Is this weird or am I overreacting?

So I've already switched my mask type to a full-face mask, but when I gave it a trial run this afternoon, I felt slightly dazed, like I was going to pass out. My respiratory therapist said I would get the best sleep of my life, but I don't think this is what she meant. It reminded me more of coming out of surgery and having trouble breathing. Which, if I'm using a cpap mask properly, should be the opposite of what is supposed to happen, right? It's supposed to help me breathe better. Maybe I was just wearing the mask wrong. I'm going to give it another shot. If I feel like I'm going to pass out though, even a little, I'm taking the mask off and talking to my respiratory therapist again. Any suggestions?

Yes, find another title for your note - you've used someone else' s.

I suspect you're hyperventilating due to the unaccustomed pressure. Remember that CPAP is designed to treat sleep apnea, while you're asleep. Using it when awake is often recommended for new users, but could result in perverse outcomes.

To be honest, I wouldn't worry too much.

kitsune wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 17, 2025 7:02 pm

kitsune » Mon Feb 17, 2025 8:02 pm

What are your pressure settings?

Respirator99 wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 17, 2025 11:50 pm

I wouldn't worry too much.

Because it's not happening to you.

The F30i flows well. Are you sure that you have it adjusted right under your nose so that it is not blocking a nostril? Other than that, are you using the ramp up feature on your CPAP? I treat at 10 and do not like the ramp feature. If you have the ramp on, you might try turning it off.

My treatment setting is at 4. I don't know how to mess with that. I want my insurance to pay for it so I need to wear it for 70% of the time 4 hours a day and I haven't managed that, so I'm nervous about that as well.

kitsune wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 18, 2025 3:31 pm

My treatment setting is at 4.

That's the lowest possible setting. Very few people do well at that pressure. Most need 7.0 or higher. You might still be having apneas. Maybe more likely, the pressure is not sufficiently clearing the exhaled air from the mask. The resulting CO2 buildup could have given you the "dazed/feeling like passing out" that you reported.

Which mode is your machine set for? CPAP or APAP?

I have a feeling your medical team did not set your machine up properly and pretty much doesn't know what the hell they are doing.

CPAP, but thanks to the Internet I know how to manually adjust my machine! Yay! Don't tell my doctor lol

kitsune wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 18, 2025 9:24 pm

CPAP, but thanks to the Internet I know how to manually adjust my machine! Yay! Don't tell my doctor lol

So, what's your next step?

I adjusted the pressure to a minimum of 7, and I decided to switch back to my nasal mask for now, the ResMed N30i. It's more comfortable and I actually got some sleep last night. A little, not much, but it's something at least. I'm going to work on getting my windows darkened so I can sleep better. Or just use a strap on sleep mask.

I recommend you get a free account at SleepHq.com, upload your SD card, and then post the link to the SleepHQ analysis in this thread. The analysis will be in the correct format, and your personal information will be redacted.

Are you changing the mask type setting on the machine? Pillow/nasal/full face are the choices. I use the F40 hybrid mask and found its recommended setting of pillows seems to deliver more pressure than the full face setting. I have not found documentation of what these settings do exactly, only opinions. Some think it has something to do with the volume of the mask as per the manuals.

ejbpesca wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 20, 2025 9:23 am

Are you changing the mask type setting on the machine? Pillow/nasal/full face are the choices. I use the F40 hybrid mask and found its recommended setting of pillows seems to deliver more pressure than the full face setting. I have not found documentation of what these settings do exactly, only opinions. Some think it has something to do with the volume of the mask as per the manuals.

I've been told it only has to do with reporting the leak level and doesn't affect the machine operation. Never been able to verify that.

I'm not aware of anybody ever being flagged for non-compliance for changing the settings. In some cases I have heard of them tuned it back remotely; but you'll know if that happens.

Do you have your original prescription? I would start by setting the machine to that pressure, at least as a starting point.