Question about CPAP

This is for those of you that have or have had CPAP. I cannot get used to mine. I can't stand more than about one hour of it. I always get a sore throat and ear ache. I also have asthma and when it is flareing up, I have even more trouble exhaleing into the thing. Help. I am so miserable. I think it is set at too high a number. It is set on 14. Can I lower this pressure myself? What do I need to do? Thanks

Bonnie, I have had my cpap for almost a year and it is like a life-line for me. It is really hard to get used to. The first month I wanted to throw it through the window. What I did was in the evening while watching tv I wore it. I did this everyday for awhile so I could just get use to it by first being awake and second by it being on my face. It really worked. The dr. won't just let you adjust the pressure by yourself. I thought mine was too low at 10 so I called my dr. He issued a prescription to the medical company I bought it from and they came out a changed it to 12. Well, I saw how they did it and so now I can adjust it however I like. If you would like to try and change it I will tell you how I did mine. It is kind of complicated so if you are interested call me at 281-658-6108. Girl I can't live without my cpap. I love it. Even if I feel a sinus headache coming on I put on my cpap and it goes away. My husband says I sleep like a baby. Any futher ?'s call me. Brenda

Did you get a humidifier with it? It sounds like it is drying you out. A humidifier might help. Joy

I had a hard time adjusting to my cpap also. One thing I did learn is to breathe slowly and deeply. Don't panic as you will not suffocate. I know this is a natural reaction, but you will be ok. It took me a month or more to get used to using mine and would find that I had taken it off during the night. I had to get a humidifier on mine and it helps a lot. Be sure to keep it clean and use only distilled water. Another thing... Is your mask the right size? My first one was a little too big and it bothered me as it was too far down by my eyes. I have one now that fits better. Now that I am used to mine, I can't go to sleep without it. Good Luck and Keep with it. It is truly a lifesaving device. Hugz, Carolyn

Hi Bonnie, I use a c-pap also. I am assuming you are wearing the mask. When I got mine I asked for the nasal cannula connection. I knew the mask would drive me crazy. The cannula is similar to the one you would use for oxygen but it is bigger in diameter so it fills your nose that way you don't have any leaks. Only problem I had at first was taking it off in my sleep but I haven't done that for a long time now and it has really become a part of my going to bed routine. Check with your medical supply company where you got your c-pap and see if they have the nasal cannula. It is worth a try. Cindy N.

Thanks everybody, I called the doctor and he called in a sub. for them to lower the pressure to 11. I am going to call and ask for the humidifier part. I hope this works. This is a very expensive gadget and I hate to think it is wasted. I do have the snorkel thingy. (The mask...LOL..) I had trouble gettig hold of someone there today. The respitory theraphist is supposed to get in touch with me. Oh well, I guess he will try tomorrow.