Question for CPAP'ers

Did any of you have a difficult time wearing your CPAP after surgery? I just can't seem to make myself keep it on. I just don't feel as if I am breathing deep enough with it on. I didn't have any problems with it before surgery. I'm hoping that it is a passing phase, but could still use your advice. Thanks, Donna

Hey Donna, This seems to be a common "problem". You might need to mention it to your PCP. I had the same issue. I was retested because I was making more noise with the mask on than sleeping without it, another night at the Sleep Center, and found officially not to have sleep apnea. At best you might be cleared from having to use the machine. They will definitely need to reset your mask, and probably recalibrate your CPAP. Unless you retest, you'll probably go through many nights of restless sleep. Rob

Donna, Sounds like you need another study done to see if you still need the machine or your settings on the machine adjusted. The feeling you are not breathing deeply enough is a sign of this. Call your Sleep Dr. and see if you can get scheduled for another study. My Dr. told me that I would probably need adjustements around the 50 lbs loss and hopefully with more weight off I would be off the machine! I am at the lowest settings on my Bipap that I have ever been at since the surgery! Its wonderful and I am looking forward to putting the machine in the closet! Debbie

Donna, after surgery about the 3 month mark the mask was being blown of my face by the pressure, I contacted Dr. vasile, the pulmonogist that order it for me He had the respitory therapist change the settings from 20 down to 15. Lately I fall asleep on the sofa at 9:00 and dont even make it to bed and I wake up at 6pm and I feel like I sleep with the cpap, I still try to sleep with it because it really helps with my allergies!. I expect I'll be going to the sleep lab soon!

Hi Donna, I actually work for a respiratory company and work with numerous cpap, bipap and oxygen patients. The advice you have been given is a place to start, but I would definately contact the company who supplied your equipment. There are hundreds of different types of headgear, masks, nasal pillows etc. that may work better for you. Not everyone can use a mask. Talk to the respiratory therapist at your home health company about your concerns 1st before having to go through another sleep study. It may save you alot of time and money, and a respiratory therapist is able to communicate with the perscribing doctor to possibly make necessary changes to your settings. If you have any more questions feel free to email me, I would be more than happy to help in any way I can, including getting you in touch with our respiratory therapist. Good luck, Jessica