side effects the next day

[James @ Intus]

I was diagnosed with moderate sleep apnoea in February. I use a ResMed S8 Escape ll CPAP machine with humidifier and Swift LT nasal pillows -these leak, as do solid masks too.

Decent kit, that shouldn't be the problem in itself.

Profile: I am a 64 year old female, slim - at lower end of recommended weight range, fit and active but unable to organise my life because of exhaustion.

As OSA is much more prevalent in overweight people, I do sometimes get the impression masks are made to suit this type of people more too. There are few petite/slim options, like the FlexiFit 406 for example.

1 My body goes through the motions of breathing but I don't feel as if I am absorbing oxygen and become giddy. It took 20 minutes of swimming recently before I felt relaxed enough to breath naturally. I feel as if bubbles are rising over my breast bone. (Think I am stomach breathing?)

Stomach breathing, or diaphragmatic breathing is a good thing, as far as I know anyway. Not sure why CPAP would cause you problems breathing in the day, I'd be inclined to suspect something else lung-function wise to be a part here.

2 I feel muggy minded, exhausted and think my balance is affected.

These are symptoms of untreated OSA. If they persist with CPAP, I suspect it's not doing its job for one reason or another. Pressure too low, too many leaks, some other sleep disorder etc. The possibilities are plentiful.

3 I tried two or three rigid masks which leaked excessively and ended up with nasal pillows which also leak but are, at least, gentle to the touch. To reduce leakage I lie on my back all night which results in a degree of stiffness by morning - something I would tolerate if the benefits outweighed the difficulties.

RemZzzs liners have been suggested, there are also special pillows that enable side sleeping with CPAP.

4 The masks lower back strap causes chronic itching of the scalp (yes, I do clean the equipment.)

If you are of the handy type, you can wrap cotton or fleece around the straps to reduce discomfort in this area. You can also order such mask strap covers from eBay.

Benefits: When using the CPAP I get to sleep more easily and although aware of the mask leaking and having to adjust it (exhausting), do not waken sufficiently to have to keep going off to the loo!

Frequent need for urinating is a side-effect of OSA. If it is reduced after commencing CPAP, it must be doing something right. It's a good sign.

Current Situation: I have decided to give the machine a rest to see if I fare better without it.

You already hinted yo understand the risks of this. It's never a good idea as untreated OSA can be detrimental in so many ways. If not CPAP, you have to consider alternatives like mandibular advancement or even surgery to protect your overall health.

The thought of impending problems awaiting as a result of untreated SA is frightening.

Indeed they are so I'm glad you're here to find solutions.

Are my side effects familiar to you?

They sound like untreated OSA, so I'd be inclined to request an oximetry test to do whilst on CPAP to make sure all events have been taken care of.

Any suggestions to alleviate them?

Keep trying masks and CPAP comfort accessories until you find a forumla that works for you. Trial and error unfortunately is part and parcel of CPAP therapy.

Is the machine set to high? (I overheard the number nine stated).

Maybe even too low. Nine is about average.

Is it the leaking masks causing the problems?

Possibly, as excessive leak rates impair the CPAP's ability to deliver the therapeutic pressure required to treat the OSA. If the leaks are not excessive (everybody gets leaks and most machines can compensate enough for them) maybe you are one of those who is much better off with an Auto-CPAP.

.......Is there any way, of trying out masks other than taking an expensive gamble and selecting by guess work from the Internet?

ResMed offers a "come and fit" service where you pay something like £25 and go to their office to try a whole bunch. But that still won't mean you get on with them during the night.

[ElleCee]

Safisafi,
Where do you live?

Lorraine