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can't find right settings
#1
can't find right settings
I have had the machine for about 2 months and wake up with either a runny or stuffed up nose depending on the humidity setting. I also wake up during the night with a dry mouth. I have not experienced the deep sleep I was expecting. Any similar experiences?
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#2
RE: can't find right settings
Most of what you are describing has been experienced at one time or another by most of us apnea sufferers .. The humidity settings is a just keep trying issue 'til you find the right setting that works best.
The dry mouth issue is usually indicative of mouth breathing. From your listed equipment info, you are using nasal pillows. You may have to either try using a chin strap or a full face mask, if your dry mouth issues continue.
Yesterday is history; Tomorrow is a mystery; Today is a gift; Thats why its called "The Present".  
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#3
RE: can't find right settings
Thanks JudgeMental. My doctor advised that with warming spring temperatures the humidity settings should be lowered to 2 or 3. I was using settings 4 or 5 during colder temps with somewhat better results. The lower settings result in runny nose and sneezing during the day. Doc said higher humidity settings with the warming spring temps could lead to infections. I'm frustrated with the machine and so far do not see significant improvements.
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#4
RE: can't find right settings
(03-13-2016, 05:12 PM)Avonjohn13 Wrote: I have had the machine for about 2 months and wake up with either a runny or stuffed up nose depending on the humidity setting. I also wake up during the night with a dry mouth. I have not experienced the deep sleep I was expecting. Any similar experiences?
Hello John,
It always takes some time to come to grips with the therapy & get all your settings & mask right. Your problem with humidity is related to the ambient humidity of your room & that will change from day to day. Thus in some climates it's necessary to set the humidity level each night. If you find droplets of water in your mask, or whistling from the mask exhaust port, then the setting is too high.

Dry mouth is common for users of nasal masks. There are numerous posts on this board about the subject. Remedies range from training yourself to keep your tongue pressed to the roof of your mouth, to changing to a full face mask.

There are pro & cons with each solution. It is difficult to maintain the tongue seal method for the duration.
FFM's tend to pull the lower jaw to the rear moving the tongue with it & causing narrowing of the airway.

The method I favor & is decried by other members is taping the mouth closed using surgical tape.
Your pressure settings, believe it or not, are enough to blow the tape clear off.
Chin straps are suggested too, but most are poorly designed and tend to force the lower jaw backwards causing narrowing of your airway too.

All of us have experienced the same problems at one time or another & its just a matter of trying different solutions until you find one that works for you. Best wishes & good luck.
[Image: signature.png]Keep on breathin'
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#5
RE: can't find right settings
The nasal pillows mask is the least obtrusive of all masks and usually delivers good therapy at a lesser pressure than full face masks. However, to use one successfully you must be able to refrain from opening and breathing through your mouth. That is easier said than done for some of us. A suggestion that works for some folks is to place the tip of your tongue against your teeth and create a suction that will hold the tongue to the roof of your mouth. Some can do that while others cannot. I suspect it has something to do with the shape of the roof of ones mouth.

The next best solution is to get a chin strap that will hold the mouth shut when you fall asleep. Some chin straps work better than others. I have had good results by using a 3" wide chin strap from Amazon and deploying it around my neck and across my mouth in such a way that it's like taping my mouth shut but less dangerous. I had to resort to this since a regular chin strap application held my mouth shut but air still came out when I fell asleep. YMMV

Another solution is to use a 'Hybrid" mask that has nasal pillows and also an enclosure that covers and pressurizes the mouth. That method sort of defeats one of the best features of the nasal pillow mask, the ability to render effective therapy at a lower pressure. These are considered full face masks but are much less obtrusive and leaks are easier to manage since the total footprint is less.

Lastly, you may have to go to a full face mask. That's the least desirable solution since the mask is much heavier and has a larger footprint. Leaks are generally harder to manage than with the pillows but it's the only recourse if all else fails with the nasal pillows.

These are all general statements and you will have to experiment to see which applies to you. Some lucky folks come home with their new equipment and it just works without a hitch from the get-go.

Dude
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#6
RE: can't find right settings
BTW, I suggest that your humidity problem may be resolved when you get the mask problem fixed. These seem to go hand in hand due to the large amount of air going through your nose and out your mouth under the circumstance. Fix the mouth leak and you will likely fix all else.

Dude
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#7
RE: can't find right settings
Thanks Woozie and Dude: I have trouble with the chin strap as I breathe with my mouth open when sleeping and feel constricted and claustrophobic while wearing it. I guess I have to keep trying and experimenting until I get comfortable with the machine. I have slept without it for a few days at a time and feel better although the snoring keeps my wife awake.
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#8
RE: can't find right settings
Wearing the mask and chin strap while watching TV or reading may help you get used to it.

Keep after it, it gets better in time and you'll not be bothered with the mask once you learn that it isn't dangerous but is the opposite, it can help you live a longer and happier life.

You may benefit from a saline nasal rinse or even a corticosteroid nasal spray such as Nasacort. Experimenting is important.

Dude
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#9
RE: can't find right settings
Hi Avonjohn13,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Much success to you with your CPAP therapy and getting it fine tuned to meet your needs.
Hang in there for more responses to your post.
trish6hundred
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