New to CPAPs

Jadenguil · Post by **Jadenguil** » Sat Mar 24, 2018 9:08 am

Hi!

Just started using CPAP mask-it was causing horrible headaches in the back of head/neck region from the band around the back of the head. I couldn't make it any looser because then I had leaks unless I managed to stay completely still. Mine is still in the six weeks phase where when an event occurs, it will force more air so they can tell what my final air flow should be. When the machine would blow more air, it would wake me startled when the air flowed harder on its own to open an obstruction. This would completely freak me out, wake me, and the mask would slightly flap. After ten days of taking motrin for the severe head/neck aches, because I'd have to tighten it fully for these thing not to happen, I went back and they gave me the nose device which fit like a dream and there was no pain. Also a chin strap as I'm a mouth breather. I was so excited! It didn't interfere, didn't hurt and I thought it would be excellent. Once I turned it on though, last night, the air pressure going into my nose caused so much pressure that I felt like I was not breathing out. The air also burned the inside of my nose and caused great anxiety that I wasn't breathing out as much as I should be doing. The air pressure is only on 4, as it is still in that trial phase to see what pressure I should stay with. I cannot imagine it being any higher, which I have noticed went up to 15 at times with the mask during an event when woken from it. Guys! What the heck do I do? Do you just get used to that much pressure coming into your nose? Will it continue to burn? I am so at a loss I threw it across the room last night and subsequently woke about 18 times during the night due to obstruction and gasping to wake. I originally had the oral appliance but after bone graft surgery at the dentist, and more to come to fix some mouth/dental issues, I can no longer wear it. I would like to have a nights sleep without waking up 18 times gasping but feel like I'm doing it wrong or that if every other person wearing them can take it, why can't I? Help please! Any advice would be welcomed.

TedVPAP · Post by **TedVPAP** » Sat Mar 24, 2018 9:32 am

You need to relax - I know, easier said then done.
Change takes time to get used to.
Read the sticky and success stories towards the top of the page.

LSAT · Post by **LSAT** » Sat Mar 24, 2018 9:39 am

Jadenguil wrote: ↑
Sat Mar 24, 2018 9:08 am
Hi!

Just started using CPAP mask-it was causing horrible headaches in the back of head/neck region from the band around the back of the head. I couldn't make it any looser because then I had leaks unless I managed to stay completely still. Mine is still in the six weeks phase where when an event occurs, it will force more air so they can tell what my final air flow should be. When the machine would blow more air, it would wake me startled when the air flowed harder on its own to open an obstruction. This would completely freak me out, wake me, and the mask would slightly flap. After ten days of taking motrin for the severe head/neck aches, because I'd have to tighten it fully for these thing not to happen, I went back and they gave me the nose device which fit like a dream and there was no pain. Also a chin strap as I'm a mouth breather. I was so excited! It didn't interfere, didn't hurt and I thought it would be excellent. Once I turned it on though, last night, the air pressure going into my nose caused so much pressure that I felt like I was not breathing out. The air also burned the inside of my nose and caused great anxiety that I wasn't breathing out as much as I should be doing. The air pressure is only on 4, as it is still in that trial phase to see what pressure I should stay with. I cannot imagine it being any higher, which I have noticed went up to 15 at times with the mask during an event when woken from it. Guys! What the heck do I do? Do you just get used to that much pressure coming into your nose? Will it continue to burn? I am so at a loss I threw it across the room last night and subsequently woke about 18 times during the night due to obstruction and gasping to wake. I originally had the oral appliance but after bone graft surgery at the dentist, and more to come to fix some mouth/dental issues, I can no longer wear it. I would like to have a nights sleep without waking up 18 times gasping but feel like I'm doing it wrong or that if every other person wearing them can take it, why can't I? Help please! Any advice would be welcomed.

It would help to know your machine, mask and pressure. If you say your pressure is 4 and it goes up to 15, I am guessing that you have an Auto machine and your pressure range is set at 4 min and 15+ as maximum. You indicated that you were "gasping". You need a higher minimum pressure.

Pugsy · Post by **Pugsy** » Sat Mar 24, 2018 9:49 am

Welcome to the forum.

Please add your equipment to your profile. It helps us help you better and faster.
wiki/index.php/Registering_Equipment_in_User_Profile

What settings are you using?
Are you using exhale relief? If so, what setting?
And yes...people actually do get quite used to exhaling against pressure a LOT higher than the 4 cm you are starting with. I know you think that it is impossible but it really isn't.
You have some options available to help you but we need to know what brand and model machine as well as all your settings because the options can vary with the different brands and models.

MrsRinPDX · Post by **MrsRinPDX** » Sat Mar 24, 2018 2:34 pm

Yes, you will get used to it. When I started using a nasal pillow mask after my neck surgery, I had the same startled reaction to the direct pressure up my nose. You will get used to that eventually. In fact, I am so used to it that I sometimes wonder if my machine is actually on. Just takes a little time. By the way, the ramp feature was a big help to me.

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