cindyg

Thanks for your support! The first night I used and Airfit N10 pillow mask, which didn't fit right (even though Airsense 10 Auto said the mask fit was good). The pressure was so high it was making my ears pop, so after about an hour of that I switched to the P10 I had used in the titration study. That's perfect for me! Also, I was sleeping on my back, but now sleeping on my side more is helping.

I feel much better using the CPAP, except on days I wake up with inflammation in my lungs. I have a call in to my Dr., but it feels like pneumonia/bronchitis/asthma. I know it is allergies, because it doesn't happen when I wash it after each use. Also, when I used apple cider vinegar and water to clean everything, the fumes seemed to calm the irritation. When it happened again this morning, I immediately went to the vinegar for relief. I don't think pneumonia or bronchitis would respond that quickly.

I primarily have hypopnea with AHI of 36 and average O2 saturation of 91, mean of 67. I'm more concerned about the O2 levels than brief lapses in breathing. Also, according to my Fitbit app, I am still waking almost as much as I was without the CPAP. I suspect there's another element at play, possibly related to my epilepsy, that we still need to figure out.

At any rate, I love my CPAP minus the allergic reactions! I'm hoping to get this figured out soon.

I just started CPAP therapy and am having pain in my chest. I read that it takes some time to strengthen your lung muscles, due to not being used to having to exhale against the pressure of the CPAP. Any suggestions to help alleviate this pain other than NSAIDS (Aleve, ibuprofen. etc.) and ice? I'm allergic to NSAIDS, and it's difficult to ice my chest.

I'd normally use my RX topical NSAID, but that's not for use over large areas. I've also used eucalyptus essential oil, but I developed a rash. I'm not sure if that was from the eucalyptus or the oil. The only other thing I can think of is to try a muscle relaxant. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

After reading your post again. it sounds like you have a lot of anxiety around this whole situation. It may be helpful, and couldn't hurt, to talk this through with a friend or mental health therapist. I've known for 6 weeks that I'd be getting a CPAP, so I've done plenty of worrying and planning!

My first thought when I read your post is it could be allergies or sensitivities. I just got my CPAP 2 days ago, and have experienced similar tightness and inflammation in lungs and bronchi. By I tried using without the humidifier and felt much better. For nasal dryness, I use AYR nose gel. Worked great last night with no dryness and minimal congestion, which is normal for me.

I have a condition notorious for dry mouth symptoms, and found that Biotene Gel works amazingly well. Its messy applying it with your fingers, so you may also want to get some mouth swabs. I used them with my mother in the hospital but have just been using my fingers on myself.