I just started using ResMed S8 Compact with a small nose/forhead mask, gel membrane; my cm setting is 16 and I "ramp" for 45 minutes. I am reading to "give it time" but I haven't slept for 5 days with the mask and had to remove it in the middle of the night to get some "poor" sleep. Should I try a nose pillow mask? I had a cold during my sleep apnea setting when they set my prerssure at 16. I'm particularily uncomfortable with exhalation.

Hi John!

I would contact the lab and ask them if the fact you had a cold during the titration could have made a difference in the results. Or maybe someone else here already knows the answer to that. Possibly your airways are more open now and the pressure could be lowered.

Also, ask about bipap. A bipap machine has two pressure settings; a higher one when you inhale and a lower pressure when you exhale. The lower pressure makes it easier to breathe out.

HI john, be patient and hit the ramp as often as you need to, your pressure setting is high and will take more time to adjust to
think positive thoughts!!

John,
I am also new to this cpap machine use and have had it for 2 months now.  My setting is at 12 and had a very hard time adjusting to the exhalation pressure.  I felt like I was having to blow out against the pressure of a leaf blower.  
It DOES get better with time.  I hit ramp often and wore it while I watched TV and at times I would even count with each breath.  In 2, 3, 4 , out 2, 3, 4.  In 2 weeks, I was sleeping like a baby and dreaming every night.  Hang in there.  Don't give up.  If it continues, I would definately ask my doctor for suggestions.  
Let us know how it goes.

Anonymous wrote:

Hi John!

I would contact the lab and ask them if the fact you had a cold during the titration could have made a difference in the results. Or maybe someone else here already knows the answer to that. Possibly your airways are more open now and the pressure could be lowered.

Also, ask about bipap. A bipap machine has two pressure settings; a higher one when you inhale and a lower pressure when you exhale. The lower pressure makes it easier to breathe out.

Thank you!
John

lynn543 wrote:

HI john, be patient and hit the ramp as often as you need to, your pressure setting is high and will take more time to adjust to
think positive thoughts!!

Thanks!
John

John Cullen wrote:

I just started using ResMed S8 Compact with a small nose/forhead mask, gel membrane; my cm setting is 16 and I "ramp" for 45 minutes. I am reading to "give it time" but I haven't slept for 5 days with the mask and had to remove it in the middle of the night to get some "poor" sleep. Should I try a nose pillow mask? I had a cold during my sleep apnea setting when they set my prerssure at 16. I'm particularily uncomfortable with exhalation.

Hi John,

16 is a pretty high setting and it's no surprise that you have trouble exhaling against it.

I wonder did your cold have any bearingf on your pressure setting ? It might be worth renting an auto adjusting machine for a week or so to determine whether or not your pressure is right or wrong. Your doctor should be able to organise this. The APAP will also make it easier to exhale.

I think you need to be happy about your pressure setting before you start changing masks.

Keep posting.

Daniel.


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

(Anon)