01-24-2024, 05:33 PM
(This post was last modified: 01-24-2024, 05:36 PM by mindyb01.)
So far I hate CPAP
I am a brand new CPAP user (less than a week). I started with the nasal pillows but I found that I switched to mouth breathing and the air flowing into my nose was very irritating. I was only able to use it for about 1 hour per night.
I got a full face mask and it lasted about 3 hours before I felt like so much air was being blasted at me that I couldn't breathe.
What am I doing wrong?
So far I really hate CPAP!
RE: So far I hate CPAP
The very best thing you can do is relax and breathe naturally. It might not feel quite like breathing normally, but using the diaphragm to fill the lungs deeply should make you feel your guts being pushed towards your feet. Think of inflating a river tube, not a life vest. Exhale should be almost completely passive as the elasticity in your ribs and chest wall muscles expel the air. Once you have achieved equilibrium between your entire airway and lungs to the supply pressure, the process of taking a breath should feel little different than breathing regular air. You might feel a little "fuller" but that's something you can get used to.
Look, I'm an engineer, not a doctor! Please don't take my opinion as a substitute for medical advice.
01-24-2024, 05:48 PM
(This post was last modified: 01-24-2024, 05:51 PM by k888.)
RE: So far I hate CPAP
Hi mindyb01,
When I started with the machine, I gave myself a requirement of a minimum 4 hours. That way, you meet insurance standards, and you give yourself enough time to calm down a bit and start getting used to it. And you can stop after 4 hours - a reward. Within a week, I was (usually) able to go all night. k888
RE: So far I hate CPAP
Likely your settings are bonkers. Please post some OSCAR charts for review.
Initially, the graphs we need to see are: Events, Pressure, Flow Rate, Flow Limitation and the Leak Rate Graph. Always include the entire left side bar, minus the calendar and pie graph.
Set your display to the Standard view.
(View > Reset Graphs > Standard)
Take a screenshot of your Daily screen.
* For Windows or Linux: Use the F12 key
* For a Mac: Use Fn+F12
RE: So far I hate CPAP
If you could provide information on your current settings, I'm sure someone would have suggestions on how to make the transition to CPAP use easier.
Paula
"If I quit now, I will soon be back to where I started. And when I started I was desperately wishing to be where I am now."
RE: So far I hate CPAP
One way to get started, After 2.5 years of this I take a huge breath of air just as I am putting on the mask. At that point my lungs have more pressure in them than the machine is going to generate.. That makes the transition much smoother. You can find the directions on this site to adjust the pressures a bit if needed. I found this forum and adjusted my pressures a bit the first week myself. If I hadn't, I would have tossed the whole thing in the dumpster.
Good luck, You will find support here.
Roger
