My problems with CPAP

[drummurry]

Hi everybody-have been using CPAP for about 3 weeks (full mask) and can't get past 2am or 0230 am. I wake up and find that I am not breathing and that the air is in full flow into my mouth .I tend to feel that I am suffocating and then pull the mask off. I have a dehumidifier which is set at 2 and I still tend to get a dry mouth.

I tried last night to reset the machine and start the whole process again but couldn't get back to sleep so I took it off as I do every night to try and get some form of sleep.

When I wake at 2am or so I feel quite refreshed but after I go back to sleep without the mask I feel tired the next day.

I have done 2 overnight oximetry tests and am due to go into hospital for an overnighter soon.

I was diagnosed with severe levels with my last test levels being 50 and 80 (I presume that is the % oxygen levels)

I like to take the odd bottle of red wine and find that when I fall asleep in the chair I nearly have a better nights sleep!

Any ideas thoughts etc

thanks Drummurry

[Joe McManus]

Hi Drummurry and welcome to the forums!

It would be interesting to know whether the 50 and 80 you refer to are indeed the blood oxygen levels or apnoea index as derived from your oximetry tests.

What time do you actually go to bed?

Getting 4 hours on CPAP in the first few weeks isn't all that bad so if you hit the deck at 10pm things aren't as bad as they look.

You could continue giving yourself a break between 2 and 4 and then set the alarm to put it back on.

[chelseauk]

Hi,

Try sticking the CPAP on the floor and turning the humidifier up a bit - (you'll need it on the floor - or below bed level ) - or you'll get a wet face from dripping water.

Also what level is the CPAP machine on ?

[anneliz]

Hi

I also struggled at first and like you felt that I slept better in a chair. Have you tried propping yourself up in bed? replicating being in the chair, I found the mask more comfortable and it didn't become dislodged so easily. It worked for me and just needed a week or so gradually reducing the height of my pillows, I am now down to one pillow and sleep all night almost flat.