More help needed (please bear with me)

The first few nights I used CPAP, it was wonderful. The pressure felt like it "inflated" the back of my throat. It felt somewhat like a balloon being pumped up. And I could breathe freely. Is that how it should feel?

But then starting the 4th night, and every consecutive night thereafter, I've totally lost this feeling. My throat does not "inflate" whatsoever. Almost feels like it constricts instead of inflates.

Why the heck would things change? Same equipment, same mask, etc. I tried increasing the pressure but it made no difference at all.

So my question is: Does CPAP make the back of your throat feel inflated? Why did I lose this feeling? Mind you, I don't have apneas during the night but at the same time I don't feel good and my breathing does not feel very good.

Any ideas what is going on?

Hi OSADad!

For each of us the experience of getting used to our new equipment is and will be slightly different.

I sat here and attempted to recall how that felt to me at the start... I do believe that I know what you are trying to describe.

For myself, it took much longer to try to get used to having a mask and headgear on... the unaccustomed air pressure was the least of my discomforts, but yes, indeed, I did have the feeling that my throat and lungs were being inflated like a balloon. This feeling dissipated quickly as my body became used to it. Perhaps that is all that is happening here since you state that you are not having apneas during the night.

When I purchased and started using a cpap nasal interface I had the same experience again with my nares (could have sworn my nose was going to get much bigger). This feeling disappeared as well.

If it persists or concerns you greatly then I would certainly discuss it with a doctor or sleep technician. Wish you the best.

Interested to see what others have to say about this.....

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