Rough First Night

Well I finally got my cpap machine it is a PR system one Auto with A-flex with Humidifier. My mask is a Pilairo nasal pillow. The mask was comfortable, and my pressure is fairly low , 7. The mask felt fine - I could move pretty good without leaks (but I don't typically move a lot while sleeping and I am a back sleeper). I only got about 1 to 2 hrs sleep. I guess it just takes getting used to. Maybe wearing it during the day for a few hours would help?

Yes, wear it either during the day or night. Watch tv, read or listen to music. It won't take long to get used to the mask. Your goal is not to have leaks. Did you see what your leaks were? In your profile section, please list your equipment. We'll help you thru this process. Best of luck!
Sheriff

I could not find leaks in the settings. There was something called something like "Mask Leak Alarm" but couldn't find leaks. Also, The machine comes with an SD card, but didn't come witha software disk. Does software have to be purchased separately? What software would be compatible with my machine?

fishy wrote:I could not find leaks in the settings. There was something called something like "Mask Leak Alarm" but couldn't find leaks. Also, The machine comes with an SD card, but didn't come witha software disk. Does software have to be purchased separately? What software would be compatible with my machine?

Hi Fishy,

Here is a link to free software created by JediMark, a cpaptalk.com member, that will work with your machine.

http://sourceforge.net/projects/sleepyhead/

49er

It can take a bit for a person to get used to sleeping with the alien stuck on our face. Let's face it....it just isn't natural but we do get used to it. It will get easier and better.

There is software available for your (free).
Check out UncleBob's signature here for information on how to get EncoreBasic which will work with your machine.
memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=38643
EncoreGuide link this will show you examples of what you will see. For a different machine than yours but the basics are the same.
http://www.healthcare.philips.com/pwc_h ... _Guide.pdf

Check the bottom of your machine for model number. It will be either 550 or 560. The 560 is the heated hose option machine.
If it is a 550 you can use plain SleepyHead. I have information on it in my signature line
If it is a 560 you can still use SleepyHead but you have to install it and then use the patch file to make it work with the 60 series machines.
The Patch file can be found here in this thread along with instructions on how to replace the old application exe file with the new patch file
viewtopic/t83551/SleepyHead-Series-60-Patch-Avail.html

Thanks all. I am going on a trip and need to drive...I will bring my cpap machine and "practice" before bedtime on the days I drive. I actually can sleep with little trouble on my side since my apnea is mild to moderate. On non-driving days, I will wear it at night. I think EXPOSURE is the key.

Oh, and I appreciate the software links. I am really interested to know if I am having mask leaks but am unsure since it is a nasal pillow and air is always coming out of a vent in the front. Sleepyhead will tell me if there are leaks, correct?

fishy wrote:I am really interested to know if I am having mask leaks but am unsure since it is a nasal pillow and air is always coming out of a vent in the front. Sleepyhead will tell me if there are leaks, correct?

The air coming out the vent in front is normal. This is venting or normal intentional leaking to blow off carbon dioxide in the air we exhale.
Respironics machines report total leak which is that vent/intentional leak rate plus any excess leak.
Vent rates increase as pressure increases..this is normal.
The software reports what the machine reports so don't panic if you see some leak numbers in the reports that may seem high when compared to a ResMed user's leak report. Their machine only report excess leak.

Generally with the PR S1 machines large leak territory is somewhere around 80 to 90 L/min...stay well below that area and your leaks won't be a problem unless they are waking you up. Leaks (even small ones) that wake you up need to be worked on because they are disturbing sleep.

it gets better, much better, really, but it is incredibly disappointing, isn't it? I know i was so looking forward to starting cpap, assuming my sleeping was going to get better and i would feel so much more rested. Instead I experienced insomnia for the first time in my life and discovered how little sleep i can actually get by on.

I've never pulled anyone over with a cpap mask on... might give a warning.... Sheriff

Hey Fishy, Ithink you just thought of the NEXT automotive add-on. You should consider getting a patent for it...just in case.

z

Last night was my first night sleeping with my Cpap also, I have a resmed s9 and resmed Quattro fx mask. I also had a rough night I eventually just took the mask off and slept with out it, it was just a little overwhelming. Will try again tonight.

Second night...same thing...not a wink of sleep. So is the idea to keep doing this until I pass out with the cpap on? It is REALLY frustratng. It is Christmas and I feel like the Grinch because of lack of sleep!

fishy wrote:Second night...same thing...not a wink of sleep. So is the idea to keep doing this until I pass out with the cpap on? It is REALLY frustratng. It is Christmas and I feel like the Grinch because of lack of sleep!

Hi Fishy,

What happens when you lie down to sleep?

When you used the machine for two hours the previous night, what was your AHI? I am wondering if you have room to decrease the pressure in the hopes that having it lower would enable you to go to sleep.

I feel your pain, believe me. Hang in there.

49er

If you can make it for 2 or 3 hours the first night, don't settle for less the second night; add a bit each night.
Forgive yourself if it takes a few nights, or even weeks.
Add a little time each night, and "practice" while watching TV--especially if you need to prove compliance.
Pat yourself on the back--a lot, you deserve it.
--A man can eat an elephant, but he can only take one bite at a time. (and he needs a really big freezer)