I am a new user of CPAP, 4 nights.   I have only been able to wear it 2 hours at a time. I am having a problem with exhaling. My machine is set at a high pressure, as perscribed. Does it get any easier, that is, getting used to the pressure and exhaling? I have made up my mind that I am going to make this work, but this is a problem. It almost makes me feel clostraphbic, that is having a problem exhaling. Or do I need to have the pressure lowered?

some CPAPs behave quite differently on the same pressure setting, ideally the effort to inhale and exhale should be about the same
do persist, 2 hours at a time is better than nothing, mayne use the ramp longer, you will eventually get used to it

think positive!

Yhanks Lynn. Mine has a ramp setting too. That is what I use to strat off. I was hoping that my breathing would adjust, but it's not. I hope I do get used to it.

What machine do you have?  My machine is a Respironic's REMstar Pro2 with something called C-Flex.  C-Flex senses when you're exhaling, and drops the pressure so that it's easier.

When I did my titration study, I complained about difficulty exhaling against the pressure and they turned on C-Flex.  It made a world of difference, so my doctor put that in my prescription.  I use the maximum c-flex setting of 3.

Check with your doctor, perhaps he/she can get you a machine with c-flex (or the equivalent technology that other manufacturers offer).


_________________
--Frank (FJC)

How do you know if your machine has C-Flex or what its set at?

FJC,
Thanks for the responce. I have a REMstar also, but not with CFLEX. I will definatly talk to my repetory guy about it. I have been trying to get used to it, but I end up taking it off after the ramp setting is up to my setting. My setting is at 18, so it is high.

I am committed to use the machine, I guess it is just going to take some time to get the right machine. I do like the mask I have, it just covers my nose and does not bother me at all. I just have a problem exhaling at full power. I will check into the CFLEX machine next week.

Rock On