Factors under our control - meachine, mask, pressure etc

I am trying to get an overview of the key factors that I can control or may be able to control and work on them one by one.

As far as I can see the three in the thread title - machine/model, mask, and pressure - are the chief ones.

What else can I add to the list? Leak rate I guess? Anything else?

I get a sense that you're anxious in general about things and looking for ways to control them all... but you can't, all you can do is your best at a given time re a given variable and then assure yourself you've done it. There may need to be changes made, one at a time as they arise, but trying to corral everything to be optimal all the time is probably not realistic and might lead to more anxiety, which won't particularly help your OSA or anything else. Are you always anxious about new projects?

Yes I do have anxiety. Which is worse now I know that my therapy isn't working although it means there is a reason for my worsened fatigue that can potentially be tackled.

And I am just through. It's in the genes.

Bottom line is I have to do something and need to know what can be controlled and what cannot.

Wish you'd have written in your other thread(s) so I could see what all has happened so far, what you have tried, what didn't work, etc...

I think the main thing you can control is your attitude. You have nothing but time to make this work. Learn as much as you can and just go one day at a time. And when you have a bad day, just move on without giving up or getting discouraged and try to adjust what can be improved on.

Cardsfan wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 05, 2018 9:25 am

I think the main thing you can control is your attitude. You have nothing but time to make this work. Learn as much as you can and just go one day at a time. And when you have a bad day, just move on without giving up or getting discouraged and try to adjust what can be improved on.

Excellent advice!

There's some other reasons for some of this anxiety and it relates to way sub optimal therapy happening.

If Chalkie wishes I will share one of his reports so people can see why the anxiety and frustrations. I won't do it unless he says it is okay.
We had to use Encore Pro because with his machine SleepyHead isn't entirely accurate. I have his results in my Encore Pro and I don't know if he got Pro up and running yet.

And he's in the UK or similar place because he's dealing with the NHS. They's been telling him things are all hunky dory with an AHI in the mid teens...and he still feels like crap. Big surprise there.
He needs either some significant adjustment on his current machine or a different machine.
Looks like we are dealing with complex sleep apnea brought on by cpap pressures.

Apart from what you and others have suggested are factors to controlling your processes with a view to achieving success, motivation is key. The more determined you are to succeed, the more pains you'll incur and energy you'll assign to that outcome. Your initiation of the thread is therefor a good sign. If you are determined, methodical, scrupulously honest, and keep at least rudimentary records of your process and the resultant changes, you should eventually dial in your optimal care.

Cardsfan wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 05, 2018 9:25 am

I think the main thing you can control is your attitude. You have nothing but time to make this work. Learn as much as you can and just go one day at a time. And when you have a bad day, just move on without giving up or getting discouraged and try to adjust what can be improved on.

Good answer, but also one of the hardest for some. Main thing get Sleephead up and running so we can see where the problem areas are and work of correcting them. Jim

Good attitude isn't going to fix sub optimal therapy...no matter how much we try or want it to.
OP's attitude isn't the problem here but his sub optimal therapy and the NHS supplier consultant saying everything is "just fine and the therapy is working" is a big problem here.

not quite sure I fully understand the question but I'll do the best i can to help. I see you are using a Bipap s/t with no humidity. If you are new to pap therapy, take your time....One thing you can control is your pace. Try moving the unit to the living room during the day where your favorite chair is ( don't wait until it is time to go to bed if your are having trouble ). Use it some during the day and then move it back to the bed room and try it at night. I always tell my customers do the best you can for the 1st 30 days. If you're only able to use it 2hrs at night then do the 2hrs, take if off and get some sleep. But the next night get right back in the saddle until you can work up to a full night. if it's true anxiety hope this helps.
#passionateaboutsleep

Thanks for all the replies on this thread. Pugsy it's OK to post a selection of my data for illustration purposes, anonymised of course. I trust you to do so.

The point of my question was really quite literal - to get myself armed with a checklist of factors to ask the -sleep clinic nurse about.

I guess getting the right machine, and pressure, are the main factors, plus a decent mask that fits properly.

Chalkie wrote: ↑

Tue Mar 06, 2018 1:01 pm

Pugsy it's OK to post a selection of my data for illustration purposes, anonymised of course. I trust you to do so.

I will try to do this later if I don't forget...if I forget...remind me.

Looks like our Asian friend is back tonight and I have to watch for his spam and block the accounts. I suspect it will be a busy night.

Since it has not yet been mentioned, I wonder about aromatherapy.
Sometimes the smell coming through the mask is just not "right".
Maybe unpleasant, or just unfamiliar.
Find something pleasant, that does not irritate, and put it next to the air intake.
When you are smelling something nice, things get a little easier.
Crush some fresh basil or mint. I use a scented candle--but never lighted.

Chili!