Should I still be snoring ?

[SteveW]

I use my machine every night as instructed by the sleep spe******t who when fitting me up with my machine told my excited wife that it will stop me snoring altogether. But my wife says that although its definitely not as loud or as long, I still snore. Does this sound right ? I have to explain that i have only been using CPAP for a week. Im not expecting miracles straight away, but am somewhat confused on the snoring issue.

[Joe McManus]

Depending on your build, and the machine you are using, you might keep snoring for some times, if not forever.

CPAP's primary goal is to supply air, not to cure snoring.

If you have a C_Flex machine, or other technology that reduces pressure in exhalation, the airways are more prone to collapse again when that pressure is dropped. Mainly with breathing out, some people find they still snore. But indeed definitely less than before CPAP.

So yes, it sounds 'ok'. Though you may well find continued improvement. If you have packed a few pounds around the neck as many of us have, if you lose just a little bit weight, you may well find a big improvement snoring wise.

[SteveW]

Thanks for that info. Yes I have a large neck size (well I have a large everything ) 17.5 stone to be precise. Like i said in the original post it was only because the sleep doctor said I wouldn't snore at all,that I was worried. My machine is not a C Flex and the pressure is set to eight (which im told is a standard setting to start people off with) My mouth has dropped open a few times and obviously caused the air from my nasal mask to rush out and woken me,so im wondering if I should ask for a full face mask.

But as far as the snoring goes,my wife has said its much improved and nowhere near as loud,and if you say thats quite normal then im happy with that.

[JackTheSnorer]

I think most machines go up to a pressure of 20 so maybe it's because of the pressure that you don't get the full 'opening' of the throat and hence still snore a bit.

Usually after a few months you get a follow-up consultation where they monitor the effectiveness of the prescribed therapy. They may well up the setting then and voila, gone is the snoring.

Main point is though that you start to feel better! And if the wife's happy, what more can a man whish for?

[SteveW]

Thank you Jack. I managed to get hold of my sleep spe******t today and she is seeing me tomorrow to analyze the first week of the CPAP and to see if im wingeing over nothing So I will tell her everything and let you know how I get on tomorrow.

[SteveW]

Well I saw my sleep lady this morning and she has turned the pressure up on my machine and has issued me with a full face mask by the name of ResMed Mirage Quattro. So tonight I will give that a go and see if its any better. I know its all going to take time getting used too,but I have tsken on board that obviously the more comfortable you, are the quicker you will get used to it. She has told me to persevere with that until I see her again at the beginning of September.

[Joe McManus]

Good to hear they are willing to try and help you get better results. How has the new mask been for you Steve?

In terms of persevering, most CPAP users have been having issues for many years before getting diagnosed and treated, so in my view, it's well worth plodding along for many months before judging whether it's working or not. Especially considering Sleep Apnoea is often for life.

[MoutheBreather]

I'd be interested to hear how yuo get along with the new equipment too.

[SteveW]

I am sorry,I haven't been around lately. But in answer to your question the new equipment hasn't really been used.I tried it for a couple of nights,but was getting persistent large leaks.I have another appointment on the 31st of this month,so hopefully things can be sorted then.I have been using the nose mask instead and I think I am finding some improvement.

[MoutheBreather]

Hopefully it's narrowed down to the mask at least, then once that is fitted correctly you should hopefully be up and running!

[JackTheSnorer]

Keep hammering at it, you'll get there eventually!

[MoutheBreather]

Yeah, persistence is the key. Both the mind and the body take time to get used to the new situation.

[SteveW]

Thanks. I have been back to my sleep specialist this afternoon and she has increased the flow rate to 14 and changed my full face mask to a medium size. So we will see what happens over the weekend. I will be back on and let you know.

[mart9012]

Flow Rate?

I have a Resmed S6, and have no idea what setting the flow rate on my machine is on. Is there a way of finding out? This machine seems to be controlled by the hospital so I assume the flow rate setting can only be done by the consultant (and I assume with good reason)...

[MoutheBreather]

Does your machine have an LCD display?

If this is yours http://www.resmed.com/en-uk/products...?menu=products there might be manuals there too.