Apnea Forum Posting

Posted by Baz on August 09, 2000 at 23:24:34:

In Reply to: Ears, hearing & CPAP posted by Mary Ann on August 09, 2000 at 19:13:13:

First, I agree with John Len and Reno Tom. But maybe I wouldn't have while I was also struggling like Mary Ann.

My pressure was set at 13 and caused mouth blow-outs like you are experiencing about every 30 min, and I felt even worse in the morning than before CPAP. I really had to harrass the Dr who finally (reluctantly) agreed to lower pressure to 10. The mouth blow-outs stopped (or at least became manageable) I got better sleep, but also (with a heated humidifier) my nose blockages reduced. BUT, as he said, the lower pressure could be resulting in some apneas, and this was a real risk I should be aware of.

Once I and the CPAP were in equilibrium, the pressure increased bit by bit and settled at about 12, and I'm now managing well and feel very, very much better. I cannot prove it, but I feel that my body+brain has "learned" how to cope with the mouth problem in this way, and my jaw ans toungue work together to keep my mouth closed.

As to your ears, I am no medico, but do know the physics of the ears pretty well. In the healthy ear, the eustachian tubes balance very well the pressure between the inner ear and the nasal passages, which is why humans can go to high altitudes and and go diving. But if these tubes get blocked, or you have difficulty opening them yourself (like after a plane trip), some pain can result.

CPAP presures should therefore cause no problem to healthy ears, so I would be worried if anyone blames CPAP without having the ears checked. The eustachian tubes often get blocked from colds, allergies etc.

But overall, be positive. I started CPAP 9 months ago and every month has been just a bit better with the first few months feeling like I was struggling with a demon! But it's certainly been worth it.

Hang in there.

, and it seems to me that

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