I can't sleep with my CPAP machine?

[gijt77]

I've tried to sleep with it for several weeks now and everytime I fall asleep I wake up feeling like I'm sufacating. I have the nasal mask and it feels o.k when I inhale but I just feel like I can't exhale. Any suggestions?

[katiemcewan]

I don't use it myself but my husband had that when he found the pressure was too high. When he changed to cflex (which lowers pressure when you breathe out) he said he loved it.

[katiemcewan]

BTW he has a resperonics m series.

[MoutheBreather]

C-Flex or A-Flex is a good idea indeed. You might also want to check whether you exhale through your nose or mouth.

[JackTheSnorer]

Do you have any sinus trouble? Blocked nose?

[savanatbunnie]

I Feel Bunged Up In The Morning

I am a new user of a REDMED Autoset Spirit EPR machine. The first night I thought it was wonderful, my partner said I was silent and slept peacefully all night. However in subsequent nights, I am uncomfortable, I get my nose and sinuses blocked, and a full feeling in my ears. I have a nose only mask. (I am female btw and have serious apnea , also bad snoring). I want to persevere but I am losing faith.

[puffin]

Just stick with it, you may need to go back to your provider. Settings/mask may need changing. I've had my machine less then 6 months and am on my 5th mask. Getting a good fit that does not leak air is the problem.

[savanatbunnie]

Thanks. I will see them again in 3 weeks, and see if there is anything they can do. I wondered if anyone else had the same problem.

[Joe McManus]

Welcome to these forums savanatbunnie!

Your nasal trouble could be helped with nasal sprays/sinus irrigation/netipots. Even a humidifier could work or an air purifier to make sure the air you do breathe via the CPAP machine is as pure as can be.

In terms of persevering, do realize your life is at risk if OSA is left untreated so focus on the positives of CPAP. There will always be the odd bad night but overall, it will be sooo much better than no treatment at all. So remember that first night and the great feedback you had. Focus on the fact you know your body will have more oxygen to play with to keep you healthy. And for those minor issues (minor compared to dying/getting seriously ill) see the people who provided your equipment to see if anything can be adjusted to improve the treatment.

If you regularly get blocked sinuses, you may want to get a full face mask as a back-up mask to get you through those nights where you just can't breathe through your nose well enough.

[MoutheBreather]

Don't lose faith just yet. You can only start some form of judgement on the whole experience after a few months.

I concur on the saline sprays, they work wonders. Have one on my bedside table all the time.