2 masks, comparible leak rates, different AHI numbers...why?

I used the Resmed F10 mask from Jan-May and always had really good AHI numbers with it...always less than 1.5 a night, usually under 1. In June I switched to the Amara View and have used that from June until last week. I consistently got higher numbers with it...usually between 2 and 4.5. I never blamed the mask because I started losing weight when I made the mask change and always blamed the higher AHI on my weight loss. So last week the Amara View just started becoming a mess...straps were stretched out, insert was all floppy, making lots of noise throughout the night. I then grabbed my old F10 and have been wearing it for a week now. My AHI's have plummeted again to under 1. The leak rate is comparable with both masks, can't blame leaks. Why would one FFM have such a difference in AHI if they are both fitting well.

I was going to go to my DME and get a fresh F10, but it looks like they don't make them anymore due to the new F20 coming out. I might have to try that next. I really do like the Amara View better than the Resmed masks, but it looks like Resmeds might be doing a better job of controlling my apnea.

What events made up your AHI with the Amara View?

OkyDoky wrote:What events made up your AHI with the Amara View?

Looks like mostly RERA's with the rest a mix of Obstructive and Hypopneas. It varies day to day, but usually about 50% RERA, 25% each of Obs. and Hypop. Why?

bambiying wrote: . . .they don't make them anymore due to the new F20 coming out. . . .

The F10 is still listed by cpap.com.
I bet your DME is a poopyhead who doesn't want to make a special order.
For what they get paid, that is inexcusable, and you can quote me.

chunkyfrog wrote:

bambiying wrote: . . .they don't make them anymore due to the new F20 coming out. . . .

The F10 is still listed by cpap.com.
I bet your DME is a poopyhead who doesn't want to make a special order.
For what they get paid, that is inexcusable, and you can quote me.

They told me that they found a few F10's in the back, so I'm good if I want one. I didn't see them listed on Resmed's website anymore though.

bambiying wrote:

OkyDoky wrote:What events made up your AHI with the Amara View?

Looks like mostly RERA's with the rest a mix of Obstructive and Hypopneas. It varies day to day, but usually about 50% RERA, 25% each of Obs. and Hypop. Why?

I was just wondering if the different mask was causing more arousals with false events. Doesn't look like it with no CA.

bambiying wrote:I used the Resmed F10 mask from Jan-May and always had really good AHI numbers with it...always less than 1.5 a night, usually under 1. In June I switched to the Amara View and have used that from June until last week. I consistently got higher numbers with it...usually between 2 and 4.5. I never blamed the mask because I started losing weight when I made the mask change and always blamed the higher AHI on my weight loss. So last week the Amara View just started becoming a mess...straps were stretched out, insert was all floppy, making lots of noise throughout the night. I then grabbed my old F10 and have been wearing it for a week now. My AHI's have plummeted again to under 1. The leak rate is comparable with both masks, can't blame leaks. Why would one FFM have such a difference in AHI if they are both fitting well.

I was going to go to my DME and get a fresh F10, but it looks like they don't make them anymore due to the new F20 coming out. I might have to try that next. I really do like the Amara View better than the Resmed masks, but it looks like Resmeds might be doing a better job of controlling my apnea.

Are you sleeping more soundly with the Amara View?
Increased AHI numbers MIGHT indicate more sound/deeper sleeping and consequently higher numbers.
With lower numbers it MIGHT point to sleeping in lighter stages of sleep.

Are you using a range of pressures or fixed pressure?
If a range of pressures, what are your pressures doing during the night? Are they similar with both masks?

Using software or getting the numbers from the LCD?
Lots of possibilities. Software reports may hold the clues.


Den

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I went from an F10 to the Amara View and I had the same issue - my AHI went up. I was about to give up on it when I decided to try the small instead of the medium cushion. Now, my AHI is in the same range as the F10. Perhaps, trying a different sized cushion would help?

Wulfman... wrote:

bambiying wrote:I used the Resmed F10 mask from Jan-May and always had really good AHI numbers with it...always less than 1.5 a night, usually under 1. In June I switched to the Amara View and have used that from June until last week. I consistently got higher numbers with it...usually between 2 and 4.5. I never blamed the mask because I started losing weight when I made the mask change and always blamed the higher AHI on my weight loss. So last week the Amara View just started becoming a mess...straps were stretched out, insert was all floppy, making lots of noise throughout the night. I then grabbed my old F10 and have been wearing it for a week now. My AHI's have plummeted again to under 1. The leak rate is comparable with both masks, can't blame leaks. Why would one FFM have such a difference in AHI if they are both fitting well.

I was going to go to my DME and get a fresh F10, but it looks like they don't make them anymore due to the new F20 coming out. I might have to try that next. I really do like the Amara View better than the Resmed masks, but it looks like Resmeds might be doing a better job of controlling my apnea.

Are you sleeping more soundly with the Amara View?
Increased AHI numbers MIGHT indicate more sound/deeper sleeping and consequently higher numbers.
With lower numbers it MIGHT point to sleeping in lighter stages of sleep.

Are you using a range of pressures or fixed pressure?
If a range of pressures, what are your pressures doing during the night? Are they similar with both masks?

Using software or getting the numbers from the LCD?
Lots of possibilities. Software reports may hold the clues.


Den

.

Hey Den,

I just checked Sleepyhead, and it looks like my pressures are about the same with either mask. I'm going from 10 to 20, with both masks hitting 20 for a minute or two each night. I'm getting all my info from Sleepyhead. I've noticed that for the past 2 nights with the old F10 that I'm actually remembering dreams that I had. I don't remember dreaming in the longest time. I also feel that I'm sleeping more soundly and having less mid-night wake ups. I think I might have to retire the Amara View for now.

Tracey

bambiying wrote: Hey Den,

I just checked Sleepyhead, and it looks like my pressures are about the same with either mask. I'm going from 10 to 20, with both masks hitting 20 for a minute or two each night. I'm getting all my info from Sleepyhead. I've noticed that for the past 2 nights with the old F10 that I'm actually remembering dreams that I had. I don't remember dreaming in the longest time. I also feel that I'm sleeping more soundly and having less mid-night wake ups. I think I might have to retire the Amara View for now.

Tracey

My philosophy is when you find something that you like or that works for you, stock up on whatever it is. That applies to things outside of the CPAP world, too.

I started out with the Ultra Mirage Full Face in 2005. In 2006, I bought a Respironics Comfortfull 2 mask because it was like the one I did my sleep study with........worst three nights of sleep I've ever had. So, also in 2006, I bought a couple more UMFF masks in the same size (large) and another in medium and stashed them away. In 2007, I bought another UMFF from a forum member and also a ResMed Quattro from another forum member. I tried the Quattro for awhile but came back to my original UMFF. Since then, I've used the original mask and the second UMFF (bought from forum member) for just about every night since. The parts are all replaceable and interchangeable, so it makes buying cushions and headgear pretty simple. The headgear and cushions seem to last me for "years", but I have stocked up on numerous spares and replacements. A few years ago, one of the forum members had some UMFF spare masks and parts in medium size he was wanting to part with, so, since I can wear both Large or Medium, I acquired those and was able to put together another couple of masks from the parts.
At present, I'm fairly well stocked up.
You just never know when the manufacturers are going to discontinue their products.


Den

.

When I switched from an Amara View mask to a DreamWear nasal mask my AHI dropped from about 3 to under 1. My best guess is that the Amara View was putting just a little pressure on my jaw and causing it to move back slightly resulting in more OA's.

Good Morning, I have both Amara View and Wisp masks. Phillips Respironics video SPECIFICALLY indicates using a measuring guide to determine mask size. After 30 days of fighting poor therapy with the Amara View I requested to change masks. After extensive web searching and using THIS FORUM to educate this Newbie I found the Wisp to be a much better choice BECAUSE it had 3 sizes included in the bag, I use XL. My Medicare provider just put the medium one on and sent me out the door. At home I found the measuring guide in the bag, low and behold I use a XL. So now I find there was supposed to be a measuring guide for the Amara View, It was missing because some providers have multiple masks on a wall and you never know if it was tried on before and a guide missing...Goes to the instructions "must wash all items PRIOR to using first time" !!!! Perhaps IF I was given the proper size mask to begin with I would have NOT wasted 30 days of crappy therapy. So I am 11 days/nights away from the dreaded 90 day Medicare trial period and looking forward to not having to worry about enough therapy hours to retain the machine.
Salient points for new users: 1. Trust but VERIFY what your CPAP provider gives you, Use the web to seek out other sources and research best you can. 2. The measuring guides are important BUT not the only way to find the best fit...sometimes you just have to try it out...which brings me to the realization, IF your a Medicare patient you MUST understand the time limits and other limitations of the program. When or IF I can try out other masks. How many times can I try other masks?
Thank you. Mickeymedic