CPAP and Hyperinflation?
Has anyone heard of CPAP contributing to hyperinflation? I've woken up many a time literally fighting to breath out, and being forced to inhale again by the pressure.
According to the Docs the settings are all correct, but to me it feels like I'm breathing against a hurricane. I've found nothing on the Net, except one small article describing exactly what I go through nearly every night.
I hear how difficult this is to deal with! I'm confident other members of our community will chime in with an experience if they have one to share but in the meantime here are some articles on lung hyperinflation and CPAP you may find interesting: https://copd.net/clinical/lung-hyperinflation, https://copd.net/living/causes-treatment-hyperinflated-lungs. All the best, Sam S. (COPD.net, team member). 
Hi rezzyrez - I am just getting to this post now - I am sorry for the delay.
The simple answer to your question is a resounding 'yes'!
Many folks who are on BiPAP/CPAP therapy may complain about that feeling you've so aptly described: 'breathing against a hurricane'. I will tell you that breathing against the device's continuous flow rate can be challenging when the machine is not adjusted correctly for the patient.
One of the mainstays of using this type of therapy is the clinician MUST adjust the machine and mask correctly. When doing this properly, the clinician (usually a respiratory therapist), will spend anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour with the patient. That is real time! The flow rates must be titrated and then adjusted so that the patient is comfortable and the therapy is effective. Selecting the proper mask fitment is also a critical aspect of making certain the therapy will be effective.
In the hospital (and home care settings,too), the doctors generally prescribe the therapy and leave the finer aspects of fitting the mask and adjusting the pressure settings specifically for each patient to the respiratory therapist. This has become a pretty common practice nowadays.
Once the unit is adjusted correctly, it may take some time for the patient to become comfortable using it (especially at night), but, the work of exhaling that you've shared with us demonstrates that your device may need to be adjusted more suitably for your comfort.
One of the side effects and/ or complications of using BiPAP/CPAP therapy (especially when not adjusted correctly), is gas insufflation. Some patients do complain of feeling bloated as the constant flow of gas from the device can find it's way into the GI system. As well, if the flow rate from the device is too high, the patient may have trouble exhaling completely and 'air trapping' will occur. this can cause the feeling of 'hyperinflation' that you've described.
I do hope this brief reply is helpful for your concerns.
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
I think I'm living in the wrong country. Respiratory therapists? Only in hospitals for in patients. Sleep labs have month long waiting lists, getting to see a Pulmo is a nightmare, generally. Germany used to have world class health care. I don't know what happened, it's gone down the drain.
Hi again, rezzyrez, and thanks for responding. So many folks I know (sometimes, me included!), bemoan the health care system, even here in the USA. From my own perspective, I feel I am able to secure the best care for myself and my family but, I also believe that is because my wife is a licensed registered nurse while I am a licensed, credentialed therapist. We have worked and cared for patients in the health care system since the early to mid 1970's. We have seen changes in the system, too - some for better, some not so much!
Please, if there is anything we can do to assist you, let me or any other moderator / team member know. You are always welcome here in our online community!
Warm regards,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
