Panic Attacks All day after using CPAP !

[emma72]

Hi Everyone,

Just joined CpapTalk, as i have been newly diagnosed with OSA.
I have a Resmed cpap machine with a Nasal Pillow.
It's been difficult to sleep , as the nasal pillows keep slipping of during sleep, it's either to loose or to tight !
Also been experiencing dry mouth, a lot, i was given a humidifier but it hasn't helped
Ive also noticed that when i wake up, i'm having symptoms very similar to Panic/ Anxiety attacks all day and dizziness, it's really horrible, and scary
Has anyone experienced nervous energy or cant sit still ?
Hope someone can give me some advice, as this is all very new and scary !
Emma x

[LSAT]

Dry mouth often means mouth breathing which reduces the therapy you are getting from the CPAP. You may need a different mask (full face) or possibly a chinstrap. Some of your symptoms are unusual and should be discussed with your doctor. Meanwhile why not fill in your equipment in your profile.

[MitzyG]

You have to try different masks to find the right one. My pillows stopped slipping when I used the Swift LT. I chose it because it had more structure AND it allows me to route the hose up to above my head. By attaching the hose to the headband, the hose doesn't move as I move and the pillows stay in place.

I tried several things to address the dry mouth, and the one that finally worked for me was the Avalon Aire chin strap, lined with microfleece fabric (I bought the fabric and sewed it in myself). This chinstrap is elastic and really holds your mouth in place without you feeling "restrained" or like you can't open your mouth if you really needed to. I started sleeping much better with this chinstrap, but got irritation from the band...thus, I added the microfleece - problem solved.

[avi123]

Take Paxil, and/or Xanax to stop "panic attacks" (Phobias).

[Nozzelnut]

Your body could is adjusting to the XPAP therapy too. During those apneic events throughout the night your body can send a dose of adrenaline to get you breathing again. Might just be your body giving you doses of it until it realizes it doesn't have to produce that much while you're sleeping. I noticed I had a few episodes for no reason when I started therapy too. I hope that makes sense they way I typed it.

[Julie]

Is there any chance bedding has blocked the CO2 vent holes (that patch of tiny ones) while you're sleeping? Because rebreathing CO2 can cause some of the symptoms you described... the holes must always be uncovered.

[billgamble]

Welcome to the show. Nozzlenut may be right that your body isn't used to getting so much more oxygen at night. I kind of felt the same way when I started using it. Give it some time while your body gets used to it. Also, I would try the nasal mask instead of the pillows. It makes you breathe through your nose and makes your mouth stay shut. Please keep us informed and good luck!!!

[Todzo]

Hi Everyone,

Just joined CpapTalk, as i have been newly diagnosed with OSA.
I have a Resmed cpap machine with a Nasal Pillow.
It's been difficult to sleep , as the nasal pillows keep slipping of during sleep, it's either to loose or to tight !
Also been experiencing dry mouth, a lot, i was given a humidifier but it hasn't helped
Ive also noticed that when i wake up, i'm having symptoms very similar to Panic/ Anxiety attacks all day and dizziness, it's really horrible, and scary
Has anyone experienced nervous energy or cant sit still ?
Hope someone can give me some advice, as this is all very new and scary !
Emma x

Yes I have.

EERS helps.

Getting vitamin D3 to proper levels (above 50 - see The Vitamin D Counsel for details on the proper test to use)

Pursuing metabolic health helps the most (eat well, move well, pursue active lifestyle)

Panic attacks manage well for me using eucapnic breathing techniques.

I think you should spend some time looking up “high respiratory control system gain” and “arousal threshold” as it pertains to OSA and then talk with your doctor, after you establish a relationship with a dietitian and personal trainer.

[Julie]

At the risk of getting flamed here, I'd like to advise that the previous poster is well known for alternative med theories as solutions to every problem, regardless of relevance... not all are bad, but it pays to keep an open mind, especially about e.g. 'eucapnic' breathing techniques - long ago proven to be nonsense.

[chunkyfrog]

Yes, IMHO, vastly deluded. Sad, I think he means well.
(or does he?)

[Todzo]

If you do see your doctor you should also mention:

High respiratory control system gain

Arousal threshold

Long term potentiation

good luck

[Lazer1234]

Todzo is very well-read and knowledgeable, I think. One of the few I have respect for on this forum. All mean well of course, but some are more well-read than others. Everybody does a great job of helping others.

[49er]

Hi Emma,

Any update on your situation? And it would help if you filled out your equipment profile so people can better tailor their responses to your situation as LSAT suggested previously.

I think you were given some good advise initially that you might want to look into.

49er

[SciencePharoah]

Hello

I've had the exact same experience. I get moments of great anxiety, which then slowly, and I do mean slowly, fade away. It's only been five days. So I'm hopeful it will fade. I'm hoping its just my body getting used to getting more air in my system.

[Pugsy]

Zombie thread alert folks.