Still choking?

Hi All.
After being diagnosed with severe OSA I have just started with my new machine and..... well suffice to say I have stopped using it at present because I keep waking up during the night feeling like I'm choking or suffocating (bit hard to explain exactly the feeling).I figured it may just be getting used to it as I have a full mask but, I have given it about a fortnight and still no better. I thought maybe the pressure was too high but after some experimentation it still is the same. The feeling when I sit bolt upright in bed gasping for air and trying to rip the mask off my face is shocking. As of yet the only words I have had from the sleep disorders clinic is that it will take time. Quite frankly I would prefer waking up feeling like s*** than waking up in a blind panic.

Has anyone else had this concern.

Cheers Andrew

Tell the clinic that time helps one adjust to the feel of the mask, but that you believe your episodes are related to the function, not the feel, and that time is of the essence because you cannot use the cpap at this time. You could benefit from a couple weeks with an autopap that will give you data on its effectiveness. Nothing wrong with being a little "pushy" - your health merits it.
Kathy

Andrew, it sounds to me (note: I am not a doctor of any sort ) like your pressure isn't high enough and you're having apneas. Definitely try to get an auto if you can - that's the only way, other than another sleep study, that you'll know for sure.

it normally takes a good 4-6 weeks to get used to wearing the mask and using the machine.

Trying to rip off the mask is normal when first starting, it should pass. But if you are gasping for air that may mean your pressure is not set high enough.

same ole question, what machine do you have and what pressure is it set for?

I've only had my machine since mid-May, but I can tell you that it does take a few weeks to get used to having the mask on your face, and that can make you feel like you are "suffocating". I had been having dreams that I could not breathe or was suffocating just in the last few weeks. I upped my pressure from 10 to 11 for the past 2 nights. Things are going well although it may be too early to tell. My numbers on my reports are good, as well. I think it would be in your best interest to get (or rent) a machine that could give you your sleep report to see what is going on or an apap. Please don't give up!!

When I first began CPAP therapy, my doctor prescribed a relatively low setting of 7 and I used to wake up gasping for breath every so often. When I eventually had my pressure level raised to 10, the events stopped and haven't reappeared since.

Just one pilgrim's observation.

OCO