I got my 25lpm o2 reg. today just got to try it about 45 minutes ago,  so far I am not seeing the results I was so hoping.  I have constant shadows witch spike to a 6-7 kip regularly I normally try to ride these out because they most often subside within minutes,  but 3-4 times a day they spike and keep rising in intensity if it lasts for more than five minutes its going to hang around a half hour if im lucky but they have lasted over four hours before.  My question is should I hit the o2 as soon as I have a shadow spike or stick with my five minute rule?  How long should I stay on the o2?   I just stayed on it for 15-20 min and no relief  I have a non rebreather mask.  Should I expect to get the same time of relief  from the o2 that I get with Imitrex? I Have read all the info but maybe I missed some thing.    thanks,    Phil

I'm episodic, but it is critical that I get to the O2 as fast as possible. Shadows are always hit or miss for me with O2. Strong coffee works quite well. After a recent K-10 (2hrs) for some reason I grabbed a Coke while the coffee was heating and this blew my shadow away. (?!?) Unless it just stopped, but not likely.

Just got my 25lpm today but haven't tried it yet, could have last nite.
One word, Hyperventilate. Maybe.    Sorry if no help,     Don

did not touch my 4am wake up hit :'(

It's always worth a try, but hits that wake you out of a sound sleep have often progressed too far for O2 to help.

You should always, always, always hit the O2 at the first sign of trouble. When I do, the hit will be gone in 5-7 minutes.

I always try to hit the oxygen at the first sign of a hit.  Much better chance of it working.  In terms of shadows,  I only use the O2 when I know that it is going to morph into a hit.  O2 has never worked for me when the beast wakes me up.  Best of luck.

Regards,

Malcom

 
Quote:

One word, Hyperventilate.

Yes....please try that.  Through the mouth, not the nose.

Tape the stupid butterfly's closed on the mask. They are on the top. There should be a thin rubber disk to close when you inhale and open when you exhale. They often only have one disc and the other is left open. This will not work, you need only 100% 02. Stay on the 02 for 20 minutes. Get to the 02 at the first sign of a shadow. And what Brew said. Hyperventelate like Linda said.
all the best 8-)
the bb

Thanks every one I have tried it three times with no relief, I am hyperventalating and cover the holes in my mask with my fingers but I will tape them thanks thebbz.  This may sound stupid but what about exhaling,  should I be exhaling in the mask?  Phil

Not if there's any chance your exhaled breath is getting into the bag.

Just to be safe, I remove the mouthpiece (or mask) slightly from my mouth and just exhale into the room.

Thanks for not trashing me Brew,  thanks for the advise.  This is what I have been doing I grasp the non-rebreather mask in my hand the strap seems to go across my temple and is irreatating I make a good seal on my face with the mask Inhale through my mouth a deep breath nearly emptying the bag witch is hard to do at 25lpm, then I break the seal to exhale and repeat.  If this isn't working is it worth buying a different o2 mask?  Phil

Give the "trashing" stuff a rest, dude.

Here. This is the Cadillac of non-rebreather masks:

START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

It would be well worth the $25 or $60 (two models).

Edited to add: Forgot to tell you - if you keep the mask you have, cut off that strap. If you were to fall asleep with it on and you run out of O2, you could suffocate.

Thanks Brew I will check on those masks and I was being sincere about the trashing I thought my question sounded stupid and you gave me the exact info I needed. Brew I also shot you a rep piont.
Thanks,  Phil

Get the other mask.  :)
all the best
thebb