Hi Everyone,
I've recently started back on CPAP after a break of a few months. I got frustrated and couldn't stand it anymore but I'm ready to start again.
I picked up a new mask (I'm lucky enough that my health insurance through work will reimburse me for these now, I had to pay out of pocket before) last week and have been struggling to get used to it once again. I picked the Swift FX, as I found the Swift LT most comfortable. So far it's been a nightmare, I cannot get it to stop leaking! My leak rates each night are 0.6-0.7l/s and while my leak rates have always been horrible, they've never been quite this bad.
I don't think I'm mouth breathing as I've tried taping my mouth closed and the leak rates remain high. Does anyone have any suggestions? I've searched the forums here and have tried loosening the straps, trying different sized cushions etc. but to no avail.
My AHI still gets fairly low, falling to about 6.5, but I still feel pretty lousy in the morning so I assume I'm not getting the most out of my treatment.
I also had another question for the younger CPAP users here, if there are any. I'm only 25 and I'm extremely embarrassed to be using a CPAP. I've never heard of someone else my age having sleep apnea, and the people at the DMI always comment and make me feel worse. I'm not over weight either, though I do have a bit of a belly I've never been able to get rid of.
I also broke up with my girlfriend last year over problems mostly caused by my sleep issues. I've recently found someone else and I'm scared to tell her about my apnea. How have you dealt with situations like this?
Thanks!
Back on CPAP after a break
Re: Back on CPAP after a break
Glad you're back on your machine.
If you've made every effort to make your mask work- liners, the old Macks silicone earplug fix- and no one can give you ideas on how to stop the leaks you probably need another mask.
I don't know how long since you restarted, but your AHI is a bit high. You will need to get leaks under control and give your body time to adjust and heal. It can take a while to feel better- it's different for all of us. One important thing is to use your machine 100% of sleep time. You may have to work up to this, but its necessary.
If you are dating someone and it starts to feel serious just tell them about your apnea. I'm betting they have a friend or relative on the machine and will understand. In any case I don't think the machine is as much of a deal breaker as snoring (if you snore). When I go to bed with my mate after the intimate stuff when I turn over (sleep on right side to avoid exhaust air blowing on my mate) I mask up then go to sleep. If 'PAP is a deal breaker in a beginning relationship it's good to know it early. I don't think it's a very big deal. Good luck.
If you've made every effort to make your mask work- liners, the old Macks silicone earplug fix- and no one can give you ideas on how to stop the leaks you probably need another mask.
I don't know how long since you restarted, but your AHI is a bit high. You will need to get leaks under control and give your body time to adjust and heal. It can take a while to feel better- it's different for all of us. One important thing is to use your machine 100% of sleep time. You may have to work up to this, but its necessary.
If you are dating someone and it starts to feel serious just tell them about your apnea. I'm betting they have a friend or relative on the machine and will understand. In any case I don't think the machine is as much of a deal breaker as snoring (if you snore). When I go to bed with my mate after the intimate stuff when I turn over (sleep on right side to avoid exhaust air blowing on my mate) I mask up then go to sleep. If 'PAP is a deal breaker in a beginning relationship it's good to know it early. I don't think it's a very big deal. Good luck.
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Mask: Wisp Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear - Fit Pack |
Additional Comments: PR System One Remstar BiPap Auto AS Advanced. |
Dog is my copilot
Re: Back on CPAP after a break
Great to hear.Random wrote:I've recently started back on CPAP after a break of a few months. I got frustrated and couldn't stand it anymore but I'm ready to start again.
Is it leaking while you're awake or during the night? I have to make sure the headstraps are in the right position and stabilize it using both a chinstrap and some pantyhose (use the search box above, it isn't working for me just now).Random wrote:I picked up a new mask (I'm lucky enough that my health insurance through work will reimburse me for these now, I had to pay out of pocket before) last week and have been struggling to get used to it once again. I picked the Swift FX, as I found the Swift LT most comfortable. So far it's been a nightmare, I cannot get it to stop leaking! My leak rates each night are 0.6-0.7l/s and while my leak rates have always been horrible, they've never been quite this bad.
I don't think I'm mouth breathing as I've tried taping my mouth closed and the leak rates remain high. Does anyone have any suggestions? I've searched the forums here and have tried loosening the straps, trying different sized cushions etc. but to no avail.
It's fairly low, but you should try to get it a bit lower. "Successful" treatment is 5.0 or less, but I aim for 2 or less most nights.Random wrote:
My AHI still gets fairly low, falling to about 6.5, but I still feel pretty lousy in the morning so I assume I'm not getting the most out of my treatment.
Lots of people at DMEs are idiots and don't know what they're talking about. Anatomical features like small jaw size are an important factor. (As a group we are far more likely to have had our wisdom teeth out than the general public.) Age and overweight just make people who are marginal more likely to have it worse. You're lucky to have been diagnosed so early. I know I had it as early as my late teens, but didn't get diagnosed until my 40's. You have absolutely no reason to be embarrassed.Random wrote:I also had another question for the younger CPAP users here, if there are any. I'm only 25 and I'm extremely embarrassed to be using a CPAP. I've never heard of someone else my age having sleep apnea, and the people at the DMI always comment and make me feel worse. I'm not over weight either, though I do have a bit of a belly I've never been able to get rid of.
I was not diagnosed until well after I was married so I can't help. I did have to deal with snoring like a train wreck. I think you should be able to highlight the positives of CPAP and use that to your advantage (much quieter than a snorer and you take care of your body/health). Anyone who isn't supportive of you looking after yourself you are better off without.Random wrote:
I also broke up with my girlfriend last year over problems mostly caused by my sleep issues. I've recently found someone else and I'm scared to tell her about my apnea. How have you dealt with situations like this?
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Mask: Swift™ FX Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control |
Additional Comments: Pressure is 11-14. Old CPAP was a Resmed S6 Lightweight. Also have Profile lite mask. ResScan is actually version 3.14. Now I use Sleepyhead. |