I've only had my CPAP machine for 4 days now. I had to get the full face mask because I absolutely couldn't breathe with just the nasal one. The main problem I'm having with the mask is that I can't yawn! I don't know if it's because I have mild asthma, or because of some of the medications I'm on which cause shortness of breath, but I have had trouble for years getting a good deep breath. It's like I can't get all the air to go to the bottom of my lungs. The only way I've been able to really get the air all the way down in my lungs is to purposely yawn.

Well, with the mask, this seems impossible. So it leaves me needing to yawn (needing to get breath down into my lungs) and no way to do it. So I'm absolutely miserable. So I've had to just pull the mask away from my face long enough to yawn, and then replace it. The problem is, every time I do this, I have to readjust everything, and I usually can not get it adjusted comfortably no matter what. And even if I do manage, by the time I get it readjusted, I need to yawn again.

Am I the only one with such a problem? Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks!

Hi,

Have you talked to your MD about this? Maybe you have a secondary problem with your lungs that needs to be addressed? What pressure level is your machine running at? Some folks report a feeling of not getting enough air if their machines are set too low.

-john-

What pressure is your machine running at? Is this happening when you have hit the ramp our when you are up to pressure? I have found when or if I yawn my mask usually moves enough to leak but I don't usually yawn I just fall asleep. When I yawn I take that as my body telling me to get to bed.
Do talk to your doc about this as it my be something else going on.

Gerry

My level is 9, and EPR 3 (I think that was the abbreviation for that 3 thing).

I make sure I go to bed before the yawning starts because if I yawn with my mask on my ears go funny and I have to take the mask off.

Take a Yoga class and learn proper breathing techniques and strengthen your lungs.

I rarely yawn in my mask, but when I do, I use the quick disconnect, seperating hose from elbow, yawn, then put back on. I don't have to do any mask adjustments, the mask flex with the motion of my yawn. No pressure, to misalign mask.

But if your mask has a quick disconnect, try this way, and see if it helps.

Is this happening when you are up to pressure or after you have hit your ramp button?

It sounds as if you may be experiencing some hypoxia (low concentration of oxygen), which can cause that "can't get a good breath" feeling. If so, you may find it begins to resolve with consistent use of CPAP. For sure, you want to make certain your doctor knows about it. I used to live up in the mountains, and friends who visited would often have this problem of needing to yawn to get a good breath until they adjusted to the altitude.

I wear the Hybrid and yawn without problems; the yawn sorta pulls everything for a bit, then it settles back.