Hyperventilating on C-Flex

bluedesh · Post by **bluedesh** » Sun May 07, 2006 5:50 pm

I just started on CPAP two weeks ago. I got a Remstar CPAP with a setting of 8 and could not fall asleep because it was hard to exhale against it. I got my Dr. to change the setting to 6 but still couldn't sleep with it. My neighbor let me try his Remstar C-Flex for a couple minutes and it seemed like it would be a better machine for me, so I got my Dr. to write me a new prescription and swapped machines. The first night I tried C-Flex, I woke up twice and both times felt very dizzy. The 2nd time I shut the machine off and I've been scared to use it since. I read some other people had problems hyperventilating on C-Flex. I guess that's what happened. What should I do?

Just for some background, I never slept on CPAP during my split sleep study so my Dr. tried a dental device and then nasal surgery. Neither worked, so I know that I have to make some form of CPAP work for me.

DJ · Post by DJ » Sun May 07, 2006 5:58 pm

Hi bluedesh,

I had a similar feeling when I first started with cpap just over a month ago, but it went away pretty quickly for me. You can adjust the cflex exhalation relief "amount" on your Remstar. A setting of 1 gives the least relief effect, while 3 gives the most. I suggest you see what setting your machine is on and if it's on 3 or 2 try lowering the setting. The manual that came with your Remstar shows how to change the cflex setting.

Keep at it, and good luck.

Dave

NightHawkeye · Post by **NightHawkeye** » Sun May 07, 2006 7:03 pm

Bluedesh, there are a few of us who have had similar experiences. The solution is to turn C-flex OFF. Simple, yes? My theory, based on personal experience is that a tendency to hyperventilate results from apnea sometimes. In my case this seems to have changed to more normal after a few months on xPAP.

For the time being, until your therapy is working well for you, either turn off C-flex or use it at a lower setting as DJ suggested.

Regards,
Bill

mjohnson31909 · Post by **mjohnson31909** » Sun May 07, 2006 9:14 pm

I too had a similar problem my first night, I turned my c-flex setting to 1 and made sure the HH (Heated humidifer) was on. Slept like a champ.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun May 07, 2006 9:24 pm

you should note what setting caused you to hyperventilate, then go down from there. When set correctly it will be comfortable to breathe in or out.

Darth Vader Look · Post by **Darth Vader Look** » Sun May 07, 2006 10:43 pm

I agree that you should reduce your C-flex setting down and try it. For some people they try to breathe in sync with the machine. The usual result is small, fast breathes resulting in hyperventilation. If you cannot breathe without syncing with the machine then it is best to reduce or even turn the C-flex or EPR off.

bluedesh · Post by **bluedesh** » Mon May 08, 2006 8:36 am

My C-Flex was set at 3 so I changed it to 1. I couldn't fall asleep and after about 30 minutes, my heart was pounding and my chest hurt so I turned off the machine completely. I don't know what else to try.

NightHawkeye · Post by **NightHawkeye** » Mon May 08, 2006 8:59 am

bluedesh wrote: I don't know what else to try.

Don't give up just yet. Based on my own experience, here's what I think may be happening. The Respironics algorithms which determine inhalation and exhalation switching times (important for C-flex) require very low leak rates to work properly for some of us. It is common for folks new to this therapy to have leak rates which are rather high and not even be aware of it. (In fact, even after being on xPAP for over four months now, I still can't keep leaks down nearly as low as I think they really should be.)

Since the pressure bothers you so much, see if you can get your physician to turn the pressure down to 4 cm for you. That's where I started out and pretty much stayed there for over a month until I could get my other problems resolved. Some folks might warn you that they don't like breathing at 4 cm pressure, because the masks cause you to breathe slightly more CO2 at those pressures, but those are people who are not subject to hyperventilation. For those of us who are subject to hyperventilation, which apparently you are, a little excess CO2 is actually a good thing.

I enjoyed CPAP at 4 cm pressure, even though it was far from enough pressure to fully treat my apnea. I found out that partially treated apnea is much better than untreated apnea.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Bill

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Mon May 08, 2006 9:18 am

bluedesh,

Please fill out your "Profile" so we know what mask you're using and model of Respironics CPAP machine you have.
Also, try using your machine while you're sitting in a comfortable chair (possibly while you're watching TV) and try to get used to it at times other than when you go to bed.
I was thinking just the opposite of what NightHawkeye (Bill) told you....maybe raising your pressure..... I know I'd be gasping for air at those pressures of 6 or 8.....but then everybody's different.
Did you actually "hook up" and use your neighbor's machine? What pressure was it set at? (if you actually tried it)

Hang in there......keep trying.

Best wishes,

Den

bluedesh · Post by **bluedesh** » Mon May 08, 2006 10:25 am

My neighbor's machine was set at 8 (my original setting) and I just held a mask over my face and breathed for about 5 minutes. I didn't really notice if the pressure was a good number for me or not. I was more focused on how easier it was to exhale.

I really appreciate all the kind words of encouragement. Thanks!