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+--- Thread: Suddenly suffocating (/Thread-Suddenly-suffocating)
Suddenly suffocating - KarenS - 09-10-2013
Hi everyone. I'm new in the board but not a new CPAP user. I just woke up with a very scary feeling that I was suffocating and was so fearful I wouldn't let myself go back to sleep. In "problem solving" mode now I decided that the reason may be due to recent weight gain & I thought I should increase my pressure...so I did. From 9-13 my ears are feeling pressure-y now, though, so I think I'll lower it to 10.5 or 11. Ill call the doc in the am but wondered if anyone has any thoughts. Additionally two days ago after a few days with a tight calf, it "popped" (tear? Strain?) Quite sore and now with suffocating feeling on top of that I'm worried about DVT (no bruising, no fever though). I'd appreciate any insights, thoughts or advice
RE: Suddenly suffocating - Tez62 - 09-11-2013
Welcome KarenS, I think raising your pressure in lower increments is a better idea. You have that you are using ResScan in your profile, is your pressure hitting 9 quite often. You may want to get the tear / strain checked out, I have a friend, she doesnt have sleep apnea but got a DVT and almost died, if your concerned get it checked out. Hope both get better and good luck with your higher pressures.
RE: Suddenly suffocating - trish6hundred - 09-11-2013
Hi KarenS,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Hang in there for more responses to your post.
RE: Suddenly suffocating - PaulaO2 - 09-11-2013
Yeah, 9 - 13 is one heckuva jump. It is best to do it in small steps, like .5 at a time for a few days then another.
You have a data capable machine. Before messing with the pressure, check the data to see if it even needs to be moved. You don't have to have the software although it is best. Before noon, check the machine itself to see what the AHI was for that night. If it is below 5, leave it alone while everything else settles.
In looking at the data, we are looking at trends. A single night of data means nothing. There are far too many variables that go into a bad or good night's sleep. By looking at the data over time, you see what is "normal" for you and what is not.
The suffocating feeling can be a lot of things. The mask's vent was blocked, you had a bad dream, or you are overly stressed. Are you using the EPR? If you are, consider raising it if it is set at 1 or 2. My Breeze mask was fine set to off or 1. But the Swift LT I have to have it on 2 or 3. Same type of mask but totally different feeling.