[CPAP] CPAP Noob and having issues

[roreee]

Hello All,

I am recently diagnosed with severe OSA (AHI 50) and have been prescribed an APAP, in fact I just picked it up last night. I am having issues with nasal congestion and the feeling that I am not actually breathing while using my APAP. I was given the APAP because I was unable to complete a CPAP titration study for the same reasons. I guess I am a big baby when it comes to wearing a mask while sleeping, but I know I need this to work for me. I also realize that a total of about 3 hours of wearing this thing is really not much time at all and that I need to just stick with it.

All of this being said any suggestions to help with the congestion feeling and help to adapt to this APAP would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[FrankNichols]

Welcome to the board,

When you say you feel like you are not breathing, could you explain? Do you feel like you can't breath out (exhale) or you can't breath in (inhale)?

The two can be addressed, but the solution is different for the two of them. I do not use your type of machine, but lots of people here do, and I am sure they will chime in and offer sound advice on how to adjust it to solve your problem.

[0rangebear]

Hello All,
..... I also realize that a total of about 3 hours of wearing this thing is really not much time at all and that I need to just stick with it.

Thanks!

Hello roreee



You will find people here really want to help you and the problems you identified are common when starting therapy.

You have already cleared on of the biggest hurdles for many people. You realize you have to give it some time and apply some stick-to-itiveness.

The discomforts will pass as your body adapts to the therapy.

[chill]

I do have the same machine and my guess is that 5 is kind of low. And if you use the Ramp feature it will go even lower. I find 7 or above easier to breathe with. Relax, it gets easier.

[PoolQ]

No such thing as a big baby with this, we are messing with our breathing and that tends to trigger survival reactions.
Agree that the starting pressure of 5 might be on the low side, it is for many people. If it's low for you it may make you feel starved for air, just not getting enough air. I need to be above 5.6-5.8, I am that sensitive.

Congestion can be from several reasons
Humidity set too low or too high
Temperature setting needs to be adjusted
The flex setting on your machine needs to be adjusted

You may also find that the pressure itself can feel like congestion, sinus pressure used to be only caused by congestion and now your APAP has been added to the list and you need to get used to this part of it

[sdb7802]

Welcome roreee.

I'm on my 8th night with a DreamStation Auto and I really like it. I also have occasional nasal congestion.

My script is for 10cm fixed cpap. I'll tell you how I set up mine.

Therapy: Auto, OptiStart=off, AutoMin=9.5, AutoMax=14
Comfort: Humidification=adaptive, Humidifier=1, Tube temp=1, SmartRamp=on, Ramp Time=0:15, Ramp Start=6.5, Flex=C-Flex, Flex Setting=3

If I'm feeling congested I won't use the ramp and the 9.5 minimum seems to open my nasal passages. If 9.5 is too much, I hit the ramp button. C-Flex at 3 helps me breathe easier. The adaptive humidifier works great in my 60 degree room without a hose cover and no rain-out.

With the DS and P10 nasal pillows, I'm sleeping better than I have in 15 years of cpap use. My AHI < 2. Humidification is just about optimum. It's just a more comfortable experience than my previous setups.

My settings are just suggestions you may want to consider.

Incorrect pressure and C-Flex settings can exacerbate your sleep apnea and effects vary with individual patients. Please use caution.

Please start using SleepyHead and post your screenshots to the board for analysis by some pretty smart cpap users (not me!).

Things will get better.

Good luck,
Steve

[Luvmyzzz]

Hello All,

I am recently diagnosed with severe OSA (AHI 50) and have been prescribed an APAP, in fact I just picked it up last night. I am having issues with nasal congestion and the feeling that I am not actually breathing while using my APAP. I was given the APAP because I was unable to complete a CPAP titration study for the same reasons. I guess I am a big baby when it comes to wearing a mask while sleeping, but I know I need this to work for me. I also realize that a total of about 3 hours of wearing this thing is really not much time at all and that I need to just stick with it.

All of this being said any suggestions to help with the congestion feeling and help to adapt to this APAP would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Try a dibbity-dab of mentholatum on your nose, it'll help you relax and not try to force the air through...it can get frustrating, relax and breathe calmly, maybe you need the full face mask till ya' get used to the added equipment of sleep.

[sonicboom]

For the first few months I suffered from congestion and post nasal drip. To combat this I changed climate line tube to auto from a manual setting and used NeilMed nasal rinse before bed. Boom, problem solved. Stick with it. Eventually you will find your therapy "sweet spot". The insight and wisdom from others here will assist you on your path. Welcome to our group.

[trish6hundred]

Hi roreee,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
I know CPAP therapy can take some getting used to, but just stick with it, it gets better over time.
Hang in there for more responses to your post and much success to you on your CPAP journey.

[JudgeMental]

Welcome roree.. You sound like a professional CPAP'er already. Glad you are with us. You didn't add your location, but location does make a difference. I live in Florida and I feel that I don't really need any humidification or just a setting of very low. Seasonal allergies (this time of year) can be bothersome and cause some congestion to some folks, including me.. The NeilMed nasal rinse before bed is a great suggestion. I use it also. Starving for air can usually be the result of a low setting. If possible, try to start with a 7.. If too much, back off.
You are on the right track. Full speed ahead.