struggle to breathe when trying to use cpap since Copd

[Slaphead]

hi I can’t seem to catch my breath whilst using cpap as Copd has got worse any ideas

[Spacecat1]

Have you got oxygen going þhrough. Machine. Also it takes time for your lungs to adjust. I have used the machine for about 5 years just had a replacement and struggling with it but I know it will work well eventually.

[glds100]

I do not have COPD but I do have mild sleep apnea, I have a machine that regulates the amount of air it is pushing through itself. I often wake up to find the mask is blowing off my face, the machine is at it maximum (18) because the air from the machine is drying my mouth and throat, it is so dry I can't feel them hence I wonder whether the machine is doing any good at all.

[mollypop99 in reply to glds100]

Hi , The short answer is to ask for the humidifier addon. Also helps clear lung congestion in the cold weather.

[glds100 in reply to mollypop99]

yes this is with a humidifier and heated tube.

[Hidden in reply to glds100]

Hi,

I am new to using a CPAP machine and although difficult at first it takes time to settle. I have severe sleep apnea.

I assume if you have mild sleep apnea then your CPAP machine has not been provided by the NHS as generally they only treat moderate or severe sleep apnea.

A dry throat is usually the result of not having a humidifier as in winter the temperature of the air in your bedroom during the night drops and so does the amount of moisture it contains.

My machine was provided by the NHS so I asked for a humidifier and also a heated tube to overcome the problem of a dry throat. Both are needed so that the air entering the mask is moist and warm from the humidifier and also kept warm as it passes through the heated tube. Most machine can accommodate these items.

From the problem you are having with your mask I asssume you have an automatic machine that increases the air it passes during the night.

I had the very same problem with a full face mask and changed to a nasal mask which I find much easier to keep in place and keep sealed. You can also buy a nasal pillow masks which go into your nostrils but I found these uncomfortable.

The only issue with using a nasal mask is that if you are a mouth breather or open your mouth in the night you lose the air pressure. To overcome this you can buy what is called mouth tape which you apply across your lips to stop your mouth opening in the night. The one I use is a small adhesive ‘X’ shape which works well and costs very little for a box of them.

Hope this helps and is also of use to Slaphead who raised the initial question. The heated tube I have has an additional connection where you can connect supplementary air to it if required which may be necessary for COPD.

[glds100 in reply to Hidden]

My machine was provided by the NHS I have a humidifier and a heated tube. I have tried a nasal tube but I am a mouth breather. The best I can do is take a tablet the sticks to your gum and slowly releases a manufactured saliva but nothing I do will stop it drying my mouth and airways and blowing the mask off my face.

[Hidden in reply to glds100]

Hi,

Worth giving the mouth tape a try to solve the problem of your dry mouth, it’s relatively cheap for a box on Amazon at about £6 which contains 120 strips.

You could try them while using your full face mask to see if you are able to tolerate them, I was also a mouth breather but had no problem with them.

[Patk1]

I'm on bipap niv( pressurised in+out).contact yr ventilation nurse if struggling x