HELP!!

jobe2433 · Post by **jobe2433** » Wed Aug 17, 2011 2:15 pm

My sleep doctor had me use an APAP for 4 weeks to check the average pressure. On my regular cpap machine I was set at 9. The APAP is saying my average pressure is now 14.5. So I just tried this new pressure on my cpap and its really strong and very uncomfortable. I already bloat at 9 and I dont know what i will feel like with a 14.5. I think with the apap it would kick on only when I needed the high pressure while I was sleeping so I never really knew it was getting that high. What should I do? I dont think I am going to be able to fall asleep with this pressure. Worried.
Any advice would help....

BlackSpinner · Post by **BlackSpinner** » Wed Aug 17, 2011 2:22 pm

Get a good APAP machine of course.

OutaSync · Post by **OutaSync** » Wed Aug 17, 2011 2:26 pm

If the straight pressure is uncomfortable for you and fill up ith air, call you doctor and tell him that you can not tolerate it. They call that "failing" CPAP and it may qualify you for a permanent APAP, or better, yet, a BiPap.

77Godspeed · Post by **77Godspeed** » Wed Aug 17, 2011 2:28 pm

I started out with cpap 10 pressure. I then bought a intellipap and the lower limit is set for 9 and upper is 18. My usage data says the highest the pressure goes is about 14 at times, some nights it stays at 9 all night long. The auto adjust machine is the best.

LSAT · Post by **LSAT** » Wed Aug 17, 2011 3:39 pm

jobe2433 wrote:My sleep doctor had me use an APAP for 4 weeks to check the average pressure. On my regular cpap machine I was set at 9. The APAP is saying my average pressure is now 14.5. So I just tried this new pressure on my cpap and its really strong and very uncomfortable. I already bloat at 9 and I dont know what i will feel like with a 14.5. I think with the apap it would kick on only when I needed the high pressure while I was sleeping so I never really knew it was getting that high. What should I do? I dont think I am going to be able to fall asleep with this pressure. Worried.
Any advice would help....

If the average pressure recorded was 14.5 you must have been up there for most of the night. You might try setting your machine at 10-11 for a few nights and then gradually increase to 14

TalonNYC · Post by **TalonNYC** » Wed Aug 17, 2011 3:58 pm

There's also quite a few machines with ramp feature sets. They start the pressure out low and can climb to your set pressure over the course of up to an hour. That might be a short-term fix until you can convince the doc to get you an APAP.

Otter · Post by **Otter** » Wed Aug 17, 2011 4:14 pm

TalonNYC wrote:That might be a short-term fix until you can convince the doc to get you an APAP.

Yeah. But the trouble with a long ramp time is that you're not protected against apnea as you fall asleep.

Did the APAP have an exhalation relief feature that's different than your CPAP? If so, try to get this feature. Also, it's possible that you needed higher pressure with the APAP because of the ER.

jobe2433 · Post by **jobe2433** » Thu Aug 18, 2011 2:25 pm

Thank you guys for the advice! I tried sleeping with the cpap last night and I was right the pressure is way to strong for me when trying to fall asleep. I was laying in bed burping and it felt like a helicopter on my face. I could never fall asleep so i finally just took the damn thing off..lol I am calling my sleep doctor now!

TalonNYC · Post by **TalonNYC** » Thu Aug 18, 2011 2:29 pm

try the ramp, and bully your doc for an APAP =)

Sleepy Taz · Post by **Sleepy Taz** » Thu Aug 18, 2011 2:43 pm

At first that setting can be a little daunting and you will feel like there is no way that you can sleep, but there are things that you can do to ease the transition. Start by sitting in front of the TV or computer with the mask on. Work on breathing normally in a steady rhythm and in time you will be enjoying a TV show or surfing the web and not notice the air. As a matter of fact you may get to the point where you will enjoy it so much that you will look forward to sleeping. Getting adjusted to Cpap and air pressures is as much a mind set as it is the physical aspect. Those who are determined to make it work will, and those who are looking for excuses will find them I started out at a pressure of 14 at a time where there was no mask exchange or humidifiers, or any support of any kind. The machines were loud and the masks leaked like a sieve and were only replaced when they broke and my cost was 100% of the DME price. Once I stopped struggling with it and thought it out I found my comfort zone and have spent over 20 years perfecting it. Develop a can do attitude and look for ways to make it work for you. Right now I use nasal pillows at a pressure of 17 and for the most part I sleep well each night. There are a lot of people on this forum who have the technical expertise to help you, but first you need to help yourself.

apneawho · Post by **apneawho** » Thu Aug 18, 2011 2:46 pm

I am a small lady and I use constant pressure of 14 with nasal pillows. I am completing 4 weeks of therapy today and I actually feel very comfortable on my setting. I am not sure if it is psychological or real, but I feel less comfortable at lower pressures when the ramp is on and I am falling asleep, so I lowered my ramp time considerably. I am telling you all of this so you will have hope that it can be tolerated and tolerated in a good way. Best wishes for success.

jobe2433 · Post by **jobe2433** » Thu Aug 18, 2011 3:27 pm

Ok so I just called my sleep doctor who is going to see me tomorrow. I let him know its not so much the pressure while I am sleeping but the constant pressure before going to sleep and the burping that I can stand. I did not have this on the APAP. I am going to ask if they would give me an APAP or Bipap tomorrow. He also suggested a dental appliance but I cannot do since I have lockjaw. I will keep you posted on the progress. Hopefully something will give! Thanks again,

jobe2433 · Post by **jobe2433** » Thu Aug 18, 2011 3:38 pm

Oh When I was talking to his nurse on the phone she told me they have never done an auto pap. Why would this be?

apneawho · Post by **apneawho** » Thu Aug 18, 2011 3:58 pm

My doctor won't do an APAP either. He explained why, but I think it is BS. I will switch doctors.

DoriC · Post by **DoriC** » Thu Aug 18, 2011 5:32 pm

apneawho wrote:My doctor won't do an APAP either. He explained why, but I think it is BS. I will switch doctors.

So what was his explanation?

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