Question:
CPAP is set at level 13

My new machine is set at level 13. It blows so hard that I can't stay asleep. I ripped the thing off last night, I just could not take it. Can I only use this thing when I go the hospital? I mean I have lived my whole life without one. My surgery is probably only a month away, so can I just go without it till then?    — Trin2rilax Cheryl McCoy (posted on July 17, 2003)

July 17, 2003
I would recommend that you try to adjust to your CPAP at least somewhat prior to your surgery. It will help sreghthen your lungs for surgery. In any case, PLEASE make sure that not only your surgeon, but all medical personnel involved in your care including the anesthesiologist and the nurses are well aware that you have sleep apnea. My friend, Ginger Brewster, who's story is on the memorial page of this website, died because she had the surgery with untreated/undiagonsed sleep apnea and no precautions were taken for her having it. Please Be Safe! If you have any questions please feel free to e-mail me. Best of luck to you for your surgery.
   — Hackett

July 17, 2003
My husband has his Cpap set on 16, and I have put it on and it took a while but I got use to it, until he came to bed and I had to give it up. I used it to practice deep breathing before surgery. Is your mask on tight so it has no leaks? I had to hold it tight against my face and then it wasnt so bad to breath. His cpap also has a button to push that gradualy increases the pressure over 15 minutes. Please use this machine, obviously you need it. sleep apnea can cause damage to your heart, because of lack of oxygen. My husband hated his also at first, but it took about 4 days and now he wont sleep with out it. I read recently someone on obesityhelp has a husband that no longer needs it after wls but refuses to give his cpap machine up. Its like wearing a bra, soon it will feel like a part of you, and you will want to wear it at night. You will feel so much more rested and feel better using it. Good luck :0)
   — wizz46

July 18, 2003
Please, please, please keep trying to use the CPAP - it may save your life or prevent heart damage. I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea in my early 30's and my docs believe it was partially responsible for the heart damage I now have and will have to live with forever. Try using the "ramp" feature to let the pressure build up slowly and if that doesn't work call your Respiratory Therapist and he may be able to get the doc to let him turn you down a little. Also, I have a friend who couldn't get used to it so his doc gave him something to help him relax and sleep for 5 days only - it worked great! Good Luck!
   — Deborah F.

July 20, 2003
There are several options, first contact the supplier of your cpap, tell them the problem and contact your physician. Regardless of what your sleep study showed, your settings can be turned down to a comfort level. If that doesn't help, ask about using a different machine such as the c-flex c-pap. You can also try to get adjusted to your machine by wearing in the day time, if you are sitting and watching tv, put it on and wear it. And lastly, you can ask your md for sleeping meds to help you get to sleep while you are trying to adjust. Sherry
   — Sherry C.