1st Night On CPAP and GAGGING...HELP!

[newagain]

I'm using CPAP for the first time tonight and for some reason, as the pressure ramps up, it's triggering my gag reflex. I slept like a baby on the night of my titration study and didn't have this problem. The pressure is set on 14 now but it feels WAY too high!

Has anyone ever had this problem before? I'd appreciate any ideas!!

Thanks!

[Born Tired]

Any idea at what pressure you begin to have the gagging problem?
Your machine is not an auto, right?
What pressure do you begin with?
Esther
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[Offerocker]

How long is your 'ramp time'?

A pressure of 14 seems high, if you don't have an "auto", which allows for a range of pressures to be set, allowing you to get whatever pressure your body demands, withing that range.

You may want to talk with a Respiratory Therapist/your doctor/your equipment company..."maybe" someone didn't set the machine properly for you. It needs to be set according to the results of your sleep study.

Good luck, and keep us posted!

[Guest]

Thanks for your replies!

The ramp feature is on, starts at 7 and increases over 30 minutes, I think. My machine does not have "auto." (bummer) I have a copy of the titration study results and it does recommend a pressure of 14-15. I start having a problem between 11 and 12. I'm thinking today I have a sinus infection (always have a "low grade" thing going on, but feel it's worse than usual today). My ears feel funny also, so I would imagine that has something to do with it??

I'm wishing I had a different machine (one with auto and data collection capabilities)! I'd much rather be an active participant and monitor things myself.

Who decides which machine we get, anyway?

Diana

[Offerocker]

Thanks for your replies!

The ramp feature is on, starts at 7 and increases over 30 minutes, I think. My machine does not have "auto." (bummer) I have a copy of the titration study results and it does recommend a pressure of 14-15. I start having a problem between 11 and 12. <snip>

I'm wishing I had a different machine (one with auto and data collection capabilities)! I'd much rather be an active participant and monitor things myself.

Who decides which machine we get, anyway?
Diana

Diana,
Glad that you have a copy of your titration study!

Now for lots of questions:
Do you also have a copy of the Prescription from your Dr. to "X" for your machine? If not, get one.
Assuming you have insurance here...
Are you renting your cpap machine from a local supplier?
If so, how long have you been renting it?

Do a search on the subject of "DME" and "Insurance" topics here & read through them; you'll find out pitfalls some of us have had.

Talk with the doctor who Rx'd the machine and let him/her know what's going on, and that you believe you would do better (be more compliant ) - use that word with an AUTO cpap with c-flex. (go for broke). The APAPs are what are being given to men at the VA centers to take home until they can even GET a sleep study! So that lets you know that they have value in recordable data for the doctors, IF the doctors know how to read the data, that is. The main reason is to give them therapy (unrestricted, because no titrations have been done). So, that's what you may need to talk over with your doctor.

Now, if your dr. HAS Rx'd an auto, and the supplier isn't renting one to you, get out your guns and sorta demand an 'exchange' of equipment.

Not everyone NEEDS an APAP, but it is nice to have, and frankly, unless one doesn't have a problem on regular CPAP, well, that's good enough, as long as they are compliant and getting regular treatment. Keep a log of how many hours sleep you're getting each night, in case your machine doesn't have a card. (most likely it does).

You'll need to provide more info, and obtain info from your doctor, and don't forget the insurance company - and readings here.

Good luck, and do keep us informed and up-to-date. You'll find that there are many people who will be able to provide you with more detailed information and help, once you've given more information.

Hope that sinus improves! .

[Guest]

I don't have a copy of my rx...but I'll get one. My doctor is not a sleep specialist or a pulmonologist, so I doubt he ordered a specific machine, but I'll definitely find out.

I do have insurance, and I assume I'm buying this machine (nothing said about rental). I'll be making some calls first thing in the morning though! I can see that I have a lot to learn.

Thanks for your help!

Diana