Mom's AHI under 5 last night, finally 1 night, no leaks

Thanks to the forum advice, especially from Robysue and Pugsy, changing mom's auto pressure settings from 4-20 to 12.5 to 20, and adding biotene gel mouth moisturizer, on the advice of the sleep Dr., seems to be making a difference. The pressure changes were made about 2 weeks ago. That dropped her AHI from 20 to about 12 on average.

Last night was the first night after seeing the sleep Dr (for a long over-due follow-up appointment.) It is the first time she used the biotene gel, the first time her AHI went below 5, and the first time she was able to sleep through the night with no arousals due to leaks. After 10 months. Yeah!

At her appointment the Dr agreed she should have an over-night titration, something that was never done in the 10 months she has been on APAP. She was diagnosed with a home study and set up with APAP and nothing more. All the Dr looked at, before Tuesday's visit, was compliance. In fact, it didn't seem to register with the Dr that her pressure has been changed. The Dr just talked about how well the 4-20 pressure range seemed to be working- nope! The 12.5-20 range is what's working. BIPAP is still a possibility, but perhaps less likely, since Mom is not at a pressure of 20 all night. We are seeing a little variation in pressure now.

As soon as her titration is scheduled, and we have results, her DME will work with her on making sure she has an optimal mask. The DME gets it. He noticed the change in pressure and the fact her AHI is still too high and said BIPAP may be indicated. Right now, as mentioned, waking up because of leaks is an issue, even though the leaks are not in large leak category. Hopefully the biotene gel continues to help. I'm also going to try to make her a mask liner for the time being until a mask is finalized. Then I will get what ever liners go specifically with her mask. That will be a belated birthday present from me, since the DME doesn't carry liners of any kind.

The DME is waiting for the titration results to keep insurance happy. Mom is way over due for a new mask, but no sense in charging insurance for a mask to find out something needs to be changed two weeks later. We just have to keep what she has limping along a little longer.

Again I thank everyone for the advice, and this forum for giving me the empowerment to know how to help Mom and insist she receive effective therapy.