Sleep Apnea Support Group

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. People with sleep apnea partially awaken as they struggle to breathe, but in the morning they may not be aware of sleep disturbances.

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Sleep Disorders
/ Sleep Apnea Support Group

new user needing advice

deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi all

This is my first post to this site, i started with a cpap machine earlier this week.
To say that it is not going well is an under statement!
I understand that that it will take time to get use to the machine but i am looking for some tips.
I have been fitted with a full face mask(covers both my nose and mouth)i am finding it difficult to breath out against the air pressure, is this normal?
I also feel bloated and congested after a session on the machine. The machine has been set to a pressure level of 12, this is considerably higher than the other people i know of with this condition. I also find that my heart rate increases and i feel anxious when using the machine.
I have an appiontment with the doctor next week to discuss how things are going and was hoping to try a different mask to see if this helps.
I currently on get about 1.5 to 2 hrs with the machine before I get frustrated to the point of removing the mask.
Any advise would be greatly appreciated
Assiejeff
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have a 13 setting and use a nasal mask. I also use the humidifier in winter, when the air is dry. After my first night with the cpap, I felt so unbelievably good I can't imagine not using it. I think you'll adjust much faster when you get your first full night of sleep. I still find myself adjusting the headgear now and then and have replaced the mask with a gel-type one, which is soooo comfy. I buy mine online, just google it. You will adjust and be glad you have the cpap, too.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have a nose mask that works really well and it's called the Activa Mirage "shallow" mask. It works better than a regular mask because it's deeper so the air pressure doesn't feel so strong. The cushion has an inflatable chamber that compensates for movement in any direction.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Thank you both for your replies.
I will look into the masks that you both have recommended.
It is great to be able to ask questions from people who are using the equipment not just selling it
Thanks again
Aussiejeff
BreatheEasy
BreatheEasy
Hi there aussiejef. I had the same problem you do. I have COPD and Sleep Apnea. I also have CorPulmonale, which is right sided congestive heart failure caused by pulmonary hypertension in my heart...and this was caused by Sleep Apnea and COPD. Because of the COPD I have a problem exhaling anyway. The doc put me on the cpap on, believe it or not 17, with a full mask. Because I tend to breathe through my mouth when I sleep. I absolutely could not tolerate it. The doc even gave me anti anxiety and sleeping pills to overcome it. It was at this point I was hospitalized for a week and told I had the heart condition. Scared me to death. I came home, doc switched me to a Bipap machine, (Bipap imitates breathing. When you exhale, it lets up. When you breathe in, it blows full force.) and I got a new mask. (I had tried about 7. Hated them all.) I had not slept through the night in years. It was not uncommon for me to be up 5 times in an 8 hour night. NOw, I sleep like a log! I even slept 12 hours one night. I am 51 years old and that is quite an accomplishment. I know I am finaly getting REM sleep, because I am dreaming. It is almost like going to the movies. Ya gotta perservere my friend. The dangers they tell you about are real. I still hate sleeping withthe stupid thing. I feel like a martian from mars or something... But I also am feeling better an better. YOu can do it! I have confidence in you! PS Sorry this is so long. I'll get off my soap box now.LOL Thanks for listening.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Thanks Joannabanana

I will look into the bpap.
Thank you for your support, i hope you are getting good support with your other health problems.
This site has been a great help so far
Aussiejeff
BreatheEasy
BreatheEasy
AussieJeff, thank you for your concern. I agree DS is awesome. I am a member under several of the communities. I have found wonderful support. Nice talking to you. Good luck with the Sleep Apnea.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I'm at a 19 pressure. my doc said i was the worst case he had ever seen. my machine came with a button that slowly increased the air pressure, until i got use to it. now i could not survive without it. good luck.
BreatheEasy
BreatheEasy
Wow, willow...I thought I was high at 17. that is incredible. Do you have BiPap or Cpap?
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