Before I was diagnosed with a sleep disorder (“moderate to severe”), I was MUCH more rested, most likely having adapted over the years to restless sleep.  After 22 days on the dreaded machine (Remstar M Series w/humidifier), I am exhausted…totally interrupted sleep while attached, mostly from the increased pressure as the ramp time approaches my prescribed level (14).   Ramp time has been increased to 45 minutes, still having the wake-up.  Leaking has been an issue...as a result I'm “freezing” my sleep position when leakage is at a minimum, which does not lead to restful sleep.  So frustrated.  I have commitments, work (accountant), and am normally a rather energetic person with no serious weight or blood pressure issues.  On my third mask (first, nasal pillows – pressure too high, second nasal pillows with lower face mask – again, pressure too high, third full face “gel” mask), and also have chronic dry eyes and mouth long before diagnosis and only amplified with CPAP.  I've even ordered and used a Pappillow.  I find it maddening every time I read how a new user is so refreshed after using positive air pressure therapy.  Any help/advice out there?

You might want to try without the ramp.  I'm at 17, if I use the ramp, the mask will leak when it gets to the higher pressure. By starting at full force, I can adjust the mask so it doesn't leak right from the get go.  I'm an air junkie , I was at 20 for a while and although I did a 15 minute ramp for a few nights, I got used to it pretty quickly.  Good luck, Virginia


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Resmed elite , 17, mirage quattro ff . 25 + years of untreated OSA

Quote:

Before I was diagnosed with a sleep disorder (“moderate to severe”), I was MUCH more rested, most likely having adapted over the years to restless sleep

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Did you display any symptoms ? There must have been some reason for having a sleep study.
Did your sleep doctor clarify whether you had severe or moderate apnoea ? Moderate to severe is not a 'category' for OSA.

Quote:

After 22 days on the dreaded machine (Remstar M Series w/humidifier), I am exhausted…totally interrupted sleep while attached, mostly from the increased pressure as the ramp time approaches my prescribed level (14).   Ramp time has been increased to 45 minutes, still having the wake-up.  Leaking has been an issue...as a result I'm “freezing” my sleep position when leakage is at a minimum, which does not lead to restful sleep.  So frustrated.

Personally, I think the ramp feature can cause problems, particularly set at 45 minutes. You are just getting to sleep, getting used to XPAP and the full pressure eventually kicks in. There are physical and mental problems.........mainly with the anticipation that 'it' is going to happen.
Your situation is far from perfect and I suspect leakage is a problem.............ie, mask problems.

Quote:

I have commitments, work (accountant), and am normally a rather energetic person with no serious weight or blood pressure issues.  On my third mask (first, nasal pillows – pressure too high, second nasal pillows with lower face mask – again, pressure too high, third full face “gel” mask), and also have chronic dry eyes and mouth long before diagnosis and only amplified with CPAP.  I've even ordered and used a Pappillow.  I find it maddening every time I read how a new user is so refreshed after using positive air pressure therapy.  Any help/advice out there?

Your work, in itself, is sedintary and lends itself to the condition. Repetitive functions don't help either (been there, done that etc). The fact that you are now on your second full face type mask indicates that you are a natural mouth breather, so the initial nasal pillows were never really going to work..........nothing to do with pressure. I suspect you were given little in the way of instruction.

The chronic dry mouth, prior to cpap, indicates mouth breathing and a badly fitted mask will tend to exacerbate this. Can't speak for the dry eyes, but a leaking mask (around the eyes) will not help.

May I suggest that you go back to the 'hybrid style' mask (mouth and pillows), get your DME to your house and have it fitted properly.......in this regard you should not have strap marks on your face and the mask should not be 'plastered' to your face. Make sure that the nasal pillows are comfy and fit correctly. While the DME is with you, stimulate your sleep position to ensure everything is OK. I also suggest that you either turn off the ramp feature or at least reduce it to 10/20 minutes. While watching TV or reading you should wear the mask (without machine or hose) to get used to it (say for 30/60 minutes).

I know this may sound stupid, but you have to go to bed with a positive attitude about cpap. A lot of our problems are mental. 22 days isn't that long..........the lucky ones take to it like a duck to water........people like you and me take longer, but are more perseverant and once we get hooked we use it for ever. Log the hours that you use the machine for each night and try and increase the time gradually (an extra 10/15 minutes per night, or even every 2 nights). Don't ask me how long it took me   .

If you continue to have problems with the pressure, have your doctor reduce it to, say, 11/12 cmsH2O and raise it to 14 over a period of 2/3 weeks.

You are an accountant, no doubt with a structured thought process...........you will have to use all your patience and structures to get this right.........obviously it will take time, but it is worth it.

Best of luck, and don't be afraid to keep posting.

Daniel.


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

(Anon)

virginia57 wrote:

You might want to try without the ramp.  I'm at 17, if I use the ramp, the mask will leak when it gets to the higher pressure. By starting at full force, I can adjust the mask so it doesn't leak right from the get go.  I'm an air junkie , I was at 20 for a while and although I did a 15 minute ramp for a few nights, I got used to it pretty quickly.  Good luck, Virginia

I can't seem to start at full force...no problem inhaling, but the exhale is too difficult at that immediate pressure.  The ramping helps to get to sleep, but while "hooked up" I have to "reramp" once the machine gets to max pressure, meaning a full wakeup at approx. every hour.  I'll give it another try without the ramp, or start the ramp at a much higher pressure (currently starting at 6 ramping to 14).  Thanks for the advice!

Reply to Daniel...

Wow!  What a response.  I was hesitant to post for the first time, but glad I did.

Yes, there were symptoms:  (!) severe snoring reported for years by family (2) While with pulm. doc for athsma and allergies (a new thing, first diagnosed in Feb.), I mentioned the snoring, he took one look at my throat with that in mind and sent me immediately to the sleep doc.  I think the sleep study indicated a 28 AHI, low oxygen levels, less than 5% of what is normal for REM sleep...now it's clear I need more info and will ask for a full report when I see the sleep doc in October.  Call is in now for lower prescription pressure, at least until I can adjust.

Prior to Feb. of this year, I had never been to a Doc other than for annual exams, an infection now and then...so finding this a bit unnerving.  Despite my "whining" on this first post, I DO realize that I will need this for life, and am committed to getting settled, comfortable and fully operational ASAP.  Thanks so much for taking the time to help, and the pep talk!

Dan told you most of it but then you said you had trouble exhaling against the pressure... That would be an indication for a Bipap with the exhale pressure set at a reasonable rate.... are you on a bipap? If not bring it up NOW with your Doc

Also ask about just lowering the settings for a while to let you get used to sleeping with it and find the right mask.