One Week Later

sbeeland711 · Post by **sbeeland711** » Sun Nov 18, 2007 9:28 am

Thanks for your support and suggestions. The technique of practicing relaxed breathing has been very helpful. The condensation issue resolved nicely at a lower setting.

I am still in the "toughing it out" phase. I had to change to a different mask (ResMed Ultra Mirage II) after 5 days because of a very irritated nose bridge.

The Sleep Lab analyzed my SmartCard after 5 day auto-titration (at 9-17 cm) and I still have 10-15 AHI at this setting. They have increased pressure to 18 cm and we will review in two more weeks. Overall, I am averaging 7.5 hours per night, but still waking up nightly when pressure pegs at max 17 cm. I don't know if this is caused by the continuing AHI level, or if I am encountering the "mixed" or "complex" sleep apnea described in the literature. I'm concerned about the need to increase the inhalation pressure as my REMStar Auto M only goes to a max of 20 cm. If they have to keep pushing the pressure up to lower my AHI, what’s next???

I understand there are machines that deliver higher pressures and also deal with the “mixed” and “complex” issue. I have an appointment at the Sleep Lab for 30 day follow up and will learn results for trying 18 cm. What questions should I ask?

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Sun Nov 18, 2007 2:12 pm

Ask them what your leak rates are. Most fail to resolve leak issues prior to tweaking pressures. If leaks are not addressed, pressure tweaking will mean time wasted in your treatment.

Bes wishes!

Perchancetodream · Post by **Perchancetodream** » Sun Nov 18, 2007 5:48 pm

I was told that with pressures as high as mine were (20/18) a BiPAP machine is more tolerable as it has separate inhale and exhale pressures. Since I don't require a high pressure all night, I have an auto BiPAP that continuously titrates the pressure.

The Mseries Auto BiPAP that I use will go to a maximum inhalation pressure of 25cm and a maximum exhalation pressure of 23cm.

There is another bilevel machine that works with central and mixed apneas: https://www.cpap.com/productpage-advanced.php?PNum=2471 Actually, there are more than one, but that is the one that comes to mind.

Also, you may want to check the topic "Central Apneas" under the red question mark for FAQs at the top of the page.

Susan

deglorious · Post by **deglorious** » Sun Nov 18, 2007 6:45 pm

Pad A Cheek has a nose bridge protection pad that worked to relieve my nose bridge soreness. You may want to give the mask another try along with this nose pad. You can reach her at: http://www.padacheek.com or at treeloftstudio@yahoo.com

Good Luck with the mask issues. Deglorious