new user setting issues

First let me admit I didnt do a sleep study. I have noticed over the last 2 years that I am not rested in morning . My wife said I was snoring and almost gagging at night. I thought I would try a CPAP machine. First i bought a FIsher Paykel CPAP. first I tried the nose pillows but quickly realized I am a mouth breather. So I bought a full mask. I have played with the settings. I live in GA so the altitude is on 0. 2.0 humidity. 5.5 pressure. SO far I am not able to sleep through the night. It feels like I am breathing un natural to the point I feel like i have to take deaper breaths to catch up. Any advise or setting changes i should try?

Yes. See your doctor, get a home study (vs in-lab) and go from there. You're playing with fire and your children may pay. It's one thing to have some proof of apnea based on various factors, another to have gone to where you have with no knowledge or understanding of what you're playing with, let alone which machine (vs others that deal with things besides plain obstructive apnea) and mask are suitable for you. There are other conditions related to apnea that aren't treated by regular machines, but even if you do have OA, you need some idea of how to get set up before winging it, plus you should also be tested first for other conditions such as cardiac, thyroid, low hormones or Vit. D, lung function, etc. etc.

5gees wrote:First let me admit I didnt do a sleep study. I have noticed over the last 2 years that I am not rested in morning . My wife said I was snoring and almost gagging at night. I thought I would try a CPAP machine. First i bought a FIsher Paykel CPAP. first I tried the nose pillows but quickly realized I am a mouth breather. So I bought a full mask. I have played with the settings. I live in GA so the altitude is on 0. 2.0 humidity. 5.5 pressure. SO far I am not able to sleep through the night. It feels like I am breathing un natural to the point I feel like i have to take deaper breaths to catch up. Any advise or setting changes i should try?

It's possible to treat obstructive sleep apnea successfully without help from a doctor or sleep lab. But, I would not recommend doing it without a good support group like this forum.

Let's start with exactly what model machine you have? I am not so sure about the Fisher & Paykel brands, but other brands have the exact model number on the bottom of the machine. If you need to turn the machine over, first make sure there is no water in the humidifier tank.

Julie wrote:Yes. See your doctor, get a home study (vs in-lab) and go from there. You're playing with fire and your children may pay. It's one thing to have some proof of apnea based on various factors, another to have gone to where you have with no knowledge or understanding of what you're playing with, let alone which machine (vs others that deal with things besides plain obstructive apnea) and mask are suitable for you. There are other conditions related to apnea that aren't treated by regular machines, but even if you do have OA, you need some idea of how to get set up before winging it, plus you should also be tested first for other conditions such as cardiac, thyroid, low hormones or Vit. D, lung function, etc. etc.

checking the data from the machine would be a better first step.

Its a Fisher Paykel Sleepcenter 600.
the data from the machine shows me 676 total hrs 4.2 compliance 5.5 pressure 2.0 humidity.

5gees wrote: Fisher Paykel Sleepcenter 600

I believe you have a Fisher & Paykel Sleepstyle 600 series machine. There seems to be two models - 604 and 608.

Does anyone know if these are data capable machines?

5gees - If you have a data-capable machine, it is possible to self-titrate to the proper pressure. If not, it's like landing without instruments in a heavy fog.

ChicagoGranny wrote:

5gees wrote: Fisher Paykel Sleepcenter 600

I believe you have a Fisher & Paykel Sleepstyle 600 series machine. There seems to be two models - 604 and 608.

Does anyone know if these are data capable machines?

5gees - If you have a data-capable machine, it is possible to self-titrate to the proper pressure. If not, it's like landing without instruments in a heavy fog.

I have the 604. I dont think it is data capable. I cant see anything in the description for that. So at this point it sounds like I need to go to Sleep study.

5gees wrote:I have the 604. I dont think it is data capable. I cant see anything in the description for that. So at this point it sounds like I need to go to Sleep study.

A sleep study is a good idea, especially if it is covered by insurance.

If you are prescribed CPAP, make sure to get a data-capable machine. Forum members can help.