Pregnant and back sleeping

What do you mean, "Examine the data"? I never examine any data currently.

Are you talking about downloading that Sleepyhead software, and inserting the memory chip from my machine, and then analyzing that data? I haven't done that since I first started cpap in 2014. Once I got the hang of it, I stopped doing it. I have follow up visits every 6 months, and my dr reads my machine. I usually average 3-4 apneas all night, which is pretty good. So I don't bother with the data, and honestly wouldn't even know how to go about reading it anymore

palerider wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 17, 2018 3:53 pm

WindyCityEsq wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 17, 2018 3:49 pm

Hi all,

I have the S9 autoset machine. I hadnt logged onto this site in a long time, so even though I had my machine specs filled out, the links were discontinued, so my machine wasn't showing up for you all to see.

My insurance wouldnt authorize a new sleep study while pregnant to titrate me for side sleeping. They denied it. So I ended up doing the side/back combination a previous poster recommended. I still occasionally woke up with aerophagia, but it wasn't as bad as it was when I straight up side slept. I never figured out how to change my titration level. Even though i have an autoset, its set to a fixed 19.

I am waiting for my cpap dr appt now. I'm going to ask him to reset my machine to a autoset setting so my titration fluctuates based on need. I'm also going to ask for a RX for a Respironics Dreamweaver nasal mask, bc I want to side sleep, and having the tubing come from my head will be better for me bc my baby is sleeping in a sidecar arms reach co-sleeper.

You have an auto, just go into the clinical menu, set it to auto, set a more reasonable minimum pressure, say 10... sleep, examine the data.

WindyCityEsq wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 17, 2018 4:04 pm

What do you mean, "Examine the data"? I never examine any data currently.

Are you talking about downloading that Sleepyhead software, and inserting the memory chip from my machine, and then analyzing that data? I haven't done that since I first started cpap in 2014. Once I got the hang of it, I stopped doing it. I have follow up visits every 6 months, and my dr reads my machine. I usually average 3-4 apneas all night, which is pretty good. So I don't bother with the data, and honestly wouldn't even know how to go about reading it anymore

Yes, that's what I'm talking about.

Well, if you ever do care to know, we can help you get set up, but otherwise go into your machine and look for 'Mode' to change i† from Cpap to Apap for now and then set your pressures accordingly.

WindyCityEsq wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 17, 2018 3:49 pm

so my titration fluctuates based on need.

Sometimes it helps to use the right terms when trying to get things done.

"Titration" is process to determine what pressure you need, as in a titration study... it isn't something that fluctuates.

Pressure fluctuates based on breathing issues when in auto mode.

I'm not sure why your doctor said sleeping on your back is best, it's not, and that may be why your pressure is so high in the first place. Most people have more apnea when sleeping on their back.

I can see having aerophagia sleeping on your RIGHT side, but on your left side the way your sphincter in the stomach is angled it should help reduce aerophagia. Further, with pressure that high and aerophagia, you may need a BiPAP machine that can give you better pressure relief. That's something to discuss with your doctor.

Most importantly, it's not good for the baby for you to sleep on your back. As the baby grows, there is pressure on the arteries that supply oxygen to the baby when you sleep on your back.

Your machine is adjustable and can adjust to your pressure needs. You can set it to a variable pressure, in your case perhaps 16 to 20. You may be surprised to need LESS pressure on your left side. But the other good thing about your machine is there will be data which can be looked at to determine if you are getting adequate pressure which is crucial not just for your but also for your baby. If the data shows a problem you can take the data to your OB/GYN and your sleep doctor and ask for help. You might also ask for the DME to set you up with an overnight oximeter to make sure your oxygen levels are adequate for the human you are growing inside you.

You can download the provider's manual and learn how to change the pressure settings and you can download free open source software to see your data. If you don't feel brave enough to do this yourself (parenthood takes a lot of bravery!) then ask your doctor to have the DME download your efficacy data and adjust to a variable pressure to support sleeping on your left side as the OB/GYN recommends.

I can see why they wouldn't authorize a full sleep study because your pressure needs will be changing throughout the pregnancy. But afterward you might push for one because your body is going to be different after the pregnancy, and your needs may change.