Cpap inhale problem

[larrygreg]

Sometimes when I am just nodding off, I inhale and it feels like I am experiencing a pressure drop or resistance on the inhale.  I know its kind of a weird thing.  I do know I have a slight hose leak on the machine end of the hose and wonder if this could be the problem.

I am using a BMC nasal pillow and my machine is a prisma smart.  I am also a side sleeper.  

I will be going to the sleep lab on Tuesday for a checkup and will probably get a new mask (my coverage gives me a new mask every few months), but wondering if I have a nasal problem that I should see an ENT about.

Any ideas?

[Melman]

If  your pressure is 3.5-5 as stated in your profile, that may be your problem. Most feel starved for air at such low pressures.

[mesenteria]

Agreed.  Some people come here stating that their low point is set at 4 and that they feel 'starved' for air.  The general advice is to raise that at least to 5 cm, and I just recently went into my settings and raised my minimum pressuret to 5.6.  I am happier at that minor increase in pressure.

If you are having the odd minor central apnea (CA), you may go up to 15 seconds without breathing, and by then you may partially awaken and find yourself drawing a deep breath.  The machine, set so low, can't really cover what you need at that low pressure, at least not quickly enough to help you.

Note that I'm not suggesting you ARE having centrals, but that it may be an explanation for what you are experiencing. Your sleepyhead data should show them when they do happen.  I get about three a night, even though my AHI is typically 0.7 and under.

[CB91710]

Ditto.
I run 8.5 minimum with EPR on 2.
Also, see if the next size up pillows will work. Medium P10 seals well for me, but feels restrictive. Large flows much better.

[bfmccarthy]

The first weeks on cpap I would check the operating pressure before taking the mask off to go to the bathroom or get out of bed.  From that I guessed what my minimum pressure while awake and not snoring or anything else.  So I raised my minimum from 4 to 8 and then finally 9.  EPR is at 2.  Now when I go to bed I sense a small positive pressure and have no sensation of trying to suck air through the hose.  I explained this decision to my respirologist and he agreed 100% with my decision.  Clinician access plus SLEEPYHEAD are your 2 closest friends.  A CPAP machine is like a new dress shirt.  It's just gotta fit right.

[BadGoodDeb]

Also, see if the next size up pillows will work.  Medium P10 seals well for me, but feels restrictive.  Large flows much better.

I agree wholeheartedly with this.  Large flows much better.  I'm female, and the attendant visually guessed "you look like a small".  Switched to medium the first night, and felt much less air-deprived.  Had a chance later to try a large  (they accidentally sent a male kit, rather than the female kit,  so it had a large in it)  and now I only use the large.  I'm also talking about the P10 pillows;  dunno about your brand.