Is There a 'Better' way to Breathe

AnnaD · Post by **AnnaD** » Sun Oct 01, 2006 8:54 pm

I've been on my CPAP a little over a week now. I am using the Breeze w/nasal pillows. I'm a light sleeper. Did not realize that I'd have so much difficulty getting used to 'breathing'. Since I had such a problem with the study with the same problem, shouldn't come as a surprise though.

Anyone have any tips as to better breathing habits, if you know what I mean? I feel like I am over exaggerating my breathing. Thinking too much about it.

Anna

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Sun Oct 01, 2006 9:29 pm

I think, especially in the beginning, we all think about our breathing too much. Some play music(relaxing music), or nature sound cds,or use a white noise machine. This can drown out the sound of you breathing and gives you something else to think about. Since my husband goes to sleep before me, I just pace my breathing to his and I'm asleep in minutes!

Brenda

AnnaD · Post by **AnnaD** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 1:49 pm

Thanks for the reply. I had thought about the music idea but had not followed through with it. Hubby also has apnea and hasn't received his unit yet, so listening to his rhythm isn't a good idea. Thanks again.

Anna

NyNurse33 · Post by **NyNurse33** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 3:43 pm

The RT @ the sleep lab, had me taking long, deep breaths for about 10 breaths when I first put it on and it helped. Even 2 weeks ago when I had to go without cpap for 3 days b/c of a cold, I had to do that again, b/c I was "panicking" over the air and it still worked for me. Also, does your machine have ramping capability? I put mine on a 20 minute ramp, so that by the time it reaches full pressure, I'm asleep. Starts out @ 4 and goes to 10.

Snoozing Gonzo · Post by **Snoozing Gonzo** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 4:49 pm

I got a little panicked with the Cflex set low so I kicked mine up to 7, just 2cm - 2.5cm below my running pressure. Then I quit Cflex all together and haven't looked back. Of course my pressure is pretty low.

Deep breathing works for me when I switch from Activa to Swift. Maybe it makes me feel more in control... the air is there if I need it.

When I can't fall asleep quickly I consentrate on the rhythm of my breathing though the machine, try to make it even and slow. That meditation stuff knocks me out most of the time.

Chris

dsm · Post by **dsm** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 4:57 pm

Chris,

I got a little panicked with the Cflex set low so I kicked mine up to 7, just 2cm - 2.5cm below my running pressure. Then I quit Cflex all together and haven't looked back. Of course my pressure is pretty low.

I suspect you may have mixed up cflex setting with ramp setting in your post ?
I thought cflex is normally set as 0, 1, 2, or 3

Cheers

DSM

AnnaD · Post by **AnnaD** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 7:49 pm

I will try the deep breathing. I do the ramp. Last night I was having trouble falling asleep, so restarted and did better.

Anna

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 7:57 pm

When I first began a couple of months ago, I too discovered what Chris posted above regarding breathing rythms and meditation ... and now it seems quite natural when I put the interface on, breathe rythmically and go to sleep fairly quick.

- r

Snoozing Gonzo · Post by **Snoozing Gonzo** » Tue Oct 03, 2006 8:22 am

Doh! I shouldn't try to whip something out as I'm shutting down the office. DSM, you are right, I combined two thoughts. To set the record straight, I was trying to say:

1st, I used the ramp only for a couple of months and even then at a relatively high (as compared to the original) setting.

2nd, I fiddled with Cflex (and all other) settings for several months along with a program of trying to dial in my best performance settings for each of my masks. I found no Cflex to be the best for me.

That said, I'm glad I had ramp and Cflex features to start treatment. I believe they helped me stay compliant until wearing the mask was worked into my bedtime and sleeping regimen. Also working with them helped me delve into and gain some ownership of the inner workings of my OSA and treatment.

-- Yikes! that last statement combined with the meditation recommendation from above... I can tell that there are too many Californians moving to Montana!

Chris

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Tue Oct 03, 2006 9:06 am

Anna,

I don't believe you told us what pressure your machine is set to......
If your pressure is set too high (or maybe even too low) that might cause it, too. If you're on a high pressure, ask your doctor to lower your pressure for awhile till you get used to this new way of breathing. Also, try NOT to concentrate on the air coming in the mask.....try to direct your thoughts to something else (like the sound of the machine breathing with you) or try not to think about anything at all......yeah, that's probably along the lines of "meditation"...... I have a "mental routine" that I go through each night and I'm asleep in a couple of minutes.

Best wishes,

Den