Gasping for air

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
dotsie200
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Joined: Tue Jun 28, 2022 8:11 pm

Gasping for air

Post by dotsie200 » Tue Jun 28, 2022 8:32 pm

I have been struggling with CPAP therapy for four years. At first, I thought I was doing better with Dreamstation 2. But now I am back to same old problem. I am in a deep sleep and wake up clutching at the mask trying to tear it off so I can breathe. It is like the mask is giving me worst-case apnea. And once I have torn off the mask, my heart is racing and I feel horrible. The next day I am exhausted. In addition to this issue that makes me afraid to use CPAP, I am also woken up with very dry mouth and nasal obstruction. I use a ResMed full face mask. Pressure starts at 10. EPR 3 heated hose that I’ve been adjusting. Four years of struggle and now I have Afib. Note I have no problems putting on mask at night. I am used to how it feels etc. the headgear and mask cushions wear out way faster than insurance reimburses, so I get leakage @ week three if cushion if headgear is stretched out of shape. Also, I toss a lot due to shoulder, back, and hip pain. Sometimes, I have wondered if I am squashing the hose and that is causing the feeling that leads to me to wake up as if I’ve been submerged in water for 10 minutes gasping for air.

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Julie
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Re: Gasping for air

Post by Julie » Wed Jun 29, 2022 5:09 am

Please read the 'Stickies' on main page here and download Oscar according to info re which graphs, etc. to post (not e.g. the calendar plse), and people will help interpret results before suggesting any 'fixes' to pressure, etc. And if you're wearing the mask extra tight, loosen it because apart from possibly overstretching unnecessarily, it can even cause new leaks and defeat the purpose. Some small leaks may not be as problematic as overall overtightening.

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Miss Emerita
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Re: Gasping for air

Post by Miss Emerita » Wed Jun 29, 2022 11:16 am

One good reason for following Julie's advice and using OSCAR is that then we can see whether you're gasping for air because of apnea events.

It's unlikely that you're kinking the hose enough to cut off the air flow. But if you toss and turn a lot, you might benefit from using a hose stand (aka hose lift). There's a variety of them that you'll see on e.g. Amazon.
Oscar software is available at https://www.sleepfiles.com/OSCAR/

Janknitz
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Location: Northern California

Re: Gasping for air

Post by Janknitz » Wed Jun 29, 2022 12:00 pm

You've been struggling on the same settings for FOUR years, and now you've developed aFib which is often attributed to untreated/poorly treated sleep apnea! :shock:

Did you ever talk to your sleep doctor about this? Did your doctor ever look at the efficacy data on your machine or have you have another titration test? Did you complain and were told "just keep using the machine"?

I hope we can help you here. The data should show us what is going on when you wake gasping for air, and then we can help you determine how to manage it.

Do you have GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux)? When you wake up gasping for air, do you feel like you are choking or drowning? Do you take any heartburn medications like PPI's or H2 blockers?
What you need to know before you meet your DME http://tinyurl.com/2arffqx
Taming the Mirage Quattro http://tinyurl.com/2ft3lh8
Swift FX Fitting Guide http://tinyurl.com/22ur9ts
Don't Pay that Upcharge! http://tinyurl.com/2ck48rm

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ChicagoGranny
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Location: USA

Re: Gasping for air

Post by ChicagoGranny » Wed Jun 29, 2022 12:25 pm

dotsie200 wrote:
Tue Jun 28, 2022 8:32 pm
I am in a deep sleep and wake up clutching at the mask trying to tear it off so I can breathe. It is like the mask is giving me worst-case apnea. And once I have torn off the mask, my heart is racing and I feel horrible.
Without data, a definitive answer is not possible, but it could be something as simple as the pressure is set too low.