Trouble adjusting to first CPAP - assistance appreciated

[bockyweez]

So I've had my cpap with a humidifier for over 6 months (go through weeks of not using it and then trying it again) and I still can't wear it the whole night.  I feel like there are two main issues:
1. I feel like it's difficult to breathe out which makes it feel difficult to breathe, and this can cause me to panic. 
2. My nose and snot get dried out after a few hours and it wakes me up because I can't breathe.  I've tried the saline gel stray to see if that would solve the problem, but no luck.  I have also played around with the humidifier settings, also without luck.

My sleep apnea is minor.... I had all kinds of weird things going on with my sleep potentially due to other medications I'm on, so my sleep dr. thought a cpap might be the easiest thing to change.  But I'm about to call it quits if I can't get this to work for me.

Thanks.
Becky

[SarcasticDave94]

Becky welcome to Apnea Board,

I'd like to suggest you download OSCAR the free report tool that can show you and us what is happening during PAP usage overnight. You have an AirSense 10 of some sort.

Can you verify the model by telling us what it says on the lower right front in metallic letters on your PAP? If it's AutoSet, I'd suggest your Min. pressure should be at least 7 and I'll also say try the comfort setting EPR at 3 full time. EPR is exhale pressure relief and it's going to enhance comfort, probably by a dramatic step upwards.

You can also get your free copy of the clinical manual at the top of the forum page called CPAP setup manual. Match your PAPs model name to the list. It explains your settings and how to access the clinical menu, which can be done via holding Dial and Home in for about 5 seconds.

Lastly, are you using a humidifier with your PAP? This can also help increase the comfort level.