[CPAP] Whats the secret?

[Fred N]

Im a newbie in the CPAP world. Just started 3 weeks ago. I’ve been battling Long Covid for 8 months, and after a battery of tests it was determined that I have Hypoxia and other sleep related problems. I found my way to a nose mask + CPAP machine and haven’t been able to get used to it.
I go to sleep every night with my nose mask on (with humidifier at 3) but seem to wake up after about 4 hours of use, max. The rest of the night I sleep without it.
I would really like to know the secret to getting through the whole night wearing it.
Last night when I woke up after 4 hours I took note of how I felt and why I needed to take it off.
1. My nose was blocked
2. I felt like I was suffocating
3. My ears were ringing from the noise of the air+machine
4. I “needed a break” from the noise and discomfort

It was a rough night’s sleep. The problem is with Long Covid “a rough nights sleep” can be catastrophic for my health the next day(s).
I need to try to make CPAP work with me and get over this initial hump.
If anyone has any tricks or tips I would be internally grateful.
Thanks,
Fred

[OpalRose]

I don't know of any "secret", except perseverance.  Are you using any software to gauge how your therapy is going?  Obviously, you are not comfortable.  If you are using software, you can post a screenshot here of your nights sleep.  Maybe there's something we can see from that.

Your pressure may be too high or too low.  Also, there a setting for Exhale Pressure Relief (I think it's called Soft Pap) on the Prisma Cpap.  Use it if you can.  That would help with breathing out against the pressure.

Lower the humidity setting a little and use a nasal decongestant.  

You can download software for your Prisma cpap here:
http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-...hines-only

If you need a Clinicians Manual, you can get it by email:
https://www.apneaboard.com/adjust-cpap-p...tup-manual

You should find it listed under Section Three, Other Manuals.

[Sleeprider]

You are using fixed CPAP pressure with your Prisma, and may benefit from the exhale pressure relief called SoftPAP on your machine. If your machine is an auto CPAP you may want to try a range of pressure, for example 8.0 to 12.0 and use the SoftPAP at 2 to ease pressure during exhale. It's your therapy and trying some of these variations may be able to help you better tolerate the CPAP and to sleep better. As Rose suggested, get the Clinical manual to better understand settings, and if you can get some data using the Prisma software, we may be able to help guide you better.

[Fred N]

Thanks very much for the nice replies. I'll look deeper into the manual and try to make it work!

[Snorekal]

What do you mean by nose was blocked. Do you have sinus/allergy issues?