Didn't use my CPAP machine last night

[Lissalove7]

I mentioned in an earlier post that I have been having breathing difficulties during the day. It didn't start until after starting CPAP therapy. Last night was the worse it has been so far. I even started with using EPR on the machine. I tried using my machine last night but ended up having to take the mask off because it seemed to me like it was harder to breathe and I wanted to be able to get some sleep. Have any of you ever experienced this? I know I haven't been using the machine that long at all.. but is it possible it could be related to being on cpap therapy?

[Divreon]

My wife had similar results in her first weeks, but it was mostly due to anxiety. Horrible dreams followed by waking up and not being able to get as much air as you feel you should and having to rip the mask off. She wasn't using EPR. When we set the EPR to 3, she was able to get a good night sleep for the first time on CPAP. Past two nights no wake ups. If you can stand to test it, find out if the lack of air when waking is the CPAP or just anxiety. If the CPAP isn't set high enough, you can always up it a bit.

[BeanMeScot]

It's possible you are not getting enough air. The first night I tried my APAP, I couldn't lay down because I wasn't getting enough air. I upped the pressure by .5 and I was suddenly fine. YMMV

[NeurosurgeryNP]

I felt like this in the beginning as well. What worked for me was to increase the humidifier setting - the dry air really bothered me I found out. Also, I have a back up full face mask for nights when I am congested. If I am just a wee bit congested - I get the same air hunger with a nasal mask on - even if I can breathe through my nose.

[ChipsXJ]

Last night was my 2nd night of therapy. So take this with a grain of salt.

I am claustrophobic and suffer anxiety when I have to put on the mask. What I do to help is grab the latch that I disconnect to remove my mask ( do not take it off just hold it) and keep thinking (or saying out loud) " I can take this off if I want to..........several times before I fall asleep or throughout the night.

My first night I was afraid/reluctant to move or adjust my mask.........felt like I was in a regimented medical procedure/test.

So, my 2nd night I decided that this was just part of my life now and I was going to be living with it from now on. If my face itched, I lifted the mask and scratched it. If I wanted to wipe my face or mask then I lifted the mask and wiped it. If I wanted to lift the mask and take a gulp of air, I did. I think that really helped me last night (the 2nd night) by making me feel a little more in control. I was still anxious.......but a more manageable feeling that I think will get better every night.

You might want to talk to your doc or therapist and let them know about your issues.......but I think it may just be a little anxiety.

We have to stay on track/course so we can reclaim our lives. Keep trying, Good Luck and God Bless.

[Wulfman]

I mentioned in an earlier post that I have been having breathing difficulties during the day. It didn't start until after starting CPAP therapy. Last night was the worse it has been so far. I even started with using EPR on the machine. I tried using my machine last night but ended up having to take the mask off because it seemed to me like it was harder to breathe and I wanted to be able to get some sleep. Have any of you ever experienced this? I know I haven't been using the machine that long at all.. but is it possible it could be related to being on cpap therapy?

I looked back though your posts but couldn't find what pressure you're using. I can understand how a pressure too high or too low could cause what you described.

What pressure are you using?

Den

[Jason S.]

I have the same mask. For leaks, I find lifting it up and dropping it back down will reseal it most of the time. Sometimes you can use your fingertip to curl in the outer edge of the liner back towards your face to stop a leak without lifting the mask. I'm a sidesleeper so not jarring the mask is a challenge. I tried the CPAP pillow buts its too hard and too high. Instead I rotate my flat pillow (clockwise when sleeping on left side) so it supports the top part of my head but is pulled away from my nose and mouth area.

Hang in there, your anxiety will drop as time goes by, and once you start feeling better you'll look forward to wearing the mask.

[Lissalove7]

I mentioned in an earlier post that I have been having breathing difficulties during the day. It didn't start until after starting CPAP therapy. Last night was the worse it has been so far. I even started with using EPR on the machine. I tried using my machine last night but ended up having to take the mask off because it seemed to me like it was harder to breathe and I wanted to be able to get some sleep. Have any of you ever experienced this? I know I haven't been using the machine that long at all.. but is it possible it could be related to being on cpap therapy?

I looked back though your posts but couldn't find what pressure you're using. I can understand how a pressure too high or too low could cause what you described.

What pressure are you using?

Den

I don't have a problem using CPAP and falling asleep. I do that with no problem other than last night. My breathing difficulties are during the day. My pressure is set at 11.

[Georgio]

Can you describe your breathing problem during the day? Stuffy nose? Difficulty taking a deep breath?

[nobody]

I have history of asthma and at first using the CPAP seemed to make my chest feel heavy all day as though I were having asthma problems. It went away pretty quickly, though, like within the first week I'd say.

[Lissalove7]

Can you describe your breathing problem during the day? Stuffy nose? Difficulty taking a deep breath?

I have difficulty taking deep breaths. Eventually I am able to, but it can take awhile. Other than that, that's all I'm experiencing.

[Lissalove7]

Can you describe your breathing problem during the day? Stuffy nose? Difficulty taking a deep breath?

I have difficulty taking deep breaths. Eventually I am able to, but it can take awhile. Other than that, that's all I'm experiencing.

This is actually the best way to describe it..
The sensation is like you're breathing as deep as you can but it's never a satisfying breath and only occasionally will you be able to take a deep breath that is satisfying

[ozij]

Lissalove,
Please go to a doctor and have him listen to your lungs.
Shortness of breath can indicate other health problems, and is often an indicator of a heart attack in women. I'm not saying this is what you have. I am saying this is the kind of symptom you want chceked by a pro.

O.

[KengEsq]

I mentioned in an earlier post that I have been having breathing difficulties during the day. It didn't start until after starting CPAP therapy. Last night was the worse it has been so far. I even started with using EPR on the machine. I tried using my machine last night but ended up having to take the mask off because it seemed to me like it was harder to breathe and I wanted to be able to get some sleep. Have any of you ever experienced this? I know I haven't been using the machine that long at all.. but is it possible it could be related to being on cpap therapy?

Unless I set my Inhale level to fast I had difficulty breathing while using my CPAP when I used the Escape II - check that setting. If it is set to anything but fast there will be a delay in increasing your pressure after you exhale and that made me feel like I was not getting enough air to breathe. After reading that your problem is during the day, you need to see your doctor right away.

[CollegeGirl]

Lissa...CPAP definitely does not cause difficulty breathing during the day. If you're having difficulty breathing, definitely go see a doctor. Unless it's anxiety-related, there's a 99.9% chance it has nothing to do with the CPAP.