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Hate my CPAP!
#1
Hate my CPAP!
Hi, all. I'm a newbie here. I've had sleep apnea for 16 years, but was always told it was too mild to do anything about. So just lose weight, don't sleep on your back, don't drink alcohol or take sleeping pills, blah blah blah. I also went through 3 pregnancies with it, and no one seemed concerned. They just said the babies would take what they needed from me. I guess so, because they're fine  Bigwink . Then last year, i saw a different sleep specialist, and he said ALL OSA should be treated in one way or another, not just left alone. So he gave me a CPAP, and a full face mask because my sinuses make nose breathing impossible.
I have been trying this thing for almost a year now, and I'm more tired than I ever was without it! I can't stay asleep with it, and the stupid masks (have tried 3) all blow into my eyes. I have an autopap set for 5-11. Sometimes I wake up and it's barely blowing at all, not even as much as it does when I hit the ramp button. Maybe it's malfunctioning?
Our insurance just raised our premiums AND our deductibles, so I can't see the doctor again any time soon.
Any suggestions? I'm about to give up trying.
Thanks!
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#2
RE: Hate my CPAP!
It's the attitude about OSA that's changed over approximately the last 20 years.
Also, the advances in microelectronics that permit making these smart machines to treat OSA.

It's hard to offer guidance without data. I suggest you download and install sleepyhead on you computer.
You can read out your data card and post some graphs.

5 is likely too low for a starting pressure; but do not change it without a data review.
We'll have to review some settings, like autostart, to make sure the machine isn't turning itself off during the night.
Also, your flex settings.

So, I would request the clinician's manual for the machine following the instructions here:
http://www.apneaboard.com/adjust-cpap-pr...tup-manual

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#3
RE: Hate my CPAP!
Don't despair! The experts here will help you to get this going for you, you've come to the right place. While you wait for more input, why don't you start with downloading the manual for your specific machine. There's a link at the top of this page called CPAP setup manual. It can be adjusted to deal with the problems you are experiencing.
Also, I've recently made a liner for my mask that has made it much more comfortable and it no longer blows air into my eyes. You can buy liners from supplier 31, or figure out your own by trial and error like me. Take heart, everything will work out. Smile
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#4
RE: Hate my CPAP!
Thank you so much. I'm looking for my manual now. I had no idea you could make your own mask liner. I was just trying a sleep mask to cover my eyes, but that wasn't working the greatest.
My husband told me my snoring is getting worse too. I might have to save up and get another study done. I have been using my machine so sporadically because of the issues, I doubt the doctor would give my info credence. But I'll keep looking.
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#5
RE: Hate my CPAP!
Do you know what model of mask you have? Liners can be made of a thin fleece or half cotton/half poly mix material but I made mine of very thin suede leather, because I happen to have some piece and I like the feel of it. A bit less elastic and not as easy to clean/dry but works fine. I tried fleece first but because it was quite thick it seemed to leak more. I left strings attached to the main piece, one top, one side and one bottom on each side to tie, because I don't have Velcro. The important part is to NOT COVER the vent!
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#6
RE: Hate my CPAP!
Oops, I've had my cpap almost 2 years. I go back and forth between F&P Simplus and a ResMed Quattro Air.
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#7
RE: Hate my CPAP!
I have no idea how to put Sleepyhead info here, but why is it, if my machine is supposed to be set for minimum of 5, that it's showing time at 3?
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#8
RE: Hate my CPAP!
(02-12-2017, 07:37 PM)MrsBrando Wrote: I have no idea how to put Sleepyhead info here, but why is it, if my machine is supposed to be set for minimum of 5, that it's showing time at 3?

In SleepyHead, under View, select Take Screenshot.

Then go to imgur.com and upload that screenshot there. All you have to do is post the link to that uploaded image on imgur.

Also check this, before taking the screenshot:

http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...ganization

to learn how to organize your SleepyHead data.

Hope this helps.
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#9
RE: Hate my CPAP!
(02-12-2017, 06:34 PM)MrsBrando Wrote: Hi, all. I'm a newbie here. I've had sleep apnea for 16 years, but was always told it was too mild to do anything about. So just lose weight, don't sleep on your back, don't drink alcohol or take sleeping pills, blah blah blah. I also went through 3 pregnancies with it, and no one seemed concerned. They just said the babies would take what they needed from me. I guess so, because they're fine  Bigwink . Then last year, i saw a different sleep specialist, and he said ALL OSA should be treated in one way or another, not just left alone. So he gave me a CPAP, and a full face mask because my sinuses make nose breathing impossible.
I have been trying this thing for almost a year now, and I'm more tired than I ever was without it! I can't stay asleep with it, and the stupid masks (have tried 3) all blow into my eyes. I have an autopap set for 5-11. Sometimes I wake up and it's barely blowing at all, not even as much as it does when I hit the ramp button. Maybe it's malfunctioning?
Our insurance just raised our premiums AND our deductibles, so I can't see the doctor again any time soon.
Any suggestions? I'm about to give up trying.
Thanks!

Hi... you say your sinuses are so problematic that you got a full face mask. Does this mean that no breathing at all takes place through your nose? Reason I ask is that sometimes I'm stopped up and the CPAP pressure helps clear up the nose and I have (like always) a good night sleep. When I used to have a full face mask not only was it intolerable, but like you I would get those annoying leaks that you talk about and they would wake me up as well.

Also, I have a Respironics REMstar auto Aflex and I love it... no problems at all for 19 months.
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#10
RE: Hate my CPAP!
I have a deviated septum, and constantly clogged sinuses. My sleep specialist had me see an ENT for a possible rhinoplasty and sinus scrape, but the ENT told me that even if I had it done, he's not sure I'd ever be able to breathe through my nose. For the last few weeks though, I've had to use a mouth guard because I grind my teeth down to nubs, so my mouth has been blocked. Because of this, I've started using breathe right strips, inside my mask. Honestly, I sleep better with the strips and no mask. Or at least, I feel like I do in the morning.
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