Can't use CPAP after surgery

[lsmit452 13]

Hi all,

I am 3 weeks post op and I have severe sleep apnea. I have been using a CPAP machine for 3 years with no real issues. Since my surgery I have been unable to sleep with my CPAP because now I open my mouth and the air rushes out and it wakes me up. I have tried on multiple occasions. I called to make an appointment with a pulmonologist and I can't get in until mid August. I turned down the pressure myself and I'm not waking up with my mouth open but I am tossing and turning a lot (something I did before I knew I had apnea) so I don't know if the pressure is where it needs to be. Has anyone else had this problem? Thank you.

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[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Hi all,

I am 3 weeks post op and I have severe sleep apnea. I have been using a CPAP machine for 3 years with no real issues. Since my surgery I have been unable to sleep with my CPAP because now I open my mouth and the air rushes out and it wakes me up. I have tried on multiple occasions. I called to make an appointment with a pulmonologist and I can't get in until mid August. I turned down the pressure myself and I'm not waking up with my mouth open but I am tossing and turning a lot (something I did before I knew I had apnea) so I don't know if the pressure is where it needs to be. Has anyone else had this problem? Thank you.

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Yes, I made an appointment with my sleep Doctor within a month of having surgery. He switched me from my bipap to a CPAP that is automatically adjustable. It has made a huge difference.

I have always slept with s chin strap. Do you use a chin strap to keep your mouth closed?

[dtiller1147 137]

Do not mess with your pressure settings. They are set to stop the apnea's for you.

You need to get a chin strap. Your medical supplier may be able to get you one, but your doc may have to provide a Rx. for it. You can tie a bandanna or scarf around your head and chin for now.

If this does not work, you will need to get fitted for a full face piece (covers both nose and mouth).

Do not mess with your pressure settings. They are set to stop the apnea's for you.

You need to get a chin strap. Your medical supplier may be able to get you one, but your doc may have to provide a Rx. for it. You can tie a bandanna or scarf around your head and chin for now.

If this does not work, you will need to get fitted for a full face piece (covers both nose and mouth).

[KristenLe 5,979]

How much weight have you lost so far? I believe even the slightest weight change can result in a need for an adjustment. Also - what style mask do you have? I wouldn't change the setting yourself - especially if you have severe sleep apnea - my machine doesn't even let me change it. Look into getting a chin strap to help keep your mouth closed and if your machine has a humidity setting change it to see if it helps. I went to a sleep Clinic for my testing and fitting so they've been very helpful to me (and easier to get through without going through pulmonologist). August is too far away to not be able to use your machine.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Scarves don't work (I've tried). I recommend if you need something in a pinch, try knee high hose. (Based on experience).

I doubt you need a prescription for a chin strap. I've bought one online before. Your med supply should also have one.

[KristenLe 5,979]

You can get chin straps on ebay.

[lsmit452 13]

Thanks everyone. I think I'm going to go to my PCP to see if they can help at all. My only question with the chin strap is that my mouth is opening because it's filling with air. I have been sleeping and wake up just as my cheeks are getting puffed out and I have to open my mouth to let the air out. I know it's not safe to change my pressure on my own but I don't really want to sleep without it either. Which is the lesser of 2 evils? Kristen, I've lost 30 lbs so far. After my sleep study the doctor said I might just be prone to apnea because my facial features are very close together, but the excess weight made it that much worse. I will call my pcp to see when I can get in.

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Also, my mask isn't fitting great and hasn't for a while so it would be worth getting that checked out too!

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[Sharon1964 2,530]

It definitely sounds like a fitting problem. Have you tried tightening up the straps a little? I've had to do that several times. If your mouth is filling with air, then your mask isn't fitting the way it should.

[TiffyE 3]

I had to have my air adjusted in first two weeks, make appointment if you can, it's gotten much better ????

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