New user.... wondering if i have too much pressure

[acbaldwi]

Hello,

First time poster, long time reader...


having been diagnosed with "severe" OSA about a month and a half ago they have put me on a cpap with cflex, using a resmed ffm, (think it is the mirage)

anyways.... i have to cinch the straps down all kindsa tight everynight to just get the thing to quit making those wonderful farting sounds.......

they have me set at 16cfm, which feels like a jetliner blowing air in front of my face......

In all honesty at this point I haven't felt any better even after getting this thing, i wear it every night, usually find that i have pulled it off my face at least 2x.......put it back on and try to sleep.....

Any thoughts on turning it down to provide more comfort/ possibly make it work better?

What cfm's have made it work for you all? I know that each person is different, but well you know how it is......

[WilsonVilleUSA]

Can't really suggest a change without knowing what your data is for events at different pressures. Of course 6 hours at a higher AHI might be better than only 2-3 hours with a lower one and no sleep the rest of the night.

I have FF mask I use when I have a cold, (MIrage as well) and it still farts incessantly at my pressure which is usually 10 or less unless I have it cinched uncomfortably tight.

I have been using a Comfort Curve nasal cushion lately and have been very happy with the combination of comfort and seal. Most recently was using an Optilife and the protrusions into my nostrils would occasionally make for a sore nose. Masks can be expensive, but you need to find one that works and go from there.

[acbaldwi]

Ahhh if only a nasal would work......

I have sinus infections so often every year that they wouldnt even consider it...
Wish i could tell you what my #'s are but the machine doesnt appear to support thist

it's a remstar plus m series, bit i see no smartcard/chip in it...... so I dont think it is gathering usefull data...... just a dumb machine provided by aetna....

[WilsonVilleUSA]

I have been on xPAP for over 4 years now. I used to get pretty bad sinus infections 3-4 times a year, since the age of about 22-23 (turning 46 next month). They came like clock in the spring and fall. Since I have been hosing it, i have had just ONE sinus infection. I can't say there is a connection for sure, but it sure seems to be an odd coincidence.

In fact my first mask was FF for that very reason and being a mouth breather when I slept. After trying a nasal mask I found that I have no problem nose breathing and the sinus issues are almost non-existent. I still use the FF on occasion when I have a cold or flu, but for the most part nasal has been the way to go even thoguh I initially thought there would be no way it would work.

Give one a try, you just might be surprised...

[roster]

You are getting advice from people who do not know which mask you are using. This is not a good way to get detailed advice.

Fill out your equipment details in the member profile.

[boston]

seems to me if you want a nasal mask, you should be able to use it, then when you have an infection, switch to the ffm

[acbaldwi]

Well went to the dme, and am now being switched tot he quattro..... they had to have it shipped to me, but with any luck it wont leak Can you have too much pressure?

[Goofproof]

Well went to the dme, and am now being switched tot he quattro..... they had to have it shipped to me, but with any luck it wont leak Can you have too much pressure?

Yes, you can, you could get your script and get a APAP out of pocket, then get the software and reader and have a much more informed idea of your needed pressure, It wouldn't be the first time they miss with the pull the pressure out of the hat trick. The DME gave you the machine he could make the most profit on, not the machine thats in your best interest. You can go along with his decision or buy online a machine that will point you in the correct direction, or go for another $2,000 sleep lab, I got my script and bought a APAP from our host and took control. Because of that treatment is working. Jim

[turbosnore]

Also, be patient, you probably get used to the pressure eventually. Have you tried using the ramp?
I have the same problem. I still feel tired, but one thing where the treatment shows, is
that I don't fall asleep in the middle of the day.

[Wulfman]

My philosophy is that if your prescribed pressure is too high to tolerate at first, lower it to a pressure that's comfortable....maybe like 10 cm., and work up from there. SOME pressure is better than something that you can't tolerate yet......and is more than you were getting before you started therapy. I also think it helps people become more compliant.

Den

[acbaldwi]

Actually,

I don't mind bumping it up.... they set me at 15 to start but if 20 would guarantee (so to speak) that i would not have problems, then well lets just do it

I haven't needed the ramp feature just turn it on full strength.....

just wondering if there is such a thing as too much pressure

[Wulfman]

Actually,

I don't mind bumping it up.... they set me at 15 to start but if 20 would guarantee (so to speak) that i would not have problems, then well lets just do it

I haven't needed the ramp feature just turn it on full strength.....

just wondering if there is such a thing as too much pressure

My opinion......
There is such a thing as using too much pressure "than is necessary". Also, if a person is susceptible to "pressure induced" Central Apneas, too much pressure could/would drastically affect their therapy.

As "Snoredog" used to say, "There are no prizes for using the highest pressure".


Den

[roster]

.......As "Snoredog" used to say, "There are no prizes for using the highest pressure".


Den

That's a good one. I heard a stock car star, Petty, once say, upon being asked about his secret to success, "I just drive as slow as I possibly can while still coming in first."

He went on to say that poorer drivers drove too fast and their engine failed or their tires blew out or they wrecked due to the higher speeds. Petty knew just where the fine line was between winning and failing.

Using a pressure higher than necessary contributes to leaks, drying of airways, more difficulty sleeping and in some people induces central apneas. Get a machine with software and figure out the lowest pressure that will control your sleep apnea.

[acbaldwi]

Very well,

the new mask arrived today, and i am so tired i would try just about anything

Will keep it at my prescribed 15cm tonight, and see how it goes... wish me luck.......

heck thinking about it i may just try ti after i get home and sleep for 15 hours boy that would be nice.....

[EzJones]

Cleaning the mask & washing my face right b4 I go to bed help a lot with those farting sounds. I'm new at this also & took my a bit to figure that out. But if I skip 1 night of cleaning I have that same problem. Good luck!