New to the game

[akpacfan]

After the PSG etc... I received a call from the sleep center to tell me they have a prescription for a cpap machine and to come in for instructions. I got it yesterday, (Friday).

It's a Remstar pro w/c-flex and a heated humidifier. It is set to ramp from 4 to 13. However, after I spent all day setting it up comfortably and all set to sleep. I found after about two minutes that I couldn't breathe comfortably with it and had to ditch the effort.

My question is... When they say "it takes getting used to." Is this what they mean and that I will eventually get over it and get used to breathing in this manner every night? Or perhaps there is something wrong with the machine and it won't allow me to exhale properly.

I've scoured the manual but even it treats you like a moron and other than basic function, tells nothing about this problem.

I'd hate to think the only sleep I'll get is an overload of C/O and am just passing out!

Any help is definitely appreciated.

[ozij]

If you can't exhale, you'll wake up, no need to worry about that.

Most people get used to breathing out against higher pressure eventually, it's almost like strength training: you muscles work harder, and you no longer feel the effort.

13 is on the high side - are you using th cflex - which makes exhaling easier?

What is the timing of you ramp (how much time does it give you between start and maximum?)
What was the pressure when you stopped?

Do you thing it's a physical thing (pressure really to high) or a psychological thing (oh my goodness, what is this strange thing I have to fight against)?

You could ask your Dr. if it's possible to give you a gradual "getting used to it" plan, with the pressure lower to start with, and raised gradually.

Tell him/her that non-optimal therapy on a temporary basis is better than non-used therapy.

Good luck, and keep us posted.
O.

[ufo13]

To akpacfan:

osij has it covered very well! It is right on! as was asked "ARE YOU USING C-FLEX " ? that is the first thing i would check as i beleive this machine does have that feature. It does or should make the exhilation much easier for you! as osij say's keep at it - the therapy does work and i have been at it over 11 years!

Best to you and welcome,

steve,
ufo13

[rested gal]

Since you said after "two minutes" you were uncomfortable breathing, it sounds like the ramp set to start at a pressure of "4" is too low for you.

Anything starting below 6 would make me feel suffocated trying to breathe. You're not really "suffocating" at 4, but it can sure feel that way. I'd ask the DME to raise the ramp starting pressure to 5 or 6, or even 7 if that felt better. Actually, I'd turn it up myself, but that means knowing how to get into the clinicial menu, which a lot of people on this message board can tell you how to do.

I've scoured the manual but even it treats you like a moron and other than basic function, tells nothing about this problem.

I agree. If a person is reasonably intelligent, I think It's ridiculous for the therapy set up instructions to be hidden.

Check your Private Messages.

[OldSeaRock]

RG hit the nail on the head. I'd take the whole rig back to your DME and get the settings corrected to meet your specific needs.

The DME I work with (wonderful!) has a bed set up so you can literally put the mask on and lay down. I suggest you do this at your DME if possible, talk it through with the R/T and resolve the issues.

Hang in there~

[sleepysuze]

I am also a new user and I felt like you did. I have a REMStar plus with C-flex and my c-flex setting is at 3 (which is the easiest exhalation) My ramp starts at 4 and it does feel harder to breathe that low. My pressure is 10 and I find that I can feel and hear the release in pressure upon exhalation better at that pressure.

Don't give up! I have a different mask (it has nasal pillows) so I don't know what yours feels like. It did take me about a week to get comfortable with the mask and pressure.

Good Luck to you!