Had an emergency. Heart went into abnormal rhythm due to leaks/OA's. Vent. Beigeminy

[MyronH]

Early this morning, woke up around 5am. Didn't feel quite right, saw my machine showed RED FACE with leaks. I took my thyroid medicine, laid back down for awhile. Around 6am woke up again with crazy palpitations, sweaty clamy palms, and my heart beating extra beats unevenly. Felt like I was going to pass out or have a major anixety/panic attack.

I checked if I was in AFIB with my Kardia Mobile device, and it showed an abnormal rhythm. Called 911. By the time they got to my house, EKG was normal again, but I showed them my EKG at the ER, and doctor said I definitely had extra beats happening. called ventricular bigeminy.  Basically pre or post extra beats. Doctor said usually not serious, at least right now.

Issue is, I didn't check my BIPAP machine before I went to the ER, to see what happened. When I got home, I checked it, and it showed massive leaking again, and in the leaks, I had a lot of UA's, which i suspect are OA's. My oximeter also showed oxygen fluctuating during this time, up and down.

This is the second time I've had this happen recently. I have an AFIB condition, take medicine for it, but this sleep apena I need to get under control.
This is very scary! Usually my AHI is <2 with no issues and no leaks. 

I'm going today to see my cardiologist and also to my sleep doctor to try another mask. I sent everything to my sleep doctor, but i suspect he will say all looks good with that low of an AHI.

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[MyronH]

So my cardiologist doesn't think it was anything serious. I showed him the EKG. I told him, well...it felt serious enough to call 911.

I went to my sleep doctor and picked up a different mask to try. ResMed Quattro FX. I don't quite like the silicon since I've had issues with it rubbing my skin to blister and bleed in the past. Especially my nose. But I need to try something. I also picked up a new cushion for the F20 just in case.

[mesenteria]

For the nose rubbing, or ANY skin irritation that might be caused by your PAP apparatus, try a 'barrier' cream.  Ask the druggist about a cream that won't dissolve skin, silicone masks, plastic headgear, pillow cases...…..  There actually is a cream labeled "Barriere Cream" under the brand "Wellskin."  I have used it with great success, but fortunately only had to use it the one time, early in my treatment.

[OpalRose]

Some folk have had success with using mask liners. Look at Supplier #1 and type in mask liners in the search box.

These liners help protect the skin and also have been known to help with leaks.

Myron, they are a bit pricey, but with all the issues you have with mask fit and leaks, it may be something to consider.

[ardenum]

I went to my sleep doctor and picked up a different mask to try. ResMed Quattro FX. I don't quite like the silicon since I've had issues with it rubbing my skin to blister and bleed in the past. Especially my nose. But I need to try something. I also picked up a new cushion for the F20 just in case.

If you had blisters and bleeding from silicone, it wasn't because it was 'rubbing' your skin, it's because you have a mild silicone allergy.

[MyronH]

I went to my sleep doctor and picked up a different mask to try. ResMed Quattro FX. I don't quite like the silicon since I've had issues with it rubbing my skin to blister and bleed in the past. Especially my nose. But I need to try something. I also picked up a new cushion for the F20 just in case.

If you had blisters and bleeding from silicone, it wasn't because it was 'rubbing' your skin, it's because you have a mild silicone allergy.

The AirFit mask I first tried, I had to tighten a lot. Maybe I overtightened and it caused the irritation and bleeding. It was bad enough that I had to wear a bandaid on my nose so the silicone wouldn't rub it. 

My AirTouch mask is more comfortable  But the damn thing leaks sporadically. Some nights it's okay. Other nights I get major leaks and then it causes a heart condition in me.

[snorybob]

Read that last night, coming up next spring for those who might want this check: Rheabrio / facembrace.  


                                                                      snorybob.

[MyronH]

Read that last night, coming up next spring for those who might want this check: Rheabrio / facembrace.  


                                                                      snorybob.

Interesting device. I doubt it would solve any leaks. Also looks like it won't work with full face masks. I can't use nasal masks since I breathe thru my mouth even when I use a chin strap tightened down. 

[snorybob]

From what I've read it will be good for people with silicone allergy, redness, prevent strap mark & air leaks in the eyes. It looks like they have the model for the nasal mask ready, that the pillow & ffm will come later on next spring.  

For myself, I have enough things on my face & my head (mask, tape, collar, headgear) I'm gone try to avoid it!     



                                                             snorybob.

[MyronH]

I may try my soft cervical collar tonight. I haven't worn it in months. Does anyone think those runs of multiple OA's could be a positional issue with my neck?

I use an ergonomic neck pillow, and lay on my back. When I wake up in middle of night, I never hear any leaking and I'm still on my back, with my head exactly in the same position as when I went to sleep. So I'm wondering how these multiple OA's are happening in the first place?