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That stinks!
Try ruling out possibilities.
Are you waking with a dry mouth?
Could be a mouth leaking problem. This can be helped with heated humidification, a chinstrap, or a full face mask.
Another is that you simply aren't on the correct pressure. Are you still snoring with the CPAP on or waking up short of breath? Really it's best to have another sleep study, but that isn't really realistic because of cost. You could ask you physician if there is a pressure higher or lower (I would guess higher based on experience) that was better for your.
Sometimes they will jump up your pressure by 1 or 2cmH20 and see if it helps. Hunt and peck method.
I would think it's one of these two problems, but it could be something else.
Keep us updated.
Jason
One option would be to talk to your equipment provider and ask if they offer an APAP trial. If they do, then see if your PCP is willing to write a script for a 2 week APAP trial. This is sometimes a complimentary service. They will loan you a Auto adjust machine set for a range either 5-20cmH2O or +/- 5 cmH2O of your prescribed setting. After two weeks of data, a download is done to see what your CPAP pressures should be. Personally I recommend the Resmed Autoset II because of it's algorythm and superior sensitivity.
There is definately something causing an arousal or disturbance while wearing the CPAP to cause you to rip the mask off. I would venture to guess it's an incorrect setting. An APAP trial should help rule that out. Too high a setting is just as bad as a setting that is too low.
And like J. Sazama mentioned, rule out the dryness issue or mouth breathing issues. If you're waking with a dry or sore throat, nose or mouth then adjust your humidifier.
Neal Buckner, LRCP
thanks Jason I will talk to my doctor about this. Again thank you so much. I think if anything in the morning when I wake up I feel more short of breath. Does insurance not pay for another sleep study.
Melissa Conner said:thanks Jason I will talk to my doctor about this. Again thank you so much. I think if anything in the morning when I wake up I feel more short of breath. Does insurance not pay for another sleep study.
Sometimes they do. I'm not exactly a whiz on insurance protocol. The best thing would be to call your physician and see if it's even something they would support. Usually if it's medically necessary then it can happen...from my understanding. PPO's will pay for whatever whenever, but you have a deductible. (someone feel free to chime in on this one.)
Jason
Hello Melissa,
This is not uncommon for people to take their mask off at night. It will go away on its own with time. Try to not be so rough on yourself, if you notice that it is off, just tell yourself to put it back on. I did this for a while, but never do it at all now.
A mask is a foreign object on your face, and it has to get used to it. Each time you start a new mask, it can be the same thing. Be patient with yourself, and do not beat yourself up about it. This therapy takes a bit of tweaking and a good bit of patience.
Karen
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