brand new - need advice

richneedsleep · Post by **richneedsleep** » Wed Feb 07, 2007 2:37 am

I am so thankful to find this site. This is day/night six for me and, as it is 2:30am, you can tell I'm struggling.

1. I am so congested. I feel like I can't breath. I got a full face because I knew this would be a problem. When I exhale, it all backs up. Difficult to fall asleep.

2. I hate trying to exhale. It's like I can't get the air out of my mask fast enough. I even took out one of the O2 ports for added relief (something my DME said not to do and I'm sure messes with my pressure setting).

3. I don't know what kind of rhythm to expect. I'm sleeping maybe an hour or hour and a half, then waking up. I don't want to put the mask back on and it takes so long to fall asleep again.

Any advice is welcomed. Why wouldn't my doctor prescribe a bi-pap to begin with?

Rich

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Feb 07, 2007 2:43 am

taking the caps off the oxygen ports on the mask will cause problems, machine will try and compensate for the extra leak and rev up making more noise, if a autopap it will stop functioning.

Go take a shower, the steam will clear your nose. If you have a ramp on your machine use it, it will lower the pressure until you fall asleep. If you have Cflex set it to position #2.

Lyza · Post by **Lyza** » Wed Feb 07, 2007 2:50 am

please finish your profile or at least tell us what machine you are using what your pressure is at so we can better guide you.

pedroski · Post by **pedroski** » Wed Feb 07, 2007 3:48 am

while you're filling out your profile so you can get more accurate advice, be encouraged that it will get better. Click on the Yellow Lightbulb at the top and read as much as you can. The knowledge you gain will help you to cope with your frustration. We know how you feel. Hang in there.

Peter

CollegeGirl · Post by **CollegeGirl** » Wed Feb 07, 2007 3:55 am

Rich, it sounds like your exhale relief is not set high enough. If you have a Respironics ("RemStar") machine, your Cflex needs to be set higher. If you have a ResMed machine, your EPR needs to be higher.

It's really easy to fix. Just let us know what machine you have, and we can help you. Directions should be in your user manual, though.

Exhale relief does not agree with everyone, but many like it. Try upping it and let us know how you do.

SleepGuy · Post by **SleepGuy** » Wed Feb 07, 2007 2:29 pm

Rich, it takes some time to get used to exhaling against back pressure. It feels unnatural and like you're being smothered. I promise you that with time, however, your body will adjust and you literally will no longer feel the back pressure when you exhale. The first time that happens it might be a little scary (like you're not getting air) but it WILL happen. Just stick with it.

Remember that even an hour of sleep on your xPAP is better than the illusion of a whole night's sleep without it (otherwise known as "NO SLEEP"), no to mention oxygen deprivation etc.

Hang in there!

SleepinPeace · Post by **SleepinPeace** » Wed Feb 07, 2007 3:29 pm

You people have no idea how much help you give to us. I am a newbie, too. I am just learning, but I just wanted to say thankis!!

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Wed Feb 07, 2007 3:35 pm

SleepinPeace wrote:You people have no idea how much help you give to us. I am a newbie, too. I am just learning, but I just wanted to say thankis!!

Welcome to the forum!

Glad you found us.

Best wishes to you and your therapy.

Den

ZZZzzz · Post by **ZZZzzz** » Wed Feb 07, 2007 3:46 pm

Rich,

I don't have a noggin full of experience like so many that help make this site such a success - - but MAN! do I have a heart full of empathy for what you're going through. Getting a Sleep Apnea diagnosis is such a long, frustrating and expensive road. I'm sure thinking about you. -Bev

betty303 · Post by **betty303** » Wed Feb 07, 2007 4:49 pm

To help congestion I have done the following:

1. Used Sinu-Cleanse (or neti pot, or Sinus Rinse) available at the drug store to put salt water into one nostril and it comes out the other nostril - helps clear the sinus.

2. Lowered the heat on my humidifier. I am all the way down to 1, which leaves the air a bit cooler across my nose/mouth, but that doesn't bother me as much as the congestion.)

3. Used a herbal sinus spray in my nose. I have also used a non-prescription saline spray and a prescription nasal spray(generic substitute for flonase) They have all helped.

richneedsleep · Post by **richneedsleep** » Wed Feb 07, 2007 8:37 pm

Hi everyone, Rich here. Thanks for your replies, I will be using some of your tips. I've updated my profile with my machine now, or the one that looks closest. I have a Fisher and Paykel Sleep Style 600.

I don't see any way to adjust exhale relief on mine. Am I stuck with what I've got?

blarg · Post by **blarg** » Wed Feb 07, 2007 10:37 pm

If you talk to your doctor and express your concerns while specifically requesting EPR/C-Flex, you can most likely get switched to a better machine. While you're at it, ask for one with data capabilities.

Rabid1 · Post by **Rabid1** » Wed Feb 07, 2007 11:13 pm

Good advice above.

One more thing Rich. Relax. You're not alone, and you WILL feel better! Don't let your mind tell you otherwise!

brand new - need advice

brand new - need advice

helping congestion

My machine

Mask

Mask