CPAP poisoning? CO2 flaps stuck

[Edwardsky]

I just received a new mask and CPAP machine.

I used it three nights in a row but had terrible headaches and haven’t felt right since.

I looked closely at the mask and noticed the vents to release the co2 don’t work. The flaps are stuck

Did I suffer permanent brain damage from it?

I made an appointment with my pulmonologist.

Thanks

[Julie]

You should be fine in 1-2 days... are you sure it's the flaps and not that the holes are not punched through properly? That happened with a whole bunch of masks a few yrs ago and everyone had to punch out the holes manually.

[Dog Slobber]

I just received a new mask and CPAP machine.

I used it three nights in a row but had terrible headaches and haven’t felt right since.

I looked closely at the mask and noticed the vents to release the co2 don’t work. The flaps are stuck

Are you new to CPAP?

A lot of new CPAP patients experience many uncomfortable symptoms, including headaches.

You really should list your mask, maybe take a pic of the vents/flaps. Often the "flaps" are incase of a power failure and open without pressure.

Did I suffer permanent brain damage from it?

Hopefully any brain damage you're suffering from is only temporary.

If it does turn out to be permanent, then we'll see you over on ApneaBoard.

[LSAT]

Most masks have holes to vent the CO2...no flaps. What mask are you using? The flap in the elbow is for breathing when the power goes off.

[palerider]

the vents to release the co2 don’t work.

That's not what they're there for in normal use, the only time they're supposed to be open is when the machine is *OFF*.

[chunkyfrog]

True--The flaps only open when the machine is OFF.
I woke up during a power outage to the popping sound of the flaps.
Weird sound--totally woke me up.

[bwexler]

It does seem likely that CPAP poisoning may occur after ingesting a CPAP machine or mask or almost any part of either.
Now if the masks were made of licorice or chocolate that would be different.

[D.H.]

To the OP:

Please fill in your profile, as it would be helpful to know what equipment you are using.

Also, note the difference between the anti-asphyxiation valve and the exhalation port. The first is a fail-safe in case the machine or electricity fails. The second is to let out the CO2 that is part of normal breathing. If the exhalation ports are blocked, that might be your problem.

[metsfan302]

Did I suffer permanent brain damage from it?

Hopefully any brain damage you're suffering from is only temporary.

If it does turn out to be permanent, then we'll see you over on ApneaBoard.

You win! Best post reply ever

[palerider]

I looked closely at the mask and noticed the vents to release the co2 don’t work. The flaps are stuck

Hopefully any brain damage you're suffering from is only temporary.

If it does turn out to be permanent, then we'll see you over on ApneaBoard.

*hissss* wicked burn.

[Gryphon]

My limited exsperiance with at least 4 models of cpap masks would lead me to believe the "flaps" are there to keep you alive on the off chance you exsperiance a power outage in the middle of the night and your cpap stops working.

When your machine is working as it should those flaps should snap shut... but if your machine turns off the drop in pressure allows them to open again allowing you to continue to breathe fresh air if you dont notice your machine has stopped and wake up. If these flaps were not there and you didnt take off your mask you would be re-breathing the same air in the hose of your machine and there would be a serious risk of suffocation.

If your mask and machine are working as they should you should be able to feel air blowing from little vent holes on your mask. These holes would be very small. If you see any large holes they would usualy be covered up during normal use by flaps of soft material.