Newbie says Thanks

Just began my odessy with cpap to address my osa.
The gear I was prescribed is in my signature.
On night 5 and struggling with feeling frustrated over having to keep my mouth closed with the nazal mask.
I have also been trying to just get used to it and not give up.
I use a netti pot to rinse my nasal passages at night before bed.
I am set at 2 on the humidifier and 7 on the cpap with an automatic ramp.
I find myself struggling for enough air as the cpap ramps up.
I love learning the hints and tricks of using a cpap system at this forum.
Thank you all for your contributions.
I am noticing that my ribcage muscles are very, very tired and sore now.
I think it is because of the deep breaths forced into me all night?

Hi, I'm a total newbie also, but something I learned in the first few days, is to NOT use the ramp as I was feeling the same as you.
I put my mask on about 20mins before going to sleep, sit up and read or watch tv and forget about breathing and the mask. Pretty soon you hardly notice it and it's easier to get to sleep without needing a brown paper bag cuz your'e hyperventilating lol

Cheers,
Xena

Siskiyoumom,

Can you check what you've selected for your humifier? It doesn't make sense to list a System One Plus with an Hi5 Humidifier since the Hi5 Humidifier is what works for a ResMed S9.

Also, your System One Plus only records compliance data. You might want to try upgrading it to a System One Pro instead.

I am noticing that my ribcage muscles are very, very tired and sore now.
I think it is because of the deep breaths forced into me all night?

It's more likely because you now have to exhale against additional pressure all night long in my opinion.

There are a few things that will make you more comfortable, some already mentioned:

1. To keep your mouth closed try putting your tongue on the roof of your mouth, on that ridge behind your front teeth. If you still find it difficult, a lot of people try chin straps or actually taping their mouths shut with medical tape.

2. You should call your DME Monday morning about three issues:
First, your machine does not have efficacy data (i.e. leak information, AHI's, etc). This information is crucial to being able to solve problems and optimize your therapy. See if you can trade it in for a data capable machine. BEFORE you call, read this http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/what-y ... me-part-i/, it will help you understand how to deal with your DME.
Second, you need to ask your DME to turn on the "flex" option. On other machines this is known as "exhalation pressure relief" and will help your chest feel better because you won't have to breathe out against so much pressure.
Third, ask your DME to turn the automatic ramp off all the way (you can still activate ramp by pressing the ramp button). It's the ramp that is making you feel like you can't breathe at first, and that's also probably contributing to your feeling the need to open your mouth to get enough air. Without the ramp, you may find it easier to breath strictly through your nose.

Keep using that neti pot--having a clear nose really helps. Sounds like you're off to a good start, but it can be even more comfortable for you with some minor changes.