Pressure and weight gain issues

[deglorious]

Hi, I just got home from another sleep study last night. I visited the Dr. office yesterday and since I've gained 25 lbs. since starting cpap she wanted me to have a re-titration. They were able to get me in right away so I went.

Since starting cpap I've switched to a full face mask and gained weight. Hubdroid says that I've started snoring again. My initial pressure was set at 8. The sleep tech wouldn't tell me the final number (he said that the doc would have to tell me) but he alluded to 13 - 14. I did not sleep well even though he said I went through all the stages of sleep. I took my own mask (the quattro) so I wouldn't have to sleep with an unknown mask and that was OK with them. However, I felt like I fought the mask all night long due to leaks and noises I've never had to deal with at the pressure I was initially prescribed. How do you all with the higher pressures deal with the leaks with a ffm??

The tech said that I had my mask on too tight. I had complained about having to deal with red, raised welts on my face from the mask and he said that was the reason. I thought that maybe I was allergic to the plastic cushion. He said that was very rare and most likely my skin was not getting oxygen and therefore erupting in the morning. I'd had my quattro for one year before I ever broke out so this development has been a point of frustration for me. I use Dawn unscented to wash and/or baby wash and do a white vinegar soak on occasion. I've tried using another mask and got the same reaction so it's not that particular one.

However, by loosening up the straps when he upped the pressure I had to deal with all the leaks. Needless to say I feel like I hardly slept. He had to come in a few times to tighten the mask. So between that and the leak alarm, you can imagine the quality of my sleep.

Unfortunately, since I've gained so much weight I have no choice but to accept a higher pressure. Losing weight for me is difficult due to the Prednisone I take and other medications. I'm still dealing with the Rheumatoid Arthitis and my lungs are not good due to pulmonary fibrosis so excercising is a real chore for me.

Well, I go back to the Dr. on March 23 so until then do you think I should just go ahead and bump the pressure up or just stay at the 8 pressure. I'm a coward when it comes to doing something without the Dr's approval especially since I really don't know the final pressure. The tech said that the doctor may prescribe something different. I have all those other health issues that he has to consider and the sleep tech doesn't really know about them because I didn't want to get into it with him.

This is my life, and I just wanted to complain to someone. Thanks for listening.

Deglorious

[deglorious]

Oh yeah and I forgot to mention the massssive aerophagia I had this morning...what a pain!

Deglorious

[sleeplessinaz]

Hi There---maybe you can try and switch to a nasal mask instead of the full face one? i can only imagine how confining the full face mask must be and everyone's face is so unique that it is hard not to get leaks. The nasal masks are very light weight and easy to use. I have the SWIFT LT rigth now and love it!! I had on had the OPTI LIFE too--which is a nasal mask with stiffer nasal cushions or pillows that you can pick from different sizes. If you try some different masks this might resolve your leak issues ----

Carrie

[deglorious]

Hi Carrie, thanks for the reply. I guess I should have mentioned that I have tried nasal masks and I am a mouthbreather and they didn't work for me. I even used an ace bandage to try to keep my mouth shut and it didn't work. I've considered taping but I don't think it will work either. I even mouth breathe when I am awake... A lost cause I am afraid...

Deglorious

[sleeplessinaz]

Hi---OH NO--LOL! well have you tried the chin straps? I read on here that lots of people use those to keep the mouth closed. I am not a mouth breather thank goodness so I can see how a nasal mask might not work as well. I would seriously try something to get away from the full face masks as they are going to leave pressure marks on your face, and then when you lose the weight--you will still need a new mask for the change in your facial shape. I am telling that these nasal masks are the way to go these days---much less combursome and I hardly even notice now that I have a mask ON at night!!! Might want to give it a whirl plus a chin strap. I lost 22 pounds after starting CPAP and being diagnosed with borderline diabetes-----

Carrie

[kteague]

Hi. Some of your story parallels mine. Just grateful I don't have to use a FFM with the leak struggles. But since lots of folks have pressures in the high teens, apparently it can be made to work. Hope you find what makes it work for you soon so your sleep can get back on track.

About changing your pressure prior to the doctor visit nearly a month away... it's not like you are a new cpap user, so it seems to me you shouldn't have to go thru the same formalities and delay to get therapeutic treatment. I think I'd call and say exactly that and ask to be given the new pressure over the phone as soon as it's available.

Not sure of your physician's setup, but most mine are part of a large HMO. One time I was unable to get results of a outside test in a timely manner because the consulting doctor wanted the referring doctor to give me the results... you know the routine. I went to medical records and requested a copy of my file since a date just prior to that test. Hey, it's my results!

Hope you get things on track soon.

Kathy

[deglorious]

Carrie--congratulations on losing all that weight! Kathy I am going to do what you say about calling and asking what the pressure should be instead of waiting for a month.

I'm still not convinced about the chin strap working, though because I can hardly have anything on my head that is elasticized--it gives me a big headache. Surprisingly the headgear is loose enough that it does not cause a headache. Besides, I get "chipmunk cheeks" when my mouth fills up with air even though my lips are closed and my jaw is still in place. I guess that is another reason why I am skeptical about taping, too.

Thanks for reading my posts!

Deglorious

[ozij]

Unfortunately, since I've gained so much weight I have no choice but to accept a higher pressure. Losing weight for me is difficult due to the Prednisone I take and other medications. I'm still dealing with the Rheumatoid Arthitis and my lungs are not good due to pulmonary fibrosis so excercising is a real chore for me.

Well, I go back to the Dr. on March 23 so until then do you think I should just go ahead and bump the pressure up or just stay at the 8 pressure. I'm a coward when it comes to doing something without the Dr's approval especially since I really don't know the final pressure. The tech said that the doctor may prescribe something different. I have all those other health issues that he has to consider and the sleep tech doesn't really know about them because I didn't want to get into it with him.

(All added emphasis mine)

If I had lung problems I wouldn't make any changes without consulting my doctor
And, I wonder if the tech was thinking of a bi-level.

O.

[lynx]

If you are having skin issues, see a dermatologist. You may have a slight skin disorder, especially if you are pale and of a genetic make-up that allows for red hair. Treatment for any skin issues can be surprisingly easy, just make sure you apprise the dermatologist of all your medications and why you are taking them. Sadly many skin issues are incurable, but again, treatable with a topical steroid or something else pretty innocuous. Also, consider consulting someone if your diet has changed, an allergist may be appropriate. You have gained weight, so I suspect a diet change could affect you, our skin is our largest organ and we secret waste through it.

[deglorious]

Well, I suppose if I wait until the official Dr. appointment due to my lungs, that would be wiser than doing it by myself. I never considered that I might need a BiPap. I was thinking that just an Auto would be sufficient. I know that they are trying different meds on me for the PF since what I have now isn't working.

Lynx--I have been using hydrocortisone cream (I know this is a no-no but...I'm desperate) on the areas where my mask touches and that has eased the eruptions. I know that the medicine is not good for the cushion in my mask but I have a new one waiting in the wings in case this one gets ruined. My face is finally recovering. I did tell the Dr. and she cautioned me that it will thin the skin and then the blood vessels will start showing through (I have really fair skin). I've decided only to use the cortisone cream sporadically.

What else, huh?????!!!

Deglorious

[deglorious]

Well, I woke up with another rash starting again. I have not used the cortisone for a few days now...
Deglorious