My experience with Auto vs. Straight CPAP

Hi All,
In auto-CPAP mode, I was getting around a 1.6 AHI, pretty consistently. Recently, I decided to switch to a straight CPAP setting of 8 (which was usually the highest it got to in auto mode), because I had a couple of unpleasant wake-ups in auto-mode. Going to 8 lowered my AHI to .4! I upped the pressure to 9, and it's around .3 so far. So, I think auto-mode was good for me to start with, because I wasn't able to get properly titrated in the sleep study, but 8 is a low enough value that it's not really uncomfortable to have that all the time.

I've been struggling with mask fit for awhile, though. It was great earlier on, but I've lost a little weight, and that might make it fit worse. I might put the pressure down to 8 again because the higher pressure seems to push the mask off my face more. I also have an order for a new mask. It's very frustrating, as you all know, to have to crank the mask down so tight it hurts, just to avoid leaks. And then it still leaks. I have these red marks that don't go away completely. Ugh.

Why not try a different mask? There's zillions out there to try. It's easier to buy them out of pocket than to mess around with the DME. You can find them cheap for swap on this board, or for sale on http://www.cpapauction.com.

Cheers,
B.

I have a new mask on order from cpap.com. I guess I should have gone the cpapauction route for cheaper. Question: there are a lot of unused items on that site; why so cheap?

It's an auction. Those are STARTING prices. They hook you in with a low price, then it gets bid up.

Cheers,
B.

Babette wrote:It's an auction. Those are STARTING prices. They hook you in with a low price, then it gets bid up.

That makes sense I guess I underestimated the demand for masks and assumed that the prices would be much lower than retail.

mickeymammoth wrote:because I had a couple of unpleasant wake-ups in auto-mode. Going to 8 lowered my AHI to .4! I upped the pressure to 9, and it's around .3 so far. So, I think auto-mode was good for me to start with, because I wasn't able to get properly titrated in the sleep study, but 8 is a low enough value that it's not really uncomfortable to have that all the time.

Mickey I am new here and am considering getting an auto one and thought this would be the best option for me if my insurance will pay for it. But what did you mean by couple of unpleasant wake-ups, what happened? Could you not breathe or something?? I thought auto meant that it determined how much it should do for you.. I am confused.. Thanks for any input you can give me..

Most members here including myself report that tightening the mask increases the likelihood of leakage. Perhaps try loosening a bit at a time until the cushion is filled with air and creates it's own seal. I've read manufacturer notes that say a perfect seal isn't necessary. By your numbers I'd agree with that : )

I also agree with Babette - there's lots of masks out there. Perhaps you'd like to try another. I like masks with a cushion that isn't hard. I've found the more transparent the seal the softer it is and the more opaque the harder. The softer seals tend to billow out and provide the seal I was speaking about. I use the Quattro but also say it's not a perfect mask for me. It has a soft transparent cushion that fills up nicely with air, but it sits on a mask frame that is oddly not shaped to be a friendly fit on the face.