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Full Face Mask Worse For Inner Ear?? - Printable Version

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Full Face Mask Worse For Inner Ear?? - neil-v1 - 06-22-2012

Hello

I am a new member here and I need some help. My machine was just increased to the level 16, and since then, I am having very, very bad dizzy spells throughout the day. It gets so bad that I can't even stand up and it is causing me to have panic attacks.

I have had dizzy spells once in a great while in my life but nothing......I mean nothing even close to this. It feels like someone is picking me up by my feet and swinging me back and forth. I actually get so dizzy that my head feels like it weighs 200 pounds and it makes me fall down to the ground.

My maine question is does anyone know if the mask that just blows up your nose causes the same problems? Right now, my mask covers my mouth and my nose. Any help would be great. I hope I don't sound like a baby but this is bad. Thanks.


RE: Full Face Mask Worse For Inner Ear?? - PaulaO2 - 06-22-2012

It does sound like an ear issue and yes, increased pressure from a CPAP can cause it. I use a nasal pillow mask and I experience it.

You need to contact your doctor immediately. There could be another cause and it is best to have this checked ASAP.

You said it was increased to 16. What was the number before?


RE: Full Face Mask Worse For Inner Ear?? - archangle - 06-22-2012

You need to see the doctor about the dizziness right now.

In concept, full face mask (FFM) vs. nasal mask shouldn't make a difference in its effect on your ears.

Some people think you need more pressure with FFMs, so that would tend to make everything worse.


RE: Full Face Mask Worse For Inner Ear?? - zimlich - 06-22-2012

Please check in with the doc. This sounds dangerous (in that you could fall). Keep us posted, please


RE: Full Face Mask Worse For Inner Ear?? - zonk - 06-22-2012

Your dizziness needs to be evaluated by a physician (ENT probably)
Do you have other symptoms such as congestion ?
Does your machine offer data so you could monitor AHI and leak?


RE: Full Face Mask Worse For Inner Ear?? - archangle - 06-22-2012

By the way, if something is messing up your inner ear, the damage can be permanent if you ignore it.

That's true whether it's CPAP or not.


RE: Full Face Mask Worse For Inner Ear?? - neil-v1 - 06-22-2012

I tried calling the doc but nobody called back. Of course they probably wanted to leave on a friday and not deal with me. I tried to look on this site for instructions to do it myself but my machine was not listed. They raised my level from a 14 to a 16. My machine is the ResMed A4I (EPR Auto Set II). I have been dealing with this for a few weeks now but it is almost impossible for me to drive because I keep freaking out with getting so dizzy, especially when the car stops. Thanks again.


RE: Full Face Mask Worse For Inner Ear?? - big_dave - 06-22-2012

It's on the list as ResMed S8 AutoSet II, which is my machine. H4i (not A4I) is the humidifier. You'll need to email the board for the manual, but they sent it to me very quickly.

You can get into the clinician's menu by holding down the down-arrow and right-arrow buttons for three seconds.


RE: Full Face Mask Worse For Inner Ear?? - zonk - 06-22-2012

(06-22-2012, 06:57 PM)neil-v1 Wrote: I tried to look on this site for instructions to do it myself but my machine was not listed. They raised my level from a 14 to a 16. My machine is the ResMed A4I (EPR Auto Set II).
You can obtain the manual via email (scroll down to section 3)
http://www.apneaboard.com/adjust-cpap-pressure/change-cpap-pressure-settings-adjusting-your-machine-with-a-clinician-setup-manual

and also this video may help too
http://vimeo.com/19565675




RE: Full Face Mask Worse For Inner Ear?? - neil-v1 - 06-22-2012

Ok great! I just got into the menu and it was set at 16. I turned it down to 13 and I hope to God this helps. I will also see my doctor asap. Thank you so much for the help. I do have one more question. Does everyone here use the humidifier in the summer or just the winter? I have mine set at 2 for the humidifier. Maybe I should try it with the humidity off? Once again, thanks for the help.