Getting short of breath whilst awake???

[swindonstu]

Hi Forum Friends!

I am very new to wearing a CPAP mask, and to this forum, so please forgive me for any (a) stupid questions, or (b) questions that have been answered in other threads.

I am about 4 weeks in on the therapy and use a face mask as I have a beard, sleep on my side, and have sinus problems to start with!

My first mask was issued by my local hospital, and I'm afraid I don't know the make, but was the cheapest (hard-plastic with gel inserts) one available to them (fortunately I didn't have to pay). Apparently I am between a small and a medium. This mask I did not get on with. In order to avoid lots of leaks, I had to have it so tight that it was not only leaving marks all day, but cutting off my circulation I think!

I spoke to the hospital, who changed me to a Hans Rudolph 7600 v2 (small) which is a mostly gel mask to allow for hitting the pillow and general movement during the night. This seemed to be OK to start with, but the last few nights I find a bit of a problem...

If I am awake for more than 10 minutes after putting the mask on (this is quite common for me as I often have difficulties getting to sleep at the best of times - never mind with my mouth and nose squeezed into a leftover from the Spanish Inquisition!), then I start struggling to draw deep enough breaths. It's as though I have my head in a plastic bag and I have even started hyperventilating!

I have checked the mask holes to ensure they are clear, and they indeed are. Last night I went back to my first mask, but got the same effect from that!

Has anybody experienced the same or similar that can advise please????

Many thanks in advance for your answers...

[Sleep2Snore]

Not sure what your problem is down to, but is the machine working properly?
In any case I think you need to contact the clinic and explain the problem to them.
I did have a problem where I didn't appear to be getting enough air, turned out to be the machine.
But it took a few hours to reduce pressure during the night.
If you have a humidifier, try turning it up a bit as well.

Also, are you getting panic attacks?

[Sparticus]

Settings

I know that feeling I had a similar problem, for me it was that the machines setting were too low and I needed a higher presure to start with, again talk to your clinic and ask them about upping your settings or starting without any Ramp

[swindonstu]

Thanks guys

I was indeed getting panicky, hence the need to practically rip the mask off when it happened...

As it is, I haven't experienced this now for a couple of nights so will carry on as is. I do have an appointment in a week anyway with the clinic, so will make a point of mentioning it!