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+--- Thread: [CPAP] Strugglimg with mask (/Thread-CPAP-Strugglimg-with-mask)
Strugglimg with mask - faysalals - 05-07-2021
I just got my CPAP and its been a whole week of struggling to use it! I tried every single kind of mask possible and I still cant use them. I cant breath properly through the mask so I end up removing it before falling asleep. I desperately want this to work because it will help me alot..
I think the air preassure is too low for me, but Doctor said its set on automatic from 4 - 20 so the machine knows what preassure is right for me. When I use the mask it says the preassure is always on 4 which I think is low? I feel like not enough air is available to breath.
I also have an all year round allergy and shortness of breath, which could be the reason? Thats why I tried using the full face mask but I still struggle with it.
RE: Strugglimg with mask - OpalRose - 05-07-2021
Sorry you are struggling with this, but your machine settings are set at default, which is not optimal treatment.
What you are feeling with a setting of 4 is what we call being "air starved." You will need to move the minimum pressure to 7cm. I think if you make this one change, you will notice a difference.
But to help any further, please fill out your profile. We need to know the brand of machine you are using, and also the mask.
Download the free OSCAR software, be sure there is an SD card in your Cpap. Then post a screenshot of the daily page in OSCAR here.
Follow this link to guide you.
http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php?title=OSCAR_Chart_Organization
RE: Strugglimg with mask - staceyburke - 05-07-2021
I completely agree we need to see data (OSCAR) to be of real help. BUT your pressure is to low. If I don’t set at least 9 I’m pulling my mask off to get enough air. One suggested 7 that’s fine but don’t worry about going higher on the minimum so you can breathe.
RE: Strugglimg with mask - faysalals - 05-07-2021
(05-07-2021, 11:20 AM)OpalRose Wrote: Sorry you are struggling with this, but your machine settings are set at default, which is not optimal treatment.
What you are feeling with a setting of 4 is what we call being "air starved." You will need to move the minimum pressure to 7cm. I think if you make this one change, you will notice a difference.
But to help any further, please fill out your profile. We need to know the brand of machine you are using, and also the mask.
Follow this link to guide you.
(05-07-2021, 11:47 AM)staceyburke Wrote: I completely agree we need to see data (OSCAR) to be of real help. BUT your pressure is to low. If I don’t set at least 9 I’m pulling my mask off to get enough air. One suggested 7 that’s fine but don’t worry about going higher on the minimum so you can breathe.
I just updated my profile..
I couldnt use my CPAP so there is no data available? I use it for like 3 min everyday but then I give up and stop the machine
I also cant change the settings considering they locked it and only the doctor can change things. My Doctor is on a small vacation which is why im here.
Im not sure what to do..
RE: Strugglimg with mask - staceyburke - 05-07-2021
You can change your settings. There is a clinician menu that you go to. Download the correct Cpap manual (free download at the top of the site). And read how to do it. I don’t own your machine but you can do it. Another resource is YouTube search on their site for your model and clinicians menu. They have almost all models and you can watch to see how to do it.
Don’t wait for weeks for the Dr.
RE: Strugglimg with mask - OpalRose - 05-07-2021
You can change your setting from the provider menu. Order your clinicians manual here:
https://www.apneaboard.com/adjust-cpap-pressure/change-cpap-pressure-settings-adjusting-your-machine-with-a-clinician-setup-manual
For now, until we can see some data, move your minimum pressure to 7cm. Set AFlex to 1. Be sure there is a SD card in your machine while you are sleeping. (any size from 2gb to 32 gb)
Try using your machine for an hour before bed, maybe sitting up with mask on while watching TV or reading. This is the easiest way to get used to the mask and pressure.
RE: Strugglimg with mask - faysalals - 05-07-2021
(05-07-2021, 05:00 PM)OpalRose Wrote: You can change your setting from the provider menu. Order your clinicians manual here:
For now, until we can see some data, move your minimum pressure to 7cm. Set AFlex to 1. Be sure there is a SD card in your machine while you are sleeping. (any size from 2gb to 32 gb)
Try using your machine for an hour before bed, maybe sitting up with mask on while watching TV or reading. This is the easiest way to get used to the mask and pressure.
I just did it and it was way worse on higher pressure, so im really confused now!
Maybe its the mask? Even though I tried 10 different kind
When I did the sleeping test they gave me a mask that I did like, which I just ordered online. Hopefully that solves the problem
RE: Strugglimg with mask - OpalRose - 05-07-2021
The mask may not be fitted right. When you said it's way worse... can you elaborate?
Some just take longer to get used to the feel of pressure, but you need to make sure you are fitted correctly.
This link may help:
http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php?title=Mask_Primer
Please try sitting up with the mask on while reading or watching TV, as I described above. Don't give up!
RE: Strugglimg with mask - clownbell - 05-07-2021
When I started, I had some of the same issues that OP mentions. Then I thought about it. For the first 75 years of my life, I had nothing on my face. Then beginning one night there is something on my nose and head. No surprise that it took time to get used to having stuff on my face. So the takeaway is to persevere and be patient. And as described above, check the mask wiki, watch some youtube videos about fitting your specific mask, and contact your DME/sleep center if at that point you still need help. Don't give up. You CAN do this.