New to CPAP

CPAP pillows are like masks...one person loves theirs but the next person might hate it. We all have different preferences, needs and likes and dislikes.

If you are thinking one of those cpap pillows with the cut outs...they are a bit pricey and you might not like the cut outs so I usually tell people to go to some place like WalMart and get one of those cheap memory foam pillows and make your own cut outs. Then see how it might work and decide if you want to spend more money on one of those others.

I use a buckwheat hull pillow myself. I like the support for my neck and I can move the hulls as need to make a nest for the mask.
Some people love them...some people hate them. You will find that pretty much everything related to cpap comes with a big YMMV sticker.

I was afraid the increase in minimum might be too big of a leap but you were going up their anyway and staying there once you were asleep. I was hoping you could get to sleep sooner but I guess that was too much to hope for. Back off a bit so you can get to sleep and stay asleep. Once asleep the pressure is going to go up and stay up anyway. So concentrate on getting the sleep first.

Plan on keeping that appointment....I suspect you are going to need a bilevel pressure machine due to pressure needs.
The bilevel machines can go higher plus there is additional pressure support available so that those higher pressures are more comfortable for you.

I went to the doctor -- as suspected he didn't offer much and says to leave setting along and have to get used to the machine. I'll have to look for a new sleep doc.

I'm waking several times at night because the pressure is at its highest -- seeping out of the holes in the mask. This is what is waking me up. I have to stop/start the machine to get back to sleep. What is causing this, and why?

Please help!

Are you referring to the small patch of tiny holes in the mask? That's the CO2 vent (or vents) and must be kept clear and allowed to vent CO2 as you don't want to rebreathe it. However, if it's noisy, you could try poking a pin through the holes to make sure they're clear of any debris and, depending on your particular mask (if the patch is a set-in separate piece) be sure it's seated properly... I believe most newer masks though have integrated vents rather than inset ones.

Are you referring to the small patch of tiny holes in the mask? That's the CO2 vent (or vents) and must be kept clear and allowed to vent CO2 as you don't want to rebreathe it. However, if it's noisy, you could try poking a pin through the holes to make sure they're clear of any debris and, depending on your particular mask (if the patch is a set-in separate piece) be sure it's seated properly... I believe most newer masks though have integrated vents rather than inset ones. If you still have trouble, talk to your DME who may have suggestions re other masks.

Yes the vents. But the pressure is high (my max is 20). It shouldn't be doing that unless detecting apnea??

When I first start the machine its and nice flow of air. Somehow something is triggering and blows a windstorm.

xkazman wrote: ↑

Wed May 09, 2018 8:28 am

Yes the vents. But the pressure is high (my max is 20). It shouldn't be doing that unless detecting apnea??

When I first start the machine its and nice flow of air. Somehow something is triggering and blows a windstorm.

Because you max is 20 doesn't mean it blows that high...It may never get over 10..You are just allowing the machine to go up to 20 if it needs to...You need to download the software to see what is actually happening. Have you looked at the mask vents????

LSAT wrote: ↑

Wed May 09, 2018 10:16 am

xkazman wrote: ↑

Wed May 09, 2018 8:28 am

Yes the vents. But the pressure is high (my max is 20). It shouldn't be doing that unless detecting apnea??

When I first start the machine its and nice flow of air. Somehow something is triggering and blows a windstorm.

Because you max is 20 doesn't mean it blows that high...It may never get over 10..You are just allowing the machine to go up to 20 if it needs to...You need to download the software to see what is actually happening. Have you looked at the mask vents????

Thanks for your replies. Yes it actually goes up to 18-20. It happened early this morning. Only way to stop it is to turn the machine off/on.