I have sleep apnea, but am unable to use the cpap because have also lost both upper lung lobes to lung cancer. Even on the lowest setting, I have a difficult time exhaling against the incoming air. Any suggestions?
Kate, A BiPAP machine doesn't just give you more pressure. It's actually called a Bi-level because it gives you two different pressures. One that's a bit higher when you inhale and another that is lower when you exhale. Because it is lower when you exhale it is a bit easer to breathe out and many find it more comfortable to tolerate. Are you seeing a Board Certified Sleep Specialist? You may want to see one for your sleep issues though many pulmonologist do know a fair amount about sleep apnea, the ones boarded in Sleep know a lot more. Just a thought. Let us know how it goes. Warmly, Lisa (SleepApnea.Sleep-Disorders.net Team Member)
I am seeing a board certified sleep specialist. My pulmonologist sent me to him. I originally had my cpap set to automatically adjust to my breathing. I was fine using it until my second lung lobe was removed. After that I would swallow too much air at night, very uncomfortable. The sleep doctor put the cpap on its lowest setting, no help.
Well hopefully seeing the sleep specialist he can get you on a BiPAP or an auto titration BiPAP for lack of ability to tolerate CPAP and that will help. (It should like you had an Auto CPAP) Let us know how it goes. Warmly, Lisa (SleepApnea.Sleep-Disorders.net Team Member)
If you haven't already, you will want to talk to your board certified sleep specialist about this issue. It sounds like you may need to switch from CPAP to BiPAP as that will give you more relief on the exhalation. However, only a sleep specialist can really tell you for sure after looking over what you are using now, and what is going on. In the meantime, have you looked to see if you machine has EPR or Cflex and adjusted that to give you as much relief as you can? That's a comfort setting so you can do that yourself. Also adjusting your humidification setting may also help. Warmly, Lisa (SleepApnea.Sleep-Disorders.net Team Member)
You are the third person to recommend the bipap.
My cpap machine was set for the lowest pressure available (4), but that didn't help. I asked my sleep doctor about a bipap machine, but he said that one is for someone who needs more pressure, not less.
When I was first diagnosed with sleep apnea, my breathing would get very shallow, but the biggest issue was my O2 level would drop. A few times it went into the upper 70's. My pulmonologists office gave me a choice, cpap machine or supplimental oxygen at night. He advised the cpap, so thats what I did. Since my second lung surgery I am using supplimental oxygen instead of the cpap machine.
I think I will have to ask him again about the bipap.
