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Re: Here's My Story - What do you think

Posted by Bird Watcher on April 21, 2005 at 21:09:29:

In Reply to: Here's My Story - What do you think posted by tiredchris on April 21, 2005 at 10:00:54:

I've been on CPAP and APAP for many years and have had many machines and mask combos. Getting any particular machine and mask combo to work for you can take time, trial, and support information.

It would be important to know what make and model of APAP you are using to understand what might be wrong. Machines such as the ResMed Spirit or Respond have different settings for masks (nasal or FF) and you must have those set properely. This machine MAY NOT WORK PROPERELY if you don't have these set correctly. Other settings come in to play as well.

Of the most importance with APAP's is the limit settings, which Sleepy Time Gal talked about. These machines can be run from 4 cm to 20 cm. They have this capability for a wide range of patients, NOT ANY ONE PATIENT. If your doctor has sent you home with your APAP set wide open (4-20 cm), that IS NOT THE BEST SETTING FOR YOU. You may very well find that a range of about 4-5 cm between high and low may be the best for you.

If you think you have problems with the APAP reading you, you first have to narrow the range to come into your best pressure manually. After a few nights doing that, then lower the bottom limit a bit to a point where it is responding well enough to still treat apnea or flow limitation.

A little about FF masks and mouth breathing. Full face masks are actually for mouth LEAKING and not for mouth breathing. There is a difference. You should use a FF mask only if the pressure you require in you nose ocassionaly comes out your mouth instead of going into your lungs. Nasal mask and chin strap can be effective to help this condition too. But, if you find yourself breathing in and out of your mouth with the FF mask, then things are not as they should be. Further, if you're having chronic problems breathing with your nose or are having nose issues, it is time to see an ENT about this and be evaluated for any possible surgical correction that may be needed. This could be the contributing factor to the snoring over the years.

Good luck with everything. Reply with the APAP information and some of us can give you further assistance.

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