[Pressure] Pressure seems too high, out of control

[gailtilt]

I used my CPAP last night and for a nap today without problems. However, going to bed tonight, the pressure has taken on a life of its own. With my mask on properly, the CPAP blows so hard my ear drums feel like they're going to burst. In addition, it doesn't allow me to finish exhaling before it's blowing up my head again. If I let it control my breathing, I'd hyperventilate. 

So I'll be sleeping (or not) without a machine tonight - the first time in 14 years. I hope someone can make sense of what I'm describing and offer some suggestions.

TIA,
Gail

[quiescence at last]

sure.  what are your settings?  the machine may be malfunctioning.  if you can change the settings, try setting maximum down pretty low.

QAL

[gailtilt]

Thanks for your quick response. My machine has been set at 8 + 20 although my prescription is for 8. Tonight I tried setting 8 as the maximum and 6 as the minimum but that didn't make any difference. You may be right that the machine is just malfunctioning. I remembered that I still have an older machine that works so I'll have that for tonight. I'll try to get down to the supplier of my machine later this week and see what they have to say. I'll post what I find out.
Thanks!

[quiescence at last]

glad you have a back up. I don't, but better make plans for the future.

QAL

[Melman]

It appears your machine is malfunctioning but it would be helpful if we could see data. I suggest you download and install SlepyHead from the link at the top of this page. Than, if you continue to have issues or need help in the future you will be able to post data here.

By all means take it to your supplier to have it checked.

[Sleeprider]

Your machine can be set in Autoset mode for minimum 8 and maximum 8, or in CPAP mode a 8.0 cm. If a flow/pressure sensor has malfunctioned, there is a good chance the machine will be under warranty if you return it to your supplier.

Software like #Sleepyhead is free. It will tell the tale of whether your problem is from a machine setting, run-away pressure or a large leak in the system. There are lots of reasons to use software to see your results and machine behavior. It would be very unusual for a machine to malfunction and not display an error code. The condition you describe is not only unusual, it is nearly implausible.

[trish6hundred]

Hi gailtilt,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
It sounds to me like you have a malfunctioning machine, it’s good that you have a backup machine to get you through ’till you get a new one.
Good luck as you continue CPAP therapy.

[gailtilt]

My husband mentioned that this happened to him once on the same model machine,  and then corrected itself. I unplugged mine and will see how it does in the morning. Will keep you posted.
Gail

[bluemom51]

Hi - I actually returned 2 Autosense for Her machines because of that reason.  It was like an out of control hurricane beginning about 4-6 hours after starting at night.  I think this machine has more problems that they acknowledge.  I even had the outlet checked and unplugged etc - nothing helped.  I also returned 2 because of excess humidity causing spraying water all in my face during the night like a garden hose.  I now have a Dreamstation (has a softer algorithm) and have none of these issues - sleeping much better.  Get someone to check your machine, but tell them they can't just run it a couple of hours - they need to do at least 8 hours because the crazy air thing doesn't start right away.  Good luck - I had to really fight to get anyone to check it properly.