First night fairly successful, but have a question

So, after over 2 months (since the titration study) I got my machine yesterday. Hoorah!

Last night things went pretty well -- the mask fits well, and other than getting used to things, everything worked. And I feel better today than I usually do. Also good.

But I've got a question --

During my sleep study, the AHI was 50; last night the machine says it was 34. So that's an improvement, though nowhere near where I plan to be later.

The question is -- are there factors other than upping the pressure (since the mask isn't leaking and I leave it on) that can influence the AHI? If after about a week the number doesn't significantly lower, I'll up the top pressure (which at the moment is 20), but I'm wondering what else can be involved.

Thanks so much for being here and helping out. I've been so grateful; this forum directly helped me get ready for dealing with the DRE and the machine itself.

And I"m new -- If I'm misusing abbreviations let me know.

cheers, Anne

Do you know about the software available so that you can see more than just the AHI on the machine's LCD screen?
If not, check out my signature line.

Before doing anything you need to know what that AHI is made up of ...as in how much of it is central...how much is obstructive apnea and how much is hyponea.

ResScan or SleepyHead will work with your machine.
Here's a tutorial on ResScan and will give you some ideas on what you will see.
http://montfordhouse.com/cpap/resscan_tutorial/ Tutorial

ResScan is Windows only software.
SleepyHead has both Windows and Mac software available.
See here for SleepyHead download information
https://sleep.tnet.com/equipment
Send me a private message for more information on obtaining ResScan.

Welcome Anne -- To reiterate what Pugsy said, do not increase your pressure until you know what kinds of events make up your AHI. The reason is that the total AHI includes central (CA) apneas. Centrals are not treated (and can sometimes be made worse) with higher pressure. So it's important to have a handle on the makeup of your AHI before making any pressure adjustments.

Also, when you see the graphs showing the events and what your pressure is doing, you can get a better idea of what is really going on. For example, it could be that your starting pressure is too low, allowing it to miss events while it gets to where it needs to be. That could mean raising the minimum pressure without touching the upper pressure. Sometimes, by raising the minimum pressure, you end up needing less at the high end. But you won't know this without looking at the graphs or seeing the breakdown of events.

If you get the software and post the data, people, especially Pugsy, will have some great advice for you.

Thank you all so much!

I will download the software and work on this tomorrow.

And in the meantime, I'm looking forward to seeing how things go tonight.

Cheers, Anne

I'm going to get the software, but the current problem may be easily solved: my partner says I'm breathing through my mouth.

So I'm working on getting a full face mask; we will see what changes that brings.

In the meantime I'll go work on the software download.

Many thanks!

Anne

Many of us have mouth breathing problems with a nasal mask. There are chin straps to keep your mouth closed, and also soft cervical collars .... which my Wife and I use, with great success.
This will sound strange to a new user, ... but , also practice breathing through you nose with your mouth open during the day ... to "train" your tongue to close the back of your mouth.... it take time but it works.