How do you know if you need a fullface mask?

InSearchofSlumber · Post by **InSearchofSlumber** » Fri May 25, 2007 2:06 pm

Wulfman wrote:InSearchofSlumber,

What's your pressure set to?

Den

Well, it's a APAP. It's currently set to 5-18 range. The last time I checked it was running about 6.5. (I know pretty mild)

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): APAP

InSearchofSlumber · Post by **InSearchofSlumber** » Fri May 25, 2007 2:23 pm

rooster wrote:Most of us were under many misconceptions when we joined here and gradually became more informed about the condition and the therapy as we read and asked questions. The magic of cpap is that it keeps your airway open allowing you to breathe more often. If your machine and mask are properly selected and adjusted you most likely are not rebreathing any higher percentage of co2 than occurs in the atmosphere.

rooster

I appreciate the feedback, though I should warn you that you're completely incorrect about higher levels of CO2 in the mask. There are higher levels because you are breathing into the mask and the air mixes with the pressurized air. Yes there are holes to let the air escape, but there is no way you're not getting higher CO2.

I realize exactly what the purpose of the CPAP is in terms of maintaining positive pressure and keeping your airway patent. My comment was that the slight hypercapnia produced by the higher CO2 levels would provide a drive to increase respiration. That's why I said "part of" and not "the." There is a paper I read (referenced by one of you guys) that the excess CO2 was in some ways therapeutic. I didn't really read it thoroughly, though, mostly because I'm trying to concentrate on studying for the USMLE.

Anyway, sorry for the rant but I don't care for being talked down to.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Fri May 25, 2007 2:32 pm

Next question:

Do you have the software and card reader to monitor your therapy?

A setting of 5 is extremely low. I'm wondering if the low setting and possible mouth-leaking is contributing to problems.

From what I've read, a higher CO2 level is beneficial for those with Central apneas as the extra CO2 triggers the brain to breathe.
Were there Centrals noted on your sleep study report?

Den

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Fri May 25, 2007 2:45 pm

Udder questions:

Did you have a titrated pressure from a sleep study?
How was the pressure range in your machine determined?

Den

InSearchofSlumber · Post by **InSearchofSlumber** » Fri May 25, 2007 3:26 pm

Thanks for the interest Wulman. I sure appreciate all the information people are providing.

Wulfman wrote:Do you have the software and card reader to monitor your therapy?

Not yet. I'm a med student, and my doctor is attached to the medical school. As a result, it's fairly easy for me to get the data card read there rather than buy the software. At some point I will probably buy the software, though. I will go in to get the results in a couple weeks.

Wulfman wrote:A setting of 5 is extremely low. I'm wondering if the low setting and possible mouth-leaking is contributing to problems.

I think you might be on to something there. I am able to breathe better after awhile. I was thinking this might be just my O2 needs dropping as a go from a standing to a prone position. However, you might be right - it might be that I need to set the starting pressure higher.

I'll pay more attention to the pressure readout from now on - thanks.

Wulfman wrote:From what I've read, a higher CO2 level is beneficial for those with Central apneas as the extra CO2 triggers the brain to breathe.
Were there Centrals noted on your sleep study report?

Let's see...350 minute study...AHI 15.6 (not too bad), 91 respiratory events, 15 obstructive apneas, 1 mixed apnea, 1 central apnea, and 74 hyponeas. O2 sats dropped to 84% at one point. All in all, the doctor said my apnea wasn't as bad as he expected, but that I would benefit from CPAP.

Wulfman wrote:Did you have a titrated pressure from a sleep study?

Unfortunately, due to the wonders of student health insurance - no. That's why we went with an APAP, actually.

Wulfman wrote:How was the pressure range in your machine determined?

Den

The doctor wanted to start with a wide initial pressure and then titrate to a more specific range once he got the data from the card. I'm not sure I want to mess with my pressure myself until I get the initial 2 week data back. I suppose I could buy the software...

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Fri May 25, 2007 3:43 pm

Well, if you don't want to mess with your pressures, you probably have the following options:

Tough it out till the two weeks are up.
Consult with your doctor about changing the pressure range.

The smart card will only hold 7 nights' worth of detailed data, so if you want to know what's going on at the low pressure, you might want to get it downloaded sooner than later. It may give you and your doctor some clues as to any problems you're having.

Good luck,

Den

InSearchofSlumber · Post by **InSearchofSlumber** » Fri May 25, 2007 6:21 pm

[quote="Wulfman"]Well, if you don't want to mess with your pressures, you probably have the following options:

Tough it out till the two weeks are up.
Consult with your doctor about changing the pressure range.

The smart card will only hold 7 nights' worth of detailed data, so if you want to know what's going on at the low pressure, you might want to get it downloaded sooner than later. It may give you and your doctor some clues as to any problems you're having.

Good luck,

Den