Machine Hell

[wennty]

Hi
My name is Wendy. I tried the ResMedH15 machine for first time last night and had the worst sleep ever. It seemed to be automatically turning off every 30 minutes and then when I finally went to sleep I woke to a loud noise in the tubing. I feel as if I am in hell.
Anyone out there have any ideas or rope???

[Chivalry]

H15? i cant even find such a machine?have another look and see what model it is... if its new it would be either the S8 or S9 variant i imagine..

Also... where were you diagnosed? have you had a sleep study? did they supply the machine? or have you purchased it second hand??

[Tigers Fan]

Hi wennty

Welcome to the Hosehead Club.

Sounds like you had a standard first night of the 'oh dear' kind. The other sort is 'ducks to water'. You are not so lucky.

Best thing while you send us details of your rig is to read the 'first night' and 'newbie' threads - there are endless stories such as yours and even more advice but in the end the newbie becomes accustomed to this weird kit and settles to it.

A good trick is to wear the mask without machine during the day/evening so your conscious brain gets used to it. When you are comfortable with that, add the machine and switch on - whilst watching TV, reading, ironing, etc.

There is not a race to succeed - it takes time and perseverance. The rewards are great once you settle to using the CPAP.

TF

[symmit]

Hello and welcome!

Do you mean a H5i? That's your humidifier if so and you may have it set too high causing water to condense in the tube (we call it "rain out") which can make a lot of noise.

The machine switching off can be caused by large amounts of mask leakage, spend some time getting used to the machine while you're awake and finding out how tight the straps need to be to keep the mask in place without leaking once the ramp (soft start) period is ended. This will also help condition yourself to using the machine more.

Hoping your next night is better!

[wennty]

Thanks

Thanks for the words of comfort. It's just that I can't remember the last time I had a decent sleep and I was so hanging out for it. First I was given a mask that was too small, then a machine that was malfunctioning, then a mask missing a connection, bedtime was a battlefield before now it's a war zone I,m scared to enter.
Wendy
QUOTE=Tigers Fan;15865]Hi wennty

Welcome to the Hosehead Club.

Sounds like you had a standard first night of the 'oh dear' kind. The other sort is 'ducks to water'. You are not so lucky.

Best thing while you send us details of your rig is to read the 'first night' and 'newbie' threads - there are endless stories such as yours and even more advice but in the end the newbie becomes accustomed to this weird kit and settles to it.

A good trick is to wear the mask without machine during the day/evening so your conscious brain gets used to it. When you are comfortable with that, add the machine and switch on - whilst watching TV, reading, ironing, etc.

There is not a race to succeed - it takes time and perseverance. The rewards are great once you settle to using the CPAP.

TF[/QUOTE]

[wennty]

Yes that is it, it is a heated humidifier. Yes I've had all the studies, been diagnosed as severe. Just getting more and more frustrated. Thought once I got the equipment my dream of having a real sleep would come true but it's just one problem after another.
Wendy
Mth/

H15? i cant even find such a machine?have another look and see what model it is... if its new it would be either the S8 or S9 variant i imagine..

Also... where were you diagnosed? have you had a sleep study? did they supply the machine? or have you purchased it second hand??

[wennty]

Thanks that's really helpful I will give it another go instead of holding it as I jump out the window
Wendy

[Chivalry]

ahh.. well if thats your humidifier then your machine is of the S9 variant... the good news is there about the best machines on the market... the bad news is they dont help with problems at the mask end of things

I had similer problems when i first started... and 90% of my problems turned out to be mask choice....
I went through maybe 6 or 7 masks before i found 1 that fit me right and was leak free..... and from that moment everything changed for me...

Obviously theres still the other problems such as just getting used to wearing a mask.. but that comes with time

hang in there.... it does get better once things settle down...i dont think people realize how much of a life changing thing it is to have to completly alter how you sleep, and getting used to the mask....

I would say nearly every single person who has tried mine for a second just to see what it feels like has ripped it off in near panic within 10 seconds... so it goes to show how badly it can effect some people... definatly something that takes time to adapt to

Doesent bother me at all now... into bed,, mask on.. lie down and off to sleep.. and ive only been on it since christmas..

[Berneta]

Wennty

Hi Wendy--you will get used to it all--but it does take time. I'm sure they have been tossed in the trash can, on the floor, out the window. Its seldom easy--even for those who take to it like a duck to water. (I had to do some paddling around a bit before I settled in with it.) Its been nearly a year for me and I have learned the ropes (so to speak)--but don't always have a perfect night. I stupidly ate Taco Pizza an hour before bedtime last night and was awake every two hours tossing and turning. Had to be the Pizza--as I couldn't find anything else wrong. So from now on--everything counts. Keep at it. The more you wear it the easier it will become. And if it goes out the window--I don't reccomend that you go with it. (Unless you're on the first floor.) LOL One thing for sure if your heat setting is too high on the humidifier-- it can get to making some really odd noises. Just take it all as a learning experience. Time is what you need--and maybe a mild tranquilizer if its real bad. Good Luck. xx Berneta

[wennty]

Thanks all for advice, part of the problem is I am so tired everything is an effort but I will persevere. Has anyone had any luck with nasal pillows?

[jackieb]

I tried nasal pillows lasted less than a week they kept falling out of one nostril and the other nostril was so painful it bled. Went back to my nasal mask then tried the sleepweaver mask I have a few niggly problems with headband and small leaks but not so bad to cope with I find I am sleeping about 6/7 hours a night and the last three nights have slept right through up at 8am which is unusual for me feeling fit and raring to go.

[Berneta]

Nasal Pillows

Hi Wendy--I started out with nasal pillows and have never used anything else. I knew I would never be able to stand having my whole face covered. When I went to the Hospital Clinic for testing--they placed electrodes on my face to see where I was breathing from, and as luck would have it I am a nose breather. I haven't had a lot of problems with the nasal pillows. I use a Bravo Nasal Pillow Mask which comes with 3 sizes of nasal pillows so you can choose the size you need. Even mix the sizes up if needed. (like wearing one large one and one small or med one). I don't have problems with leaks unless the silicon pillow gets too old and gets squishy or the headband isn't adjusted correctly. Usually all I have to do is loosen or tighten the headband a smidgen. I haven't had any problems with nose bleeding or sores as I use a personal lubricant in my nose, My nose did get sore when I first got the mask because I had it too tight. But you learn to adjust it correctly. For me the nasal pillows are the only way to go--my face is not all covered up-- and I can open my mouth to breathe if I need to. I am a side sleeper and have no problems with the mask shifting. I often wonder how fast the wearers of a full face mask can get them off if they have to sneeze, or vomit. Mine comes off in one yank. Some people do better with the full face--while others need the nasal mask or pillows. If you get the chance, try the nasal pillows. Many people swear by the comfort of them. But like any other mask--they will take some getting used to. Good Luck, xx Berneta

[symmit]

Just realised - I've never wanted to sneeze while my cpap is running...

[dravidio]

Thanks all for advice, part of the problem is I am so tired everything is an effort but I will persevere. Has anyone had any luck with nasal pillows?

Nasal pillows are only of use if you are not a mouth breather - although you can wear them with a chin strap. Many people like them - I couldn't stand things shoved up my nostrils.

Like you I expected miracles when I first started - and can empathize with how you feel. Lots of good advice on the site.

[tallishbloke]

Dear Wendy

Plenty of sound advice by the looks of it here - the main thing to remember is that the best way to get the best out of CPAP is to ensure you have the best mask fit to minimise leak. This will allow the machine to deliver whatever pressure you need with the least flow of air. The better the fit the less it will feel like parts of your face is in a windtinnel. Excessive leakage may also cause some CPAP machines to switch off automatically, and reduces the efficiency of the humidifier.
Nasal masks and nasal pillows masks are great as long as you dont breathe through your mouth for significant periods. If you do, you wont tolerate a nasal masks/pillows.

Good Luck
TB