CPAP-How Long to Notice Improvement

Been on CPAP for 5 weeks. Have found no improvement.
How long does it take? Thx

Roadtreker wrote:Been on CPAP for 5 weeks. Have found no improvement.
How long does it take? Thx

Since you've given us absolutely no information to go on, it's impossible to even pull something out of thin air.
It varies from person to person, the type of therapy they're using, how long they've had Sleep Apnea, whether their therapy is optimized and many other factors like health issues in general.

Since you're using a user name (maybe) related to driving, I'll use these examples:

It's like asking "What kind of mileage can I expect to get from my vehicle?" or, "How come my vehicle isn't getting 50 mpg?"

No idea of what you're driving, where, how fast, etc., etc.


Den

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FULL machine name & model #, plus what type of mask, plus what are your pressure settings (I'm assuming Apap, but if you're only on Cpap, please say so and give pressure setting). We want to help, but need something to go on.

Thanks Julie for your response
Using Remstar Auto A Flex at 8 setting with Swift
FX Nasal Pillow and Respironics chin strap
Am working with a CPAP provider for 6 weeks
Both machine and recent oximeter test data show
Apnea at normal level but I do not have any more
energy than before. I am 74 male
Provider is puzzled over lack of improvement.
Any suggestions greatly appreciated.
Am eligible for new machine under insurance

It can take from 1 night to 1 year.
Keep a journal - many improvements are subtle. Many improvements are internal because being tired is only one symptom and not the most important one. One improvement is a possible reduction in dementia in the future, a possible reduction in diabetes, a possible reduction in heart problems.

Hi - a couple of things... How old is your machine - the name you gave applies to many machines over many years - the specific model would help, but at least the age will tell more. You use a chin strap, so I assume you're a mouth breather when sleeping, but straps don't keep lips closed and they don't keep heads up (which a soft cervical collar does, as well as keep your airway open well). You say you're on auto, but only give the one pressure setting of 8, whereas autos are normally set to a high and a low pressure... allowing the machine to catch events at any pressure. Are you sure yours is actually set up in auto mode and not just cpap? Are you not using software? You can download SleepyHead free here and see all kinds of interesting things each morning that would tell you what may need tweaking and by how much. Cpap providers unfortunately can be not so helpful (or knowledgable) about equipment and settings, etc., whatever they try to tell you, though yours might be great, though not a doctor. Good that you have an oximeter.

There are many other reasons (esp. when older) why you don't feel good. When's the last time you had labwork done to look at Vit. D levels, hormone levels, low T, thyroid, etc. etc? If not recently, it would be a good idea to get those done... not everything's about OSA.

What are your 'normal' AHI's?

Machine purchased January 2012 but
it could be older
It says system one on the machine and
The humidifier. Provider set fixed pressure
of eight because he said it should work better
for me than variable
According to oximeter
DEI
0.3 at 4%
2.0 at 3%
7.9 at 2%
6 hour recording time
Have had recent lab work no issues
Not using software yet
SpO2
Highest 98%
Lowest 91%
Mean 95.4%
Thx

Roadtreker wrote:Machine purchased January 2012 but
it could be older
It says system one on the machine and
The humidifier. Provider set fixed pressure
of eight because he said it should work better
for me than variable
According to oximeter
DEI
0.3 at 4%
2.0 at 3%
7.9 at 2%
6 hour recording time
Have had recent lab work no issues
Not using software yet
SpO2
Highest 98%
Lowest 91%
Mean 95.4%
Thx

Are most of your nights of sleep around 6 hours? If so, that's not enough.

You NEED to use the software to see what's happening. Oximeter results aren't necessarily conclusive. The software will help confirm whether your settings are optimal and leaks are under control.

Look at the bottom of the machine to see if it's a "550" or "560" model.

And, five weeks is just barely scratching the surface.......even if your therapy is fully optimized and your sleep amount is sufficient. Depending on how long you've had OSA, it can take (many) months to feel the benefits.


Den

.

It says 551P
Will try longer sleep
Will try software
Will a new machine be better? i am insurance covered

Good advice from the others. You are in the right place.

It took me approximately 100 days to turn the corner. After that I was still tweaking my machine. About a month ago and after 31 machine settings, I finally found the therapy settings that seem to work for now. I am now at 342 days on CPAP and feel much better. It amazes me that some get overnight and instant relief when starting CPAP. It wasn't the case for me, however I am much better off that I stuck with it. Good luck!

Roadtreker wrote:It says 551P
Will try longer sleep
Will try software
Will a new machine be better? i am insurance covered

Are you in Canada? That's a number put on Canadian machines (the "1" designation). US machines have a "0".


Den

.

Yes Live in Vancouver BC

Your machine should be ok for now, but do try the software - you can DL it from Pugsy's signature lines (first note on main page at the top). One thing I will say is that you may not (like me at 71) be able to get a lot more sleep hrs, at least overnight ones (I nap x an hr with machine mid-late a.m.) but if everything else is working, it's not necessarily the most important thing - sleep tends to be shorter as we get older.

I noticed a difference after two weeks. However, things went south some time after that and now I'm back to feeling wiped out.