Another Question about CPAP...AIR IN THE EAR!

[Judybird]

I posted about the claustrophobia, but I am also having a huge issue with my ear canal getting filled up with air as the pressure gets stronger. If I go straight to treatment without a rampup it almost immediately fills up with air and it's loud and contributes to my panic, which by the way is still strong!!! It's giving me an earache. I don't know if I can do this. Has anyone heard of them prescribing something for anxiety for this?

[luke]

I sent you this in mail, but we can share the bulk of it.

I've been sleeping with my "snorkel" since september of last year and yes I've had the air-ear thing happen. It's odd, but nothing really and I'll walk you through it.

So you know your ears are connected to your throat via the Eustachian tube. It's the place where you feel a "pop" when you ascend or descend on airplanes. (Eustachian tube - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) Well the CPAP creates pressure in your airway that can extend into the tube and subsequently your ear(s). It feels odd, but don't let it panic you, it's normal. It shouldn't be painful. Try to ignore it. If it's really too hard to deal with, speak to you doc/sleep techs about it and they can suggest alternatives...but I think you can probably deal with it. Here's a few tips:

1) Only put on the CPAP when you are ready to SLEEP. Don't put it on and then try to read or watch TV.

2) Most CPAP have a "ramp" button or some setting where turning it on makes it start with low pressure that gradually increases over time. That should cut down on the ear sensations since the pressure in your ears won't rise up till your asleep. If you don't know or haven't learned about ramp-up pressure settings, read the manual or call your sleep techs.

3) Lay flat to sleep. I had to get a new, thinner pillow so my head laid flat and didn't bend my neck/throat and constrict my airway. If you have a hard time laying flat, laying almost-flat and sort of leaning on some pillows (or a body pillow) might help you relax into sleep more easilly.

4) Adjust your mask! Those straps/velcro adjusters are for you. I've met so many people who are afraid to mess with those, but it's really important that the mask sit right and be comfortable. Get to know the straps/adjusters and get comfortable with being able to adjust them while lying down. You can do a basic fit while siting upright, but your fine-tuning should happen lying down if possible since gravity changes the way the mask sits on your face. Don't over-tighten it, it should just rest on you and the straps are there to keep it in place and provide enough seal so that air doesn't leak too much.

5) The ear-thing. It happens to me if I yawn while wearing the mask, or if I swallow. Just try to ignore it. It won't damage anything and it shouldn't hurt. It does feel odd. Your ears are like most other parts of you, continuous sensation will fade after 5-10 minutes. It's just the way we're wired.

Remember, doctors and sleep-people work for *you*. Treat em' nice but insist that they please help you succeed in using their equipment.

Humans are adaptable critters. We learn to sleep in hammocks on ships, in apartments next to elevated trains, and tied up like a pretzel in our mother's wombs...which I'm told is a really noisy place. Just relax and understand that your body loves you and will adapt. It will learn how to sleep with a cpap mask, you will come to sleep better and more soundly, which will give you more energy, help your metabolism burn more fat and you will be happier and healthier. Don't stress about the surgery coming or not. Do what they ask, take it one day at a time and you *will* get there.

[brianamato]

The best part of having this surgery was able to get rid of that fucking machine on my face.. I slept with my CPAP machine for over 15 years...

[Grace]

I'm stuck with mine for life. My throat collapses without it, I don't remember the name of it but it's a diff kind of apnea.

Judy, if you decide you really want to try the other mask, I think I can help with that. PMing you.