Just got my c-pap

Hi everyone!

I just got my machine on Tuesday. I have the nasal pillows. They aren't too uncomfortable and I love that I can read with them on. But I do have a problem feeling like I have to work too hard to exhale. I think I may have had them on upside down....if thats possible. Although I still had a great seal and all I just felt like I was having to work harder to exhale than I should. Please tell me that this is normal. I looked my brand up today and saw how the head gear goes and I had that on upside down which leads me to beleiv I had them on upside down. So tonight I will wear it the way the pictures showed.....fingers crossed it goes better cause last night I ended up taking the mask off at 3 am and sleeping with out the machine....or trying to sleep with out it.

Please tell me it gets better and that the exhaling part I either get used to or may have been cause it was on wrong. Cause I want this to work....badly.

I've not used the nasal air pillows, but it does take some time to get used to the machine. The amount of time varies, I think, on the individual. I have kept my doctor and respiratory therapist busy during my adjustment period. Don't be afraid to ask questions of them! :D

Glad you are putting the sleep team to work to help you Gram. Can you describe some of the things they have done to help "fit" the CPAP to your comfort? I understand the more complex the therapy device, CPAP, APAP, BiLevel or ASV the more tweaking it might need to fit your individual needs. I also understand that as the therapy is used more and more, sometimes the needs change (for the better) so more tweaking is needed. Is that the kind of help you got?

Hi Honeybee,

I started CPAP, using nasal pillows just a couple of days after you. The RT had me start with a small mask. I had many and assorted issues with adjusting to the nasal pillows when using the device at home. In the sleep lab, it worked well and was (strange), but comfortable enough.

On 2 nights at home, I felt as if I was really struggling to breathe. After a fairly lengthy conversation with the RT who provided Customer Service through my DME supplier, she advised me to try the medium-size mask. That made a big difference because the nasal air openings were considerably larger. I also had issues with the mask shifting when I shifted position. I have been able to resolve that by adjusting the straps. There is also a diagram that shows proper positioning of the part of the device that has the air openings. It is not obvious to me whether that is lined up correctly, but through experience I have learned what "feels right" for the best airflow. I can now adjust that while in bed, if needed, after a position change. One of the 2 nights that I had trouble breathing, I later realized that I had the mask on upside down. Up vs. down is not obvious to me when looking at the device. On close inspection, I realized there is an embossed word..Resmed...that goes above the opening (on my particular device). It seems like a lot of work, but I am committed to working out the problems.

Today, I had an appointment with the nurse in the sleep lab, because I was still feeling very sleepy and as if I am in a brain fog some days. She did a print out from the machine, and increased the pressure level. I think that will make a positive difference for me.

Hope you are getting whatever help you need to get your CPAP device/mask working well for you.