I'm new to the CPAP and use the full face mask (nose and mouth covered).  My wife said that for the past couple of nights that I was still having apnea even while on the CPAP at pressure 11.  There were no mask leaks.  Anyone experience this and, if so, what was the problem and how was it fixed?  Thanks in advance for all replies!


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William
Birmingham, AL
bamapix@yahoo.com

I too have had apnea during sleep with cpap on 12.  I was increased today to 13 to see if it will stop these episodes.  Stay in touch.

I have been using the CPAP for over 5 years, and it helped at first, however the symptoms kept recurring every few months. This resulted in the titration pressure being increased each time. I was finally at 15 and was dealing with constant sore/dry throat and nose (even with the humidifier) and constant gas from swallowing air all night. I lost 35 pounds and that didn't help. I finally agreed to have UPPP surgery performed this past May. This was an extremely painful experience and I would not wish it on anyone. Now, 6 months later, I am still on the CPAP set at 15 and I still have all the symptoms of OSA even though I use the CPAP each night. My most recent overnight sleep study showed that I stop breathing an average of 93 times an hour (this was without the CPAP) and I am going in for another study this Friday, with the CPAP.
I am fed-up and frustrated. I lost the weight by working out at the gym, but lately my constant tiredness and lack of energy have kept me from going. I don't know what else to do.

Basically, I know I have not answered your question, but thought I might share my experience... I too am looking for answers.

I just started using CPAP; actually apap, if correct. I am very diasappointed as I am more tired than ever as I am constantly fighting the full mask.  I have leaks and am up all night trying to remedy.  I had hoped for far better, but if this continues, I will discontinue the CPAP as I am not resting anyway.  Am I not gettint the appropriate anwers or what?

GeorgeL wrote:

I just started using CPAP; actually apap, if correct. I am very diasappointed as I am more tired than ever as I am constantly fighting the full mask.  I have leaks and am up all night trying to remedy.  I had hoped for far better, but if this continues, I will discontinue the CPAP as I am not resting anyway.  Am I not gettint the appropriate anwers or what?

Seems like you have the wrong size mask. Try talking to your medical supply store and having a proper fitting done. If you try to use an ill-fitting mask, you will either have leaks (those annoying farting noises) or you will get sores on your forehead and the bridge of your nose from overtightening the mask in an attempt to stop the leaks. I personally use "nasal pillows" by Breeze and would never go back to a mask. Mind you, every type of appliance needs some time for your body to adjust to having friction where there was none before, so don't give up on any one type too quickly!

Thanks everyone for sharing!  At least now I know that I'm not going crazy!  I am going for my follow-up appointment on Thursday and will be buying my own CPAP (Resmed S8).  I will talk further to my doctor about it and see if I should boost up my airflow to Mach whatever.  My mask is the right size and it seems to do fine==I'm a mouth breather at night so I didn't want the pillows, but that may be an answer along with a chin strap (oh yeah, I'll be sexy for the wife with that!).

I have been fighting trying to get used to the CPAP for the past 3 weeks--I'm actually LOSING sleep to the battle.  I am buying the CPAP just because I think I can get used to it one day and it might work.  Out of the three weeks, I think I got one night's sleep that actually made a difference.  I'm lucky in that, although I have a bad case of apnea, I am not all that tired or have just gotten used to it--doesn't really affect my life too badly.  Of course I sleep mostly on my stomach and side, so that helps me I guess.  I'm looking forward to working out this new adventure with my new forum friends--thanks for being here, you're making a difference in lives!


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William
Birmingham, AL
bamapix@yahoo.com

Resmed s8 is what I have.  A good, reliable, small and quiet machine.  Good luck!

I'll make notes to everyone all at once.  The mask is the most important part of CPAP therapy.  If the mask leaks and your supplier can't help you, try another mask or interface and keep trying untill you find something that works.  Eventually one will work.

A dry mouth and/or throat usually suggests that you are opening your mouth if you are using a nasal interface.  Try chin straps, taping your mouth (check with Rested_Gal) or a FF mask if that is the case.

If you are being completely compliant, (ie using the CPAP anytime you sleep, no problems with mouth breathing or leaks) and you feel that your apnea isn't being compensated, get a call in to your doctor.  This is a partnership between you and your health care provider.  You can suggest that you think your pressure needs to be increased, but they need to review your sleep study and know what is going on.

To all, what ever is going on, don't give up.  The effects of untreated sleep apnea are severe, increased risk of heart attack and stroke and other effects such as weight gain, fatigue, depression, headaches, etc.

Vicki


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That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

To GeorgeL:  Don't give up!!! I had the same problem with a mask until I got a new one. I now use the Swift Nasal Pillows and it's a LOT better. Haven't had a leak problem yet with it. The first few nights were sorta rough, until I got used to it and learned how to adjust it properly, but you'll go through that with any new mask at first. You have to give yourself time to adjust to it. Now I'm sleeping like a baby. Keep trying masks until you find the right one for you, but give yourself ample time to adjust to each one before condemning it.


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Larry