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[Stutz]

I have been a long time CPAP user (15 years) and have used this forum to make things better for my life. Without you as a group I would not have known where to start. Up until about 9 months ago I had consistent AHI's of under 1, which was fabulous. Lately I have noticed that they have been creeping up. Nothing terrible, and its still great and I know I am getting older (63) but also want to see if there is something I am missing. For a while I did have my autoset set to straight CPAP at 11 to see how that would do but it was not optimal, so I went back to a setting of 9 with a high of 12. I am thinking of raising the low level to 9.5 to see if that changes things. At any rate would you look at the Sleepyhead data to see if I am missing something? I know I am searching for perfect, but its not really the numbers, its that some days I just don't seem to have the energy I should, and other days I do. I attribute that to sleep quality. So here goes a chart of last night. Thanks in advance.

http://imgur.com/a/G5Uua

[Julie]

You say you attribute your status to sleep problems, but your chart looks pretty good and I wonder when the last time you had a good once-over by your doctor was, with full labs, etc? Vit. D, hormones, sugar, cardio work-up, etc. etc. So many things could be responsible after all.

[Pugsy]

Take any medications? If so what?
How many times do you think you wake up (even briefly) during the night?
Are you experiencing much dry mouth?

[Guest]

At any rate would you look at the Sleepyhead data to see if I am missing something?

What stands out to me is the spikes in your leak rate and a couple LL's where it won't detect any events. Looks like you may be moving around a lot or turning over - are you? Maybe arthritis pain or something?

I didn't see which mask you are using. How is you mask cushion?

I am not expert but I am sure you will get more ideas from the experts here.

[LSAT]

A little problem with leaks...possible some mouth breathing, but not terrible.

[Stutz]

Sorry, here is the data, I am only on one med for hypertension, (have had that since 19) and a low dose aspirin just as a precaution. I do have one carotid with 50% blockage but they are just watching that and are not overly concerned. Sugar normal, usually 100-120 depending on how close to eating. Usually I do wake up once or twice a night, and at times stay awake for an hour or so which is troublesome. When that happens I usually stay up for an hour or so, then go back to sleep on th couch without the cpap for a couple of hours. I don't do that too often though. Lately I have been using a sleep aid with Tylenol and diphenhydrine, which is the ingredient in cough syrup. I am pretty healthy and exercise 4-5 times a week. Don"t smoke and of course Dr. wants me to lose 40# and that is a stugggle since my wife likes to cook! No other real health issues other than a bad disk and the carotid which is manageable. My mask is a swift FX with medium pillows and I use an Auto S-9. I do have a chin strap, and yes my mouth is very dry upon waking. From the leaks I don't think I am breathing through my mouth but would be willing to try taping it again, but did not see the need. I also have purchased the husk pillow to see if that would help. (They do leak occasionally by the way and create a mess). I guess my concern is, while the numbers look good, they are climbing and I just never feel rested. I do not fall asleep like I did before CPAP. It used to be I would fall asleep at a stoplight!!!!!! So its been very positive using this. However I just don't want to be missing something. When I do see the sleep Dr. he is amazed that I track my own therapy, is envious of sleepyhead, and thinks my numbers are great. I have tried ambien and such but that just keeps you asleep, not really a restorative sleep in my mind. I think you have the life story there. Thanks for the comments

[Guest]

I do have one carotid with 50% blockage but they are just watching that and are not overly concerned.

Cracks me up when docs say "we are watching". Exactly how are they doing this? Not overly concerned? Have you ever seen a stroke patient? Surviving a stroke is prob the worst part. Esp. when there are deficits and you feel trapped in your own body.

It used to be I would fall asleep at a stoplight!!!!!!

That my friend is untreated sleep apnea (usu. undiagnosed and untreated). I have a friend who is like that except he has been dx'd just stubborn and making poor choices - another symptom of untreated sleep apnea. He thinks he is multi-tasking.

Keep in mind when your leaks are high (as in LL shown on your chart) events are not detected and resulting AHI is low as a result = misleading.

[palerider]

Keep in mind when your leaks are high (as in LL shown on your chart) events are not detected and resulting AHI is low as a result = misleading.

this is incorrect. the machine can still easily detect events, all you have to do is zoom in on the flow strip to see that it can still sense breathing. however, if the leak is large enough, (mid 30s and up) the machine loses the ability to differentiate between obstructive and central apneas, because FOT doesn't return a clear indication when there's a large leak.

AHI isn't affected, and events will be reported as UA, Unknown Apnea.

[Guest]

this is incorrect. the machine can still easily detect events

Believe what you want but looking below the period of a LL there are no events detected.

[palerider]

this is incorrect. the machine can still easily detect events

Believe what you want but looking below the period of a LL there are no events detected.

ah yes, conclusive proof... correlation equals causation, eh?

no, no it doesn't. there are no events recorded during *most* of the night, so it's no surprise that there are no events recorded during those modest over the redline leaks.

if you study enough resmed screenshots, you'll find plenty with events recorded during large leaks.

[Guest]

if you study enough resmed screenshots, you'll find plenty with events recorded during large leaks.

So where is your

conclusive proof

?

[palerider]

if you study enough resmed screenshots, you'll find plenty with events recorded during large leaks.

So where is your

conclusive proof

?

just one example proving the fallacy of your allegation:

[Guest]

just one example proving the fallacy of your allegation:

Pretty impressive.
Maybe you can explain why the pressure decreased during those extreme leaks?

[palerider]

just one example proving the fallacy of your allegation:

Pretty impressive.
Maybe you can explain why the pressure decreased during those extreme leaks?

I've explained it before, try doing a little research.

[14jdl]

try doing a little research.

photoshop