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Fleurbaby profile image
8 Replies

Hi guys, I hope you're at least comfortable in your day to day activities?

I have started using a CPAP machine since last Thursday night !

I have a problem!

I can't use the machine for any longer than an hour or 2! As in my sleep, l start to wake, panic, RIP the mask off! Is this normal or not? Is it purely psychological? When I first start using the machine, the airflow is fantastic, but, then l turn the ramping on, and the pressure drops by heaps, and never seems to get to the level it's meant too!

Please advise..................

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Fleurbaby profile image
Fleurbaby
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8 Replies
Ian1967 profile image
Ian1967

Hi Fleurbaby,

I don’t use CPAP, but I do use BiPAP they are similar, but BiPAP works on two pressure levels IPAP (inhalation) and EPAP (exhalation) my machine is set on a ramp of five minutes, which is automatic after that time it builds up to full pressure, the pressure does seem to vary during the night, but this down to the machine automatically adjusting the pressure due to your breathing.

I have been on BiPAP every night since January 2018, it can be a bit daunting to start off with, but please persevere it will change your life for the better, you have only been using it for a few days.

What type of mask are you using, full face or nasal? I use the ResMed AirFit F20 full face mask as my main mask, I also use the DreamWear nasal mask when I use the machine of an afternoon, I do this if I’m going out at night and staying out late, I’ve tried the nasal mask overnight, but because of the pressure I’m on it can be uncomfortable, I also use this: hope2sleep.co.uk/neck-cushi... because I tend to mouth breath and this stops that. I did try a chin strap, but that didn’t work properly and my AHI readings from 0 to between 3 and 5, I now have a great mask fit and AHI readings of 0 every night and manage eight and a half hours a night on BiPAP and I no longer fall asleep in the morning, because of oxygen retention.

If you are really struggling with your CPAP machine or mask contact your respiratory lab, they should be able sort you out with a different mask or adjust your CPAP pressure.

I hope I have been of some help.

Ian.

Fleurbaby profile image
Fleurbaby in reply to Ian1967

Thanks mate, exactly the info I am looking for, cheers!

Dilly2 profile image
Dilly2

Hi what's the difference between a ÇPAP and a NIV machine thanks

Ian1967 profile image
Ian1967 in reply to Dilly2

Hi Dilly2,

CPAP and BIPAP machines are all NIV machines, CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, they operate by giving a continuous flow at the same pressure, whereas BIPAP stands for BiLevel Positive Airway Pressure, they operate at two pressures IPAP (inhalation) and EPAP (exhalation) the IPAP pressure is normally higher than the EPAP pressure, this makes BIPAP a lot more comfortable to use than CPAP.

NIV stands for Non Invasive Ventilation, as opposed to a normal ventilator which is fixed permanently to your airways for life support purposes, whereas with NIV you wear a removable mask, which is just used at bedtime to support your breathing whilst you sleep, for conditions like Sleep Apnea and Oxygen Retention.

Hope I have been of some help.

Ian.

Dilly2 profile image
Dilly2 in reply to Ian1967

Yes thank you Ian best wishes

kathbrad3 profile image
kathbrad3

I used to wake up like that when I first had mine they do take some getting used to it took me a couple of months before I found the mask that suited me best now I can't sleep without it

CoffCoffWalkWalk profile image
CoffCoffWalkWalk

Hi Fluerbaby

I’ve been using my cpap machine for about 18 months and at first went through similar experiences, I hated it. I have my machine through the NHS and as such they service it once a year. On the first service they told me they had adjusted the pressure as the hose was slightly smaller now (I just nodded and said thank you as I’d only had the one hose, anyhow) what a difference it made, less aggressive air flow which made it much more comfortable to use.

I have my “Airsence” machine set to auto ramp. This detects when you nod off and then ups the pressure which works for me. On occasions I am woken by too much pressure which is out of sync with my breathing, not good as I would then take the mask off and try to sleep without using the machine which just left me exhausted during the day.

Nine times out of then all is well and I get good air and a good nights sleep. When I’m woken by too much air pressure I now just turn the machine off and back on, re-setting the auto ramp and drift off back to sleep.

I recently had 6 nights off the machine for a re-test to check for an improvement in my ‘event count’ and for the first three nights found it hard to fall asleep without the machine. Im now back on the machine and waiting for the results.

With or without the machine takes a bit of time to adjust. Persevere with it, you’ll find your comfort zone.

I drive and as such my sleep apnoea needs to be monitored for the dvla, they’re fine with my treatment and have given me a letter to say so, just in case the insurance company tries to use sleep apnoea against me in case of a claim.

What ever your reason for a cpap machine, its best to make them your friend.

Best wishes

Lucybird profile image
Lucybird

I've been using a CPAP for about a year and a half. I still don't especially like it but I find it hard to sleep without it now. It really just takes some getting used to. Mine has a half-hour ramp which I can choose to use or not with a button press, it also means I can put the pressure back down if I wake in the night and it feels uncomfortable. You could probably do that just by turning the machine off and on again. If the problem persists you could make an appointment at the hospital to talk about the issue, they may be able to find a solution.

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