Is it normal for it take longer and feel harder to exhale?

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gravyv
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Joined: Mon Apr 04, 2016 5:14 pm

Is it normal for it take longer and feel harder to exhale?

Post by gravyv » Tue Apr 05, 2016 2:44 pm

I'm still a user (it's been a week). I have a apap with a range of 6 - 20. Exhaling feels like it takes several seconds while inhaling feels normal. Is it suppose to feel this way? From my research it seems like changing the epr levels might help with it. But I guess what I'm really trying to ask is should I be feeling like I am breathing normally while with the mask on?

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KeyholeKH11
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Location: Portland

Re: Is it normal for it take longer and feel harder to exhale?

Post by KeyholeKH11 » Tue Apr 05, 2016 3:04 pm

The average person exhales about twice as long as their inhale.
To a new CPAP user, it may seem difficult to exhale against pressure.
EPR can help with that as it lowers the pressure one exhales against.

Most people just become accustomed to it.
I am not a medical professional of any kind. My posts are merely opinions.
Always see a medical professional for medical advice.

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LSAT
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Re: Is it normal for it take longer and feel harder to exhale?

Post by LSAT » Tue Apr 05, 2016 3:44 pm

gravyv wrote:I'm still a user (it's been a week). I have a apap with a range of 6 - 20. Exhaling feels like it takes several seconds while inhaling feels normal. Is it suppose to feel this way? From my research it seems like changing the epr levels might help with it. But I guess what I'm really trying to ask is should I be feeling like I am breathing normally while with the mask on?
Your machine has EPR (Exhale Pressure Relief), be sure that it is turned on...and increase the setting as needed.

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Wulfman...
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Re: Is it normal for it take longer and feel harder to exhale?

Post by Wulfman... » Tue Apr 05, 2016 4:12 pm

gravyv wrote:I'm still a user (it's been a week). I have a apap with a range of 6 - 20. Exhaling feels like it takes several seconds while inhaling feels normal. Is it suppose to feel this way? From my research it seems like changing the epr levels might help with it. But I guess what I'm really trying to ask is should I be feeling like I am breathing normally while with the mask on?
Same answer I gave you last night.

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archangle
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Re: Is it normal for it take longer and feel harder to exhale?

Post by archangle » Wed Apr 06, 2016 6:34 am

Once your body adjusts, you shouldn't have problems exhaling against the pressure. I run my CPAP at a pressure of 17, and can't really feel the pressure any more. I have to lift up my mask sometimes to convince myself the machine is running.

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