Newbie Needs Help

[KeepinMommaAwake]

I am about 3 weeks into my CPAP treatment and for the most part it has been going ok but I have several questions that I hope someone can help me with. During the last week or so I have been randomly taking the mask off my face and rolling over and going to sleep. My question is whether or not something could be causing me to be "uncomfortable" thus causing me to take the mask off and not really realizing it? Could my pressure (8-12) be too low or hi?

I was originally prescribed with a constant pressure of 6 which I determined was too low because I was constantly struggling to get more air. So I used the clinicians manual to put my S10 in auto mode with a setting of 8-12. I have also turned off the ramp and I have my EPR set to 3.

Last night after waking at 3:30 with the desire to take off the mask, I bumped my pressure up to 9-12 because I felt like I was struggling to get air and I feel back to sleep. Is it possible to need more pressure after you have been using a lower pressure for a period of time? Like I said, I don't remember most nights taking the mask off or what triggers this desire but I need some suggestions.

Any help is greatly appreciated,

[Crimson Nape]

I've found that the EPR feature, while easier to breath during testing and at the start of sleep, caused more problems than it helped. After disabling it I had a much better quality of sleep and my AHI decreased. I will admit that it takes a few nights to get used to the pressure, especially when you first turn the CPAP on. You consider trying it.

[KeepinMommaAwake]

I will try that tonight,

[trish6hundred]

Hi KeepinMommaAwake,
Here is something you can try. As you are watching tv or reading during the evening, wear your mask and use your machine. This will help your body adjust to this new way of sleeping. Another thing, when you wake up and you discover that you have removed your mask, put it back on and go back to sleep. Don't feel bad about taking the mask off, it happens to people when they are new at CPAP therapy. AS you get used to it, you won't be as likely to do that.
Hang in there for more suggestions and just stick with it, it will get better.

[3porpoise]

Hi KeepinMommaAwake,
What kind of feedback has Sleepyhead given you? What are AHI's on 6cm,8-12, 9-12. What's the leak rate? What's the 95% ,median ,maximum on each of the pressures? It would help give us a bigger picture in order to make suggestions. Did you sleep on your back and side during the sleep study? Did you have the epr on during the 6cm pressure?
3

[Ghost1958]

Just a thought but if your nose is stuffing during the night it can cause the urge to rip off the mask in your sleep. Yeah you can open your mouth but breathing in against the pressure running out of your mouth feels weird so you might be getting some congestion issues after you go to sleep. Like I said just a thought.

[vsheline]

Last night after waking at 3:30 with the desire to take off the mask, I bumped my pressure up to 9-12 because I felt like I was struggling to get air and I feel back to sleep. Is it possible to need more pressure after you have been using a lower pressure for a period of time?

Hi KeepinMommaAwake,

Yes, I think so.

I am most comfortable now with an IPAP of 10 or higher.