hospital. They can get me a nasal mask (pointless since I can't use nasal), but otherwise I'm out of luck, insurance will not pay for another FF mask. They shouldn't have to, DME never fitted me. I'm not sure who to complain to next. I've called insurance, DME and Dr. No luck.

NeedinZs · Post by **NeedinZs** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 9:12 am

O.K. I am REALLY steamed right now! How can a DME NOT set up a person with a mask when they deliver a machine? What do they think they are in the BUSINESS of doing????? And than they blame the patient when they just send them one and it doesn't fit?? With their mark-up?

I'm hoping someone else who has experience dealing with DME's can give you some advice on how to proceed.

Hang in there!!

sleepycarol · Post by **sleepycarol** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 9:13 am

Keep complaining to the DME and to the doc. Is the DME and Doc connected? Did the doc give you a choice of DME (provided your insurance has more than one you can use -- check with insurance company to find out which DME's are in network)? Do you have your prescriptions in hand? Who prescribed your machine and mask -- the sleep doctor or your primary care doctor? If the sleep doctor prescribed is your primary care doctor willing to help you out?

I know that usually the masks can be exchanged within 30 days as the DME's get a refund if the masks are returned to them with the proper paperwork within this time. Let the DME know that you are aware of this policy.

NeedinZs · Post by **NeedinZs** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 9:16 am

One more thing....in regard to nasal masks....have you read posts on here explaining mouth taping and poli-grip strips?

mindy · Post by **mindy** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 9:50 am

From what I've heard, Carol is right about the exchange policy. If you return the mask to DME within 30 days, they can send it back to manufacturer and get a refund so you shouldn't in any case need to suffer with a poorly fitting mask. Mine did that with an FP 432 which didn't work well and no problems.

The quattro tends to run large so if you would normally take a medium, you might need a small. They also have an even smaller size called "petite".

Mindy

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Issues...Please Help!

Issues...Please Help!

Feeling tired Still