New to CPAP and struggling with Lowenstein Prisma Smart

[myhumanthoughts]

Hello,

I'm new to CPAP. I got my Lowenstein Prisma Smart CPAP 6 months ago and still have not managed to fall asleep with it.

I use a nasal pillow mask and that's been excellent, comfortable and quiet, but the noise of the machine keeps me awake and even though I haven't fallen asleep with it the pressure seems to climb up fast. Is this a feature of Lowensteins? I've read that they 'chase apnoeas'. Also, are they as quiet or quieter than Resmed? I can't switch off from the noise.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Kelly @ Intus]

Good Morning,

Thank you for your post.

Most CPAP machines are under 30 decibels. It does take a little while to get use to using the CPAP machine and mask at night. Is it the noise of the machine or the mask that is causing you issues?

If the machine - what surface is it on? sometime you can put the machine on a mat or towel and this can help reduce the noise. Is the noise an issue from the start or is it in the middle of the night?

Can I kindly ask if your CPAP machine is a fixed pressure machine or an automatic machine? It should say auto someone on the machine if it is an automatic.

With an auto CPAP machine, you pop your mask on and turn the machine on. The machine will start at a pressure of 4cmh20 and stay there until you fall asleep. Once your are asleep the machine will increase and decrease the pressure as and when you need it to reduce your sleep apnoea events. If should only rapidly increase the pressure if there is an air leak or you are using the wrong mask type for how you breathe.

How do you breathe? If you breathe through your nose only then you can use a nasal mask. If you breathe through your nose and mouth (ie if you snore) then you would need a full face mask.

If you can come back to me or email me at [email protected] and we can go from there to see how we can help you.

Kelly