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Tolerating my CPap at pressure of 15
I have been trying to get used to wearing my nasal mask for almost three months and am not doing well at it. I wear a chin strap to keep my mouth closed but after I ramp up to maximum pressure of 15 I start exhaling thru my mouth which wakes me up and is very disturbing. So I am only wearing my mask 1-2 hours a night. Hate it!!!
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Robert Woods Mann on
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A Training Aid
I cut a small (1 x 1/4") strip of elastic bandaid (BRIT. plaster) and attach it vertically to my lips on one side of my mouth, where it is comfortable.
The elastic is there simply to remind me not to open my mouth. I feel a liittle tug when I start to. I use an elastic bandaid that pulls off very easily in the morning. (I found some bandaids can tear trhe skin.)
(I do not cover my lips or seal them shut. In an emergency, I could open my mouth wide.)
This is an alternative to a full-face mask, which I find uncomfortable and awkward. Also, I found the chin strap awkward and unrelieable. My mask is like a little snorkel mask.
I consider the CPAP a real blessing and hope you are able to use it all night!
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AND it just may be that they need to reset your pressure lower and raise the pressure grradually giving you time to acclimate to each pressure change until you are back up where needed. Heresy?? I've read where that has been the ONLY thing that has worked for a few at the higher pressures.
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I hated my mask also when I first got it. My pressure was at 17psi and I was always breathing out thru my mouth which tickled and woke me. My doctor finally put me on a machine which starts out at 4psi and only goes up when I need it. Then it goes back down. In other words, it goes up and down all night and I can sleep with it for 8 hours with no problems. I also wear a chin strap. I think it is called an APAP(automatic) machine. Love it!
Barbara
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As most of the others who have written, I find that the full face mask is much easier tolerated for higher pressures (I'm 13.6 with no ramp). I've never done well with a chin strap (and most people who I know that have used one were very disappointed). The main thing about the face mask is making sure you have properly been fitted. If you have a mask that is too large, you will not get the secure fit you should have. I was on a medium mask and it was discovered I was improperly fitted, and was moved to a small, and ta da! No more air leakage anywhere! Even with a relatively high pressure setting, I truly do not even feel the air on my face. After the second night of using my new, smaller mask, I was addicted and now will not even take a chance at all in not using my CPAP.
Good luck!
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Permalink Reply by Mark on
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I'm on a 25 but they are starting with 12 and working it up to that so i can get accustom to it. I tell you i feel bad, worse than ever. but they tell me it will get better. At least there is some help, i think as time gose on technology will improve.
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Permalink Reply by Mary Z on
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Mark, how long have you been on CPAP? It usually does get better, but it's a process sometimes we need to change what type of machine (BiLevel, or APAP) to get where we need to be. How fast are you titrating up?
By the way, you win the unofficial "who has the highest pressure contest", at least you will when you reach 25.
Your profile says you are straight CPAP, what kind of machine do you have?
Mark Whitaker said:I'm on a 25 but they are starting with 12 and working it up to that so i can get accustom to it. I tell you i feel bad, worse than ever. but they tell me it will get better.
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i have go look at the cpap to know what kind it is (she's a loaner) i was told by the doc 3 weeks ago i had super bad sleep apnea and possibly narcalepcy but they think it's that im so tired that i have "narc-like symptoms" last week i was moved to a 14 so i think im going up 1 per week. i use a nose mask, its not that bad if u wear it for a little while before going to sleep. just focus on inhailing deeply with the nose, u can overcome a 15. (i am 25years old with a 25 setting)
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