Feeling aggitated

[bigguy92]

I am new to using cpap machine. I don't have any trouble breathing with it. It just feels like I put it on and after a few minutes my heart starts to race and I start getting really aggitated. It is like my blood pressure goes up. Has anyone felt like this and what should I do?

[kebsa]

do you suffer from claustrophobia at all?? feeling aggitated and having a pounding heart sensation is like the bodies fear response, what is it about the cpap that is making you anxious??

[kteague]

Hi and welcome! Since you say it happens soon after you put the mask on, I'm wondering if you are using the ramp feature and at what setting? When mine was set at 4 it was way too low and made my nightly experience start off bad. Others on here have had the same issue, and raising the ramp pressure has helped.
Kathy

[SharkBait]

I am new to using cpap machine. I don't have any trouble breathing with it. It just feels like I put it on and after a few minutes my heart starts to race and I start getting really aggitated. It is like my blood pressure goes up. Has anyone felt like this and what should I do?

A lot more helpful if you post your equipment...

Do you have exhale relief (C-Flex, A-Flex, EPR...)? What is that set on?

[alnhwrd]

Its hard to do more than guess on a forum like this. It may be a problem for your Doctor to take care of, and if it doesn't resolve itself soon I would recommend you give him a call. You aren't allergic to anything, are you? Assuming you are not, the use of comfort features as others have suggested might be helpful. Also make sure you don't have your mask on too tight. The only other suggestion I can make is to try wearing your mask for a couple of hours not hooked up to the machine and without trying to sleep. It depends on the mask as to how much you will be able do, but if you can just keep it on, even loosly, while your read, watch TV, or just listen to music it might help your brain relax and figure out the mask is not your enemy. A warning here, if you are wearing a Full Face type mask that covers your nose and mouth you will need to be hooked up to the machine so you get enough air to breathe. When you do go to bed for the night, just try to relax and breathe with the machine, don't fight against it. If you keep having problems, you could ask your Dr. for something to help you relax and go to sleep at night. Adaptation can be tough, but trust me, once you get used to it it will be so easy you will even wonder if the machine is on. I hope you find something that works for you. Feel free to post again if you have more questions, and to let us know how you are doing.