Any suggestions|?

[ElleCee]

Hi,
I have been using my machine since January and general it hasn't been too much of a problem. Obviously there have been diferent minor issues over that time but all in all it has worked.
I have recently lost 4 stone and as each pound comes off now I am having more and more trouble.
I have 5 masks. The sleepweaver is as comfortable as it gets but the pressure of my machine (set at 16) is blowing it off of my face and it whistles very loud when there is a leak which wakes me up. Also the side straps go accross my ears and they are getting sore. No amount of adjusting makes any difference.
The mirrage quattro used to be great except for the pressure on my nose. However this now leaks and moves. I have tightened and loosened the straps and it is still not good.
I got a full face gel mask the other day from the clinic but that is horrendous and does not work for me.
My other masks are a full face fitlife which is just plain weird and not comfortable.
The final mask is a nasal one and whilst the first time I used it I had a brilliant nights sleep I just cannot seem to breathe with it and it is very claustrophobic.
I have tried sleeping without the cpap but I wake every 90 mins and end up sitting up most of the night watching TV. Consequently I am sliding back into the tired all the time state and I don't want to
The clinic say that the machine is not at fault and after an oxometer study, if I am having problems, to go back to my GP and we all know that means a wait forever to get it sorted.
Can anyone give me any advice?

[Tigers Fan]

Easy peasy

Hi Lorraine

1. Lost four stones and every pound gives more trouble.
2. OSA is predominately suffered by over-weight people.

Could it possibly be that you are on the slide to not needing CPAP at all?

Your pressure is now way too high. Drop it and all will be well again - until you lose more weight and need to reduce further.

Congratulations!

TF

[ElleCee]

Hi TF,
Thank you!
I know I still need it for now because I am waking up every hour and a half if I don't use it.

Any advice on how much to reduce it?
I think I still know how to get into the controls, I am on a start of 7 going up to either 15 or maybe 16, I can't remember for sure.

Cheers
Lorraine

[Tigers Fan]

Never mind the ramp

Hi Lorraine

Forget the ramp start pressure, it has no meaning beyond comfort when you switch the light off.

Taking a wild stab, I'd say come down 2.5 cm in one hit and see how you go. Movements from there - in whichever direction - by increments of 0.5 cm. I'd stay at minimum four days apart (unless the 2.5 in wildly out).

Once you have your pressure set correctly again, don't forget to keep reducing it as you lose weght. We'll be saying goodbye to you soon, I just know it! for me and for you!

TF

[ElleCee]

Thanks,
I will go and change the machine now and let you know tomorrow how it went.
As for leaving you, NEVER!

I don't know how true it is but when I was first diagnosed the technician told me that I will have it for life. He could tell by the graph readings. He said they would be more level on the bottom dip if it was a weight thing. I have no idea how true this is but I will wait and see.

I had a great time today buying myself some emergency clothes (cheap ones) in a size I haven't been for 10 years or more Good old George (Asda) LOL

Have a nice night
Lorraine

[Berneta]

Losing Weight

HI Lorraine. I am so happy that you are losing the weight--but feel bad that you are having problems with the mask and CPAP. Seems like you are right back where you started. I am inclined to think that the constant weight loss is keeping you from making the adjustments to the straps that you need for a good nights sleep. Your measurements are constantly changing fast. I think I would pick a mask that Is the most comfortable, and make (or have someone make) elastic headbands to fasten onto the mask with velcro --and try that. (Maybe James could tell you if they already make them for people losing weight?) THE elastic would adjust to fit you as you lose weight, So just maybe you can manage to get more sleep each night, TF could be right about lowering the pressure too. You may be needing less now. And if you do lower the pressure --and feel that you need to raise it agan--well you can do that too. Its frustrating to think that losing the weight is making for more CPAP problems for you. I know it feels great to get into clothes you haven't been into for years! I am looking forward to wearing my 10 year old jeans this winter when the snow flies! I am losing too---but not as fast as you. I know that its not easy to lose--no matter how you do it. I hope that eventually you will no longer need the CPAP--but in some cases the CPAP will always be needed. I have Central Apnea and no amount of weight loss will change that. I will always need mine Go buy some new makeup, get a new hairstyle, or somethinng you have been wanting--you deserve a reward. Congrats and good luck, Berneta

[ElleCee]

Hi TF,

I changed my setting from 15 to 12.6 (it only works in increments of 0.2) and it seemed to work a treat. I only woke at 4.20am and 6.10am which is a vast improvement.
Neither did my mask whistle last night so that was also an improvement.
I think I will try turning it down by 0.2 every Sunday night until it stops improving.

Thanks for the excellent advice.

Lorraine

[Tigers Fan]

Could be

Hi Lorraine

Please don't forget that your two wakings could be due to things other than CPAP and could also be due to having lowered the pressure too much - I suspect not, but could be.

Either way, glad you had good sleep - he says a mite jealously.

TF