[CPAP] New to CPAP and struggling - feels like my breathing gets "cut off" by the machine

[andrewb]

Thanks for all of your help

I've found a retailer near me who will rent the ResMed machine on a week-by-week basis, so if my current sleep clinic don't offer it, I'll still be able to try it out to see how it goes.

In the meantime, I've adjusted my flex settings to C-Flex 1, which seems to be a bit more tolerable - I still wasn't able to actually fall/stay asleep while using it, but at least I didn't get jolted awake feeling like I couldn't breathe, so hopefully now it's just a matter of getting used to using a CPAP machine in general. 

I'll post back again once I've been able to try the ResMed machine with how it goes.

[staceyburke]

I found this on another post and thought you might be interested.

RE: buying a CPAP from the US for use in Australia.
(08-19-2020, 05:48 AM)
Supplier #2 (top black ribbon shopping cart) on this site has a slightly used ResMed S10 AirSense AutoSet with EPR and Integrated Heated Humidifier - ClimatelineAir Tubing IncludedResMed S10 AirSense AutoSet with EPR and Integrated Heated Humidifier - ClimatelineAir Tubing Included for 398 and new for 539 US $. I think they will ship it anywhere. I bought there and save over 1000. Great service and price.

I can certainly recommend Supplier #2, I'm in Victoria Australia and have bought my last 2 Auto Cpap machines from them, excellent to deal with and most helpful with any queries you may have. Both machines were bought from their "gently used" range and have worked perfectly since I purchased them. Big $$$ savings on what the suppliers in Oz charge.

[andrewb]

I managed to get my hands on the ResMed one, and... I managed to actually fall asleep!

Admittedly, only for about an hour and a half in total, and it probably took me about that long to actually fall asleep in the first place (I didn't use it when I first fell asleep because I was feeling unwell, but when I woke up around ~6am I put it on and tried to go back to sleep), but I didn't startle myself awake at any point while using the machine

Nothing especially interesting on the graphs I don't think, it'll be interesting to see what the data looks like after a "proper" sleep rather than just an extended nap.

I'm using the ResMed AirFit N20 mask (i think), which certainly fits me better than the Eson 2 which was too big for me even with the smallest size. The mask isn't super comfortable so I might see if they have any other models available, I've tried the Philips Dreamwear one which sits under your nose rather than on top of it but found that breathing out was too painful/forceful on my ears with that style, so I think I'm probably going to stick with an over-nose one.

Anyway, thanks everyone for your help so far, I'll report back once I've been able to use it for a full night...

[Sleeprider]

This looks very encouraging, and I assume it doesn't feel like you are out of sync with the machine. Your flow limits are completely gone and it looks especially good after 9:45. Good luck in your continued use of the Autoset.

[princejmy]

Get the Aircurve 10 Vauto. It is the one I have. For some reason, it's the only machine in which you can set the specific time you want to breathe in. I have mine set to 3 seconds breathe in. I take slow, deep, relaxing breaths that help me fall asleep fast. I have no idea why all machines don't have a simple setting like being able to set the times you want to breathe in and out. The standard setting before I changed it was 2 seconds breathe in and it felt like I was breathing way too fast and I couldn't sleep. Without the option of setting the specific time to breathe in, I wouldn't be able to use a cpap machine. My mom has the Airsense 10 and the settings are limited. If desired, the Aircurve 10 Vauto can be dumbed down to function like an Airsense 10.