New CPAP, New Problems

Just when I thought I had gotten used to CPAP, my new continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine arrives on the scene. I've actually been treating my severe obstructive sleep apnea for 7 years now. I know a lot of new users struggle with getting used to the therapy, but I took to it quite easily in the beginning. From my sleep apnea community, I learned how to resolve any new CPAP problems with settings.

How to manage my new CPAP problems?

As I mentioned in a previous article, where I live in Canada, the healthcare system covers the majority of the cost of a new CPAP machine every 5 years. However, due to the pandemic, I was not able to schedule a new sleep study until this year.

Finally, after a lengthy wait due to the global CPAP machine shortage, I recently received my new machine.

Advocating for myself

The first indication I had that things weren't going to be easy is when I found out my prescribed setting. I didn't actually speak with the doctor after my initial telehealth appointment. However, the prescription from my sleep study was forwarded directly to the durable medical equipment supplier (DME).

The doctor prescribed a CPAP pressure setting of 16, whereas my current pressure setting was at 7. Immediately I voiced my concerns to the DME. I knew for a fact with the pressure so high, air would be forced into my stomach and that was a very uncomfortable sensation to deal with. My new CPAP problems with settings would need addressing.

However, the DME couldn't make any changes to the pressure setting without clearance from the doctor. I had to take the machine home and try it and if I had any difficulties, contact them.

First night with new machine

Needless to say, the first night was very difficult. Not only did I have aerophagia, but the mask was very uncomfortable. I prefer a nasal mask, so was provided one with the new machine. Normally I use a silicone cushion, but this mask had a foam cushion.

All night I could feel pain on the bridge of my nose as well as the air being forced into my stomach. I tried adjusting the mask, but making the straps looser caused it to leak. So I tossed and turned and had an awful night's sleep.

The advantage of having a good DME

The next day, I reached out to the DME and voiced my concerns. They were very understanding and said the mask was not the best quality mask because it was essentially free with the machine. They also said since I still have my old machine, I could switch to using that one until they could consult with the doctor about changing the setting.

The catch with the machine being partially covered by the healthcare system is that I had to use it continuously for the first 30 days. If I didn't, I would have to repay the amount originally covered.

New CPAP problems with settings

I was surprised at how easy it was for the DME to adjust my settings. My old machine did not have wi-fi capability. This time, the supplier received an updated prescription from the doctor with a lower pressure setting of 10 and they adjusted the machine for me.

However, the pressure setting was still too high and the aerophagia continued. This time I contacted the clinic where I did my sleep study and voiced my concerns.

A good night's sleep at last

Two weeks into using the new machine, we finally got the setting right. The pressure was lowered to 8 and changed from CPAP to APAP. APAP adjusts to my breathing pattern during the night, rather than sending continuous pressure throughout the night.

Some mornings I do wake up with a little aerophagia, but it's bearable. The trick is not to laze around in bed after waking up, but it's so hard to throw off the covers in the morning!

Thanks to this community, I now know how to advocate for myself and I'm happy with my sleep apnea therapy.

Need help with adjusting to your new CPAP? Tell us about a time when you had to advocate for your sleep health too. Please share a comment.