New to cpap and can't seem to adapt

[Fats Drywaller]

Hello. I just started using a cpap machine and am not adapting very well. It feels suffocating and claustrophobic and I am not happy about having to use a machine. Any replies would be great. 

Can you tell us a little more about the machine? Is it the AutoSet model of the AirSense 10? Are you using the Ramp setting? If so what is the Ramp Start pressure? Getting the ramp and ramp start pressure right can go a long way to addressing the claustrophobic feeling.

That's a good point.  For Susan1962's benefit:  Another thing that could be very important is to be sure that EPR, exhalation pressure relief, is switched on.  There are three possible settings, 1 through 3, indicating the delta pressure on exhalation: 1 through 3 cm H2O.  I'm also a newbie, and in my case that made a big difference in my tolerance for the treatment.  Don't hesitate to go into the machine's "clinician settings" and change that, if it's not already enabled, and try it out.  If it is enabled but it's set to 1, then try 2 or 3.

I noticed that as early as could be, before I had a machine of my own, as soon as I put the mask on at the beginning of the second phase of my sleep study.  The initial setting there was EPR=0, which I immediately knew wasn't right for me; exhaling seemed like a lot of work even at low pressures.  I managed to put up with it for the duration of the study, but I wouldn't choose that EPR=0 setting voluntarily.

But what really overrides everything else where tolerance is concerned is the choice of mask.  If you don't have a major problem with mouth-breathing while using CPAP, so that you don't need a full-face mask, then definitely try the nasal and nasal-pillows types of mask.  I suggest trying nasal-pillows first, and if you have any problem with that, there are non-pillow nasal masks that cover the entire nose (example: Resmed Mirage FX) and at least one type that's much lighter and less obtrusive, Philips Respironics Dreamwear Nasal, that is somewhat more similar to the nasal-pillows kind and fits under the nose with minimal weight and pressure.  The Dreamwear can be converted between "nasal" and "gel pillows" by changing one part, the cushion, which costs about $20, so with that one it's easy to try both.

[Ockrocket]

Welcome to the journey.. 

Like others, I have had a similar start to yours, and they are pointing you in the right directions of what to address to become more comfortable with your machine. 

Don't expect instant results, also expect ups and downs in AHI numbers you achieve, this is all normal for the way it goes. 

It will all come together with fine tuning, then you will find it will all be routine once you settle in to using it each night. 

Pressure and mask adjustments are things that you will fiddle with for a while most likely.. but again, it will come together in the end. 

Hang in there, and don't hesitate to ask questions as you learn more about how it all works.

Cheers, 
Ock.