I think my first night was a big sucess

[jackr]

I got my equipment late yesterday. Got it all set up without too much difficulty.

Anyway, I woke up every so often and checked the clock. I didn't get up to pee at all.

My mouth was not dry and in fact I liked breathing in the warm moist air. My nose was clear in the morning and I was able to breath through both nostrils. I am usually a one at a time nostril breather.

I had to fidget with the mask now and again but that will get better I am sure.

Look at my numbers and make any comments you like. They looked good to me except for the leak rate. I have some explainations for that but I do not know what a normal number should be. The explanation is that I did notice some leaks and corrected it, I was also playing around a bit by opening my mouth before I fell asleep and checking out the airflow. Also I was messing around and trying to talk to my wife with the air flowing out of my mouth. It was kind of funny.

[JeffH]

Congrats JackR. Looks like the first night went really well for you. You beat me in the "time spent in apnea" category. Good job!

JeffH

[TomDac]

Congrats Jack. Now I REALLY want an M series! That is too cool!

[jackr]

Thanks,
I dont think it had anything to do with the M series.

Although cpap.com said they would set it to my script. They didnt. It was set at 4cm - 20 cm apap.

I called them and Chris told me how to reset it because it wasn't in the manuel. So I set it for straight cpap 8cm. I assume any machine could do that.

I hope the success continues. I credit the initial success to a couple of things. One is this forum. Without it I would be lost. But instead I was totally prepared.

Here is a small example that made a big difference.

After my sleep study, my nosrtils were sore. I put the mask on last night and I could tell I was going to be irratated. I read on this forum that AYR nasal gel applied would make a big difference. So I stop off and got some on my way home from work just to have it on hand. Turns out I needed it and put a little on. It was $4.50 and I would have not known to do that if I handnt read that here.

The other is my attitude, I was desperated for sleep and excited to get started with my therapy. I am really trying not to think of it as a chore or life sentence.

[rested gal]

jackr, your numbers look really good! Glad to hear your first night on cpap went so well.

The leak rate: your 90% and average are fine. Since you said you were fiddling with the mask and experimenting with opening your mouth and trying to talk (LOL!!) you probably would have actually had an even lower leak rate. Any leak rate below "40" for the 90% and the average is ok, imho.

AHI is nice and low...well below 5.0. I bet it would be even lower (not that it needs to be) if the pressure were set at 9 or 10 to finish knocking out the hypopneas. But you're doing fine right like it is.

If it were me and I ever wanted to try it in AFLE mode (autopap with C-Flex), I'd probably set the range at 8 - 15. Bet it wouldn't ever actually use more than 11 or so on brief occasions. Sounds like you're doing fine, as is, on straight cpap. No need to tweak unless you just want to.

Good job, jackr! You have the right attitude and a good machine to take care of you.

[Gerald]

Jackr......After you get a few more miles on your system, take a look at your Encore Pro detailed reports.....and determine at what pressure the majority of your hypopneas occur. Then decide if you can tweak your pressure settings so that they (the hypopneas) get a reduced chance to start.

Also, don't forget to download jskinner's Encore Pro Analyzer software. It'll help you get a little better picture of what is going on.

You are doing well.....!

Gerald

[Bones]

Jack,

Congrats on the good start!

Brian