new and having trouble

I've had my machine for just under 2 weeks and haven't been able to use it all night once. (it's a Philips System One with humidifier)
The first few days I had a sinus infection and didn't even attempt to use it. Since then, I can manage to fall asleep with it on but when I wake up after a few hours (usually for a bathroom break), I can't use it without feeling like I'm suffocating. It's so bad it causes me to have an anxiety attack.
I've tried wearing the mask (the Respironics "wisp" nasal mask) without the hose attached to it just to see if that was making me feel claustrophobic or if I had any trouble breathing with it...and that's not it.
I think my nasal passages are swelling after a couple of hours use and I'm having a problem with exhilation.
How do I know if I should try a new mask, ask for a different pressure setting or is there another option? I REALLY want this to work because I'm so tired of being tired.

I have a similar problem. You have a couple of choices as far as masks go. Many apnea patient use what is called a full face mask (FFM), It covers both your mouth and nose so if your nasal passages do get congested, you can breath hrough your mouth. Because I suffer from claustrophobia, I chose a different mask style. That is an oral mask where you always breath through your mouth.

There are lots of choices for FFM's but only one for the oral mask, the Oracle 2 mask from fisher-Paykel.

In either case, you should have humidification with either style and it is required for the oral mask.

Could you fill in your equipment list so it shows up with your posts?

Hope things improve and you make your treatment work.

For some people any pressure across the bridge of the nose will cause nasal congestion.
I tried the Wisp mask and even though it is very light and the pressure is very gentle....it still caused congestion.
Place our fingers gently across the sides of your nose where your turbinates are and apply a little pressure for a few minutes....does this cause congestion? If so, you are probably like me in that regard. I am miserable if I can't breathe through my nose.
Solution...get a mask that doesn't put any pressure across that area of the nose. That's why I use a nasal pillow mask.

Unsure exactly which model machine you have? Turn it over (remove water tank first if it has water in it) and look on the bottom of the blower unit for a 3 digit model number....usually has DS or REF in front of it. On the same sticker is an 8 digit number which is date of manufacture in year/month/day format.

If your nasal congestion isn't from the mask pressure on your nose then it might be from the humidified air...you may need more or less moisture added to the air. Some people need more and some people need less. There is no right or wrong...just what is most comfortable for the individual.

Trouble exhaling...does your machine have one of the Flex options for exhale relief?

I'll have to figure out how to fill in the info when I get home...I'm at work right now.
I do think it has that flex relief thing...seems like the tech that I picked the machine up from mentioned that.
I think the pressure may be more then how hard I exhale. If that's possible.

And I get congested with everything. I have severe allergies and have my whole life. I probably need to make sure and use my antihistamines better than I have been doing. I also take shots but that hasn't helped me from being sick repeatedly this past year.

chaosrainz wrote:And I get congested with everything. I have severe allergies and have my whole life. I probably need to make sure and use my antihistamines better than I have been doing. I also take shots but that hasn't helped me from being sick repeatedly this past year.

With allergies, you should be sure to use the ultrafine filter for your machine and consder using an additional bacterial filter between your mask and hose. They are available from our host as well as from CPAP Filters and Supplies.

I change them both once a month.