Suffocating on CPAP

[Mercypb1]

I have the Airsense 10 with the Air 20 full mask M. Just got the machine and wore if for about an hour an took it off. I felt an suffocating feeling and I panicked. Is this normal?

[Pugsy]

More detailed information is needed.
Please read this
viewtopic/t172378/Sticky--Newbies-PLEAS ... STING.html

And can you clarify the "suffocation feeling" a bit....are you feeling like you just can't get enough air moving to be comfortable or are you having trouble exhaling.

[Mercypb1]

Both. At times I feel like I can't breathe and other times just like hyperventilating. Not sure settings are right. I did not read the manual. I will have to adjust settings according to what I have read here.

[Mercypb1]

Is it true that once you start using the CPAP Machine you can't get off of it? My Doctor said I could if I lost weight.

[RNeil]

Your feeling of suffocating might be because your pressure is too low. Some people feel this way with a setting of 4 cm H2O.

Or your feeling might be from a vent that is not working right. The mask has a vent that is like a controlled leak. This is the only way that exhaled air gets out. Our urge to breathe comes from CO2 buildup. If you have too much CO2, you will feel like you are suffocating.

[loggerhead12]

Is it true that once you start using the CPAP Machine you can't get off of it? My Doctor said I could if I lost weight.

Starting to use the machine doesn't intrinsically change anything about your medical condition. You can continue to not use it and live (or not) with the resulting medical problems.

Losing weight may help but it probably won't make sleep apnea go away completely.

https://www.google.com/search?q=if+you+ ... ea+go+away

[ChicagoGranny]

Is it true that once you start using the CPAP Machine you can't get off of it? My Doctor said I could if I lost weight.

For most of us, once we have the machine and process set up properly, we NEVER want to sleep without it.

[Miss Emerita]

You can find out your pressure settings by entering the clinician's menu to take a look:

Press the home button and the round knob simultaneously for 4-5 seconds until the clinician menu option pops up at the top of the screen.

Select the clinician menu.

Take note of your minimum pressure, your maximum pressure, and the EPR level (off, 1, 2, or 3).

Exit the clinician menu.

Did you set the machine up outside your bedroom? If you didn't, that would be a good idea at the outset, while you're getting used to the novel experience. Ideally you'll use it in a room where you can comfortably read, watch TV, or use your devices -- something to distract you a little.

[chunkyfrog]

Is it true that once you start using the CPAP Machine you can't get off of it? My Doctor said I could if I lost weight.

For most of us, once we have the machine and process set up properly, we NEVER want to sleep without it.

CPAP can help you lose weight.
Stopping cpap invites it right back.
Cpap also helps me keep from looking my age.
So, I choose to keep it--until they pry it from my cold, dead hands.