The Newest Aura Convert

[CollegeGirl]

I've been trying to figure out why on earth there's no change in my level of tiredness after over a year of treatment, with my AHIs constantly being in the 0-1.5 range. Having tried using my Auto as an auto, as a CPAP, with different CFLEX settings, and just about every other configuration you can think of, I just really don't think it's something in the machine (unless it's the machine's algorithms - I really hope not, because I don't currently have the money for a different machine out of pocket. So, I thought, what's the one thing I still haven't tried?

And that answer was a *good* nasal interface. When I started treatment, I was given a "comfort" something-or-other - totally uncomfortable and totally useless. I felt starved for air, and assumed that this had something to do with me being a mouthbreather (I am during waking hours as well). So I got a Full face mask, and that allowed me to tolerate treatment better, but I still wasn't feeling rested. Later I learned I had been incorrectly titrated and needed to up my pressure. THAT could have definitely had something to do with me feeling starved for air. I tried nasal pillows, but the DME suckered me and gave me a set that's probably older than I am. So I couldn't get them to work for me.

So I finally gave in, saved some money, and ordered the Headrest/Aura based on all the threads I've read on this board.

When it got here, I had my pantyhose tights and my Johnson & Johnson's 1" waterproof tape ready to go.

So last night was my first night. I could only get six-ish hours of sleep last night because of family obligations this weekend, but from what I could tell, it was a huge success. I was really surprised to find that the nasal pillows actually stayed in my nose all night, and that I didn't wake up because of leaking (I woke up WONDERING if it was leaking, because it felt like I was breathing so well! LOL) But this morning my average leak rate is about 21, so I'm hoping that's good (I have a feeling it will be). I have to search the forum and look through my literature that came with it to make sure it is.

But guess what my AHI was? 0.1 . Now, we all know you can't judge these things from one night, but I think that's a pretty darned good start. And for the first time in months, I got to sleep on my tummy without dangling my head off the side of the pillow. That was a really nice feeling.

[inacpapfog]

Sounds like the Aura sleeps far more comfortable for you! Bet you slept more soundly , with far less arousals! Sometimes, its the string of arousals themselves that play havoc with our REM sleep, even when the OSA is controlled! Glad to hear your first night went great! Hope it continues!

[Sleepless on LI]

First of all, CG, love that new avatar. Spain has really done you good! So nice to have you back home and on the boards again. I've missed you.

Now, about the Aura, all I can say is, you made a great choice, IMHO. I don't think anything, your AHI or your leak-less nights, is going to change too much. It's just a great interface. When it works for you, it works. There are also some little fixes thought up by some great people here if you encounter problems, but you may not ever.

Here is a link to a vent flow chart I posted last year which gives the numbers for the Aura. From what I can see, it looks like a leak rate of 21 correlates to a good number for a pressure of about 8 cms. So if you have your machine at 8 or above, that was great or even better. viewtopic.php?t=4940&highlight=aura+vent+flow+rate.

Please keep us posted as to how things continue with your Aura. I'm so happy you've found something that works for you after all this time. Now it shouldn't be a thought as far as nightly compliance. You can toss and turn and still maintain that seal while feeling comfortable, too. I love the Aura.

[snork1]

I absolutely cannot use a full face mask.
I get suffocated by it by some mechanism that I am not sure what it is, but it just doesn't work.

I actually get nasty oxygen starvation headaches with a full face.

I won't touch one anymore. Different people need different setups. It sounds like you don't get along with a full face maske either.

My Swift works OK for me, but if it didn't the Aura would probably be the next one on my list to try.

Good luck!

[rested gal]

this morning my average leak rate is about 21, so I'm hoping that's good (I have a feeling it will be).

Yes, that's a very nice low leak rate -- typical of what I get with the Aura and my mouth taped -- pressure usually running at 9, 10, 11.

Glad to see you back! Bienvenidos!!