[CPAP] New CPAP user, waking up often

[Bharat]

I have been using a CPAP machine (Respironics Dreamstation, Vitera Full Face mask) for about 3 weeks.  I have been sleeping worse, waking up often -- I don't have a problem falling asleep.  I am a frequent snorer, so that is reduced, but I'm not getting enough sleep.

Plus the mask doesn't feel great -- the medium size seems to touch the ends of my lips, and the large just doesn't feel good.  It's got worse over time -- in terms of relative lack of comfort with the mask... At times I wake up feeling suffocated--like I can't breathe.

Sorry to sound so picky, but I've always been sleeping only 4-5 hours / night and in my mid-to-late 50s that became too tiring; so I got this CPAP (the sleep study had a score of 11, with a low O2 sat of 81%, with lots of snoring), if that helps.

I would be forever grateful for any tips.  Should I get a new mask?  The machine seems great...

Thanks for any tips!  Would be so grateful,
Bharat

[Canuck 2]

If you Down load OSCAR(free software) at top of page some of the folks here might be able to help with your pressures. Sounds like from what you mentioned about your suffocating feeling it might be just to low a bottom pressure!

[Melman]

Welcome to the forum. I also suggest you down load free OSCAR software from here https://www.sleepfiles.com/OSCAR/ and post some data. if your machine did not come with an SD card you will need one. Any brand will do. Just don't get a card with a capacity greater than 32GB (8 will do fine). See the links below for how to organize and post data.

I agree that your minimum pressure may be too low. I suggest increasing it to 7. Go here https://www.apneaboard.com/adjust-cpap-p...tup-manual to get a clinical settings manual for your machine.

Selecting a comfortable mask is one of the biggest challenges when starting out. I find the Resmed Airfit F20 to be the best for me but it may not be for you. See if your supplier will let you return your present mask a d try another.