Choking/not getting enough air, new CPAP user

Hello everyone.

Machine: Resmed Airsense 10 Autoset
Mask: Nose/full
Pressure: Ramp 4->7
Humidifier: Yes
Weight: 280

I was just recently diagnosed with sleep apnea(severe, I think my code was like 44?). I got my Resmed Airsense 10 Autoset and haven't been able to sleep with it. I have chronic stuffy nose at night which prevents me from using the nose mask(which I've successfully slept with for 2 nights). Upon trying the full face mask for the last 2 nights I noticed as I fell asleep my CPAP was feeling like the suction to my face was getting stronger and the machine was not supplying me with enough air to feel like I could breath. As I was falling asleep I kept being jolted awake feeling like I was choking, this was very distressing and I've slept 2 nights so far without CPAP(horrible fatigue during the day). Even when I try wearing it during the day it feels like I don't get enough air.

Is there anything I can do to prevent this choking/suction feeling? I really need to use CPAP to feel rested. Thank you for your time.

Have you considered just turning ramp off? Many people find that those really low pressures starting out at ramp simply don't move enough air and they feel like they are suffocating.

Good idea I will try that tonight. I don't really know if starting on 7 will feel like I put my mouth on a leaf blower but I'll definitely try.

If starting at 7 in a bit uncomfortable...have you tried EPR exhale relief?
Try a setting of 2 or 3 EPR and see how it feels.

I tried it tonight and turned off the ramp. My nose wasnt stuffed up so I used my nose mask. The same feeling of gasping for air happened a handful of times. I tried then switching to the full face mask and couldnt fall asleep. Guess another restless night for me

Have you tried raising your low pressure by 1-2 cm to see if it helps - 7 is not a very high setting and you might need a bit more support, especially if you're a back-sleeper, which causes even more apneas.

Turn on EPR...set it to 3...play with it while awake and watching TV or reading a book ...don't wait until you are feeling pressure to fall asleep.
See how long it takes before you start feeling like you are choking and not getting enough air (if you get those feelings with EPR on).

I think we also need to see the software reports since I see in another thread that you mention gasping when you are actually falling asleep...I am wondering if there is maybe a sleep onset central thing going on and tweaking the settings may not be the answer.

Do you know about the software?
https://sleep.tnet.com/equipment
some examples of how we like to see the graphs in this thread
viewtopic/t103468/Need-help-with-screen-shots.html
and how to host the reports so we can see what you are seeing
https://sleep.tnet.com/reference/tips/imgur

My CPAP machine starts me out at like 12 because my average is around 14 or so.
I think that has helped me with the problem you are having.

Also, I had the same problem as you, and I went to one of the CPAP classes, they have you try new masks etc.
They were using an "older" machine there, which had the older bigger hoses, while my machine comes with the new thinner hose.
I tried a new mask, and was getting lots of air, tried the mask at home and couldn't get enough air again.
Went back and the lady there helped me try different settings etc., it then came to me to try the bigger hose, and low and behold, the bigger hose was the solution.
The problem was the new "thin" hoses machines come with now. They say it shouldn't matter, but it clearly does.

Went and got a bigger size hose, and I'm all good. Well, save for harness problems, back strap moving up at night and thus can't sleep most of the night.
Hope those two things fix your problem, it did me.