Hi,

I have been on CPAP for one week as of today.  Things started off fairly well.  For the first few days I had little trouble falling to sleep and I managed to sleep most of the night.  However, as of the past two nights I keep waking up in a panic as if I can't breathe.  I have also been getting a very, very dry mouth and the most troubling thing is that I feel that it is very hard to swallow.  Last night I gave up at about 2:30 AM and took the mask off (nose mask) and of couse all symptoms immediately dissapeared.  I do not have the exact results of my sleep study other than the fact that I have "severe" sleep apnea.  Just as an FYI, my CPAP starts off at 4 and slowly climbs (over about 30-40 min) to 10 which I suppose is my therapeutic level.  Any ideas on what I can do?  Anyone else have problems swallowing?  Any suggestions or comments would be very much appreciated.

Thanks,

Eric

Hi Eric,

I have been using my CPAP for about 4 years now. I suggest that you use a humidifier, this should have significantly. Now you say that you're using a nose mask, is it nasal pillows or an actual mask? I tried nasal pillows and I hate them! They caused my nose and throat to be dry. I then used a mask and humidifier and it was much better. You need to also make sure you are using the right kind of mask. I have a small nose and I do have trouble getting a good fit. I certainly feel that the humidifier makes a huge difference.

Good luck, Eric


Tammy [/quote]

Hi,

Thanks for the response.  I am using an "actual" mask and not nasal pillows.  I was considering using the humidifier this evening and now will certainly give it a try.  Hopefully it will give me some relief from the dry mouth situation.  My problem with swallowing while using CPAP still bothers me.  Perhaps its mind over matter??!!

Eric

Hi Eric...I agree with guest...you should get a heated humidfier. But don't set it too high or you will get water in the hose. I have mine set on 3...that seems about right for me.

I was just recently having trouble breathing when I first put my mask on....I also use ramp...it started at 5 then went to 10 within 45 minutes. I changed the time from 45 min to 30min...and Okie told me to put the start number closer to the 10. It helped. I am putting it up a little more tonight and will try that. But I can't stand just starting at 10. I need the ramp.

Do you mean you can't swallow because you are so dry...or is it hard to swallow because of the air going into your throat. I find if I swallow when the mask is going, I get pressure in my ears. Drives me crazy. I guess there are things we have to put up with. I just like it when I go to bed and fall right to sleep.  


_________________
*** Linda ***

Eric wrote:

Hi,

I have been on CPAP for one week as of today.  Things started off fairly well.  For the first few days I had little trouble falling to sleep and I managed to sleep most of the night.  However, as of the past two nights I keep waking up in a panic as if I can't breathe.  I have also been getting a very, very dry mouth and the most troubling thing is that I feel that it is very hard to swallow.  Last night I gave up at about 2:30 AM and took the mask off (nose mask) and of couse all symptoms immediately dissapeared.  I do not have the exact results of my sleep study other than the fact that I have "severe" sleep apnea.  Just as an FYI, my CPAP starts off at 4 and slowly climbs (over about 30-40 min) to 10 which I suppose is my therapeutic level.  Any ideas on what I can do?  Anyone else have problems swallowing?  Any suggestions or comments would be very much appreciated.

Thanks,

Eric :cry:

Hi Eric,

I think you are experiencing some 'normal' problems with cpap. It is unatural to have a mask on your face all night, so your body has to get used to it. Perseverence.

Dry mouth usually indicates that your mouth is open/or you are mouth breathing. The swallowing problem probably relates to you getting used to cpap. The nasal mask system calls for nose breathing. You should contact your cpap supplier/sleep clinic who might suggest a chin strap and/or a humidifier.

Eric, the first 6 weeks of cpap therapy are crucial if you are to become and remain compliant. Don't be afraid to post here, contact your sleep professionals or whatever is required to continue using cpap.

Kind regards,

Daniel


_________________
The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!

(Anon)

Hi all,

Thanks for the support and suggestions.  I took the advice given to me and used the humidifier that came with my CPAP.   Why didn't I think of using it before?  Anyway, I had some very good success last night.  The dry mouth situation was almost non existent as was my issues with swallowing.  I managed to keep the mask on for about 4 hrs which was an improvement.  I now realize that there will be a rather long adjustment process both physically and mentally.  While it is unfortunate that we all suffer from this condition, it's good to know that I am not alone.  Thanks again for the suggestions and kind words of support.

Eric