Breathing Issues

[hamletsdemise]

Anybody else experience any breathing issues. I've recently developed a difficulty breathing. Mainly it feels as though I can't get a lung full of air... it's as if I'm restricted for doing so. It's a little un-nerving. I'm going back to the doc tomorrow. The last time I went he blamed it on the CPAP pressure. However it's been lowered and the problem has existed now, on and off for a couple of months.

It also feels as if they hurt. As if the lungs are somehow sore.

Anybody else encounter this?

Cheers in advance
d

[Julie]

It's not uncommon for your lungs, or really the muscles around them to be sore for a while when starting Cpap - they've been out of use for a long time. However, that's only part of your problem and while I know you'll get lots of feedback on it here, it's hard to advise without knowing more, i.e. what model of which machine and mask do you use? What's your pressure (and what was it)? Are you using the ramp feature - the thing that 'allows' you to gradually increase pressure to your scripted one, but too often starts out so low that you feel like you're starving for 02? And anything else you can think of that might be a factor. I haven't clicked on your mask icon (text is better) but if you're not using a full face mask to deal with mouth breathing once you're asleep, if that's an issue you might want to think about it... losing Cpap air before it goes south is a big waste of time. Sometimes humidifiers are set too high or too low, but again - more info please.

[hamletsdemise]

It's not uncommon for your lungs, or really the muscles around them to be sore for a while when starting Cpap - they've been out of use for a long time. However, that's only part of your problem and while I know you'll get lots of feedback on it here, it's hard to advise without knowing more, i.e. what model of which machine and mask do you use? What's your pressure (and what was it)? Are you using the ramp feature - the thing that 'allows' you to gradually increase pressure to your scripted one, but too often starts out so low that you feel like you're starving for 02? And anything else you can think of that might be a factor. I haven't clicked on your mask icon (text is better) but if you're not using a full face mask to deal with mouth breathing once you're asleep, if that's an issue you might want to think about it... losing Cpap air before it goes south is a big waste of time. Sometimes humidifiers are set too high or too low, but again - more info please.

Machine is M Series Auto with Cflex (it was a donor with a couple of thousand hours on it)
Mask Alternates between Swift LT and Swift II Nasal Pillows.
I've been using for about five months. I believe my pressure was set at 8cm using auto (if that doesn't make sense, my appologies, trying my best to wrap my head around it.) It's currently at 6cm.
My sleep test revealed 93.1 events per hour... which isn't good.
I do not use the ramp.
I do not turn on the humidifier as I live in an old, downtown home off the east coast of Canada. It tends to get chilly in winter... and rainout is a big factor.

It makes sense to me that it would have an effect... I'm just concerned that's all. CPAP just seems like the easy answer... nothing showed up on chest xrays... so we shall see. I'd be curious to hear if others have experienced this.

Thanks for the response.

[JohnBFisher]

... if that doesn't make sense, my appologies, trying my best to wrap my head around it. ...

Well, then. Let's be certain we offer you a hearty welcome. Don't worry if it doesn't make sense. No one will yell at you. In fact, we're more upset (because we would be worried about you) if you do NOT ask questions. So, ask away. If we don't understand, we'll ask clarifying questions.

... I do not turn on the humidifier as I live in an old, downtown home off the east coast of Canada. It tends to get chilly in winter... and rainout is a big factor. ...

That could be part of your problem. The cold, dry air in your lungs might be making the lung tissue "sore". It's not really any different than if you were trying to sleep outside in the cold air. Your lungs would ache! (Been there doing camping, know that feeling).

But what can you do about it? Well, there are covers you can buy for the hose. Perhaps PadACheek will find you post and see if she can help.

Or you can possibly purchase some fleece material and wrap around the hose. Someone used some tube socks (though I don't think that would be enough in your neck of the woods).

You can also try to run the hose under the covers. That helps warm up the air in the hose.

I personally run the hose behind my neck and then upto my mask. Having it under my neck helps warm the hose and the air.

Another thing to consider is where the machine pulls in the air. Most machines pull air from the back. If that's facing an outside wall, it would pull cooler air. That only makes matters worse. So, if you can reposition the CPAP unit, it might help. I point mine away from the bed (so it's quieter), but also away from the wall. It help keep the air a bit warmer.

Just a few ideas to try.

... nothing showed up on chest xrays...

Well, it's good it's nothing major. Hopefully the dry air is the issue. Because that can be addressed.

Here's hoping that helps.

[hamletsdemise]

I never would have thought of the cold air having an impact... but I can definitely see how it could now. I'm going to make a return trip to my local clinic here, see if I can clear a few things up. I have a new machine on order as it stands now, the PRS1 from respironics. I'll try firing on the humidifier tonight and see what happens.

[torontoCPAPguy]

Wow. Cold dry air is for sure going to create issues. I tried it at first because I hate breathing warm humid air. What I found was I started wheezing and all sorts of things. I now use the highest heated humidification I can sleep with. As to rain out? Well, I have insulated my hose with a hose blanket... still occasionally get some rain out and may go to a heated hose. I have also lowered the level of the humidifier; I understand that placing it as low as possible in relation to the mask helps a bunch... I have also bought some hose management clips and most of my hose slopes back towards the humidifier.

One thing I would suggest heartily is that you find yourself a TOP NOTCH respirologist and get checked out thoroughly. I have FOUR different puffers that I take on occasion as required. I have sworn off two of them as they don't seem to make much of a difference and am sticking with Atrovent and Ventolin for when I have 'trouble' breathing. Funny thing is that when I do my cardiovascular rehab I never seem to have any issues; it is mostly in the AM's; but the humidification has been the real key for me. And keeping things clean perhaps. I clean with Citris II wipes every days; mask, humidifier, and anything else I can reach including the body of the blower. I wash the hose (I have 3) and rotate them weekly, hanging the freshly washed hose to dry completely. In the mornings I remove the hose from the blower and the mask and permit it to hang to ensure it is dry so nothing nasty grows. Right now I am using Dawn dish detergent but am going to pick up some scent free soap... also, you MUST rinse everything well to make sure you aren't blowing something into your lungs that disagrees with you.

Read the threads on here and ask questions... it will shorten your misery time and after only a few weeks I am a happy camper here. I hope that you will be a happy camper soon as well. Good luck and remember to be your own advocate all the time.

[hamletsdemise]

Wow... that's fantastic. Thanks for that.

I too feel great at the Gym doing Cardio. It's difficult for me in the mornings and in the evenings as well.

I'll certainly look into finding a good one. I have a sister who is on all kinds of inhalers. I don't want to go down the same path.

I very much appreciate your advice. Cheers.