New Bipap user with lots of problems

[LarryPer1]

New Bipap user with lots of problems

Thanks in advance for all replies
This is my first week of treatment..My doc says I have really severe apnea so I had to go bipap with a setting of 24/20 . This seems like allot of air pressure . It does have a step up so I can fall asleep but after 2 hours my mouth is bone dry and my teeth are frozen , no amount of added moisture helps also my sinus fluids seem to be pushed into my ears so I can't hear well and am in allot of pain.
I will go back but am afraid he won't lower the pressure and make me take the sleep test over again ( hated that )
Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Many Thanks
Larry

[scrapper]

Your fears are unfounded.........

I would either call the doc to lessen the pressures or learn some more here and do it yourself--start by registering your equipment by going to the User Control Panel on the top left side in the light blue banner, click on the Profile tab on the top, and then click on Edit Equipment on the left side........... Tell us what equipment you are using, etc.

I am confident that the sleep study would not be repeated at this point--insurance wouldn't even pay for it.

Do not give up.........we're here to support you. Welcome. Now tell us all more....like what equipment you are using to start with......... Everyone has problems to start with, that's why we are all here.

[robysue]

LarryPer1,

I'd strongly recommend that you call the sleep doctor's office and explain to the receptionist that you are having really severe problems adjusting to the therapy and that you need to speak to a nurse or PA about what's going on. If the receptionist asks you for a description of your problems, carefully explain all the problems you are experiencing during your first week on BiPAP. Be prepared to explain them again to the nurse or PA. And see if you can move your follow up appointment to much, much earlier.

Keep a log of everything that's causing you problems. A few notes of the following sort every morning is fine: Couldn't get to sleep for 2 hours. Ear pain and sinus pain woke me up two or three times. Teeth frozen again this morning.

Bring two copies of the list with you to your in-person follow up meeting---one for you and one for the doc, nurse, or PA who sees you. Politely, but firmly inform them these side effects are genuinely disruptive of your sleep and you need and want help solving them.

[cflame1]

Larry,
What mask are you using? Is there a potential that you could be mouth breathing (with the dry mouth)?

[LarryPer1]

My mask is a Mirage Quatro
I think the issue is too much air pressure

[Pugsy]

It is still possible to have dry mouth from mouth breathing while using any full face mask. People do breathe in and out using a full face mask. Even with the humidifier maxed, people still get the dry mouth. Just can't add enough moisture to compensate for the air drying things out.

It is also very likely that those gale force pressures aren't helping any dry mouth issues either. Talk to your doctor, maybe a different combination of settings on the BiPap can give you some relief.