Dr wants me to stop CPAP - with low O2 and high CO2

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
User avatar
Pugsy
Posts: 63872
Joined: Thu May 14, 2009 9:31 am
Location: Missouri, USA

Re: Dr wants me to stop CPAP - with low O2 and high CO2

Post by Pugsy » Fri Jan 30, 2015 11:47 am

If you wish to continue to try cpap therapy I would be glad to help you and explain what you are seeing on those reports if you need help.
Mask leaks...when things are fine for a long time and then go to hell..makes me wonder if it was simply time for a replacement cushion or something. These things do get tired after prolonged use and some faster than others depending on cleaning routine.
Since we don't know which type of mask...heck, the leaks might have been mouth leaks if you were using a nasal mask.
There's a lot of unknowns right now.

I try to help in whatever manner help is requested. I cringe at the thought of a person stopping cpap just because "it isn't helping" because I don't know what is going on. Heck, maybe "it isn't helping" because the therapy is sub optimal and could possible be improved upon. Maybe other issues are to blame for not feeling so great and then sometimes even the best cpap therapy can't resolve those issues...but stopping cpap sure isn't going to help in that situation either.

If you do wish to give cpap therapy another try...lots of forum members here would be very willing try to help you optimize your therapy and that includes me.

_________________
Machine: AirCurve™ 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
Additional Comments: Mask Bleep Eclipse https://bleepsleep.com/the-eclipse/
I may have to RISE but I refuse to SHINE.

If you want to try the Eclipse mask and want a special promo code to get a little off the price...send me a private message.

marxxx
Posts: 8
Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2014 1:05 pm

Re: Dr wants me to stop CPAP - with low O2 and high CO2

Post by marxxx » Fri Jan 30, 2015 12:08 pm

Thanks Pugsy,

I think CPAP has helped over time, with periods of it being quite effective and periods of it being very frustrating (causing me to wake up or not sleep well).

I really wasn't trying to abort therapy. And yes, there are other conditions also causing problems. However, those issues are all going to require proper sleep for recovery....
I made an appointment to see one of the more highly regarded doctors in my area several months ago. It was about a 6 month wait to get in - I will finally see her next month. My pcp recommended I see this dr to make sure my therapy was providing the most relief possible. I was hoping the dr might recommend a more frequent replacement schedule or something, not discontinue therapy....

Anyway, I am using the resmed S9 autoset (most recent success at 9-20 or 11-20).
I have a variety of masks. The most success came with the mirage quattro ffm, though success was relatively short lived. I contacted my DME and asked about the liner being an issue and they told it should be fine, that they are typically good for 6-8 months and mine was nearly that old.
I also have quattro air, quattro fx, f&p flexfit 431 and pillows (can't remember which ones).
Seems like each of the masks would work for a while. I liked quattro fx, but it had tendency to ride up in to my eyes. I think it seated best over the bridge of the nose, but after it got in my eye a time or two I was done with it.
The flexfit is comfortable, but leaked around the chin and was a bit constraining since it also covers the chin (and I mouth breathe because of the septum).

I am still trying to learn, willing to listen and consider all reasonable advice. As much as I would love to not be connected to a hose every night, I was skeptical from the moment he said it.

Thanks again!

User avatar
Pugsy
Posts: 63872
Joined: Thu May 14, 2009 9:31 am
Location: Missouri, USA

Re: Dr wants me to stop CPAP - with low O2 and high CO2

Post by Pugsy » Fri Jan 30, 2015 12:24 pm

What is your typical cleaning schedule for the full face masks? While some people can get months of use out of a cushion...some need them fairly frequently and even Medicare says that one replacement cushion a month is allowed.
For a last ditch effort before tossing a cushion in the trash...you might consider what is done here to see if it helps or not.
viewtopic/t75749/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=74 ... il#p685240

Otherwise I can't help much with FFM fitting or ideas...I have never used one. There are lots of people who can help though...
Have you ever tried a mask liner?

What would you say is your primary problem in terms of sleep quality?
Hours of sleep? Insomnia?
To try to fix something we also need to try to figure out exactly what the problem might be.
To say cpap isn't helping and is actually making things worse doesn't help much because we don't know what is worse.
So when you have some time a more detailed history would be helpful ...like what your symptoms are and what you want to fix and do you take any meds and what are those other health conditions that might be impacting things...

Finally...we need to see a typical recent night software report to get a feel for what is going on.
To get an idea what we like to see take a look here...and there's some instructions on how to do the images if you don't know how.
viewtopic/t103468/Need-help-with-screen-shots.html

_________________
Machine: AirCurve™ 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
Additional Comments: Mask Bleep Eclipse https://bleepsleep.com/the-eclipse/
I may have to RISE but I refuse to SHINE.

If you want to try the Eclipse mask and want a special promo code to get a little off the price...send me a private message.

marxxx
Posts: 8
Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2014 1:05 pm

Re: Dr wants me to stop CPAP - with low O2 and high CO2

Post by marxxx » Fri Jan 30, 2015 12:44 pm

I believe I have multiple problems. Insomnia has been ongoing for years now. However at the height of my sleep issues I would get up 8-12 a night. Any movement or sounds and I would wake up.
With the cpap therapy I was able to obtain a good night sleep (many night's not waking at all) - though this was short lived.
Recently I have been back to waking up a few times a night and waking up early (between 3 & 4 am). Like this morning I woke up at 4 but stayed in bed and drifted in and out of sleep for another hour or so. While it beats getting out of bed at 4 am, I could really use some more sleep!

I clean my cpap supplies weekly in a solution of water and vinegar. Everything is soaked in this for a while then thoroughly rinsed and air dried the rest of the day.

User avatar
Pugsy
Posts: 63872
Joined: Thu May 14, 2009 9:31 am
Location: Missouri, USA

Re: Dr wants me to stop CPAP - with low O2 and high CO2

Post by Pugsy » Fri Jan 30, 2015 12:49 pm

Hot soapy water is also needed to remove accumulated facial oils from the cushions...have you been doing that?
Gotta run..some errands to do..be back later.

Meds?....that's important to know.

_________________
Machine: AirCurve™ 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
Additional Comments: Mask Bleep Eclipse https://bleepsleep.com/the-eclipse/
I may have to RISE but I refuse to SHINE.

If you want to try the Eclipse mask and want a special promo code to get a little off the price...send me a private message.

marxxx
Posts: 8
Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2014 1:05 pm

Re: Dr wants me to stop CPAP - with low O2 and high CO2

Post by marxxx » Fri Jan 30, 2015 1:25 pm

I do use dawn on it, though not every time. I guess I should add that in to the process. Will also try the boil method as suggested in the other thread. If that makes an improvement I would have no problem purchasing another cushion. I am willing to spend on what is necessary to feel the best that I can.