Help! Don't know whats wrong

[modistee]

I have been on my cpap for almost 8 weeks. The first two week were on a nasal mask which I didnt like and it make me break out in blisters around my nose. So I went and got the Swift LT. Well I have been having sinus troubles and have trouble wearing the mask some nights. After I got the Swift LT everything went well for about two weeks and now I am having troubles again. I feel like I am getting filled up with air so hard that I have to exhale through my mouth to get rid of it all. I know that sounds stupid but that is the way it feels. Would this still be from my sinus troubles??? Or something else??? HELP

Modistee

[Kiralynx]

It sounds like you have aerophagia. Do a search on it, and you'll find many discussions. In particular, look for a post by Dr. Falcon on the Falcon position for sleeping, which apparently really helps.

[SleepyT]

I didn't understand that you have aerophagia...sounds like an exhalation problem. Is that what you mean...that it is difficult for you to exhale against the pressure?

If so, I would recommend using the EPR function on your machine. Set it to say 1. When you do, however, your pressure will reduce by 1 point. So...you may need to bump your pressure up a bit to offset the EPR.

If you don't know how to change your pressure...let us know...and we can guide you thru that.

[Section1]

It may well be sinus troubles. I would first make sure you are using the right size pillow for your mask. I would go up one size and see if that helps. I know on my Swift the pillows are very soft and can collapse making it hard to exhale or inhale. Going up one size solved that problem for me. Also make sure you don't have the mask to tight as that also seemed to change the way air moved through the mask. I'm sure some others will have some better ideas for you soon. Good luck.

[Julie]

Hi, you didn't say what your pressure is set at, and that could matter if it's set too high to make that mask work well (it happens). Also though, you mention sinuses, but they wouldn't be responsible unless you specifically feel that your nose is blocked (and therefore must exhale through your mouth). If your nose feel congested, try turning down the humidifier. If you think you're breathing with your mouth open while asleep (anyone to ask?) then you need to try a full face mask that allows it to happen without losing the Cpap air. You could try taping first to see the results.

[modistee]

I am not sure how to explain this. The only way I could think of in my tiredness is that it feels like the air goes in and doesnt want to come back out sort of like a balloon filling up. So I breathe hard out of my mouth to try and push it out. I know it sounds stupid Scares me though.

Modistee

[modistee]

Oh forgot Pressure is at 8 if I remember correctly what the DME told me.

Modistee

[Kiralynx]

I am not sure how to explain this. The only way I could think of in my tiredness is that it feels like the air goes in and doesnt want to come back out sort of like a balloon filling up. So I breathe hard out of my mouth to try and push it out. I know it sounds stupid Scares me though.

Modistee,

Apologies. I'm not awake this morning, and didn't read your post carefully enough. Correcting what I said earlier... no, that doesn't sound like aerophagia. (Still, reading about the Falcon position can be educational.)

I'm on Bipap because I could not, COULD NOT breathe out against the inhalation pressure. Is that what you're feeling? You're OK on breathing in, but then you can't push the air out through your nose against the CPAP pressure?

If that's the case, you may need to turn on the exhalation relief (if it isn't already) or increase it if it is on.

Holler if that's the case -- there are folks here who are familiar with the machines who can help you sort that out. I don't know your machine, so can't assist there. But getting exhalation relief may well help.

Again, my apologies if I sent you off on a wild goose chase for info that may not apply to you.

[modistee]

Kira I am not too sure that I dont also have that aerophagia too. My husband says I am burping all night long. Dont know but dont like it. Anyway yes it feels like I can breath in ok just can't breath out. I thought the DME said she had the exhalation relief on and set at 3. I have no idea how high that is or anything all I know is the air goes in and doesnt seem to want to come back out. A most uncomfortable feeling.

Modistee

[SleepyT]

Oh forgot Pressure is at 8 if I remember correctly what the DME told me.

Modistee

I have the same CPAP machine as you...and my pressure is 8 as well. Actually, I bumped it up ever so slightly....but anyway...try the EPR...it makes a big difference. Also, you might try lying quietly for a bit before you put the mask on. I used to get this panicky feeling like I wasn't getting enough air thru my nose...but if you calm yourself first...big deep breaths...it seems to help.

Do you know how to adjust your settings?

[modistee]

I dont know how per se but the DME goofed and left the instruction booklet in the case with the machine.

Modistee

[Julie]

You may need to try a machine (not familiar with yours) like the Respironics M-series Pro with c-flex or a-flex, both of which give exhalation relief for people who have trouble exhaling.