Good suggestion, @EnthusiasticOrangeRedHare7703 . Some people do very well with the ramp feature. Some people feel the ramp-time pressure is not adequate and that causes them to feel as if they are "not getting enough air." Sometimes that, in and of itself, will cause an anxious feeling. The ramp pressure can be increased by the equipment provider, thus lessening the feelings of suffocation and anxiousness.
With so many options in equipment features and mask types, a best solution can be found. Perseverance and keeping positive are very important.
@CreativeMauveWolf3111
Thank you for your posting. Was wondering if you have had any follow-up studies, or what your physician has said to you regarding not feeling better since therapy?
@CompassionateByzantiumGiantPanda3490
Welcome Ken. I'm Theresa. Happy to hear you are forging forward with your therapy even though you have some issues with it. Indeed great advice you give --- "Wear the mask." Thank you for your post and hope to see you as a regular contributor!
@barbz
You may want to try the durable medical equipment (DME) provider, Barbz. Most of the time they have accessory fittings and/or filters to help with a situation. Worth a try.
@MichaelJ
Whether the culprit be a little anxiety, or just becoming accustomed to a new treatment, relaxation can be a challenge for some. I am a former sleep technician, and this is what I taught my patients to do when they were starting out with positive airway pressure (PAP)
"Take some big, deep breaths, completely relax. Put the mask on your face as you turn the CPAP unit on… Relax…Close your eyes, clear your mind of all other thoughts... Keep your lips closed, but don’t tense them…. Let the pressure being delivered via the CPAP fill the back of your throat…"
"IMAGINE your upper airway - being kept open by the pressure… Breathe with it, not against it………Breathe slowly…Concentrate…Relax..."
Please also see thread "Mayo Clinic Health Tips" for this discussion.
@Michaelj Thanks for posting, MichaelJ. It is not uncommon for PAP users to feel as you describe. Most new users feel they cannot relax enough to have nasal only exhalations. In time, becoming more accustomed to the equipment-- and many times during sleep when unaware--many users find the mouth exhalation gradually subsides. There are exceptions, of course, but this has been my experience with patients.
Hi @Jorja. Thank you for sharing your experience. What you describe is very unfortunate. Would you mind me asking what country you live in? If you feel more comfortable, please feel free to send a private email to me at tshumard AT sleepapnea.org
Thanks!
I wish every patient I ever had was like you, Barb! Despite your sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment experience having been described by you as "a long journey," you realize that PAP and components are not "one size fits all."
I truly admire that you have educated yourself regarding sleep apnea and various treatments. What's more is that you continue to be proactive to ensure your delivery system and accessories are suitable for you instead of just putting that machine in a closet and giving up. Members of this forum are fortunate to be able to read your comments and find encouragement as you so kindly share. Thank you so very much for sharing with us!
Please do share with us again as you try out your new unit. I wish you the very best experience!
Be well, Theresa
@DanM & @CHW - Glad to hear both your hospitals asked you about sleep apnea. Even happier to hear you were both ready to inform them had they not asked. Being proactive in your own health care is one of the most sensible things an individual can do!
Double high-fives to those that are sleep apnea advocates and spread the word to others. :-)
