New to CPAP. . .AND A NEWBIE QUESTION. .

salgak · Post by **salgak** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 7:37 am

. . .just got my machine on Friday, can tell the difference already..

. . .BUT. . .Is it normal for a new user to have a "tired chest" for starting up ? My box was set for 16, which, I'm told, is medium-high and fairly high for a new user. Any experience out there ??

OTOH, not drowsy during day anymore... so SOMETHING is working right.. .

cybergoon · Post by **cybergoon** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 8:03 am

With a pressure as high as 16, I'm not surprised that you have a "tired chest". It will pass with time.

I am on AutoPAP and have mine set for 17-20, most of which I am at 18. I had the "tired chest" syndrome for about 2 weeks. Once it passes, you will feel much better. Those of us on the higher pressures have to deal with it. When I was on lower pressures, I felt starved for air and also was still having alot of snores and apneas.

-Marc

ufo13 · Post by **ufo13** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 8:08 am

Keith:
WELCOME!
If what you are asking is what I think your talking about then YES it's normal and you will get used to it quickly! Glad you are feeling the benefits of the therapy in just a few days! My pressure is 18cm H2O and at the higher pressures it does take some getting used to.

Hope this helps,

steve,
ufo13

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 11:04 am

salgak,

Welcome to the world of "hoseheads".
Are you utilizing CFLEX on your machine? And if so, what is the setting (1, 2 or 3)? For that kind of pressure, you might want to try setting it to 3 (if it isn't already). That will at least give you some exhale relief to start with till you get used to it.

Best wishes,

Den

salgak · Post by **salgak** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 11:20 am

Yep, using CFLEX, not sure of setting: will check when I get home. I'm also fighting a cold at the moment, so not sure what is congestion and what is "chest tiredness". . .

cybergoon · Post by **cybergoon** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 11:55 am

By the way, how does that Ultra Mirage Full Face mask do with holding the pressure you are at? Do you have alot of problems with leaks? I have been thinking about trying that one myself.

-Marc

salgak · Post by **salgak** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 12:01 pm

I get some leaks in some positions. But I'm still fitting up the headstraps: it gets better each night. I might have to move from the strap headgear to the full-cap: I got used to that in my old USAF days, wearing a leather helmet liner under my flight helmet. . .

salgak · Post by **salgak** » Sun Nov 13, 2005 8:30 am

cybergoon wrote:By the way, how does that Ultra Mirage Full Face mask do with holding the pressure you are at? Do you have alot of problems with leaks? I have been thinking about trying that one myself.

Oops. . .looking at my docs, looks like I have a different mask. . . I went by photo, didn't specifically look at docs on the mask . . (after all, who needs a operator's manual for a facemask ??? )