Very new and Very Confused

Hello all. I've had my CPAP for about 6 weeks (ResMed AirSense 10 with full face AirFit F10 mask). The pressure is set at 4, as is the humidity. I have no idea what that means - good or bad?

So far, my snoring is down, although I can't say positively that my rest has improved. I wake up several times a night because the mask has shifted allowing a leak. When I tighten the straps to prevent that, it becomes uncomfortable.

While I clean my mask and tube religiously, I find the smell of the forced air very unpleasant. I tried putting a few drops of mint extract into the humidifier's water chamber and it helped a lot but I wonder if it's okay to do so. It's just a bit of alcohol so it shouldn't hurt, right? (When I was a kid and I had a bad cold, my mom would put Vick's Vap-o-rub in the room humidifier to help my congestion)

I also think the air is too hot. Is there a way to cool it? Should I? I'd rather breathe cool air when I sleep.

I briefly scanned a number of posts on the forum and find people talking about various numbers and software that I don't understand (I am not a "techie") and just make me more confused. I just want a good night's sleep without having to spend all my waking moments thinking about it.

I also have an extreme dislike for the provider, Apira. When I went to pick up my machine, they basically handed me the bag and said, "Go home and watch the DVD." My BCBS insurance paid for everything, yet two weeks later I got a bill from Aprira for rental (my machine was purchased and paid in full) and various "supplies" sent that I never received!

Hi - never put anything in the humidifier water except distilled (or if necessary tap) water. You can put some perfume, oil essence, etc. on a cotton ball right beside the air intake at the back of the machine and it will help. Don't over tighten your mask because it won't allow the thin silicone to inflate and help seal leaks... better to find a mask (while lying down - your face changes then) that fits better - there are so many out there (see Cpap.com for variety), and you can try Padacheek.com liners that are made to help with leaks and strap marks.

If your low pressure is 4, that's the machine default low setting and almost impossible to breathe at... you should try a low setting of 6 or 7 at least - obviously you didn't get the machine set to any prescription resulting from your titration... all too common when doctors don't have a clue! And remember the humidity is to faciitate Cpap - it's not 'therapy' in itself and you can play with the settings (including not using at all) depending on local climate, etc. Some people would find 4 rather high and get congested, others not at all.

You have come to a good place for help. You should get a copy of your prescription and then make sure your machine is set in accordance with your prescription. Others here with tremendous experience can assist you in making changes to improve comfort. It is a lot to learn at first. Try to be a little patient. It took me time to read, figure things out, make adjustments to my therapy, and therefore improve my sleep quality. It seems like patience and persistence is key. Good Luck!

The setting of 4 on the humidifier for your machine is sort of middle of the road setting as I think it can go up to 8.

Here's the provider manual for your machine.
https://sleep.tnet.com/home/files/resme ... -guide.pdf
see page 11 for humidity description

Your nose will let you know if you are using too much humidity or not enough (people vary with what makes their nose happy....my nose needs all the moisture it can get and Julie's nose doesn't need much if any...we are both normal).
Usual symptoms when the nose isn't happy with humidity...congestion, drainage, sneezing, itchiness.
When people come here complaining of those symptoms we usually tell them to play with the humidity settings and it's trial and error. They might be like me...or they might be like Julie...we never know which way someone will end up being.

Don't put anything in the water chamber..instead put some sort of aroma therapy product just outside the air intake on the back of the machine.
I love the PurSleep products but you can use just about any essential oil.
https://www.cpap.com/cpap-comfort-clean ... herapy.php

I agree with all the above. You want the scent and NOT the oil getting into your lungs. You might also look at the BreatheRight strips that are scented, you could put one on your nose inside the mask. By the air intake works also.

I have my temperature turned down to 63 degrees, climate line turn off, and cold water in the tank. You can do lots of different things with humidity. There is a manual mode.

Providers are a mixed bag, I have found that as long as I am proactive with what I want I can get them to do what I want. It will take some calls and getting used to what is possible.

I suggest that you keep a journal of any changes you make and how you feel the next day. You may also find that one change will effect another, so retest once you think you have it figured out, you may be able to make it even better.

I've turned the humidity level down to "3" and that seems somewhat better, however last night I woke up several times thrashing around in the bed, I actually pulled my machine off the nightstand and onto the floor. I loosened the straps on my mask a bit which was more comfortable, but allowed leakage. I'm staying with CPAP therapy, but was wondering does anybody successfully ever get off this thing?

Success is when you sleep all night with your new friend, not when you get off of it. You don't have to be a techie to read the reports that can be produced with the help of a software program called "sleepyhead" and the sd card that is loaded in your machine. You can try cutting a piece out of a t-shirt in the shape of the mask to aid in the leaks. All these issues need to be addressed one at a time and can be mastered one at a time. Just be patient, keep reading about these issues and trying different things.