How to get the right CPAP machine and nasal mask.

I have tried a few CPAP machines, but am unable to get used to it. First there is the noise. I hear my own repiration and I can't get any sleep. Secondly: the nasal mask gives my the impression to choke. Has anyone a solution to my problems? Thank you in advance. Dr. med. Mario Izbicki

Perhaps you are more noise sensitive than most of us? I've personally used the Resmed S8 Elite w/EPR, the Resmed S8 AutoSet Vantage, the Resmed VPAP and I traveled w/a friend w/the Resmed S8 Compact and even w/both CPAPs setting next to each other on the nightstand in the motel and running they were whisper quiet and unless you lifted your mask from your face or opened your mouth you just weren't even aware they were running.

I've also used a Respironics pre-M Series Auto w/C-Flex and the Respironics pre-M Series Bi-PAP Auto w/Bi-Flex and they are quiet as well.

The newer Resmed S8 IIs are said to be even quieter. Most xPAPs have been tested and rated at 26 dcbs and the S8 IIs are rated at 24 dcbs. I think I read of one other brand whose new models are also rated at 24 dcbs. If you check out the various xPAPs at cpap.com their noise (dcbs) rating is given for each. Or at least for every one I've ever checked out.

marioiz@bezeqint.net wrote:I have tried a few CPAP machines, but am unable to get used to it. First there is the noise. I hear my own repiration and I can't get any sleep. Secondly: the nasal mask gives my the impression to choke. Has anyone a solution to my problems? Thank you in advance. Dr. med. Mario Izbicki

Hi Mario,
Welcome to the forum.
I recognize the email address you posted as one from Israel.
In Israel, we are fortunate enough to be given a chance to try different machines, different masks before we try them -
Please try to be more specific about what you have tried already - it will help us help you.
When I started out, 4 years ago, I felt went through a very similar experience:
The first few masks, and the machine, and the settings they gave me - didn't do the job.
As Slinky said, some machines are very quiet.

Noise:
When I sleep, my machine is an open bottom drawer of an Ikea cabinet - on a thick towel. The distance and the towel deaden the noise. People also use mousepads for deadening the noise.

Unlike machine noise, mask noise cannot be deadened - and some masks are noisier than others. I had a terrible problem in the beginning, until I realized that I kept waiting for the noise to go away, so I could fall asleep. At that point, I concentrated on two things:
* I firmly and gently reminded myself that this noise was here to stay
* I imagined nice places I had been to, where the rush of water made a similar noise (the seashore for instance).

Mask
Nasal pillows masks are my favorites - they are noisier - but worth it for me. I learned about the mask I now use on this forum, and ordered it from the hosts of this forum, https://www.cpap.com. - that mask wasn't even available in Israel - I think it still isn't. Delivery is expensive too - but the gamble was worth it for me.

Very very very important is having a machine that tracks your data, and software to see not only average numbers, but also what happens when.

Choking:
What is the name of the mask - as specific as possible? What are your pressure settings? Do you feel too much air? Too little air? Out of synchronization with the machine?

You don't have to register to the forum, but if you do, you can go to the user's control panel, and add details to your profile, like the pressure you were given. Any detail you put in the profile will appear on all your posts so you won't have to repeat it.

If you decide to register don't use your email address. There are automatic programs on the Internet that look for email addresses and sent them spam - most people on forums make up a user name (a nick name).

Welcome to the forum, Mario. 4 years ago I was where you are - then I found the Internet forums - with wonderful helpful people, tons of information - and things got better. It may take time, it may be frustrating - and expensive - but it is worth it.

O.

marioiz@bezeqint.net wrote:I have tried a few CPAP machines, but am unable to get used to it. First there is the noise. I hear my own repiration and I can't get any sleep. Secondly: the nasal mask gives my the impression to choke. Has anyone a solution to my problems? Thank you in advance. Dr. med. Mario Izbicki

My APAP (ResMed S8 AutoSet II) is wisper quiet. Any noise I hear is from the exhaust of my mask and I have tried many and so far, all the masks I have tried make some noise - some more than others. My current mask (Zzz-Mask full face) makes a little exhaust noise. If the mask noise bothers you, try a good set of ear plugs. Try a full face mask if you feel you are going to choke with a nasal mask - it may be you are feeling the pressure closing the airway path from your mouth and you may get used to that feeling.
Good luck.

I block out the minor noise from my Swift LT with an MP3 I made of a waterfall playing on an iPOD on a cheap docking station. The concept is called "acoustic perfume" and will work with any kind of pink or white noise generator.

If your mask is making a lot of noise, it's likely that there's a fitting problem.

I am claustrophobic and didn't enjoy my sleep center night with all the probes and having to lie flat on my back to sleep. When I returned later that week for mask titration, brought my iPhone and earphones. When technician fitted me with mirage nasal mask, he was extremely patient and when I told him to leave me alone for a while, he attended to another patient. I put the mask on without the headgear and laid back for about 5 minutes, breathing as natural as possible to get a 'feel' for the mask. After several false starts and about 60 minutes, final solution was to plug in the earphones and tune everything out....

I relied on the music again for my first two nights (Monday and last night) and suspect this will help until I really get used to a mask - you might want to try to same thing.... good luck.