Suffocating? Or is it just me?

ClayRey · Post by **ClayRey** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 1:17 pm

I have been on CPAP for a couple of weeks now (at 14). I have found that I am taking off my mask in the middle of the night. I really don't know why I'm doing this, but the feeling I am having is that I may be having trouble exhaling. Has anyone else had this problem? Could it be that I need something other than a straight CPAP? Also, I have an appointment with the Neurologist at the end of the month - should I take the card out of my CPAP for them to look at? Your thoughts are appreciated - this board has been a big help to me so far!

3isles · Post by **3isles** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 7:20 pm

Do you have cpap with no exhale relief? If so I'd ask the doc about switching. I'm at 13 with a polaris ex with softex (their version of exhale relief). I could definately not stand it without it. That being said I routinely have to put the mask back on during the night. One night I pulled the whole thing apart, pulled the hose off the mask and out of the machine. I never know I take it off at all. I must have an active sleep life.

DansCFLEXing · Post by **DansCFLEXing** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 9:49 pm

I've been on CPAP for two weeks now. The first week I had an AutoPAP for titration. This last week I have been on my new Remstar Auto with C-Flex. Both machines are the same except for the C-Flex, which is Remstar's exhalation relief. I do notice a big difference with the C-Flex. It is much more comfortable to breathe with. However, I still haven't gotten a good nights sleep yet with CPAP Even though it is comfortable to breathe and I get very relaxed, I can not fall asleep. After a few hours I get that "suffocating" feeling too, even with the C-Flex. Usually by about 3am I'm pulling my mask off so I can sleep. I don't want to get in the habit of taking the mask off, but when you have to get up for work in a few hours and haven't slept yet it's necessary. I'm chalking it up to growing pains, hopefully I'll grow out of it soon.

SnoreNoMore2005 · Post by **SnoreNoMore2005** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 10:11 pm

I first started with a straight CPAP with CFLEX and felt OK when I went to bed but during the night I felt like I wasn't getting enough air. Thinking I needed more air, I kept increasing the pressure... even up to 14. Nothing helped.

I then switch to an APAP and found that I could use much less air pressure (7 - 9 cm) than I was using with a CPAP and the feeling of not getting enough air during the night went away. The APAP continously adjusts to the amount of air you actually need to keep your airways open. Maybe give that a try if you can.

Good luck.

SnoreNoMore2005

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 10:40 pm

Pulling one's mask off during the night (either consciously or unconsciously) seems to be part of the learning curve in this therapy. Almost all of us have done it......and then we get over it.

Best wishes,

Den

ClayRey · Post by **ClayRey** » Wed Feb 15, 2006 8:20 am

All,
Thank you so much for the responses! I appreciate the information regarding Cflex and the APAP. The machine I'm using doesn't have the exhale relief. I'll definitely talk to my doc about this option. I'm also relieved to hear I'm not alone in my issue about taking the mask off in the middle of the night!

DansCFLEXing: Good luck with your situation.. I really do understand what it's like to not get a good nights sleep for long periods. I hope things improve for you!

Thanks again!