Do I Need a Titration Test?

[Ansan]

Well, I just completed my first night using the S9 and I slept like a baby. It felt a little strange at first, but I was able to get used to the mask and breathing pressure just after about 10 minutes. I went to bed at 11pm and set my alarm for 7am, but I woke up naturally at 5:30am feeling fine. Is it normal to wake up earlier than usual with xPAP therapy?

I downloaded the Sleepy Head software that you all recommended and uploaded my data. From what I can tell, the results look good. My AHI was 2.0, whereas it was 90 during my sleep test. In full disclosure, my sleep test was one of the worst nights of sleep that I have ever had. I was hooked up to so many wires that I spent most of the night on my back, whereas I normally rotate between my back and two sides. My AHI was 96 when on my back, but only 40 on my sides. Also, the technician came into the room at least 3 times to reconnect a wire and this jolted me out of my sleep.

Here are the results of my Sleepy Head report:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/56jjif5unrqo ... 5LCra?dl=0

Total time in apnea 00:03:05
Time over leak redline 0.615%

Machine Settings
ModeCPAP Mode APAP
Pressure MinMinimum Therapy Pressure 6 cmH2O
Pressure MaxMaximum Therapy Pressure 16 cmH2O
EPRResMed Exhale Pressure Relief Full Time
EPR LevelExhale Pressure Relief Level 2cmH2O

AHI 2.00
Obstructive Index 1.54
Hypopnea Index 0.15
Clear Airway Index 0.31
Average Leak Rate 10.25
90% Leak Rate 15.60
% of time above Leak Rate threshold 0.62%
Average Pressure 8.77
Min Pressure 4.14
Max Pressure 13.68
90% Pressure 10.18
Average EPAP 6.80
Min EPAP 4.00
Max EPAP 11.68

My mouth was a little dry this morning, so I think tonight I will change the humidifier setting from 3 to 5 and see if that helps. I was also able to find a new S9 Autoset w/humidifier on Craigslist for $550 which would help my skirt the issue of needing a US prescription. Yeah, I know that Craigslist can be a little shady but the seller seems legit and the price is 1/3 of what I would pay for a new machine here in Korea. I will probably just buy the mask locally from my doctor to ensure the proper fit.

[yaconsult]

Those are amazing results for a first night - congratulations! See how consistent it is for a few more days.

My feeling is that you might end up increasing the minimum pressure at some point, probably close to the average pressure. But, again, no hurry - things seem just fine. See what input you get from the experienced people in the group.

Get used to it. Keep an eye on the leaks. Orajel Dry Mouth Relief Gel is often recommended for the dry mouth as is increasing the humidity. Some people like to use a chin strap to keep the mouth closed, but the biggest thing is that you are not seeing large leaks.

If it keeps going this well, it should be easy to convince the doctor that a titration isn't needed.

[grayghost4]

If you like the mask that you are using ... keep it ... they probably will not want it back

Glad you found a reliable seller .... wink wink ...

Marv

[Ansan]

Haha...small world, ain't it?

You should think about selling in Korea. I was mistaken about the S9 going for $1,500 over here. It's actually TWO-thousand-five-hundred after the dollar/won conversion. Check out: http://www.gosleep.co.kr

Yes, that's a good point about the mask. It's a "Mirage FX" and feels comfortable and seems to fit well. Hopefully they can sell it to me at a reduced rate since it's used.