New user with lots of questions!

[onemorefirst]

Hi, all! I've been using CPAP for about two weeks and still have a lot to learn. My machine, humidifier, and mask are listed in my profile.

I've used my machine all night, every night since I got it. I'm using nasal pillows, and the bottom insides of my nostrils are red and sore. I got some Ayr gel yesterday and tried it last night, and it seemed to help when I put the mask on and went to sleep, but by morning, I guess the gel had worn off or been absorbed or something, because my nostrils were as red and sore as ever. Advice on this? I like the nasal pillows otherwise and don't really want to change masks.

I'm also wondering if the settings on my machine are right. My air flow is an 8, which I think is on the low side. At first the air flow felt pretty strong, but now I can't even feel it. Is that normal, to get used to it that way? My husband says I'm not snoring anymore, so it must be doing something.

I'm not feeling any more rested yet, but reading what people have written here, I know that can take a while. I'm going to stick with it, but I have to say that I'd hoped to be able to tell at least some difference in how I feel by now.

Thanks in advance, everyone!

[Newbie Woman]

Welcome!

You get used to the pressure really quickly. When my DME showed me a 12, it scared me to death and I threw the mask down. Now I sometimes can't tell the machine is on.

As for the nose soreness, I had that too and Ayr helped, but after a week or so I didn't need it anymore. Assuming the size is right, your body will adjust.

[Otter]

I've used my machine all night, every night since I got it.

That's a good start.

I'm also wondering if the settings on my machine are right. My air flow is an 8, which I think is on the low side. At first the air flow felt pretty strong, but now I can't even feel it. Is that normal, to get used to it that way? My husband says I'm not snoring anymore, so it must be doing something.

8 cm h20 is on the low side, but that may be all you need. It's very common for people adapt to the pressure. My first few months I often woke up thinking I'd fallen asleep without putting my mask on, when in fact I was wearing it and the machine was blasting merrily along.

I'm not feeling any more rested yet, but reading what people have written here, I know that can take a while. I'm going to stick with it, but I have to say that I'd hoped to be able to tell at least some difference in how I feel by now.

Your s9 elite is fully data capable, so the best thing you can do is take a close look at your data. Post screen shots here and you'll get lots of help.

You have two choices for data viewing software. ResMed distributes ResScan, and our own JediMark has written an open source data viewer, SleepyHead . Both are free, and both will work on most computers. SleepyHead is still in beta and does have a few bugs, but has the huge of advantage of being coded by a CPAP users for CPAP users. It also supports a growing number of devices, including cheap pulse oximeters and the Zeo Sleep Coach/Manager poor man's EEG.

You can download ResScan directly from Resmed's site. https://sourceforge.net/projects/sleepyhead/

And SleepyHead is on SourceForge.
https://sourceforge.net/projects/sleepyhead/

[Pugsy]

Try loosening the top strap one notch.
Also go buy some Lansinoh ointment (found in the baby section at Walmart or similar store) nursing mom's use it to help with nipple discomfort. It is thicker than the Ayer gel and will last longer. Don't need to use much at night. Also use it during the day liberally as it will help heal.

Yes, we do get acclimated to the pressures...what feels like a hurricane the first few nights soon becomes a gentle breeze. So gentle that sometimes we have to put our hands over the vent to feel the air moving because it seems like no added pressure at all. This is very common.

Check my signature for SleepyHead software links and User Guide. Use the software to make sure that the therapy is optimal while you are doing the "give it time" thing.
Also take a hard look at any other factors which impact how we feel like hours of sleep, fragmented sleep, insomnia, meds, pain, general health issues, bed comfort, etc. Sometimes there are other things going on that the cpap machine isn't designed to fix.