CPAP - Sleep Disorders Message Board

LynnKBF · 06-14-2002, 06:35 PM

I've been on my CPAP for about a month. I can get comfortable with it, it's even a little hypnotic, not bad. But, I always end up taking it off an hour or two into the night (usually in my sleep) My CPAP is set at 5. Is that too low? It seems low from the other posts I've read. Any input? Thanks.

jeffm · 06-15-2002, 04:46 PM

I started out the same way, I finally got my Dr. to give me Ambien, it has been a real help for me, after a few weekswith ambien it became more normal to wear the CPAP mask, I now only take ambien maybe 3 times a week.

as for a setting of 5, everyone is different depending on what type of air presure you need, I started out with 10 and now at 13

jeffm

lekeener · 07-31-2002, 03:05 AM

I work in a sleep lab and have Sleep Apnea myself and have been on CPAP for 2 1/2 years. There are a couple of things to consider in trying to get use to CPAP. One is the mask comfortable to you, There are several different types of masks and this in one of the most crucial points in getting use to the CPAP is the interface between you and the CPAP, you may want to try a different mask. A Good place to look at what other masks there are is the CPAPman on the internet as they have a big selection of different masks. Personally I use the Res-Med Ultra Mirage and most people like that one, but everyone is different. Another reason may be due to dryness of the throat and nose, if this is a problem talk to your doctor about getting a heated humidifier for your cpap. If you have a heated humidifier and can't get enough moisture due to condisation in the tubing try a insulating sleeve on the tubing and mask, I ordered mine from the CPAPman online and was able to up the humidity and not have any condisation. Another thing most CPAP users dont think of is the positioning of the tubing, find a position that least interfers with your movement at night. I have mine suspended from a hook in the wall above my bed so that the tubing come from above my head and that way seems to pull on my mask less than when it use to come in from the side. Also when I first started on CPAP it really took me about 5 to 6 weeks to get use to it, it is not natural to wear a mask and have air blowing in your face and takes time to get use to it. One last thing about the pressure of 5 cm/h20 that your cpap is set on, did you have a titration or test to determine this pressure as it does sound a little low. I find most of the patient I have titrated end up around 10 and the lowest I have ever seen was 6, but that does not nessisarily mean that your is wrong because everyone is different and too much pressure is just as bad and not enough. If you where tested to find this pressure and this is not helping you should talk to your doctor about getting another titration to find your right pressure. I know that personally I wouldn't give up my cpap machine for nothing now, but at first it was really hard to get use too. Hope this helps