new to CPAP-can't get to sleep

[outofbreath]

I just got my equipment, which includes the CPAP unit (set at 12), a separate oxygen unit (set at 2), and a Fisher Paykel full face mask. I was really concerned about the straps of this mask giving me headaches, but that hasn't been a problem. What has been a problem is that I simply can't get to sleep with this thing on. After the first several nights, I moved the equipment to my basement, where I have a comfortable recliner, and often fall asleep almost instantly while listening to music. Well, I haven't been able to sleep in the recliner either.

Now I think I realize what the issue is. I'm starting to think that the sytem isn't giving me enough air. What I'm finding is that because of the seal created by having a mask over my nose and mouth, I need to breath more quickly than usual, and the machine doesn't seem to be kicking air to me, so every couple of minutes, I have to gasp for air, which just isn't there. Needless to say, this is causing me great anxiety. After an hour or more, I just pull the mask off, shut down the equipment, and fall asleep as I always have.

Obviously, I'm not an expert, but it just seems like I'm not getting as much air as I did during my sleep study, and it just doesn't make sense that if I was able to sleep in a strange environment, with dozens of electrodes on in addition to the mask, I should be able to sleep without the electrodes in my traditional environment.

Should I discuss this with my doctor or just experiment with the machine or what? I just can't imagine what else might be screwing me up.

[Jim Eads]

Unless something is wrong with the CPAP, you are getting enough air.

Have you tried sitting up with the mask on and not trying to go to sleep? Does it feel like you're getting enough air then?

Also, there shouldn't be a need to breathe more quickly. Try taking slower, deeper breaths.

You didn't tell us what kind of machine you have.

Jim

[tooly125]

I need to breath more quickly than usual

My setting is 19, if i try to start off the night with that pressure i experience what sounds very similar to what you wrote. Almost like a "panting" sensation.
I do however have a "ramp" feature on my machine that starts me out at a setting of 9 and works itself up to 19 over a 30 minute period,this allows me to fall asleep before the higher pressure kicks in.
When you did your sleep study they control the pressure from outside the room, they may have started you out low and only increased it once they saw that you were asleep.
You should call your doctor and let him know whats going on.
Also you should fill out your profile so everyone on this board knows what equiptment you have.
Last thing is don't give up! it's definitely worth it.

[TerryB]

If you have seen any of the humor associated with the treatment, you'd find the leaf blower analogy. Under beginning normal conditions, the machine feels like it is blowing too much air too hard. If you take the mask loose from the hose while the machine is running you should litteraly be able to fluff your hair with it.


TerryB

[Linda3032]

If you take the mask loose from the hose while the machine is running you should litteraly be able to fluff your hair with it.

. Great idea. The next time I take a trip and forget my hair dryer, I'll just use my heated hose to dry my hair.

[NightHawkeye]

Obviously, I'm not an expert, but it just seems like I'm not getting as much air as I did during my sleep study, and it just doesn't make sense that if I was able to sleep in a strange environment, with dozens of electrodes on in addition to the mask, I should be able to sleep without the electrodes in my traditional environment.

Should I discuss this with my doctor or just experiment with the machine or what? I just can't imagine what else might be screwing me up.

Dear outofbreath,

As with any problem, reducing the number of variables is important. It's called baselining. If you change things too quickly from your baseline, then you have no way to know what changes caused the problems. Since things worked well for you during the sleep study, that is sure the place I'd start with. What's different now from during the sleep study?

Are you using a different machine, for instance? Every model of xPAP machine operates a little differently. If you are using a different machine now, I think I'd first try to get a machine identical to the one used during the sleep study. Don't let anyone tell you that just because the pressure is the same, the machines provide the same therapy. That assertion is simply not true, and the subject has been discussed repeatedly here on this forum, and proven in many different ways. It's amazing to me that there are as many differences between the way the machines operate as there are. Is the mask different? Again, same recommendation.

Once you've got everything to your baseline, then worry about other adjustments and improvements.

Regards,
Bill