"please keep me updated about oximeters "
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Feeling worse after using CPAP than before
I've had a CPAP for almost 5 years - never really used it because I couldn't find a mask that fit properly or allowed me to sleep comfortably on my side or belly. I absolutely CANNOT sleep on my back. Finally found a RT who actually spent some time with me to try and fit my mask better and then recommended the new CPAP pillow. It has the sides cut-out so it won't push my mask when I'm on my side or belly. IT'S AMAZING!!!! I've been using my CPAP consistently now for 3 weeks. I'm falling asleep MORE during the day, my ankles are swelling, my eyes are puffy in the morning, I've GAINED 5 POUNDS (yikes!) and I have sore spots all over my face from my mask! When am I supposed to start seeing the wonderful results I hear everyone talk about - waking up refreshed, losing weight, etc!????
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Permalink Reply by Judy on
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How long ago was your last in-lab CPAP titration? You quite likely may need a pressure setting change.
CONGRATULATIONS on using your CPAP for 3 solid weeks this time!!!
What brand and model CPAP do you have? Look on the top of it, it should say there.
Is this your original CPAP that you've had for 5 years? Most insurances will purchase a new CPAP for you after 5 years and CPAPs have come a LONG way in 5 years.
You obviously also haven't yet found THE RIGHT mask for YOU yet. Go back to your RRT and ask to try another mask. But be sure to tell the RRT just EXACTLY what problems you are having w/this mask, be as specific as possible.
IF you have also just recently gotten a new CPAP, how long ago did you get this new one? What brand and model is it? This is IMPORTANT because knowing that will tell us whether it is a fully data capable CPAP - and if it isn't you are running out of time to go back to the DME provider to INSIST on exchanging this current new CPAP for a fully data capable one.
You need the RIGHT xPAP, the RIGHT mask and the RIGHT pressure settings and THEN you will start seeing good results. It might take some time and some minor adjustments for you to see wonderful results but w/a fully data capable xPAP it will happen and happen a lot sooner.
So - the formula for success:; a current in-lab titration, a fully data capable CPAP, the proper pressure setting, the right mask for you .... and, obviously since you like to sleep on your tummy, the CPAP pillow.
Patience, Persistence and a Good Sense of Humor are great assets to have whilst acclimating to CPAP therapy. Attitude is the key ingredient on our part.
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Thanks for your words of encouragement. My last sleep study was in Spring, 2005. I have a ResMed machine - not sure of the model - haven't looked at its name in 5 years! :) It is my original machine. The mask works fine (comfort full) - it just needs to be extremely tight in order to prevent leaks. I have loosened it quite a bit since I got the new pillow. I also recently tried the Liberty mask and really like that one, but I can't get the nasal pillows to fit no matter what size I try. Every size leaks to some degree. I also feel that my bottom teeth are being pushed in no matter what mask I use. They all seem to sit right at that spot.
My RT did suggest an auto-PAP to see if I'm at the right setting. I'm going to call my Dr. today to see if I can have him prescribe one.
Thanks for your information!
Judy said:How long ago was your last in-lab CPAP titration? You quite likely may need a pressure setting change.
CONGRATULATIONS on using your CPAP for 3 solid weeks this time!!!
What brand and model CPAP do you have? Look on the top of it, it should say there.
Is this your original CPAP that you've had for 5 years? Most insurances will purchase a new CPAP for you after 5 years and CPAPs have come a LONG way in 5 years.
You obviously also haven't yet found THE RIGHT mask for YOU yet. Go back to your RRT and ask to try another mask. But be sure to tell the RRT just EXACTLY what problems you are having w/this mask, be as specific as possible.
IF you have also just recently gotten a new CPAP, how long ago did you get this new one? What brand and model is it? This is IMPORTANT because knowing that will tell us whether it is a fully data capable CPAP - and if it isn't you are running out of time to go back to the DME provider to INSIST on exchanging this current new CPAP for a fully data capable one.
You need the RIGHT xPAP, the RIGHT mask and the RIGHT pressure settings and THEN you will start seeing good results. It might take some time and some minor adjustments for you to see wonderful results but w/a fully data capable xPAP it will happen and happen a lot sooner.
So - the formula for success:; a current in-lab titration, a fully data capable CPAP, the proper pressure setting, the right mask for you .... and, obviously since you like to sleep on your tummy, the CPAP pillow.
Patience, Persistence and a Good Sense of Humor are great assets to have whilst acclimating to CPAP therapy. Attitude is the key ingredient on our part.
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